Medical alert systems can swiftly connect users to a dispatcher for assistance when a medical concern or emergency arises. With these devices, people have a lifeline, in-home and on the go, if they are at risk medically or living alone.
The Forbes Health editorial team looked at nearly 60 products coming from 20 companies to determine the best medical alert systems on the market. Each product has a unique star rating which has been decided solely by the editorial team.
These ratings are based on a product’s performance in the following areas: the ability to connect to an emergency responder in real-time, range of use, cost and if it can automatically detect a fall. Explore the medical alert systems that made our list.
Note: All prices are accurate as of the publication date.
To determine the best medical alert systems ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on nearly 60 products across 20 companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including its range of use, ability to detect falls automatically, real-time connectivity to an emergency response person and cost. Medical alert systems for home use and mobile-friendly medical alert systems were evaluated slightly differently based on their distinct use cases.
In-home medical alert systems received top points for having the longest in-home range across product options. Meanwhile, mobile-friendly medical alert systems received top points for the longest battery life of mobile devices and the inclusion of GPS connectivity.
More points were awarded to systems offering automatic fall detection, as this feature can be a critical component of quick care if a serious fall renders the user unconscious.
We addressed whether the medical alert systems’ response centers monitor calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We gave additional points to systems that immediately connect with a live agent during an emergency and even more points if the agents answering the calls are multilingual. Lastly, we awarded points to devices that sync with smartphone apps.
We allocated extra points to systems that include voice-activated buttons and the option to add extra alert buttons and lockboxes to a service bundle.
Last but not least, most medical alert system users are budget-conscious, so we awarded the most points to systems with the lowest initial base equipment costs, the lowest starting monthly subscription fees, the shortest minimum contract lengths and the longest free trial periods.
A medical alert system, also known as a personal emergency response system (PERS) or a medical emergency response system, enables a person to connect to medical help quickly in the event of a health emergency. Most systems include a transmitter device, an emergency call center and a console that uses landline telephones, cellular networks and/or GPS to connect the transmitter with the monitoring center.
Transmitter devices are often wearable pendants, necklaces, bracelets or smartwatches that feature an easily accessible emergency button and a speaker for quick connection to a trained operator.
If you have a medical concern or emergency, press the help button on your medical alert system. The device sends a signal to your medical alert provider, connecting you with an emergency response expert at the call center. Often, the operator will connect you with the family member or friend listed in your contact information, notifying them that you need help. In an emergency, they help dispatch an ambulance, the police or the local fire department to your home.
In-home medical alert systems typically feature two components:
Mobile medical alert systems use cellular service and GPS technology to help the user connect with the call center both inside and outside. Most of these units are all-in-one devices of varying sizes and efficiency. Typically, the more compact the device or the more features it offers, the shorter its battery life, making frequent charging important.
To get the most protective value from a medical alert system, opt for one that offers live 24/7 monitoring. That way, no matter when you have a medical concern and press your emergency button for help, you’ll always be connected with a live emergency response agent.
Typically for an additional monthly fee, medical alert system makers offer automatic fall detection. As its name suggests, this feature automatically notifies the call center when your wearable device senses—using technology like accelerometers and processors—that you had a fall and don’t move for a period of time after the fall. It’s designed to help in the event of a serious fall that renders the user unconscious, unable to press their help button manually or unable to communicate verbally with the emergency response expert at the call monitoring center.
Many medical alert systems allow you to purchase additional wall buttons for the higher-risk areas of your home, such as the bathroom, kitchen and stairwells. Just like a wearable pendant, when pressed they send a signal to the base station, which communicates with the call center. Wall buttons are useful for people who forget to wear or dislike wearing their devices.
Some medical alert system makers encourage you to add a lockbox to your device purchase. It’s intended to hold an extra key for emergency responders so they don’t have to break down a locked door to come assist in an emergency event. The location and access of your lockbox is often noted in your profile with the medical alert system, so the call center employee can share those details with emergency responders when necessary.
If you want to be able to keep the wearable component of your medical alert system on your person or nearby while bathing or showering, it’s important for the device to hold up well to water and humidity.
Medical alert systems that offer live location tracking via GPS may be helpful for active seniors and those with memory loss. These systems are meant to alert family members directly and quickly of their loved one’s locations.
Similar to automatic fall detection, this feature tracks the user’s movement. It notifies family members and friends if their loved one hasn’t shown signs of movement for an extended period.
Some medical alert systems offer medication reminders. These scheduled notifications can help keep aging adults compliant with the care plan prescribed by their health care professionals.
According to a recent Forbes Health survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll, respondents value many of the features offered by modern-day medical alert system providers. However, three in particular stand out among the rest: features like activity monitoring and medication reminders (49%), GPS or cellular connectivity for 24/7 assistance (44%), and extras like voice-activated wall buttons and lock boxes (43%).
