What are Medical Alert Systems?
As people age, health and safety concerns become increasingly important, particularly for those living alone or managing chronic conditions. Medical alert systems provide seniors with quick access to emergency help at the push of a button. This offers peace of mind for both the users and their loved ones. Keep reading to learn more about different medical alert systems for seniors.
1. Medical Guardian Classic Guardian
The Medical Guardian Classic Guardian is a highly reliable medical alert system, ideal for seniors who spend most of their time at home. It features a base unit with a two-way speaker and a wearable pendant or wristband that can be worn around the house. The system offers a range of up to 1,300 feet from the base unit, making it suitable for larger homes.
Why it's a good option: The Classic Guardian is particularly beneficial for seniors with conditions like arthritis, where mobility might be limited, or for those with a history of falls. The large range ensures that help is always accessible, even from the garden or garage.
How it helps: In the event of an emergency, pressing the button on the pendant or wristband will instantly connect the user to a trained operator who can dispatch emergency services or contact a loved one.
Pros
- Affordable monthly plans starting at around $29.95.
- Long range for coverage throughout the home.
- 32-hour backup battery in case of power outages.
Price details: The Medical Guardian Classic Guardian has an initial equipment fee of approximately $99.95, with monthly monitoring fees starting at $29.95.
2. Bay Alarm Medical In-Home Medical Alert
Bay Alarm Medical is a well-regarded name in the industry, known for its reliability and excellent customer service. The In-Home Medical Alert system includes a base station with a built-in speaker and a wearable emergency button. It offers optional fall detection for an additional fee, which can be particularly useful for seniors prone to falls.
Why it's a good option: This system is perfect for seniors who may have conditions such as osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures from falls. The optional fall detection feature can automatically alert the monitoring center if a fall is detected, even if the user is unable to press the button.
How it helps: The system provides 24/7 monitoring, and the base unit has a clear speaker and microphone for easy communication with the monitoring center.
Pros
- Excellent customer service.
- Optional automatic fall detection.
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts.
Price details: Bay Alarm Medical’s In-Home system starts at $19.95 per month, with an additional $10 per month for the fall detection feature. There is no upfront equipment fee.
3. LifeFone Medical Alert Bracelet
LifeFone offers a versatile medical alert system that includes a discreet medical alert bracelet. The bracelet is lightweight, waterproof and designed to be worn at all times, even in the shower. It connects to a base unit within the home or to a mobile device for on-the-go protection.
Why it's a good option: The LifeFone Medical Alert Bracelet is particularly useful for seniors with heart conditions or those at risk of stroke, where immediate assistance is critical. Its discreet design makes it comfortable to wear without drawing attention.
How it helps: In an emergency, the user can press the button on the bracelet to instantly connect with LifeFone’s 24/7 monitoring center. The bracelet’s waterproof design means it can be worn in all situations, ensuring that help is always within reach.
Pros
- Discreet and comfortable design.
- Waterproof, suitable for wearing in the shower or bath.
- Options for both home and mobile use.
Price details: LifeFone’s systems start at $29.95 per month for at-home use, with an additional fee for mobile coverage. The bracelet is included in the standard package at no extra cost.
4. Philips Lifeline GoSafe 2
The Philips Lifeline GoSafe 2 is a top choice for active seniors who are frequently on the move. This mobile medical alert system uses multiple location technologies, including GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular signals to pinpoint the user’s location in an emergency, making it highly effective for those who travel or live independently.
Why it's a good option: Ideal for seniors with conditions like diabetes or dementia, the GoSafe 2 ensures that they can receive help wherever they are, whether at home or out and about. Its advanced location tracking is crucial for emergencies where the user may not be able to communicate their location.
How it helps: The GoSafe 2 offers fall detection and a quick connection to the Philips Lifeline response center, ensuring that help is dispatched immediately. The pendant is designed to be worn around the neck and is waterproof, making it suitable for all environments.
Pros
- Advanced location tracking for use anywhere.
- Automatic fall detection included.
- Waterproof pendant.
Price details: The Philips Lifeline GoSafe 2 has a monthly monitoring fee starting at $44.95, with an upfront equipment fee of approximately $99.95.
All four of these medical alert systems for seniors offer unique benefits tailored to different needs and lifestyles. When choosing a medical alert system, consider factors like mobility, specific health conditions and whether you prefer a home-based or mobile system. Selecting the right system allows seniors to maintain their independence, and ensures that help is always just a button press away.