2023’s Best Medical Alert Systems | Reviews & Comparison

 

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*The companies are our top companies listed on the website (MedicalGuardian, Lifefone, MobileHelp and LifeStation)

Who Needs a Medical Alert System?

Anyone who is concerned about getting help when they have a medical emergency could benefit from owning a medical alert system. If you fall, have a heart attack, stroke or seizure, you may not be able to get to a phone to call 911. However, if you have a medical alert system, you can summon help at the touch of a button by pressing your wearable alarm button. With some systems, you don't even need to press a button because the system can automatically detect a fall and call for help. You also have the option of installing wall-mounted help buttons in strategic locations in your home.
  Many adult children purchase medical alert systems for their senior parent so that they don't have to worry that their loved one may fall and not be able to get help. The peace of mind that these systems provide helps seniors to stay in their homes longer and continue to maintain their independent lifestyles.  

How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?

Getting Started

When you sign up for a medical alert system, you provide them with names and phone numbers of your emergency contacts, such as family, friends and neighbors. You also supply them with your basic medical information, such as any illnesses you may have or medications you are taking. They will keep this information on file to utilize in the event that you need help. They can provide the necessary information to assist emergency responders who come to your aid. They can also call friends or family on your behalf to come help you out if it's not a medical emergency.

Equipment

When you sign up for a medical alert system, you will receive a base station that connects to your telephone landline or uses a cellular network, depending on which model you choose. The majority of base stations are very simple to set up yourself and come with easy-to-follow instructions. Some base stations are designed to stay in one place while others can be taken with you on the go.
  The base station is the part of the system that will contact the medical alert company's call center when you need help. In a way, it works like a speakerphone; a care agent will talk to you through the two-way speaker that is built into the base station.
  Most medical alert systems provide you with your choice of either a necklace or wristband for wearing your personal alarm button. Your alarm button will only work within a certain range around the base station. How large that range will be depends on the power of your particular base station and the configuration of your home. It's important to order a base station that has a large enough range to cover your yard and front porch as well as the inside of your house. Each medical alert system will tell you how large their signal range should be, but make sure to test it out, so you know for certain where you are covered.

Testing Your System

When you receive your system, test that it works by pressing the built-in help button on the base station. Then check its range by pressing your personal alarm button from different locations on your property. Medical alert systems encourage customers to test their systems at least once a month to make sure they are working right. Simply inform the care agent that you are only making a test call and they will be happy you've checked in.    

Costs and Conditions to Consider When Choosing a Medical Alert System

Almost every one of our recommended medical alert systems provide the basic equipment for free (any exceptions to that will be indicated accordingly). Typically, you will receive your base station and one wearable alarm button at no cost. Keep in mind, every company considers their "free" equipment to be on loan, and you almost always must return the equipment to the medical alert company when you cancel your service. Otherwise, they may bill you for the unreturned equipment.  

Basic Service Charge and Shipping

While the basic equipment is free, what you pay for is the ongoing service cost, which can be billed monthly, quarterly or yearly. A typical cost for basic medical alert coverage is about $30 a month or $1 per day or less. If you agree to yearly upfront billing, you can get some good deals, such as a discount on the overall service charge, free shipping and bonus equipment, like extra wearable pendants or wall-mounted alarm buttons. The same kind of discounts may also apply for quarterly billing. If shipping costs apply, it's usually around $9.99.  

Activation Fees

Most of the top in-home medical alert systems don't charge an activation fee although there are some exceptions. That mean you will have no initial extra charge when you first start up your medical alert service. Cellular and on-the-go plans are more likely to have one-time start-up or activation fees. These costs should be disclosed to you upfront by the medical alert company, and all our reviews provide you with information on activation fees whenever they apply.  

Cancellation Fees

Be sure to confirm the cancellation fee that goes along with your service. Typically, you will agree to a contract term when you sign up for a medical alert system. It could be a month-to-month contract or a yearlong contract. In either case, some companies may not allow you to cancel before your contract's time is up. If you agree to a year-long contract and pay a year's service fee up front, you often will not be refunded if you cancel before the year is over. However, some companies don't apply that rule and will let you cancel early without a penalty. That's why we have read the fine print for you to make sure you are clear on what the terms of each medical alert system are after you have read one of our reviews.  

A Piece of Advice

If you are unsure about a particular medical alert system, it's often a wise choice to sign up for a month-to-month plan that you could cancel more easily than an annual plan. If, after trying the plan for a few months, you decide that you want to keep it for the long term, you can easily roll your plan over into a yearly or three-month plan. That way you can still get the discounted rate that comes when you pay for a full year or quarter in advance, but you'll be able to try out the system first.      

