Health Alarms for the Elderly

Medical alert systems can be paid for through Medicaid waiver programs, health savings accounts and senior discounts. They connect to a 24/7 monitoring center, where a professional will contact family members or EMS if necessary.

Studies show that purchasing an alarm has a positive impact on outcomes such as reducing hospital admissions and length of stay. They also help people age in place.

Medical Alert Systems

A medical alert system is an affordable way to help your loved ones feel safer at home and on the go. It connects them with a call center that can contact family members or 911 in an emergency. Some medical alert systems also offer fall detection and prevention features.

When someone presses a button on their medical alert system, it sends a signal to the base unit (also called a console). From there, a customer service rep can talk with them through a two-way speaker and microphone. They can determine the type of emergency, like a fall, and dispatch local emergency services to your loved one’s location.





Most medical alert systems offer landline and cellular options. The landline base station is the most affordable and works best in areas with poor cellular coverage. Mobile units work anywhere with cell coverage and are ideal for seniors who like to travel or spend most of their time out of the house.

Some medical alert systems provide add-ons, like GPS and medication reminders, for an additional cost. We recommend checking out our reviews and calling customer support to find out more about the special features available for each system you’re considering.

Many medical alert companies run sales around holidays, such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, so keep an eye out for deals. We’ve also seen some companies offer discounts for veterans or through memberships or health insurance plans.

Home Safety Alarms

As your loved one ages, you may worry about their safety in the home or if they wander off while outside. Technology can help by monitoring for signs of break-ins or medical emergencies, and sending alerts to family members and caregivers. There are also sensors that can warn of environmental dangers, such as a fire or flood. Some systems offer a key safe that allows family and carers to access the home, while others include alarms that can sound inside and outside the house to scare away intruders.

A medical alert system with a base station and at-home devices typically costs around $30 per month, including wearable or wall-mounted SOS buttons. Many providers offer a variety of packages, with extra devices and plans available for an additional fee. Some companies, such as Bay Alarm Medical, have at-home systems that connect to a landline and on-the-go options that use cellular connections for signal coverage.

If you prefer not to pay monthly fees, a self-monitored system that sends mobile notifications without a service contract is an option. These systems typically send an alert to the owner’s emergency contacts, but won’t dispatch help. These systems can be less intimidating for seniors, as the sirens that sound aren’t as loud as those on medical alarms. For example, the Lunderg bed alarm uses a sensor that detects movements and distinguishes between rolling over in bed and getting out of it. This helps prevent false alarms, which can be anxiety-inducing for the elderly.

Personal Emergency Alarms

Personal alarms are designed to help individuals in need of emergency support. These small devices are typically worn around the neck or wrist and feature an SOS button that when pressed will trigger a call to either your nominated contacts or a SureSafe operator. Some models also have automatic fall detection which can trigger a call for help without the user having to press the button.

elderly tracker device This is ideal if you’re at risk of falling or if you’re unconscious following a fall. The device will also detect movement and may send a notification to your nominated contacts or to a SureSafe operator if it hasn’t detected any movement for a set period of time.

For peace of mind, many personal alarms also offer GPS tracking capabilities which can be useful if your loved one has a tendency to wander. You can monitor their location from your phone and it’s a great feature for those who get lost easily or suffer from dementia.





It’s important to remember that not all elderly people will be happy to use a personal alarm as they can see it as a loss of independence or think their family aren’t taking enough care of them. It’s best to discuss the issue delicately and explain how an alarm can actually increase their independence and give them peace of mind from a distance.

Fall Detection

Falling is a common problem for seniors who live alone. It can be terrifying, especially for those who have fallen before, and can cause injuries.

Medical alert systems that have fall detection can help reduce the fear of falling for the elderly. These systems use motion-sensing technology to detect a fall and send out an emergency signal. They can also allow seniors to self-report a fall or contact an agent who can send a responder to the home.

Some providers even offer a mobile option, so that seniors can use the device at home or on the go. The mobile devices can be worn around the neck or wrist and are small enough to fit in a pocket. Most of these systems have no long-term contracts and allow customers to cancel service at any time.

The best fall detection systems can be used for those who are at risk of falls, such as those with balance problems or a history of falling. However, the devices are not perfect and they may sometimes trigger a false alarm. For example, a senior might be sitting down to eat or play with the grandkids and accidentally get up, which could set off the fall detection system. This is why many of these devices come with a button that can be pressed to cancel the false alarm.