Inês S.
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Last updated:
August 24, 2024
— User Reviews
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Medical Guardian has over ten years 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 50 U.S. states, Medical Guardian also works in Canada and 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 free shipping and a complimentary month of service. The payment plans are customer-friendly, with services starting at $27.45 per month, and you can reach out via phone at 800-863-8985 to get a customized quote.
Medical Guardian knows better than anyone else that a lightning-fast control center is the heart of any alert system, and therefore it only relies on well-trained operators available 24/7 every day of the year.
The company doesn’t outsource anything, and its service quality is backed by a certification from Underwriter’s Laboratories and the Department of Defense. All operators are 911/EMT trained professionals who are ready to assist in any case of emergency.
All monitoring agents store the senior’s medical history on file, which is immediately shared with the dispatched paramedics. On top of that, customers have the option to customize their contact list by deciding the notification order of friends, caregivers, and designated doctors during an emergency.
Moreover, to make sure every customer is properly assisted, the operators are also prepared to deal with language barriers. If the caller’s native language isn’t English, they’ll immediately involve a third-party translation agency that acts as a mediator.
In short, a press of the emergency button is all it takes to ensure that help is on the way, while the caring monitoring agent will maintain the call, keeping the senior calm through the two-way communication system.
Living in constant fear of falling can make anyone feel cautious and depressed. This worry can contribute to seniors becoming less active, which leads to muscle weakening. To ensure the elderly are immediately assisted in case of a fall, Medical Guardian offers fall detection as an add-on for all available systems.
The technology behind the system uses accelerometers and barometric pressure meters to track the carrier’s speed and movement. Should the readings drop below the normal level, the equipment interprets this as a fall and automatically notifies the monitoring center.
Keep in mind that although the system is made to be as accurate as possible, the pendant isn’t 100% failproof. So, the recommendation is to always press the button manually if possible.
Medical Guardian‘s monitoring equipment is of the highest quality available, matching the company’s top monitoring services. Seniors, recovering patients, and caregivers can choose between traditional in-home devices that come with a base station or completely portable life alert systems.
The in-home devices available are the MGClassic and MGHome Cellular, while the portable tools are the MGMini Lite, MGMini, MGMove.
Both MGClassic and MGHome Cellular have a base station that sports a sleek appearance and houses a sensitive two-way communication system, allowing seniors to talk to the operator from the far end of the room.
The device comes with a UL bracket that prevents it from accidentally disconnecting from the power supply. The MGClassic maintains a connection with the wearable button within 1,300 feet. Plus, a lengthy backup battery keeps the main station operational for 32 hours, so users are protected even during a power failure.
MGHome Cellular is similar to the Classic version, but instead of using a landline, it relies on a cellular network that uses 4G technology. Both systems support multiple devices at the same time – including the fall detection button – meaning older couples or groups of people can stay protected using the same base unit.
MGMini Lite extends a user’s personal safety net beyond the security of their home. This exceptionally lightweight and comfortable device looks like a traditional smartwatch but simpler and more discreet.
The wearable is water-resistant and packed with essential features, such as location, steps, and activity tracking. In emergencies, its one-touch button can reach monitoring centers around the clock.
What’s more, there’s an online portal and app that allows users to manage emergency contacts, organize tasks, set activity reminders, track their steps and activity, and more. Plus, fall detection is available as an add-on.
There’s always been a strong demand for discreet and portable alert systems for seniors. MGMini is Medical Guardian’s answer to that pressing need – one of the smallest mobile medical alert devices on the market. This two-inch pendant is water-resistant, has an incredible battery life of up to five days and features built-in GPS with hourly location updates.
MGMini also features steps and activity tracking, which can be accessed through the online portal and app. Its two-way audio speakers connect seniors to emergency operators 24/7. Along with being water-resistant, MGMini comes in four colors, and the package includes two lanyards, a charging cradle, and a belt clip. Finally, fall detection is also available as an add-on.
Many seniors don’t want to use life alerts because they’re too big or flashy. This is where MGMove comes in – a sleek smartwatch that looks like a fashionable accessory but actually hides various helpful features for when the wearer is out and about.
It only takes a tap or press to connect to Medical Guardian’s care agents. The device comes with two-way communication and GPS tracking and it doesn’t require a smartphone to work.
