How to Find the Best Medical Alert Necklace

The best medical alert necklaces are easy to use. They have large help buttons that are simple to push in an emergency. Some have speakers and two-way communication for people with hearing loss. They also don’t require a cellular plan.

Most medical alert necklaces connect you to an operator at a monitoring center when you press the help button. Some offer fall detection as an add-on.

Features

A medical alert necklace is an easy-to-use device that works with a base station to allow users to speak with an operator in the event of an emergency. Many senior health care providers offer a variety of different medical alert necklaces. However, not all necklaces are created equal. Some feature stylish colors and designs while others are large, clunky, and unattractive. These devices tend to attract attention from family, friends, and neighbors. Fortunately, there are now medical alert necklaces that are discreet and stylish. These are typically geared towards women and can be worn with any outfit. Some even have the option to pair with a mobile system, allowing seniors to go out and about without having to worry about the safety of their loved ones.

Some medical alert necklaces include automatic fall detection, which can be a life-saving feature for those who are at risk of falling and not being able to press their help button. While this feature isn’t available for all systems, most medical alert companies offer it. Some also offer a service plan for an additional fee that covers wear and tear, theft, and loss.

On-the-go devices, or mobile pendants, use a cellular connection to communicate with the monitoring center. They aren’t limited to the range of a base station and can be used with at-home and on-the-go medical alert systems on one subscription plan. Many on-the-go devices also allow seniors to request assistance using a voice command and can be used while running errands or traveling.

Cost

Despite their benefits, medical alert necklaces can be expensive. The cost can run from $20 per month with no equipment fees to over $200 with monthly monitoring, cellular connectivity and GPS. However, you may be able to find deals and discounts from medical alert companies that offer flexible savings accounts (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) funding.

Some medical alert devices come with a fall detection pendant for an extra $11 per month, which can be helpful for seniors who are at risk of falling or those with limited mobility. Other features include two-way communication and GPS tracking, which lets emergency responders locate the user quickly.

Many of the systems we reviewed can accommodate multiple users on a single plan, making them a good option for families. You can also get a discounted rate by signing up for an annual plan instead of paying monthly.

Regardless of which system you choose, you should consider your budget before purchasing a medical alert necklace. Many of these devices are not considered fashionable, and some seniors may feel self-conscious wearing one. However, you can find some necklaces that are more stylish and less likely to be noticed as a medical device. For example, Bay Alarm Medical offers a line of jewelry that can be worn with their in-home and mobile devices. The company’s bella charm clip-ons can be added over a lanyard button and cost around $25.

Customization





In addition to features like fall detection and two-way communication, some medical alert necklaces offer a wide range of customization options. The LifeFone VIPx, for example, has a customizable ID faceplate that fits up to six lines of text and can include symbols and artwork. It also has a built-in speaker, making it easier to communicate with the emergency response representative. This device is particularly useful for seniors with hearing loss.

If you’re looking for a medical alert necklace with GPS tracking, consider the Lively Mobile Plus. This device can be used at home or on the go, and it can detect falls automatically. It can also notify your emergency contacts of your location, making it ideal for those who may need help getting to the hospital quickly. Its price is a little high, but its standout feature is the ability to speak directly through your pendant with its two-way speaker.

Some medical alert necklaces are more stylish than others, and some can even hide the help button beneath a decorative charm cover. These covers are great for those who don’t want to wear a large medical alert pendant or have to worry about how it looks. One of the biggest complaints from respondents to our survey was that their devices didn’t look appealing, and this feature can make a difference.

Safety

Medical alert necklaces can be used in a variety of situations and are especially useful for active seniors who prefer to wear their device on the go. The devices can also be worn by people who don’t want to wear a bracelet or wristband. However, the up-front cost of these devices varies by brand. Some offer discounts for buying or leasing in advance, and others charge monthly fees.

Most medical alert necklaces work similarly, but a few brands offer different styles of equipment and accessories. personal alarm and gps tracker For example, Bay Alarm Medical offers an antique-style pendant for its in-home help button, while the top pick, Lifeline GoSafe 2, comes with automatic fall detection built into the device. Some companies also offer additional customization options, such as colored lanyards and charms.

Many medical alert necklaces are cellular-based, which means they don’t need to be paired with a base station and can be used as long as the user is within range of a cell tower. They typically include two-way communication and GPS tracking, though some, like MobileHelp Classic, don’t have this feature.

Regardless of the type of device, it’s important to consider how reliable the system is. While most of the best medical alert systems are reliable, some can be affected by user error or by malfunctioning technology. For this reason, it’s important to test the device before making a purchase and to look into the company’s warranty and protection plan.