Key Takeaways
- 54% of U.S. adults say they or the adult they care for use a medical alert system.
- Of those who use a medical alert system for themselves or the adult they care for, 86% say the device has saved them (or the person they care for) from an incident.
- Most people (53%) feel medical alert systems invade their privacy.
Medical Alert Systems: Life-Saving Gadgets in American Homes
A medical alert system—also known as a personal emergency response system (PERS)—is specifically designed to help connect users with emergency assistance in situations when they need it most. Medical alert systems are commonly marketed to older adults interested in aging in place, but they can also be helpful tools for adults of any age living with a disability or chronic health condition, as well as caregivers intent on keeping their loved ones safe.
While a degree of stigma (both real and perceived) persists regarding the use of medical alert systems, 54% of U.S. adults or the adult they care for report using one, according to a recent Forbes Health survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll. Of the sample size surveyed, 35% of respondents are adults with health conditions and concerns, and 45% are caregivers to another adult.
What’s more, 86% of those survey respondents say a medical alert system has saved them (or the person they care for) from an incident at least once. Looking closer, 50% say their medical alert system saved them from a potential catastrophe, and 36% say it saved them from an incident that could have escalated.
What Users Value Most in Medical Alert Systems
Of the survey respondents who report using a medical alert system, device style preferences appear to be somewhat evenly split: 33% use a system designed for in-home use, 30% use a mobile-compatible device, and 31% use a system that offers both capabilities. A medical alert system’s range of use not only affects the quality of protection a user receives, but also how much they pay to stay connected to such monitoring services 24/7. For instance, devices that use GPS technology and cellular networks tend to be more expensive than those that rely on a user’s landline at home.
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Learn MoreWhen it comes to system features, respondents value many of the offerings of modern-day medical alert system providers, but three in particular are most desired: 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%).
Cost is an important detail as well—40% of respondents who report using a medical alert system say a low monthly subscription fee for the monitoring service matters most to them. While prices vary from one provider to another, ranging from less than $10 to more than $50 a month, 54% of users surveyed spend between $21 and $40 a month on their medical alert system service.
Mixed Feelings About Monitoring Technology
While 63% of all survey respondents agree that medical alert systems are easy to use, and 64% consider them to be helpful medical tools, not everyone is on board with inviting monitoring technology into their home. In fact, 53% believe a medical alert system is an invasion of their privacy.
Despite this apprehension, some survey respondents use a medical alert system anyway. While it’s unclear which specific benefit outweighs the privacy drawbacks for each user, 56% of survey respondents did share that they have loved ones who want them to use such devices, suggesting that their decision to use one isn’t entirely based on personal preferences. Rather, they factor in the feelings of family members, friends and caregivers looking after their safety and well-being and choose to provide them with peace of mind.
Regardless of whether you or your loved ones currently use medical alert systems, there’s no questioning the value they provide to those who do. From helping people and their loved ones feel more secure in their space to dispatching real-time emergency response when it’s truly needed, medical alert systems provide an essential service to U.S. adults nationwide.
You May Also Be Interested In Mobile Alert Systems For Home Use From Our Featured Partners
GetSafe Medical Alert System
On GetSafe's Website
Service starts at $24.95 a month
1,000 feet
Yes, for an additional $10 per month
Medical Guardian Classic Guardian
On Medical Guardian's Website
Service starts at $29.95 a month
1,300 feet
Yes, for an additional $10 per month
MobileHelp Classic
On MobileHelp's Website
Starts at $19.95 a month
1,400 feet
Yes, for an additional $10 per month
Bay Alarm Medical In-Home Medical Alert
On Bay Alarm Medical's Website
Service starts at $19.95 a month
1,000 feet
Yes, for an additional $10 per month
(Note: Product details and price are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)
Survey Methodology
This online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults was commissioned by Forbes Health and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected from June 3 to June 6, 2022. This survey was overseen by the OnePoll research team, which is a member of the Market Research Society and has corporate membership with the American Association for Public Opinion Research. For a complete survey methodology, including geographic and demographic sample sizes, contact pr@forbesadvisor.com.
References
Perception of Personal Emergency Response Systems Has Changed. Home Care Magazine. Accessed 6/14/2022.
How to Choose a Medical Alert System. AARP. Accessed 6/14/2022.