In addition to steps and activity tracking, the device also provides weather information, and in case of emergency, real-time location is also shown in the online portal and app. Interesting and useful add-ons are available, such as the voice-to-text built-in messaging app, and the reminders application to keeping track of medications, events, and appointments.
Although MGMove is excellent for tech-savvy users, it’s important to keep in mind that its battery life is only up to 24 hours, and the device isn’t water-resistant enough to be worn in the shower, bath, or pool.
All Medical Guardian systems offer access to a handy online hub that is also available as a mobile app. It’s where customers can easily manage their billing information, get in touch with their care circle, change their emergency contact information, and more.
Additionally, seniors can organize their day with MyGuardian, as it allows them to schedule doctor appointments, activity reminders, and tasks.
Loved ones also benefit from installing MyGuardian on their smartphones. The app features recurrent system statuses and reports for extra peace of mind, such as letting you know whether the device has been working properly in the last few days, and its location.
Getting started with Medical Guardian is a piece of cake, both in terms of ordering the system and setting it up. The customer service team helps select the best equipment and monitoring method for your personal needs.
It ensures that your profile (or that of the senior you’re caring for) is carefully filled in with contact details for preferred doctors, emergency services, family members and – in the case of non-emergency situations – other caregivers.
When you receive the medical alarm equipment, just plug the central control unit into the power outlet and landline. If you’ve opted for a wireless device, it will of course not even need either of these. Once the system is connected, simply test the system by pressing the alert button, which will connect you to the control center to verify the test.
Medical Guardian offers various plans and whichever package you pick, you aren’t forced to commit to a long-term contract thanks to the monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions. MGClassic is the least expensive plan, costing $27.45 each month with free equipment.
There are no hidden fees either, but keep in mind that ordering extra help buttons or other add-ons – such as fall detection or a wall button – will slightly increase your monthly fee. Fall detection costs $10 per month, while the company charges $2.99 per month for each wall button ($4.99 when it’s voice activated). The cherry on top is that Medical Guardian offers prorated refunds on any unused month when canceling the service.
Even though the monthly payment plan allows for more flexible management of your chosen medical alert service, opting for a longer period has its advantages too. The annual plans cost 16% less than the monthly ones and come with other benefits like free shipping and a lockbox.
The service is available to be ordered online or upon requesting a free quote, which lands you a special bonus offer. You can also give Medical Guardian a call at 800-863-8985 to receive a free quote and likely an additional benefit if you decide to order. Plus, new customers are eligible for one month of service free of charge by using our latest coupon code.
Medical Guardian has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, and proves to be very prompt in handling customer requests through a wide array of communication channels.
Operators are available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. You can reach customer support via email, live chat, and over the phone at 800-863-8985. As part of our testing, we contacted Medical Guardian via live chat and had a helpdesk agent get back to us in just a few seconds.
The website itself is also a great source of information, with the option of receiving more detailed recommendations in a free brochure. Alternatively, you can send the company’s support team a Facebook message or a Tweet. Finally, the homepage also contains useful introductory videos about the system, setup, and service itself.
Medical Guardian is a leading force in life alert systems, and it ensures a strong position by constantly renovating its service and equipment. The company provides a fast and responsive monitoring service and stellar medical alert devices.
Each base station boasts different specifications, catering to seniors with a wide range of different lifestyles and activity levels. Even though Medical Guardian lacks additional equipment that is typically appreciated, such as environmental detectors, the highly trained monitoring staff makes up for this absence.
Plus, since Medical Guardian works with competitive prices without shackling customers to a lengthy contract, it’s hard not to consider choosing this service. Opting for a longer service even promises further benefits, such as a discounted rate and free shipping.
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My elderly mother in law lives just a few houses away from us, so the GPS emergency button is a perfect aid for us. It gives her the freedom she still longs for while not really having the feeling she’s being tracked/watched.
It’s not cheap but avoids conflicts we used to had where she was getting angry on us for being looked after too closely, which makes it well worth the purchase for us.
