How to Choose the Right Medical Alarm System for Your Needs
Find the right medical alert system for you or your loved one. Start by checking out brands that specialize in at-home or on-the-go systems.
Most systems connect with a response center when someone presses the help button on a pendant, wristband or wall-mounted device. They also usually include GPS tracking to let the monitoring center (or loved ones via a linked mobile app) know where the user is.
What is a Medical Alert System?
A medical alert system can provide peace of mind for older adults who want to continue living independently but might be at a greater risk of falling or needing help when they are unwell. It can also benefit anyone who lives with a condition like dementia or has limited fine motor skills. Today’s best medical alert systems offer at-home and mobile options to suit a wide range of lifestyles, budgets, and needs.
Most medical alert systems feature a base unit that plugs into a wall outlet and connects to a landline phone or contains a cellular SIM card for use on the user's mobile device. In addition to the base unit, most have a wearable button that the user can push in an emergency. Often, these devices are small and lightweight, so they can easily be worn as a necklace pendant, bracelet, smartwatch, or around the neck on a lanyard. Many also have a speaker for two-way communication. medical alarms Optional features like fall detection are also available for most systems.
Depending on the type of system, setup is typically easy and straightforward for most users. Most companies include a quick-start guide and have customer support available for assistance. Most systems have a monthly subscription cost, which may also include perks like free spouse coverage, medication reminders, daily check-in calls, and extra help buttons. Many systems also offer add-on equipment like lockbox key holder, medication organizer, wall-mounted buttons, and carrying cases for an additional one-time or monthly fee.
The primary function of a medical alarm system is to provide the user with a way to call for help in an emergency situation. Most systems work similarly: When the emergency button is pressed, it signals to the company’s monitoring center that the user needs help. Then a person at the monitoring center will try to contact the user’s friend or family member, call 911 on their behalf, or send an ambulance if necessary.
Some medical alert systems are monitored, while others are not. Our Reviews Team recommends using monitored systems because they offer peace of mind knowing that the user’s alert will be answered quickly and by a trained professional, and that the monitoring center staff will be familiar with their medical history. Monitored systems may also be covered by some long-term care insurance plans or through Medicaid programs that offer waivers for home and community-based services, such as the Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCBS) program in certain states. In addition, some supplemental health insurance plans cover these devices, too. Learn more about these options here. Some medical alert system companies also offer financing through flexible payment terms, which can be helpful for those who are not sure whether they can afford to pay upfront.
Unmonitored Medical Alert Systems
A medical alert system can help vulnerable people continue to live independently in their own homes with less risk. These devices have wearable pendants or help buttons that connect to a call center in the event of an emergency. Some also include fall detection and GPS technology to locate users. Some are home-based systems that work with landlines and require a monthly monitoring fee, while others are mobile and use cellular connectivity to stay connected to the call center.
The best unmonitored medical alert systems connect to 911 directly when the user presses their help button, or they connect with the users predetermined list of emergency contacts. Some devices have a two-way communication capability and can play a recorded message that explains the situation and asks for assistance. They may also have GPS tracking to let the agents know where the user is located so they can dispatch help quickly.
Some devices have lockboxes to allow emergency responders and caregivers quick access into the home without damaging windows or doors. These can be a good option for people who are at high risk of wandering away from their home due to dementia or other cognitive problems. Other systems are designed to work with smart home technology, allowing them to be integrated with other connected devices, such as a glucose monitor or a smart TV. Some systems can also be linked to mobile apps, which can allow loved ones and caregivers to check in on the user at any time.
While the price of a monitored medical alert system varies by provider, most offer competitive pricing and discounts for new customers. Some even provide discounts for veterans and seniors. When choosing a company, make sure to compare their prices and packages before making a decision.
Unmonitored medical alarm systems are ideal for people who have a support network of friends or family who can assist them if they need to get out of the house, and for those who don’t want to pay a monthly monitoring fee. However, they don’t typically have as many features as a monitored system, and most don’t offer fall detection. The best unmonitored systems are lightweight and waterproof, so they can be used in the bath or shower, where falls are more common. Some also come with a rechargeable battery, so they can be charged on the go. Lastly, most have a range of 500 feet or more, meaning that they can be used both inside and outside the home. If you are considering an unmonitored medical alert system, be sure to test the device’s range before purchasing to ensure that it works well in your area.
