Best Medical Alert Systems

In today’s world, we not only live longer, but we also remain independent until an older age. So, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of seniors prefer to age in place. They’re able to keep their active lifestyle and freedom, making the most of their retirement years. However, it’s essential to do so in a secure and worry-free way. That’s where the best medical alert systems come in.

Choosing a medical alert system

Considering that a life alert can be the difference between life and death, choosing a medical alert system that best suits the user’s needs is essential. There are several options out there, with different features and add-ons, so there’s something for everyone.

Types of medical alert systems

Medical alert systems, also known as personal emergency response systems (PERS), come in two types:

At-home medical alert systems

As the name implies, at-home medical alert systems are to be used within the senior’s home. Usually, this solution comes with a base unit that needs to be plugged into an outlet, which is the device used to communicate with the care team. The medical alert device is simple and may work with or without requiring a phone line.

This technology connects to several accessories, such as portable help buttons like medical alert necklaces and wristbands. The range can go up to 1,400 feet, covering most houses and their backyards. So, if the wearer needs help while gardening, they just need to press their help button, and assistance will be dispatched.

On-the-go medical alert systems

On-the-go medical alert systems are better suited for seniors with active lifestyles who spend a lot of their time outside. While prices for this life alert system are steeper, the device can be carried anywhere that has cellular signal.

There are several options that you can choose from:

• Mobile unit: A mobile unit works exactly the same way as a home unit, but it can be carried with you anywhere you go.
• Mobile device: While a mobile unit usually requires you to still use one of the accessories, mobile devices are built in a way that you can use just this equipment. It’s more compact (so you can use it around your neck or wrist), has 2-way voice communication, and supports automatic fall detection.
• Smartwatch: A medical alert smartwatch is a sleek option for those who don’t mind paying a bit more for their equipment. It works as a mobile device and comes with some neat extras, such as pairing with the user’s cell to allow them to check their messages or the weather without having to grab their phone.

Medical alert systems’ key features

Regardless of whether you go with an at-home or on-the-go device, there are a few key features that you should always bear in mind:

🚨 Fast emergency response time: In a distress call, time is everything. Therefore, it’s essential that the medical alert system provider you go for delivers a fast emergency response time. The best medical alerts usually connect to the user in less than a minute.

🔋 Long battery life: While at-home base units are plugged into an outlet, they still need to have a long battery life to remain operational if there’s a power outage. In the meantime, on-the-go devices should have enough battery to go for a few days without requiring charging.

💧 Water-resistant: Medical alert devices should be water-resistant so users can wear them in the shower or when going outside without worrying about it raining.

🩼 Fall detection: Fall detection is usually a paid add-on, but it’s one of the most essential features to have. In a few words, medical alert devices with fall detection are able to detect when the user falls and connect them to the care team right away. If the senior doesn’t answer, help is dispatched anyway.

📍 Location tracking: On-the-go medical alert devices usually come with GPS tracking, which allows the care team to help the person in distress, even if they don’t know their exact location. Some medical alert systems also integrate this feature with caregiver tools, letting the wearer’s loved ones know where they are at all times.

🌐 Multilanguage: If the person who is going to use the medical alert system doesn’t know how to speak English, it’s essential to go for a provider that offers multilanguage assistance. Although it’s common to find companies with English and Spanish native speakers, some providers work with third-party translators to cover up to 170 languages.

How much do medical alerts cost?

Medical alert prices depend on the provider and the type of system you choose. On-the-go solutions are always more expensive than at-home medical alert systems, and some companies may require you to pay equipment fees.

One thing that is common across the industry is the payment of a monthly monitoring fee. This recurring payment is mostly to cover the 24/7 assistance provided. However, solutions that rent their equipment instead of making you pay upfront typically come at a higher rate. Furthermore, add-ons like fall detection are charged separately by most companies.

Add-ons

Medical alert system add-ons are all paid for separately. Some of the most important ones are:

• Fall detection: It’s industry standard to charge $10 per month for fall alert.
• Lockbox: It can be either a monthly (around $3 per month) or a one-time fee (around $30). However, keep in mind that a lot of companies provide a lockbox for free when you get a long-commitment subscription.
• Multi-person monitoring: While some medical alert systems provide free spouse monitoring, others ask you for a small extra monthly fee. Still, there are a few solutions that make you pay for a separate subscription at the normal rate.
• Extra help buttons: Additional help buttons, such as necklaces, wristbands, or wall buttons, are paid for separately and can come as a monthly or one-time payment.