I really love the monitor😋😋😋😀😀😀😀😀😀👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
We had no problems with making the switch from a home system to a mobile system. The home system has been serving my mother well during recovery of her hip surgery, we hope the carry-on button will give her the confidence to walk around the house again. A+ service
Got my mother the basic Guardian that has 2 pendants and a wrist alert. Their customer service is great, until you have a problem. One night, we had two false alarms, the call center failed to call and properly notify the numbers on the list, and called EMS out without waiting for clarification if it was a false or not. The operator at the call center seemed a bit irritated when I told him there was obviously an issue with the transmitter or base receiving a false, as my mother wasn’t even in possession of the transmitters when they went off for no apparent reason. EMS showed up at her home at 3:30 am, which was nice…they were pleasant…but, this kind of stuff is unacceptable. It caused my 83 year old mom more stress than she needed, and upset her sleep. When I tried calling customer service the next day, they seemed clueless and could not give an answer as to what was going on. I then tried option “4” on their menu to cancel the service, and was placed on hold for half an hour, only to be told to call back due to high call volume. It seems this company is quick to get you signed up and take your money, but when you have an issue they don’t seem sympathetic to it at all, and make it difficult for you to resolve! That’s unacceptable, especially for a device such as this that many elderly people and their families depend on to be reliable!
We thought of a medical alarm system as the perfect solution for my widowed father as he stubbornly refuses personal help.
We thought any company we would ever get these services from would quickly want to get rid of my father as a customer… as he is the type of senior who likes to talk, and talk, and talk 😀
He was enthusiastic in embracing his wrist band and to ring the operators whenever he thought it would be fun to hit that button again. Not surprisingly it would seem that they have many such seniors, and good for them that they’re good at getting people like my dad not to ring them all the time.
Does not work inside the house — only outdoors. Company says there must be something about the way my mother’s house was built that prevents the device from working inside. (No, she does not live in a concrete bunker — it’s a 60-year-old wood frame house). Other negative reviews online point to problems with the strength of the AT&T cellular signal in some places, which seems a much more likely explanation. Very aggravating. It’s going back.
The Active Guardian worked great for about 14 months for my 85 year old mother who lives independently but has some medical issues. Never needed to use it for an emergency, but when tested or after accidental button presses, response was very good and professional during that time.
Two months after renewing for a year (over $700!) we found the device started to only hold a charge for a little over a day and it sometimes would not respond to call button presses. Medical Guardian sent out a replacement. Over the course of a month that new one was worse than the old one. It would not hold a charge more than 10-12 hours! It also frequently failed to respond to button presses. After several calls, I found out that devices that lose cellular signals have to hunt more often for a signal and use a lot more battery. I also found out through research that it uses AT&T 3G network… Now, everyone knows 3G is being phased out so they are replacing cell towers with 5G. But Medical Guardian had no plan for this. And worse they continue to tout their “up to 5 days” when they know it relies on availability of 3G. To me that is false marketing. I don’t care if they do have a tiny print disclaimer about the battery power. You don’t do that to a loyal customer and not warn them about on going changes to the network! We’re talking about a life safety device.
Unfortunately, a lot of other medical alert devices are using the same network. No one mentions this in the reviews, most of which predate the plan to phase out 3G. Medical Guardian finally said they are planning a new device that uses 4G “soon.” But no offer of a credit for the months of failed service we paid for.
So bottom line: Beware. Find out what kind of network the device uses and check your signal availability.
We have struggled with the Freedom watch for just over a year now. It has proven unreliable. The watch only uses the 3G network and is continually experiencing connection problems and software problems. The emergency operators are not the customer service reps and the customer service people are hard to get without a lengthy wait on hold or a promise for a call back hours later when you are no longer with the loved one with the watch that is acting up. There are times the unit goes blank and you cannot get it to respond to even turn off to reboot. Sometimes it will awaken and contact the help folks when no button was pushed. Even when the main purpose of accessing assistance in the case of emergency, the other features didn’t work, such as the talk to text messaging and the calendar. The weather calendar had trouble updating and syncing with real time. So, it has its limits. I wasn’t aware it used the 3G network when we purchased it. I shared my thoughts and input in a constructive way with the tech support people early on, but it can take an hour on the phone with the other tech folks that are less familiar with the Freedom watch before they refer you to those that specialize in the Freedom watch. Bottom line, it is an unreliable watch for our area. I have shared with Medical Guardian that we would have happily paid MORE money for a more reliable unit, but this is all they offer. I wish the company luck, but we are going with the Mobile Help Samsung watch at this point. It works off the 4G network and I am hoping will prove more reliable.
