A medical alert system can allow you to get help quickly in case of a fall or other emergency. It’s essentially an insurance policy for the just in case.
A medical alert system can also provide a little more freedom, allowing you and others to feel more comfortable about leaving you or a loved one home alone. “In an emergency situation, a medical alert system signals a designated recipient, often an emergency call center, to determine if assistance is needed,” says Lewis Nelson, M.D., chair of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “When necessary, help can be sent.”
But despite serving an important need, many people aren’t sure what to look for in a medical alert system—or even know that these exist.
“Anyone who is at risk of a medical emergency or a fall would benefit from a medical alert system,” says Sara Encisco, M.D., a primary care physician at Mercy Medical Center. “We most often think of the elderly, particularly those who live alone, but there are other people who could also use the extra layer of security.”
Those can include people with seizure disorders, someone who diabetes who has a high risk of low blood sugar, “or anyone with complex medical issues that puts them at higher risk of an emergency at home,” Dr. Encisco says.
To choose the best medical alert systems, we consulted experts for their advice on what to look for in these devices. We also analyzed the top products on the market and scoured hundreds of reviews to narrow down the field.
Interested in getting a medical alert system for yourself or a family member? These are worth considering.
GetSafe offers a range of options for home medical alert systems. Choose from three packages that start at $79, plus a $24.95 a month fee. The wearable button works up to 1,300 feet from the base. The button is also worn via a lanyard and is waterproof, so you can wear it in the shower. There’s also a two-way voice-activated wall button.
At $29.95 a month, LifeFone is considered a mid-range medical alert system (you can add in automatic fall detection for an additional $5 a month). It features an in-home range of 1,300 feet and the help button can answer calls to a landline. There’s also a 32-hour backup battery in case the power goes out.
MobileHelp Classic starts at just $19.95 a month with an in-home range of 1,400 feet. (You can add automatic fall detection for $10 more a month.) The system is easy to install and doesn't require a landline. The help button is also waterproof.
If you need more mobility, the MobileHelp Solo is a good option to consider. This system, which starts at $37.95 a month, uses GPS technology to track movements. The system works wherever you have cellular coverage. There is also 24/7 monitoring in the U.S.
At $41.95 a month, this system is on the pricier end. But it uses GPS, WiFi and cellular access to help you stay connected from pretty much everywhere. There’s also an optional app to allow loved ones to monitor details. Another nice perk: The battery lasts for up to 16 days.
The best medical alert systems give you protection and peace of mind. Here’s how to choose one that’s right for you or your loved one’s household.
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