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 Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection

Updated On: March 24, 2020

Fall detection is an important feature of any medical alert system. If a loved one can't press the button after a fall or during a medical emergency, automatic fall detection ensures that help is still on the way.

About Our Expert:

Amie Clark

Editor of TheSeniorList.com

Amie has 20 years of experience in various senior care roles at skilled nursing facilities in Oregon and later as Senior Housing Advisor she helped seniors and their families find the best housing and care options.

In that role, Amie helped a client who was at risk of a fall related injury by recommending a medical alert system. From there she began hand-testing medical alert systems and writing reviews for them. Over the past 10 years as Editor of TheSeniorList, Amie’s writing has helped over 800,000 seniors and their families choose the right medical alert system.

20 years experience in various senior care roles at skilled nursing facilities
10 years experience hand-testing medical alert systems
Through her writing, she’s helped over 800,000 seniors and their families choose a medical alert system

#1 Medical Guardian

Their Fall Detection:

Medical Guardian’s fall alert pendant can be added on to a variety of their medical alert plans for an additional $10/month.

Why We Recommend Medical Guardian

Top-rated customer service
No contracts, no hidden fees
Can be added to in-home and on-the-go systems
Lightweight and water resistant fall detection pendant

View Packages

800-520-5889

#2 LifeFone

Their Fall Detection:

LifeFone’s fall detection pendant can be added on to both the at-home traditional and cellular systems for an additional $5/month.

Why We Recommend LifeFone

Price lock guarentee
Lowest cost for fall detection
In-home or on-the-go mobile options
Can be added on to any LifeFone system

View Packages

(866) 790-3741

#3 Bay Alarm Medical

Their Fall Detection:

Bay Alarm Medical’s fall detection pendant can be added on to its in-home medical alerts and comes with the on-the-go cellular product.

Why We Recommend Bay Alarm Medical

No landline required
At home or on-the-go
Bundle and save
Month-to-month, no long-term contracts

View Packages

844-284-7976

Automatic Fall Detection – Using Technology To Get Help

Ever since LifeCall’s now famous line “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”, medical alert buttons have been associated with getting help after a fall. Rightly so – falling is a real risk for seniors. In fact, the National Council on Aging tells us that a senior dies from a fall every nineteen minutes.

It’s a frightening thought, which is why we advocate for medical alerts with added fall detection, for extra peace of mind.

Here are the 6 best medical alert systems with fall detection

Medical Guardian – Best Overall Value
LifeFone – Free Spouse Coverage
Bay Alarm Medical – Most Affordable
GreatCall Lively Mobile Plus – All In One

How Does Automatic Fall Detection Work?

Fall detection works in the same way as airbag deployment in a car. The pendant uses a combination of accelerometers, sensors, and algorithms, to sense when the wearer falls down. This is also the same accelerometer technology that allows your smartphone to rotate the screen when you turn your handset, so it can adjust the picture accordingly.

Once the unit detects a fall, it sends an automatic signal to the call center. This is of paramount importance. Even if the wearer is unconscious, too injured or confused to press the button, help is still contacted.

Knowing that help will come even if a loved one cannot push the button gives seniors and their caregivers extra peace of mind. Knowing that help is always available can even help keep seniors in their own homes longer.

The First Moments After A Fall Are Vital

Getting help quickly after a fall is so important. Seniors who are unable to get help run the risk of complications further down the line due to being left unattended, possibly injured, and at risk of getting cold. Any physical injuries, or emotional distress, go untreated. All this makes it more likely that they’ll have to stay in the hospital longer and can impact recovery rates.

Fall detection means seniors can get help at once. Dispatchers send EMTs or nearby caregivers (depending on the individual response plan) as soon as the button sends a signal to the call center. Having help on hand so quickly gets the user out of a bad situation and ensures they get the treatment they need, with no delays.

There are False Alarms – Is it Worth the Risk?

One concern we hear about fall detection is that the pendants can send out false alarms.

To be completely transparent, yes, this is a genuine issue. No fall detection system is perfect and from time to time the sensors might mistake an ordinary movement such as bending forward or getting into bed as a fall and send out an alarm.

However, if this happens, the wearer need only press the button on their base station to contact the call center and let them know there’s no problem.

On the flip side, most systems are set so that if they detect movement after a fall, they don’t send out an alarm. This is to prevent false signals – the system assumes that if you can move, you can press your alarm. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to press the help button after a fall, just to make extra sure help is coming.

It’s clear that fall detection systems aren’t perfect. That said, we firmly believe they are worth the investment, especially for seniors who are particularly at risk from falls, such as those with balance issues, unsteadiness on their feet, or a history of falls.