I have been paying Medical Guardian $39.95 A month for a while almost a year. I never used it so I returned it . I got notice that the company received it on Jan.6 2020 I was told that when they received the item I would get a refund for the time not used which is fair. They received it on Jan. 6 2020. I was automatically charged 39.95 on Jan 7, 2020. When I called today Jan. 27 2020 to check on my refund, I was told that I had no refund coming due to a $50.00 restocking fee. I was not told of any restocking fee when I called and got info on return address. I asked to speak to a higher up rep. I was told to hang on. After waiting the rep. came back on the phone and said I would get a refund in 7 business days. So people be careful of sending your equipment back for a refund and keep up with this because if you don’t you could get screwed like I almost did,
I returned all the equiptment over 2 years ago, and I still get billed on my credit card for the yearly fee of $659.00. I just got the 3rd year billing and have not had the equiptment for over 2 years. I have called Medical Guardian billing, held on hold for 30 minutes and been told they would take care of it. I have been told this only to be billed again the following month. VISA has called them on my behalf and they don’t bill for a month, and then bill the credit card again. I just was on hold for 30 minutes and got an answering service ( in the Phillipines) who said they will call me back.
It took about 10 minutes to set up the account, the salesmen was all over me , sent the equiptment quickly, however their billing dept is inept. I would not recommend them.
My mother has the MiniGuardian, and recently fell (first incident with the unit). The system did in fact summon an ambulance crew (my mother pressed the button). But the crew could not get into the house for 15 minutes — until I noticed flashing red lights from the window and opened the front door (I was actually home, but was pre-occupied in a different part of the house).
What about the lockbox code? The crew was told by the dispatcher there was no such code. But after the incident, I called customer service and inquired about the lockbox code and the rep immediately told it to me! But the dispatcher (called the next day by pressing the button on the device) stated there was no lockbox code.
What about calling emergency contacts? None were called (including myself who is first in the list to be called). The customer service rep said that there were none in the system and that’s why no one was called. I told him to pull up the scanned signed doc of the system agreement which he did, and he admitted that yes there were four emergency contacts listed. He could not explain why the info was not in the system.
To summarize: The system — when needed — only came through for summoning the ambulance, but failed on providing lockbox code, and failed on calling emergency contacts.
Hello Paul, we’re really sorry to hear you had a bad experience with Medical Guardian, especially in such a crucial situation. Thankfully, you were at home, and your mother was able to get the help she needed. It’s quite alarming that the person who set up your mother’s profile didn’t include any emergency contacts and that the lockbox code wasn’t provided to the dispatcher. Mistakes happen, but when they’re so dangerous, it’s understandable that you’ll be dissatisfied.
Unfortunately, Mini Guardian is a unique device, which means it won’t be easy to find a similar one in the competition. Still, we’re sure that you’ll find a more ideal solution. Regardless of the company you opt for, we advise you to test everything and make sure all information is inserted in the system and that the lockbox code is ready to be shared with the dispatcher when required.
So far have had the unit for over a week and it doesn’t work at all. The UDI code listed online is different than the UDI code on the unit. Customer service was contacted on Tuesday after they were closed on Monday do too holiday (apparently there is no customer support or services of any kind over the holidays). Service rep said it would be fixed on or before Thursday – called back Thursday another customer rep said they had 72 hours, and the first rep didn’t file the papers for tech support until the day after I called (Wednesday) so now it will not get fixed until Saturday. My dad has already fallen once and now has to wait for them to fix a mistake they made. I have prepaid the unit and service for a year, and it doesn’t work at all (nothing more than a colorful paper weight at this point). If something happens to my dad while that the unit could have helped on while they try and fix their mess, I will consider legal action against the company.
So far support and customer service are the poorest I’ve seen in awhile
Hello Robert B Weiner, and thank you for your comment.
We’re very sorry to hear about your experience with Medical Guardian. We truly hope your father is okay now.
Although your unit isn’t currently working, we reinforce that once this matter is solved, Medical Guardian’s emergency call operators provide instant help 24/7, whether you’re facing an emergency or not. Also, in the event of an emergency, the system immediately dispatches specialized personnel to your father’s location. We encourage you to keep trying to contact customer support to get the help you need. On this page, you can find a dedicated number for post-purchase questions. We hope you’re able to solve your issue as soon as possible. Have a nice day!