Will a medical alert system keep my mom/dad out of assisted living?

While a medical alert device may not solve all of the challenges of remaining at home for seniors, it is an important safety feature to consider if you are concerned about a loved one. In addition to adding an alert system, families may also be researching home care, walk-in tubs, scooters, durable medical equipment, and other in-home modifications to keep a loved one safe at home.

Why is there a monthly fee for medical alert systems?

There is a monthly fee for two reasons. 1) Since there are no fees to use the equipment, you are essentially renting it. 2) The monthly fee also pays for the peace of mind of knowing that help is on the way with the press of a button.

What about those medical alert systems with no monthly fee?

There are walkie-talkie types of alert systems that do not require a monthly fee — if you press the button, the call goes straight to 911 or a family member. Can you imagine how overloaded 911 dispatch would be every time a button was pressed? Knowing that the majority of button presses are not for emergencies, calling 911 every time someone decides to test their unit or has a question doesn’t seem like a good idea.

What happens if my loved one won't wear the medical alert device I paid for?

It can be frustrating to spend the time, energy, and money on a safety device for your loved one, only to find out they aren’t even wearing it! First, find out what their reason is for not wearing it. Is it uncomfortable? Are they embarrassed? Are they simply forgetting to put it on? If one device is uncomfortable, perhaps another device might be more accommodating. Many medical alert companies give users the option of wearing the button around their neck on a lanyard, or on the wrist with a wrist-watch type band. If they are embarrassed to be seen wearing the system, talk about discreet ways it can be worn under clothing. Or, perhaps your loved one would be more comfortable with a smartwatch medical alert system? If they don’t want to wear the button around the house, check with the alert company to see if they offer wall buttons that can be placed in high-risk fall areas throughout the home.

I don’t want to be locked into a long-term contract — how do I avoid that?

We don’t want you to be locked into a long-term contract either. If you choose any of the companies on this list, you will never be locked into a long-term contract. If you go elsewhere, always read the fine print and make sure you are comfortable with the language in the contract. As a last resort, have your attorney review the contract to ensure you are protected.

Mom is on a very limited budget — how do I know her monthly fee won’t increase?

Many of the companies on this list guarantee that the price you pay when you sign up will never increase. Be sure to ask about a price-lock guarantee.

I don’t want to micro-manage my dad’s care — how can a medical alert system help me to keep track of him without being intrusive?

If your loved one is using a mobile medical alert system with GPS, that’s one easy way to check in periodically to see where they are located. Some medical alert companies also offer daily check-ins, medication reminders, and proactive activity notifications as an add-on service.

Why is a medical alert system better than a cell phone?

In the event of an emergency, a cell phone can be difficult to navigate or may not be in close proximity to make a call. With an alert system, it only takes the simple push of a button to reach help.

We are snowbirds — can I take my medical alert system with me when I travel?

Absolutely. Simply call your provider and let them know you are traveling. You will give them your new address, and they will take care of the rest.

We no longer need the medical alert system — do we have to keep paying for it?

If you are with a company that doesn’t require a long-term contract, simply call customer service, let them know you won’t be needing the equipment anymore, and receive the return instructions. You must return the equipment in good working order or there may be a fee charged to your account for the equipment.

Mom needs this, but I’m concerned she won’t wear it because it looks like a medical alert unit.

Ladies rejoice! There are now jewelry and watch options to disguise alert buttons. Add it to your list of questions to ask when shopping around for a medical alert system.

Are there other options to keep my loved one safe that don’t require them to wear a button?

Yes. Many companies offer wall units that can be placed throughout the home. Some of them are voice-activated and do not require a user to be wearing a button to call for help.

How do first responders enter the home if my loved one is unresponsive?

A lockbox is the easiest way to provide first responders access to the home if your loved one is unable to open the door. Most medical alert companies offer lockboxes for a nominal fee when you sign up.

Dad has a pacemaker — is it safe for him to wear a medical alert device?

There is no easy answer to this question, as alert systems run on different frequencies. Talk to your loved one’s physician about the specific pacemaker and medical alert system you are considering.

Best Cellular Medical Alert Systems | Top Cellular Medical Alert Devices

#1 MobileHelp

Their Cellular Medical Alert:

All MobileHelp products are cellular, whether you are looking for something inside the home or out. MobileHelp is the first to offer a 4G all-in-one cellular medical alert that is waterproof with a two-way speaker.

Why We Recommend MobileHelp

Latest technology
No long-term contracts
Risk free, 30-day trial period
High quality two-way speakerphone
Overall top rated medical alert systems

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#2 GreatCall Lively Mobile

Their Cellular Medical Alert:

The GreatCall Lively packages can be customized based on how much support a user needs. The basic package starts at $19.99 and includes 5Star Urgent Response. Alternatively, you can opt for the Preferred or Ultimate package which includes features like fall detection, product replacement coverage and more.

