Founded over 150 years ago, ADT was one of the first companies to offer security systems for both businesses and homes. Since then, they have grown, offering a wide range of security cameras, emergency alarms, and even medical alert systems for older adults.
When it comes to medical alert systems, ADT has many competitors that offer similar features, but I appreciate ADT because of the reliability of their devices, along with additional unique features such as home temperature monitoring.
When buying from ADT, you can choose between three systems for use in or outside the home. These systems include the Medical Alert Basic System, Medical Alert Plus System, and On-The-Go System.
These options, combined with low prices and no long-term contracts, make ADT a great medical alert option.
| In-Home System | $29.99 per month |
|---|---|
| Mobile System | $39.99 per month |
| Most Affordable System | $29.99 per month |
| Fall Detection | $10 per month |
| Extra Users | $14.99 one-time |
Although ADT does not offer as many different systems as Medical Guardian or MobileHelp—they cover all the basics. You can choose between three different systems, keeping you safe in your home, outside, or somewhere in between. You also have the option of adding fall detection for $10 a month in the event that you can’t get to a button during emergencies.
FYI: If you want to see more of our hands-on experience with these systems, check out our full ADT medical alert review.
The Medical Alert Basic System by ADT is great for older adults who spend their time at home and have an existing landline connection. The help button range is just 300 feet, which is definitely on the lower end, though certainly enough for most homes. With that said, ADT’s basic plan is on the more affordable side at just $29.99 per month with free shipping and activation.
Similar to most top medical alert systems, ADT’s Medical Alert Basic System uses a base station and a help button. When a user needs emergency assistance, they can simply press the button and immediately be connected to ADT’s professional monitoring center, wherein a response agent will coordinate a response, by contacting either a loved one or emergency responders.
One major plus of the basic plan is the availability of home temperature monitoring, which alerts ADT emergency response personnel if house temperature rises above safe degrees. With over 1,200 Americans over the age of 65 dying each year as a result of fire, this feature is a huge plus.
FYI: Older adults are the most susceptible age group to experience an injury in the bathroom. In fact, 80 percent of all bathroom incidents can be attributed to falls, with older adults experiencing the highest fracture and hospitalization rates. This is one of the main reasons I appreciate waterproof devices.
The Medical Alert Plus System is slightly more advanced than the Medical Alert Basic system because it has a slightly larger range of coverage at 600-feet and provides coverage both in and around the home. This system is also cellular-based. That’s right, no landline is needed. Therefore, this system is great for those who have a strong cellular service in their home and prefer to do yard activities, like reading outdoors, playing with the dog, or gardening.
On top of this increased range, the Medical Alert Plus System can also be used with automatic fall detection. For an extra $10 per month, you can purchase a fall detection pendant that can automatically detect a fall and contact the monitoring center without you having to press a button. While this might seem like a costly upgrade, fall detection can be a lifesaving feature, and a monthly $10 is standard for the industry. Other features include your choice of multiple pendant options and a new optional feature to add a Waterproof Wall Mount Button at no cost.
As with the Medical Alert Basic System, the Medical Alert Plus System has help buttons that are waterproof, and you can also purchase additional help buttons (wristbands or pendants) for $14.99, in addition to a $5 monthly monitoring fee on an additional pendant or wristband. This system costs $35.99 per month without fall detection or additional buttons.
Pro Tip: Caring for an older adult with epilepsy? We’ve evaluated 24 companies and narrowed down our search to help you find the Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors with Epilepsy.
ADT really stepped up their game with their On-The-Go system. Its help button is small, lightweight, and completely portable by using either an included wristband or pendant. As long as the base and the pendant are within 300 feet of each other, you’re free to go anywhere you please. Therefore, this is definitely the choice for active adults who spend time outside of the house. This system includes a mobile base unit, optional fall detection, GPS location capabilities, and optional multiple pendants. It doesn’t require a landline connection and helps you enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind.
New add-on alert: The new Waterproof Wall Mount comes at no cost to you when purchasing the On-The-Go Medical Alert System by ADT. You can use this wall mount near your bedside table or other at-risk areas for emergencies.
Whereas the Plus and Basic systems rely on the base station’s speakerphone, ADT’s On-The-Go system has a built-in speakerphone, connecting you with help wherever you go. On top of this unlimited range, the system comes with built-in GPS location tracking, meaning that response agents can track a user even if he doesn’t know where he is.
