Best Voice-Activated Medical Alert Systems for Seniors

Each medical alert provider offers different voice-activated solutions, but they all have one thing in common. Instead of pressing a button, the senior can just say a pre-configured sentence like ‘call 911!’ or ‘help!’ to ask for assistance.

Voice-activated alert devices are usually wall-mounted. This makes sense, as having them as a wearable piece of equipment could trigger false alarms. If you know your way around medical alert systems, you probably already know about wall-mounted devices, where the user can press a button when necessary. These are especially useful in places where there’s a high chance of falling, such as the bathroom or kitchen. Voice-activated medical alert devices work the same way, but the user just needs to call for help instead – potentially lifesaving if the senior can’t move. Of course, these systems also come with a safety cord that the user can pull if they can’t speak clearly.

On the other hand, there are medical alert system providers that offer voice-activated add-ons that work with systems like Alexa. In this case, the software provides more features, as seniors can ask things like ‘tell me when the device was last tested’ or ‘when is the next payment due’.

Voice-activated vs two-way voice medical alert system

It’s important to know that voice-activated and two-way voice medical alert systems aren’t the same. Voice-activated devices are the ones that connect to a monitoring team when commanded and sometimes support two-way voice communication.

Two-way voice medical alert systems allow the user to speak and listen to the monitoring team through the device. In short, they come with an incorporated speaker and microphone, meaning that the senior won’t have to use their phone to speak with a care agent.

As with everything in life, voice-activated technology comes with its fair share of pros and cons. For starters, using a voice-activated medical alert system is extremely convenient. Seniors with eyesight problems, mobility issues, or weaker hands can easily ask for help without having to search for the panic button. Moreover, if the system works with Alexa or Siri, it can provide useful information and even schedule medication reminders. Caregivers can also benefit from this, as they can focus on the emergency at hand while asking for assistance without having to think about pressing a help button.

Unfortunately, this convenience also works against voice-activated life alert. If the senior has an accident that prevents them from speaking clearly, the device might not activate. For example, imagine your loved one falls and becomes unconscious due to a head injury. In this case, they won’t be able to ask for help or pull the cord, meaning that no help will be sent. Instead, using fall detection and motion sensors can be more reliable.

When you need a medical alert system with voice activation

Medical alert systems with voice activation are especially useful for three types of users. First, for patients with conditions where traditional systems don’t work efficiently. For example, blind seniors who may have a hard time finding a help button or people suffering from osteoporosis that might not have the strength to push a button.

Seniors who refuse to wear their pendants/wristbands also benefit from voice-activated systems. Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma around medical alert systems, and many users don’t like to wear them, fearing that they’re a sign of weakness. In this case, voice-activated medical alert systems can be a good workaround.

Finally, we have the more independent seniors who love to keep up with technological advancements (especially when that means extra convenience). After all, it’s easier for someone to ask Alexa about the device’s battery levels than getting up and checking it themselves.