The Most Sought-After Features for Medical Alert Systems

A basic medical alert system works by letting you press your wearable alarm button to get help, and that's it. Of course, that is a valuable and life-saving feature! However, there are other services and functions you can receive with your system. Here are the most sought-after ones. Below, we'll explain hardware features to consider and add-on services that are available.  

1. Hardware features to consider:

 

Connection type.

Choose the system hardware that offers the connection type you need. Do you have a telephone landline at home?   Yes: Consider selecting one of the traditional in-home options. Telephone landlines are generally more reliable than cellular networks. No: Choose an in-home cellular or on-the-go plan.  

Range capability.

Determine how much geographic coverage you need from your system. Do you want to have medical alert coverage when you're away from home, such as when you're out shopping?   Yes: If you want to use your system away from home, look into mobile systems that let you take them on the go. No: If you only require coverage at home, then you don't need to look into the mobile medical alert system options. Check out the at-home options.   How large are your home and yard? It's important to have a medical alert system that provides the range of coverage you require.  

Fall detection.

This is a popular feature because it uses motion detection to summon help. Medical alert systems with fall detection can tell if you've fallen and will automatically connect to your monitoring center and get help on the way. If you fall, there is a chance you might be unconscious and unable to press your wearable alarm button. That's where fall detection comes in to give you peace of mind. Especially if the user of the medical alert system has vision problems or other issues that make it more likely they will experience a fall, a device with fall-detection capabilities can be an excellent choice.  

Two-way communication.

If you'd like to be able to talk to a care agent through your wearable pendant rather than having to speak into the stationary base unit, you may appreciate owning a medical alert system that provides that kind of two-way communication right on your wearable mobile pendant. Otherwise, every base station provides two-way communication with a built-in speaker and microphone.  

GPS tracking.

If you would like to use a mobile system, it makes sense to choose one that provides built-in GPS tracking. This way, wherever you go, your emergency contacts or medical responders can find you without delay. In fact, many medical alert companies have more precise GPS-tracking capabilities than 911 centers use.
If you or your loved one still enjoys going out but is concerned they may become disoriented or lost, a medical alert with GPS monitoring built-in may be just the thing for you. Systems with GPS-tracking are great at giving you the peace of mind that you can be located if you get lost when you're away from home.  

Backup battery.

Does your home ever experience power outages? All medical alert base stations come with backup battery power. If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, especially extended ones due to storms or brown-outs, look for a system with long-lasting backup power. Most base stations have about 24 to 32 hours of backup battery.    

2. Add-ons:

Monitoring of more than one person in your home.

The majority of our recommended systems allow you to add a spouse or other family member onto your coverage. Some plans only charge you the cost of the extra wearable help button. Others may charge you an additional monthly fee. A few plans automatically include coverage for a second person, and you won't need to pay any additional costs.  

Lockboxes.

If you have fallen at home and can't get up to open the door, how will help get inside to assist you? Many medical alert companies will provide you with a lockbox that goes on the handle of an outside door. It has a combination lock on it, and you store an extra house key inside. The medical alert company will provide emergency responders with the combination to the lockbox so they can get in to help you as quickly as possible without having to break a window or otherwise damage your home. These usually come with either a one-time charge or an ongoing, small monthly fee.  

Wall-mounted help buttons.

Perhaps you don't like to wear your personal alarm button to bed or in the bathtub. By placing wall-mounted help buttons throughout your home, you can press that button to get help quickly when you need it. In some places, it can be helpful to put the wall-mounted buttons near the floor so you can press them more easily if you fall and can't get up.  

Voice extenders.

If you live in a home with multiple stories or an extra-large floor plan, a voice extender makes it possible for you to easily communicate with the medical alert care agent even when you are far away from your base station. The voice extender works a lot like a speaker phone. With this device, you won't need to shout to communicate if you fall on the second floor but your base station is downstairs.  

Smoke and CO2 monitoring.

These devices will sound an alert and contact the medical alert monitoring center for you if smoke or CO2 (carbon monoxide) is detected in your home. They can get help on the way right away if it's needed.  

Pill reminders.

If you or your loved one have trouble remembering to take their medication, consider signing up for a system that provides pill reminders. Most medical alert systems don't include pill reminder systems with their plans, but this service, and in some cases accompanying hardware, can be added on.  

Check-in service: Daily/weekly/monthly calls or check-ins.

Sometimes you may not want to ask your family to call you every day to make sure you're okay. Some medical alert companies will call to check in with you every day to make sure you don't need help. Other medical alert firms offer a basic check-in service where you press a button on your base station every day, so they know that you're okay. If for some reason you don't press the button for your daily check in, they will reach out to you and if necessary, call emergency responders or your designated contacts.  

Motion-sensing lights.