Why We Recommend GreatCall Lively Mobile

Waterproof
Built-in fall detection
Monthly plans start at $19.99
Can be worn in a variety of ways
Uses the Verizon cellular network

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#3 Medical Guardian

Their Cellular Medical Alert:

Medical Guardian offers two cellular medical alert options. Choose from the Mobile Guardian with a 24-hour battery life, 2-way voice and is GPS enabled. Or check out the Active Guardian with built-in fall detection and 5-day battery life.

Why We Recommend Medical Guardian

Free activation
Longest battery life
Built-in fall detection
Uses AT&T cellular network
Top rated customer service

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Stay Safe – No Matter Where You Are

As we get older, going out and about can feel a little more hazardous than it did before. Seniors might find themselves worrying about what happens if they feel unwell, or have a fall, when out of the home.

A cellular medical alert helps alleviate worry. Mobile alerts work on national cellular networks, which means they can be used anywhere mobile phone service is available. Just like with traditional landline alerts, cellular alerts connect the wearer direct to a call center. From there, call center staff can assess the situation, track the wearer using GPS if necessary, and dispatch EMTs or call emergency contacts.

Stay Active For Longer

Cellular alerts help seniors stay active for longer. Knowing help is only a button press away means it’s much easier for seniors to go out and about. Staying active is good for both mental and physical health, and mobile alerts help with that.

From going to a bridge night or the latest NFL game, to running errands, lunch with friends, or taking the family to the nearest water park, seniors can relax and enjoy life safe in the knowledge that if they need help, it’s there.

What To Look For In A Cellular Medical Alert

Choosing the right system is important. Here are the things we recommend looking for:

Easy to cancel contracts. We’re firmly against long term contracts and highly recommend checking out the terms of your contract before signing up.
A water-resistant button. It’s important to know that the button will survive a rain shower when being worn out and about. This is also important for at home – it’s vital to keep the button on while bathing, so check that it’s water safe.
Comfortable to wear. Comfort is so important. Seniors need to feel comfortable with their medical alert, so pick one that’s easy to wear.
Good battery life. If the device is being worn out of the home, seniors need to know they can use it for a full day of activities if they want to.
Easy to charge. Active seniors will want to wear their button daily for maximum protection, so quick and easy charging is a must.

Questions To Ask Before Buying a Cellular Medical Alert System

Before deciding on a cellular system, we suggest asking:

Do I have to pay an equipment or setup fee?
Can I cancel my contract at any time?
How easy is it to cancel?
Will I be penalized for canceling early?
What is my monthly cost?
What happens if the system stops working?
What is the typical response time for a call?

How We Chose The Providers On This List

High quality and excellent service are absolute musts for any company we include on our site. We expect the best for our readers, and so we only include the best in our roundups. We chose providers based on the following criteria:

High-quality equipment that works as advertised – you need equipment you can rely on, so we only list companies that provide high quality.
No long term contracts, ever – no one should ever be locked into a long term contract for their medical alert.
Clear and easy to understand pricing – some companies charge extra for extra features, and that’s fine, but pricing should be clear and easy to understand (and in line with industry standards.)
Excellent customer service – we know how important it is to get help or advice about your system whenever you need it.

There are lots of medical alert companies out there. However, if you’re looking for a cellular system, we think these three are the best on the market. Read on to find out what each offers.

#1. MobileHelp

Best Cellular Medical Alert System

Editor's Rating:

4.9 / 5

800-908-4952 View Packages

MobileHelp offers a flexible and easy to wear cellular option, that works both in and out of the home. That means you can take MobileHelp wherever you go, for added peace of mind at any time. What makes MobileHelp stand out, however, is that even their traditional at-home base stations run on the cellular network. That means that no matter what kind of medical alert system you need, you can get it without a landline. For a more complete look at MobileHelp click here to check out the review.

What’s included: MobileHelp Duo includes both an in-home base station and a mobile device, along with a wearable button. MobileHelp Solo has a mobile device and button only. Caregivers can access an online portal to check on the wearer’s status, stats, and alerts, and device tracking is also included in case the mobile device gets misplaced.
Button type: Choose a pendant or a wrist button. Both are designed to be light and easy to wear. Use the button or device to summon help (though two-way chat is only available through the device.)
Water resistant: Yes
Add-on features: Fall detection (this is worn as a separate pendant), wall buttons, activity tracking, and medication reminders.
Battery: Mobile unit lasts 24 hours between charges, while the base station has a 30-hour backup battery in case of emergencies.
Cost: $37.95 monthly for Solo or $41.95 for Duo (you can make savings by paying quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.)
Contracts: No long term contracts.
Equipment / set up fee: No
What customers are saying:

“We liked that MobileHelp provides both a necklace pendant and a watch option, and really liked that they were modern and sporty.”
“Congratulations to all your team who went the extra mile to accommodate everything I needed to know and for going the extra mile. You can definitely expect many referrals from me in the future. An A+ goes out to all of you folks at MobileHelp.”
“I am so thankful to have MobileHelp for my parents. We have used it multiple times this year and it brings peace of mind to us kids.”