A medical alert system can cost as low as $14.95 per month and as much as $61.95 per month. These prices don’t necessarily include the initial cost of the equipment itself—some medical alert companies charge a one-time upfront fee for the system devices.
The lower end of the price spectrum typically includes the most basic equipment and connectivity. Meanwhile, the more you spend, the more features and functionality you get, such as automatic fall detection, live location tracking, caregiver app access and more.
The right medical alert system depends on you or your loved one’s activity levels and preferences. For instance, someone who spends a significant amount of time away from home or is prone to wander will likely benefit from a mobile medical alert system. But someone who rarely leaves their house might be well served by an in-home system that covers the square footage of their living area.
Think about how you or the person you’re shopping for typically spends time, and focus on medical alert systems specifically designed for those lifestyle factors.
One factor to note: Major wireless carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T are phasing out 3G networks, so you may need to update older devices accordingly.
Most medical alert systems are designed for older adults, especially those living alone.
More than 30% of people over the age of 65 fall every year, and nearly half of this group experiences recurrent falls. Meanwhile, about 40% of adults at least 85 years old fall annually, and 10% of these falls result in serious injuries ranging from hip fractures to traumatic brain injuries. The costs of a fall increase rapidly when hospitalization is required.
While a medical alert system cannot prevent a fall or subsequent injury, it can help the person access emergency services for much quicker assistance. In addition to a manual emergency button, many systems offer automatic fall detection, sensing when the user falls and notifying emergency services shortly thereafter.
Falls aside, medical alert systems can support safe aging in place with features like medication reminders, activity monitoring that checks in on the user every 12 hours or so and live assistance for when the user experiences any other pressing medical concerns.
Medical alert systems are also an appropriate solution for anyone—regardless of their age—who is at risk of experiencing a medical emergency and wants reassurance that they can easily access help.
Typically, traditional Medicare (Medicare Part B) doesn’t cover the purchasing or monthly subscription costs of medical alert systems because they are not deemed “medically necessary” durable medical equipment (DME).
Meanwhile, some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C), which are offered through private insurance companies, may provide partial or full coverage of medical alert systems. If you’re insured by a Medicare Advantage plan, ask your provider about their coverage policies regarding medical alert systems.
AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons) doesn’t recommend specific medical alert system products, but rather encourages people to consider their or their loved one’s specific needs and abilities in determining which one would be most suitable. With that said, AARP members can save 15% on medical alert systems from Philips Lifeline, as well as receive free shipping and waived activation charges for their products.
Each medical alert system connects with a call center, many of which are active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most companies staff these call centers with emergency response experts, who are primarily responsible for answering all incoming alert calls from these systems.
The amount of time it takes to connect with a call center employee once pressing the emergency button on your system can vary. Some systems have an average wait time of less than 30 seconds while others can take nearly three times as long, according to third-party testing from Consumers’ Checkbook.
Once you select a medical alert system, test it a few times. These calls will give you the best sense of what to expect from the system in your area.
Typically, an unmonitored medical alert system requires a landline connection as opposed to cellular service. When the wearer presses the emergency button, the system either dials 911 directly or a preset personal contact via that landline connection. When a person calls 911 from a landline, the call center can immediately see their home location, which can expedite the emergency dispatch, a clear benefit to the person using the medical alert system.
Compliance is an incredibly important factor in how well a medical alert system will help your senior relative. After all, if they refuse to wear or carry the button in their pocket, they will have a much harder time calling for help when they need it, and automatic fall detection services will be rendered pretty much useless.
While many family members and caregivers want to give medical alert systems to their aging loved ones as gifts, we suggest having a direct and open conversation instead if possible. Discuss your concerns and why you think a personal emergency response system might be a good idea. Ask them what features are most important to them.
You and your loved one might even pick out the device and complete accompanying paperwork together, designating yourself as an emergency contact. Involving your loved one in each step of the process can help lead to successful adoption of and long-term compliance with their medical alert system.
LifeAlert is one of the most widely recognized makers of medical alert systems, thanks to the iconic “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” television commercials. However, there are several reasons it didn’t make our list.
Product information on the website is scarce. You must call the company directly to receive a free brochure and navigate the purchasing process. Upon further investigation, you learn LifeAlert locks users into a three-year contract, has startup costs that can reach as high as $300, has one of the highest monthly subscription costs and doesn’t offer automatic fall detection.
In contrast, every medical alert system manufacturer considered for our rankings was clear and upfront with product and subscription details online, making it easy for prospective users to conduct thorough research and make an informed purchasing decision.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
