Medical Alert Systems

Medical Alert Systems are emergency response devices that connect you with a monitoring center when you press your help button. They offer peace of mind for seniors who live alone and provide caregivers with a way to check-in on loved ones.

Several of these systems include medication reminders and dispensers, which are great features for seniors with complex medication schedules. Some also have GPS tracking, which shares your location with a monitoring center agent.

1. LifeFone

LifeFone has been in the medical alert industry since 1976 and is known for offering a wide range of at-home and on-the-go plans and devices. They also offer a mobile app and caregiver tools that help with daily activities. They have a solid reputation for affordable pricing and are recommended by doctors, hospitals, and home health care providers.

This system works over either landlines or 4G cellular service and can include a fall detection sensor, GPS location tracking, and a panic button that will connect you with an emergency response professional. There are no equipment or monthly fees, and a risk-free trial is available.

One of the things that makes LifeFone stand out is its straightforward installation process. It can take as little as ten minutes to get everything set up, and you don’t need any advanced tech skills. There are clear instructions and visual aids, and the customer support team is available 24/7 to walk you through any questions or concerns.

Another feature that sets LifeFone apart is its mobile app, which includes a virtual escort and a panic button that can call 911. You can access these features through the app on your smartphone, and they are also available to users with LifeFone’s at-home or on-the-go devices. The app is available for Apple and Android devices, and it comes with a month of free service when you refer a friend.

2. GetSafe

Having a medical alert system for yourself or a loved one can help ease the stress that comes with aging, failing health, or living alone. Knowing that you can call for help and that someone will respond promptly can take a major weight off your mind.

The GetSafe system uses a cellular technology that is designed to work without a landline telephone or an internet connection. It offers a voice-activated system that can connect users to an emergency response center without the need for a wearable pendant or wall-mounted button. It can only be used in the home, and does not have a fall detection feature like some of the best medical alert systems with a built-in alarm. It also does not include a mobile app that would allow family members or caregivers to check on the user remotely.

In addition to their emergency monitoring services, GetSafe offers a 30-day risk-free trial with the purchase of any of its system packages. However, the company does not count shipping time in this period. This means that the actual trial period is only 23 days, which is still plenty of time to decide if a GetSafe system is right for you or your loved one. The cost of the device depends on which package you select and any optional add-ons. The most popular special features include fall detection, GPS location tracking, and a mobile app for families or caregivers.

3. Aloe Care Health

Aloe Care Health is one of our favorite medical alert systems because they offer a wide range of plans and equipment with competitive monthly fees that include services such as the Family App and activity monitoring using motion sensors. Plus, they don’t require a contract so you can cancel at any time. And they provide a free trial period and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Their base station, called the Smart Hub, is voice-activated like Alexa and Google Home and connects to a 24/7 manned emergency response center. It also has sensors that detect movement and monitor air quality. You can call for help by pushing a care button or simply saying “Emergency” four to five times. Some packages, including their Total Care package, include automatic fall detection.

All of their devices work on AT&T’s 4G LTE network and Wi-Fi. Their in-home system (Essentials and Essentials Plus) operates within 200 feet of the Smart Hub, and their on-the-go GPS device (Mobile Companion Go) doesn’t require a landline or smartphone. However, a strong Wi-Fi connection is recommended to keep the Mobile Companion connected to AT&T’s cellular network. The in-home system requires a battery to operate, but the company offers a replacement guarantee and provides a free battery for new subscribers. Aloe Care Health also has a flexible cancellation policy and a 30-day money back guarantee for all their products.

4. MobileHelp

With multiple devices to choose from and a variety of add-ons available, MobileHelp is one of the most versatile medical alert systems we reviewed. With a single press of a button, users are connected with a monitoring agent who will contact emergency services or a designated caregiver for help. The system also offers optional features like two-way communication (similar to a walkie-talkie), GPS location tracking, and medication reminders.

In our tests, MobileHelp’s agents responded to calls for help in an average of 4.3 minutes. This was faster than the industry average of 5.6 minutes. In addition to fast response times, the company provides a dedicated phone number for its customers to call for service requests and a comprehensive online customer portal called MobileHelp Connect that allows users to manage their account and track equipment status.

The brand’s in-home systems include the MobileHelp Classic, which uses a landline connection for backup and is one of our top picks, as well as the MobileHelp Duo, which offers cellular connectivity with automatic fall detection. Both are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, $0 activation fees, and a price-lock promise that prevents future rate hikes.

Medical alert The MobileHelp Touch, the brand’s unique on-the-go option, is a favorite thanks to its sleek and modern base station design that looks more like a digital picture frame than other traditional medical alert systems. It features a vibrant 8-inch touchscreen display and can be upgraded to a more portable device called the MobileHelp Solo for additional peace of mind while out and about.