Features and costs of the best medical alert systems
Medical alert systems are normally used by seniors and those who have a history of falls, mobility issues, and chronic illness. You can place the systems in your home or car or choose a mobile device. By pressing the emergency button on the device, you reach the call center and connect with emergency responders immediately. Medical alert systems reduce the fear of being alone or help patients get over the inability to reach someone when they are sick.
Family and caregivers can be at peace when they know that their loved ones are no longer helpless if they fall sick.
Features to check before buying a medical alert system
The important features to look for in a medical alert system include wall-mounted base units or consoles that can be connected to a telephone jack, battery-operated devices, or use a cellular signal. Base units communicate with the call center when the user presses the emergency button. Battery backup for the base units is also a salient feature.
Water-resistant transmitters that contain an emergency button can be used as wall-mounted units, wristband devices, portable devices, pendants, or necklaces. Monitoring features like fall detection sensors, GPS tracking, caregiver tools, ability to detect gas, carbon monoxide leaks, or fires are essential for such systems.
Pricing should ideally include installation, equipment, or monthly fees. Customers also look for prompt service and quickness of emergency responders. Range from base unit usually begins from 600 feet. Medical alert systems also come with a user-friendly mobile app for easy access to healthcare providers.
Based on the above basic and advanced features, the top medical alert systems are
WellBe Medical Alert Plus
WellBe Medical Alert Plus has a host of convenient, advanced, and useful features. It provides a smartwatch, a multi-function smart speaker, and a voice-activated virtual health assistant. Apart from helping you in a medical emergency, you can use it to make calls, set reminders for medication, and manage appointments. You can track your vitals like blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight every day. You can also use it to listen to music and audiobooks. The devices are water-resistant. You may buy the speakers and watches by paying an upfront price. The monthly charges of this provider begin from around $45.
Lifefone
Lifefone offers a base system with four medical alert systems with options of a landline pendant or a wristband, cellular, or on-the-go GPS systems. The company doesn’t charge for equipment, and the monthly cost depends on the package you choose, which begins at around $25. Lifefone offers 24×7 GPS tracking, wellness checks, medication reminders, activity training, and a lockbox. You can opt for fall detection at an additional cost of $10.
Bay Alarm Medical Review
Bay Alarm Medical offers four medical alert systems at costs starting at around $20 a month. There are no activation fees or installation and equipment costs. This company offers in-home, mobile, in-car systems with a range is 1000 ft from the base unit. They offer geofencing, and an in-car system offers seniors excellent coverage while driving. Offer emergency monitoring and for an additional charge. They also offer free monitoring if you buy a second pendant for a spouse or another family member.
Medical Guardian
If you are looking for a medical care system with advanced and premium features, Medical Guardian could be the one for you. Apart from emergency monitoring, it has a caregiver portal, location tracking, and voice-to-text messaging. It offers six lightweight and waterproof device options. The battery backup ranges from 24-hour to 5 days and ranges from 600 feet to unlimited depending on the device. The cost begins at around $30, with an additional $10 for fall detection.
Medical Alert
Medical Alert has one of the largest customer bases of medical alert systems. It offers two in-home and one mobile system with no activation, installation, or equipment fee. The company also provides international coverage and a free lockbox for in-home systems if you pay for an annual subscription. Monthly costs begin at around $23. The devices have good batteries back are water-resistant. The range it covers is 800 ft from the base unit. You can enroll for a fall detection alert at an additional cost of $10.