If you are shopping for a medical alert system, you can further increase your family member's comfort and safety in their home by putting in motion-sensing lights. Not seeing obstacles in one's path creates a real risk of falls. With lights like these that turn on when they detect motion, you can reduce this concern. Motion-sensing lights don't tie into the medical alert system but are a smart add on for anyone's home

Trying to choose the best medical alert system for yourself or your loved one can seem like a complicated process. That's why our site aims to break it all down for you, present the top systems and help you find the best service for your needs. Here are some questions to consider when you are looking for the system that is right for you:  

1. Where do you live?

Our website only reviews the best systems for residents of the continental United States, meaning Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico aren't included. Similarly, these medical alert systems don't provide service in Canada, Mexico or any other countries. If you are located within the continental U.S., please read on!  

2. Is this system for you or someone else?

According to our statistics, 70 percent of people looking for medical alert systems are not buying them for themselves, but for a loved one, usually a parent or grandparent. It's our aim to help you select the best system for yourself or that precious person in your life.  

3. Are you often alone?

Most medical alert systems are purchased to help a senior citizen stay in their homes and continue to live independent lives. Caretakers can feel better about their parent living on their own when they know that parent can get help quickly if they need it. According to the U.S. Census, one out of every four people lives alone. And while the number of older women living alone has declined over a generation, they still make up the largest group of individuals making up one-person households. The majority of people polled state that they would prefer to stay in their own home and receive care there, versus going into assisted living or even moving into a family member's home (which was perhaps surprisingly, the least favored option).   A medical alert system can help independent seniors, including couples, stay in their homes longer for a happier life. Medical alert systems also are appreciated by people who do live with caretakers but still may stay home alone or go out of the house on their own.  

4. How old are you?

The average age of a medical alert system client is 76 years old. Clients, of course, can be younger, particularly if they have particular health or safety concerns. People up to the age of 90 and over also use and appreciate the extra security that a medical alert system provides.  

5. Have you fallen in the past year or at a heightened risk of falling?

According to the National Council on Aging, one out of four seniors age 65 and over will experience a fall each year. Frighteningly, every 11 minutes an older adult dies from a fall in the United States. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury among older adults. The sooner that a person receives medical attention after a fall, the better their chances of recovery tend to be. That's why medical alert systems with fall detection are an excellent choice for any senior, and especially so for those who have fallen before or are at an increased risk of falls due to a medical condition or the side effects of medication.  

6. How many times have you needed medical assistance in the past three years?

If you or your loved one has needed medical help in the previous three years, their risk goes up that they will need help again. Having a medical alert system by their side can make sure there will be no delay in getting medical assistance quickly.  

7. How many medications do you take on a daily basis?

• None? • 1-2? • 3-4? • more? Older adults each take an average of four prescription medications a day. Caretakers can't always be there to monitor that they're being taken correctly. Many medical alert systems have pill-reminder features to help you or your loved one stay on track with medication and supplements. Additionally, some medications can lead to dizziness or dehydration, which increase the risk of falls. Medical alert companies will keep your medication information on file and provide it to emergency responders if you need help.  

8. How active are you?

• Not Active / No Mobility? • Slightly Active / Limited Mobility? • Moderately Active / Runs Errands? • Very Active / Regular Exercise? There are a few types of systems to fit each level of activity. Some systems are meant for In-home & yard primary use, some are mobile for active people, and some have a combination for both purposes. Also, keep in mind that if you have limited mobility, you are at an increased risk for falls.  

9. In a medical emergency, what would you currently do?

If you don't have anyone at home or nearby that can hear you when you need help, the main options are to call 911 for help or even phone an adult child or a friend. But what if you can't reach the phone? Or what if you are unable to speak? That's where a medical alert system is invaluable.   All medical alert systems include a wearable help button that is designed to stay on you at all times. Once you push the alarm button, a call for help is transmitted to the company call center, which operates 24/7, 365 days a year. If the operator can't hear you for any reason, they will send help right away. They can also notify a neighbor, friend or family member from the contact list you have provided to them in advance. You will be able to achieve all of this with only the push of a button.  

10. What is the cost and how to choose the best system?

The average basic cost of a medical alert system service is around $1 per month. Usually, you will be billed monthly, but you can also choose a quarterly or annual payment plan to get a monthly discount, free shipping or other company-specific perks. Most medical alert companies use the same or similar type of hardware, so there isn't much variation among base stations and wearable alarm buttons for the most part. There are about three to five types of devices and plans to fit your exact needs. The prices for basic service are pretty much the same across the board. In light of that, the smart approach is to choose a system from a trusted medical alert company that has a long-running, proven track record for excellent customer service. Those are the types of plans we have reviewed here.