It’s far better to risk the occasional false alarm than be left without a way to get help in the event of a fall. Medical alert companies are well aware of the potential for false alarms, and so are prepared for them to happen.

What To Look For In A Medical System With Fall Detection

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

Clear pricing. Make sure you know how much fall detection costs and how much you will pay every month.
An integrated pendant if wearing a second button is a problem. Some providers upgrade your existing button so you can use it for fall detection without needing separate equipment.
However, some offer fall detection as a separate pendant. This isn’t a complete no-no if the rest of the system is ideally suited to your needs, but it does mean wearing a second button.
Easy to cancel contracts. Our readers know that we take a strong stand against long term contracts, and we recommend checking out the terms and conditions of canceling before signing anything.
A comfortable button or pendant. If seniors don’t feel comfortable with their medical alert, they’re far more likely to take it off, removing their source of immediate help.
Water resistance. The bathroom is a prime risk for slips and falls, so do check the button is safe for wearing when bathing or showering.

Questions To Ask Before Investing in a Medical Alert System

Before deciding on a medical alert 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 much do I have to pay to add fall detection?
Do I have to wear a separate fall detection pendant?

How We Choose Medical Alert Companies

We only recommend companies that we’ve researched and found to offer good quality with a strong focus on customer service and easy-to-use equipment. Every medical alert company that we highlight has to meet the following criteria:

Good quality equipment that works exactly as advertised – no one should ever get unpleasant surprises when learning to use their medical alert.
Absolutely no long term contracts – we believe that no one should be tied into a long term contract that they are then stuck with.
Straightforward pricing – it’s absolutely fine to offer extra packages or features for an extra cost, but the cost should always be clear and upfront.
Strong customer service – sometimes seniors need help with a system issue or have questions. It’s important to know that the company has trained support staff on hand to help.

Lots of medical alert companies include fall detection in their services. We think the following three medical alert companies offer some of the best options on the market. Read on to find out which one is the best fit for you.

#1. Medical Guardian

Best On-The-Go Fall Detection

Editor's Rating:

4.8 / 5

Medical Guardian’s fall alert pendant can be added on to a variety of their medical alert plans for an additional $10per month. Call to hear current Medical Guardian offers and pricing.

800-520-5889 View Packages

Medical Guardian offers several at-home and mobile options, and a smartwatch with an emergency button. The choice of options is impressive. No matter what your needs, there is sure to be a Medical Guardian option to suit them. Users can choose from Classic (in-home landline), Home (in-home cellular), or Family (in-home cellular with additional activity sensors that caregivers can monitor.) Those looking for a mobile option can choose from Mobile (a GPS system), Active (a combined GPS and WiFi system), or Freedom (a smartwatch with emergency help features.)

What’s included: Classic and Home come with a base unit and a choice of wrist or button pendant. Family comes with a base unit, wrist or button pendant, and activity sensors. Mobile comes with the mobile device, charging cradle, and a choice of wrist or button pendant, plus a leather carrying case with belt clip. Active is an all in one unit, so simply comes with a charging cradle. Freedom is an all in one unit.
Button type: Choose from wrist or pendant.
Water-resistant: Yes.
Integrated pendant: Yes, for the Active option. All at-home options are worn as a separate unit. Fall detection is not available on Mobile.
Fall button range: Works up to 350 ft from the mobile device. 1300 ft from Classic or Family base units, and 600ft from the Home base unit.
Add-on features: Customers can purchase extra buttons, wall buttons, voice-activated wall buttons for if they can’t reach to press it, a car charger for the Mobile device and a lockbox to store keys in the event an EMT has to access their home.
Battery: Classic and Family have a 32-hour backup battery, and Home has a 30-hour battery. The Mobile option lasts up to 24 hours per charge, and Active can last up to 5 days.
Cost: Classic starts at $29.95 monthly, Home starts at $34.95 monthly, and Family starts at $79.95 monthly. For on the go options, Mobile starts at $39.95 monthly and Active starts at $49.95 monthly.
Cost to add fall detection: $10 monthly.
Contracts: No long term contracts.
Equipment / set up fee: No.
What customers are saying:
“Everything was quick and professional. As a nurse, I recommend this device for elderly or incapacitated people. I’m glad I got it for mom.”
“Within minutes the EMT were at my door, they had the number for my door lock from the dispatcher and there they were helping me. Thank you, Medical Guardian, you lived up to everything you said this protection would do. I am so happy that I chose you for my protection.”
“My sense of security now is 100%. I would not go without them. I tell my friends to buy this device as a Christmas gift for their mom or grandma.”
Pros: So many options to choose from, which makes choosing the right option for you a breeze. The mobile units are designed to be small and easy to take out and about, and we appreciate the straightforward pricing.
Cons: No fall detection on Mobile unit, fall detection is a separate button for the other units, and there’s a lack of extra features such as activity monitoring.
The verdict: A robust range of products and good quality equipment that you can trust, backed by a strong customer service team.