Because of the mobility of this system, home temperature monitoring is not an option; however, a fall detection pendant can also be added for $10 per month. The On-The-Go system costs $39.99 per month with free shipping and activation.
| Medical Alert Basic System | Medical Alert Plus System | On-The-Go Medical Alert System | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $29.99 | $35.99 | $39.99 |
| Initial Fees | None | None | None |
| For Use | In-home | In-home | Outside the home |
| Help Button Range | 300 feet from the base station | 600 feet from the base station | 100 feet from the mobile device |
| Connection Type | Landline | Cellular | Cellular |
| Fall Detection | N/A | $10 per month | $10 per month |
| Waterproof Help Buttons | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Capabilities | No | No | Yes |
| Home Temperature Monitoring | Yes | Yes | No |
TIP: If you speak to an ADT agent on the phone, you can purchase lockboxes or even additional help buttons, which are excellent if you’re looking for a medical alert for more than one user.
Each of ADT’s medical alert systems features two-way talk, meaning that ADT’s emergency response personnel are available 24/7, 365 days a year to talk directly to those who experience a fall or emergency. This is especially nice since an emergency response (ambulance, fire department, etc.) is not always needed at the home.
Sometimes, all a person needs is a caregiver to be notified of the situation. With that being said, those who experience a fall with an ADT Health medical alert system will go through the following steps:
There are no automatic monthly tests with ADT; however, every month a light will show up on the device reminding users to test their system for any technological damage. This testing ensures that the medical alert device is working even if it has not been used for an extended period of time.
Another plus of ADT is its customer-friendly pricing policies. For example, the Price Lock Guarantee ensures that the customer’s monthly price will never be raised. Additionally, there are no long-term contracts available, which is a huge advantage in my eyes. Life is unpredictable, and it is nice to know that there is no chance of being stuck in a contract that requires you to pay more for a system that does not fit your needs.
Last but not least, ADT medical alert systems come with an unconditional lifetime warranty on parts, labor and service. The user will never be charged for repairs to the unit unless the base unit or the accessories are lost or damaged.
To purchase a medical alert system from ADT, you’ll want to start by visiting their website. Here, you’ll be able to take a closer look at each of their systems and the costs and requirements of each one. When purchasing through their website, you can also add on additional devices such as lockboxes, wall buttons, or extra pendant or wristband buttons.
While $29.99 might seem like a very low price to pay for an advanced medical alert system, it’s important to recognize that ADT, like most medical alert providers, leases their equipment rather than selling it outright. The $29.99 you pay is actually your subscription cost, meaning once you’re done with your system, you simply have to cancel your service and return the equipment to ADT.
Purchases can be made either online or over the phone by providing a credit card and address. Shipping is free with all of the systems.
TIP: Talk to your customer service representative about long-term payment options. You can move your payments to quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, all of which resulting in lower overall costs.
So, there you have it; all there is to know about ADT’s medical alert systems. Overall, ADT offers top-notch devices with key features, including fall detection, waterproof pendants, and a price lock guarantee. While ADT’s prices are not the lowest we have ever seen (for example, MobileHelp costs as low as $19.95 per month), their stellar customer service and durable equipment make them a great option for anyone looking for a medical alert.
ADT is a company that focuses on what they do best. There are no flashy smartwatches or a large range of add-ons. With that said, ADT fits right in with the best. When it comes down to it, ADT is a trusted, accredited company with over a century of experience under its belt. From ADT, you can expect a top-notch response team for any type of lifestyle.
If you’re looking to protect a loved one either in or outside their home, ADT has a good selection of systems that will do just that.
To learn more about medical alert systems, be sure to check out our helpful guides:
ADT currently offers three different medical alert systems, two for in-home use and one for mobile use.
ADT medical alert systems start at $29.99 per month for their in-home landline system. Their in-home cellular system costs $35.99 per month, and their mobile system costs $39.99 per month.
Both of ADT’s in-home medical alert systems come with either a bracelet or necklace help button. The mobile system can also be worn as a necklace.
The base system for all ADT medical alert devices has a backup charge of 12 to 20 hours. When the battery is getting low, a notification will be sent to ADT Health’s emergency response team who will ask what assistance can be provided and offer advice.
ADT allows you to lease and use their equipment on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Quarterly and annual contracts come at discounted rates.
While both companies offer similar medical alert systems, ADT will cost you about half the price of a Life Alert system.
