In the past decade, smartphones have taken over our lives, and, as such, there has been an increase in innovative safety solutions. While medical alert system providers also provide apps, standalone emergency alert apps for cell phones have also become commonplace.
However, the former type of app often supplements a wearable device and offers administrative features such as account management, location monitoring, and reminders. It is designed to enhance the medical alert system experience – particularly regarding caregiver management.
Standalone medical alert apps aren’t specifically designed for the elderly or disabled. They act more as a general emergency app and come with features such as fake-call and crash-detection alerts.
Many people looking for everyday medical assistance may not turn to a medical alert system, assuming that it includes investing in numerous pieces of bulky equipment, along with its dedicated app. However, many providers offer the possibility to rent devices, and the objects themselves are small, portable, and designed to be discreet. Their subtle appearance means that users don’t need to worry that wearing one may make them appear old.
While some people may turn to a convenient standalone medical alert app since they already own a smartphone, its suitability all depends on the user’s needs. A standalone app can provide help in some emergencies but doesn’t provide the level of 24/7 support that seniors living alone or those with neurological or physical limitations require.
A standalone app is only perfect for tech-savvy users who won’t be overwhelmed by an app with numerous features. For users with cognitive issues, even remembering where their phone is, getting to it, and unlocking it to contact 911 will never be as simple as pushing a handy wearable button.
Although some standalone medical apps offer voice activation features, there may be situations where even this isn’t possible. Additionally, smartphones tend to lose battery much quicker than most medical alert devices – although this is only relevant for those users who don’t live in total symbiosis with their cell phones.
While both supplemental and standalone apps are designed to offer reassurance, only one comes with a full-time monitoring team. How the app will be used is the best way to determine which is the most suitable for a particular user.
Bay Alarm Medical offers a wide range of systems, from classic landline-based units to sleek smartwatches, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Regardless of the subscription, seniors get 24/7 monitoring with certified operators who can help in 180 languages.
As well as providing location tracking, fall detection, mobile apps, and water-resistant devices, the company offers extras like a lockbox. You can start monitoring for as low as $24.95 per month. Bay Alarm Medical provides a 30-day money-back guarantee to serve up a genuinely risk-free experience.
Medical Guardian has over two decades of experience in providing medical and security monitoring services. Aiming to help the elderly age gracefully and independently in their own homes, Medical Guardian offers accurate fall detection functionality along with wireless and mobile monitoring units for those without a phone line.
In addition to its array of monitoring equipment, the company’s main strength is the well-rounded personal emergency service that caters to the needs of seniors or recovering patients. Plus, in addition to the U.S., Medical Guardian also works in Puerto Rico (device restrictions may apply).
Although the company doesn’t offer long-term contracts, it still rewards customers who commit for a longer period with numerous benefits like monthly savings, free shipping, and a free lockbox. The payment plans are customer-friendly, with services starting at $27.95 per month, and you can reach out via phone at +1 (800) 863-8985 to get a customized quote.
Connect America has over 45 years of experience in the medical alert system industry under its belt, with its Medical Alert more than exemplifying this impressive track record. The service provides reassurance to loved ones while also offering seniors the ability to maintain an independent and safe lifestyle. Its one-touch SOS buttons connect the user to a monitoring agent, who evaluates the situation and provides help accordingly.
Medical Alert helps users in any situation with portable devices that include GPS and fall detection. Its cheapest plan is $19.95 per month, billed annually, and includes free shipping, a lockbox, and its mobile app. To top it off, the company also provides thorough product guides and a toll-free number – +1 (855) 578-9807.
Red Panic Button is designed for the general public and is available on Android and iOS via a free-forever or paid subscription.
The free, smartwatch-compatible version can send messages via SMS and social networks with photos and videos. While its many attractive features may hinder the experience and make it hard for seniors to set it up or navigate their way around, the Android version provides accessibility options to improve usability for people with disabilities. Other features only available for Android are its home-screen widgets, which help to create a one-touch panic alert.
Despite the ease of contacting a caregiver in an emergency, this app doesn’t provide reminders, fall detection, or any of the other handy features provided by a medical alert device and supplementary app.
FallSafety Home prides itself on its intelligent fall detection. This iOS-only app can be downloaded for free, but additional features can be unlocked with a paid subscription.
FallSafety Home has a minimal and streamlined interface and also offers a panic button, location monitoring, as well as voice, text, and email alert messages. In addition, users with an Apple Watch can install the app to monitor their heart rate. FallSafety Home’s online dashboard lets users, caregivers, and relatives manage emergency contacts, access usage, and check alarms.
Despite lacking features delivered by other apps, such as activity monitoring and geo-fence alerts, FallSafety Home is perfect for any iOS and Apple Watch user vulnerable to falls.
Android-only Senior Safety App is fundamentally an emergency alert system, allowing users to send an alert or trigger an extremely loud alarm via its free or paid subscription.
The app is more for the caregiver than the user, as most features are for monitoring. It comes with the ability to customize an alert that emails caregivers if the senior is unusually inactive or has been exposed to loud noises or fast speeds. Plus, its web console lets caregivers access location history, notifications, and reports.
Senior Safety App offers fall detection and geo-fence alerts. While the design leaves a lot to be desired and most features are behind a paywall, caregivers can benefit from a decent standalone emergency alert app.
Although both medical alert systems and standalone emergency alert apps help ensure a loved one’s safety, the two services differ. Integrating with a wearable device, the supplemental app lets a user manage their accounts and payments, although focuses more on protecting and monitoring another person. Standalone apps are cheaper and often used to ensure a user’s own personal safety.
The most significant difference is that a standalone app will contact 911 or a relative in an emergency. This doesn’t help if the user can’t communicate or the family member is unavailable. A full medical alert system not only provides a team of professionals at the end of the line 24/7 to reassure the user while they contact the emergency services and family, but they also have access to complete medical histories.
All things considered, active seniors may find standalone apps a more affordable way to protect themselves. But for anyone thinking through every eventuality, the only way to feel wholly reassured is to have a truly comprehensive medical alert system. Combining an app and a wearable device will always provide the quickest way to get help.
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