Some companies may require you to pay an activation fee for your service. While the best medical alert system providers are usually transparent about these charges, there are more shady providers that try to hide these extra payments. That’s why we highly recommend doing your due diligence during checkout, carefully going over all the expenses. If you subscribe to a medical alert system via phone, always ask for a complete rundown of what you’re paying in writing.

How to save on your medical alert system

Medical alert system providers offer several ways to save on your monthly rate:

• Longer contracts: It’s usually the case that you can opt for several payment options when subscribing to a medical alert system. The longer you commit, the less you pay on a monthly basis. Plus, most companies reward long-commitment customers with a few extras, such as free shipping and free accessories.
• Seasonal discounts: If a holiday is around the corner, you can count on medical alert systems to have some kind of seasonal offer going on. These discounts can go from a flat discount on the service to free shipping, longer money-back guarantees, and more.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): In general, Medicare does not cover medical alert systems. However, Medicare Advantage plans may help pay your medical alert expenses. Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) are two of the few that fully cover life alerts.
• Organization discounts: Some medical alert companies also provide special discounts for certain organizations, like the AARP, the VA (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs), and AAA (Area Agencies on Aging). For the last option, we recommend checking the official AAA directory to find available programs near where you live.
• Best Reviews discounts: Some of the companies we reviewed have partnered with us to provide our readers with special discounts. These offers are usually better than the ones available on these companies’ websites, so we highly recommend checking our coupons page before spending your hard-earned money.

Why use a medical alert system

There are plenty of reasons to get a life alert, and although these medical alert systems are mostly for seniors, it doesn’t mean they aren’t beneficial for others. In fact, medical alert systems are something to consider for anyone living alone. Accidents happen to everyone, and not receiving the proper help in time can make the difference between life and death at any age.

After all, the main reason to get a medical alert system is for the user (and their loved ones) to have peace of mind. Considering the cost of these services, it’s normal that people with chronic diseases, those who are recuperating from a medical procedure, and older adults are the ones most likely to use them. But that’s not the full story.

Besides having a care agent accessible if an accident occurs, medical alert systems help with daily activities as well. Small things like reminding people to take their medication and meals on time or providing a friendly ear for anyone who needs to talk when feeling depressed or anxious are just some examples of where these types of services can help.

Monitored vs unmonitored medical alert systems

There’s no question that monitored life alerts can be expensive, making people wonder if they should opt for an unmonitored medical alert system instead.

Unmonitored life alerts are simple devices that work similarly to monitored systems but don’t have a care team supporting them. Instead, when the user presses the help button, the call is made to an emergency contact or 911.

There are several reasons why we recommend going for a monitored medical alert system despite its price:

• 24/7 monitoring: while an emergency contact might not be near their phone, monitoring teams are available 24/7 and will always pick up the distress call.
• Access to user information: A care agent is able to provide information to emergency services, such as location and health history, even when the person is unresponsive. Meanwhile, help might not be dispatched if no one speaks when calling 911.
• More than emergencies: Medical alert systems do more than respond to distress calls. They can also make daily calls to check whether everything is alright, work as medical reminders, and more.
• Helps with loneliness: Medical alert monitoring teams also take non-urgent calls. Loneliness is a big issue for the elderly, and sometimes, they just need someone to talk to.
• Remote patient monitoring: When integrated with other medical devices, medical alert systems can be used for remote patient monitoring. This allows the senior’s medical team to keep track of their vitals without the patient having to leave home.

At the end of the day, you can’t put a price on life. If you’re able to afford it, it’s highly recommended that you have a fully trained care team supporting you.

The best medical alert systems can make a huge difference to the safety of seniors. In addition to providing independence, they also bring comfort to older adults and their loved ones. Still, it’s essential to do some research and choose the one that best suits the user’s needs while also checking for the best deals available.

Remember to see whether an at-home or on-the-go system works best, and always double-check that the product comes with the necessary features for the user. Although it’s usually a paid extra, we always recommend getting automatic fall detection. This way, if the user falls and loses consciousness, help is still dispatched.

Feel free to browse through our website to find unbiased reviews on most of the medical alert systems available on the market, as well as other helpful devices and tips to age in place securely and independently.