Pros: No landline required for any plans, easy to wear buttons, easy to understand pricing, good customer service, caregiver portal.
Cons: The fall detection button is a separate unit, which could prove cumbersome.
The verdict: We like that MobileHelp is designed to work just as well inside and outside of the home. The equipment is high quality, backed by strong customer service, and we love how small and modern both the device and buttons look.

#2. GreatCall

GreatCall Lively is a flexible little mobile device, designed to be worn in a variety of ways. Rather than pick and choose added extras, GreatCall makes the decision easy by including three straightforward pricing tiers. Unlike most mobile alerts, GreatCall Lively works on the Verizon network. This makes it ideal for those who don’t get good AT&T coverage (most medical alerts are on the AT&T network.)

What’s included: A silver or gold GreatCall Lively device, plus a magnetic lanyard and an accessory clip.
Button type: A small rectangular mobile device that can be worn around the neck, on the wrist, on a keychain or clipped to a belt.
Water resistant: Yes
Add-on features: The Basic package includes the button and 24/7 call center help only. The Preferred package also includes UrgentCare, which gives the wearer 24/7 access to talk to live to registered nurses and doctors, or even get prescriptions filled. It also includes GreatCall Link, an online portal where caregivers can track their loved one’s activity and device usage. The Ultimate package includes UrgentCare and GreatCall Link, as well as a free replacement device if it gets lost, stolen or broken, and fall detection.
Battery: At least 24 hours per charge.
Cost: $24.99 monthly for basic, $29.99 monthly for Preferred, and $29.99 monthly for Ultimate
Contracts: No long term contracts.
Equipment / set up fee: $49.99 initial equipment fee.
What customers are saying:

“I feel a lot safer and I have it in the cradle right by my bedside. It’s there if I fall and I’m very satisfied with it.”
“ I’m very pleased with Lively Mobile and I’ve also recommended it to a number of friends.”
“ I’ve been feeling a lot better since having the Lively Mobile. I know I’m safe now.”

Pros: Ability to speak live with a nurse or doctor, all in one mobile unit, can be worn in several different ways, works on the Verizon network.
Cons: The unit is a bit big for some wearers, having to pay an equipment fee.
The verdict: GreatCall Lively is a good quality, reliable option, with a button that can be worn in plenty of different ways. The initial equipment fee is a little off-putting, but overall this is a great little system, and we love the ability to speak live with a nurse or doctor, and even get prescriptions filled by them.

#3. Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian offers two cellular choices. Mobile Guardian is a portable unit plus wearable button. Active Guardian is an all in one unit that offers both GPS and WiFi tracking (most mobile medical alerts are GPS only). Medical Guardian also offers traditional in-home medical alert systems as well as a smartwatch with a built-in medical alert.

What’s included: Mobile Guardian includes a portable device, plus a wearable button and a leather carrying case with belt clip. Active Guardian includes the all-in-one unit.
Button type: Mobile Guardian users can choose a pendant or a wrist button. Both are designed to be light and easy to wear. Use the button or device to summon help (though two-way chat is only available through the device.) Active Guardian is an all-in-one unit.
Water resistant: Yes
Add-on features: Fall detection (this is not available for Mobile Guardian, but is available for Active Guardian.) Users can also purchase spare buttons, wall buttons, a lockbox, a car charger, and a protection plan to cover them in the event of loss or damage to the device.
Battery: Lasts 24 hours per charge.
Cost: Mobile Guardian is $39.95 monthly, and Active Guardian is $49.95 monthly (you can make savings by paying quarterly or annually.)
Contracts: No long term contracts
Equipment / set up fee: No
What customers are saying:

“I like the fact that the unit is small & easy to take anywhere. Feel more comfortable knowing I can check in fora monthly test that unit is working properly.”
“Great response time. Professional responders on phone, Well worth the money for peace of mind.”
“I love the safety of my Medical Guardian. It tells me when the battery is low and when the system is ready. It is handy and portable – it goes everywhere I do. I feel safe with the Guardian.”

Pros: Two mobile cellular options so you can choose which is right for you, high-quality equipment, great customer reviews, small easy to carry unit, straightforward pricing
Cons: No activity monitoring or similar features, fall detection costs extra, a little more costly than some units.
The verdict: Medical Guardian offers high-quality equipment with strong customer service, and flexible options to suit your needs and lifestyle.

A cellular medical alert is a perfect solution for seniors who want to stay active and enjoy life, while also having a little extra peace of mind. We think these three providers are three of the best on the market today – if you’re looking for a little extra backup while staying active, why not check them out?