How to Choose Personal Medical Alarm Systems

Medical alert systems connect you with a customer service representative or emergency operator when you press a help button. panic alarms These devices often come with a GPS, so loved ones can see where you are and check on your well-being.

Choosing the right device depends on your lifestyle and needs. Consider whether you need an at-home system or a mobile one.

At-Home

Before choosing a medical alert device, evaluate your needs. Do you want a system that can be used at home or on the go? Would you like to know if your location changes while wearing the device? If so, look for a system that has a cellular connection and will change your location based on your current GPS position.

Many of the top-rated systems provide a variety of at-home devices, including pendants and wristbands, and some offer a mobile option as well. Some even provide fall detection features. Look for a device that has a waterproof button, as accidents can happen in the shower or while getting dressed.

The best personal medical alert devices are easy to use and affordable. Some offer a price lock guarantee and don’t require a contract. Others have a long-term contract and can be expensive to cancel, so choose one with a shorter commitment or month-to-month options. Bundling can also be a great way to save money, as some companies give you an extra device for almost free.

On-the-Go

Medical alert systems work with the monitoring centers to connect users who press their help button with emergency services or family members. These devices often look similar to smartwatches and can answer health questions for the user. They also have features like a heart monitor, activity tracker, and GPS. The newest systems on the market include medical alert features in a sleek, fashionable package. These include WellBe’s medical alert smartwatch, which looks and works like a standard watch with a built-in speaker and GPS. The device has a monthly fee of $45, plus a $120 equipment fee.

Many at-home and on-the-go systems have optional fall detection, which may be important if you or the person who will use the system is at risk for falling. Some also have water-resistant help buttons or mobile devices that can be taken in the shower or swimming.

Bundled

Most medical alert devices follow the same general design, with a wearable pendant that connects to a base station. But some have a few more features. For example, some come with automatic fall detection, which sends an alarm to a call center when the device detects a fall, whether the user has pressed the button or not.

Others have GPS technology, which works outside the home and helps first responders locate users if they’re unable to speak. And some have door and window sensors, which let caregivers know if something unusual happens in the home.

A few systems, such as Bay Alarm Medical, offer bundles that include both at-home and on-the-go devices. These systems include a base unit that you plug into an existing landline, plus a portable wearable help button and a mobile device. Other add-ons, like a lock box that lets emergency responders easily gain entry to your home, are available for an additional charge.

fall detector Pricing

When shopping for a medical alert system, it’s important to consider all one-time and monthly fees. These include installation, equipment costs and add-on features. There may also be cancellation fees. Those fees may or may not be included in your contract, and it’s worth it to ask whether they are – just so you can avoid them.

A medical alert system’s monitoring costs depend on whether you choose an at-home or mobile model. A cellular at-home system typically costs $20 to $40 per month, while a cellular on-the-go system can cost $10 to $30 more per month for additional services like a GPS tracking feature.

Our Reviews Team recommends Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical and GetSafe for their affordable home-based systems and mobile options. All three companies offer competitive monthly monitoring costs and include a wide range of included and discounted add-on features. They’re also transparent about their prices and fees. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the right system for the best price.