Medical Guardian base station with alert buttons, mobile alert and medical alert smartwatch. — Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian base station cellular pendants — Medical Guardian Equipment

Medical Guardian Classic Guardian — Classic Guardian

#2. LifeFone

Lowest Cost Fall Detection

Editor's Rating:

4.3 / 5

LifeFone offers reliable high-quality equipment with lots of offers, good customer service, and is competitively priced. Call to hear current LifeFone offers and pricing.

(866) 790-3741 View Packages

LifeFone has a long history of providing quality medical alerts, backed by top-notch customer service. As well as offering a wide range of options for any lifestyle, LifeFone’s at-home landline option travels with you wherever you. Simply take it with you and plug it into the landline at your new address, whether you’re on vacation, visiting family, or moving home. Users can choose from the in-home landline or cellular options, the on-the-go mobile device with button or pendant, or a voice-in mobile device that has everything in one pendant.

What’s included: Both in-home options come with a base station and a wrist button or pendant. On-the-go GPS comes with a mobile device for outside, a charging cradle, a base station for at home, and a wrist button or pendant. Voice-in mobile comes with the all-in-one unit and a charging cradle. Your spouse or partner is also covered, although this coverage doesn’t include fall detection, which must be purchased separately for the second person.
Button type: Choose from wrist or pendant.
Water-resistant: Yes.
Integrated pendant: The voice-in mobile option is integrated, but the on-the-go mobile option and both at home options come with a separate fall detection pendant.
Fall button range: Up to 600 ft for the at-home options and up to 350 for on-the-go. The voice-in pendant is integrated, so the range is limited only by cell phone service in the area.
Add-on features: In-home landline customers can subscribe to a daily activity check for $6 monthly. All customers can choose to opt-in for a daily check-in call for extra peace of mind, for $19 monthly. LifeFone also offers daily medication reminders for $6 monthly (there are some restrictions on which system this works with, so do check in with LifeFone if you’re not sure you’re eligible.) Customers who have in-home are on-the-go GPS systems can sign up for a location service for $9 monthly, to help carers keep track of them. LifeFone also offers a range of accessories: Wall-mounted or hanging lockboxes, a wall-mounted help button, additional pendants, a lanyard, and a protection plan in case the device is damaged or stolen.
Battery: Both in-home systems have a 32-hour battery life. On-the-go GPS has 30 hours (very impressive compared to other systems), while the voice-in pendant lasts 36 hours.
Cost: In-home landline starts at $24.95 monthly, and cellular starts at $30.95 monthly. On-the-go starts at $36.95 monthly, and voice-in starts at$42.95 monthly.
Cost to add fall detection: $5 monthly – the most affordable we’ve seen.
Contracts: No long term contracts, and if you cancel your contract you might be eligible for a pro-rated refund.
Equipment / set up fee: No.
What customers are saying:
“My mom had LifeFone for years after my dad passed and until she moved into assisted living. It made her feel secure and it gave me tremendous peace of mind. She told me how much she liked their customer service. They do a great job, and they really made us feel like they cared. I highly recommend them.”
“I have had a great experience with my Lifefone. They are always so helpful and professional and respond quickly whenever I push my button. I feel much safer being home alone and my kids have peace of mind as well. I would recommend Lifefone to anyone looking for a medical alert button.”
“I really love the fact that Lifefone has given my family member the confidence to feel safe and secure being on their own. They love the fact that their system can be used for in and out of the home since they are independent and always on the move. The best part I believe are the staff members.”
Pros: There’s so much to love about LifeFone. A wide range of options, affordable fall detection, and of course their excellent customer service. We also like their range of caregiver solutions such as daily check-in calls, to provide extra peace of mind.
Cons: The only drawback we can see is that the fall detection pendant is a separate unit.
The verdict: LifeFone offers reliable high-quality equipment with lots of offers, good customer service, and is competitively priced. Whatever you need from your fall detection medical alert system, LifeFone has got the system for you.

Choosing a medical alert system is a big decision. We recommend these three providers – they offer excellent equipment quality, great customer service, and the added peace of mind of knowing that if you fall, you can get help.

Best Overall Medical Alert System

Editor's Rating:

4.8 / 5

Medical Guardian sets the standard in the medical alert industry for not only providing best-in-class equipment but also for offering the highest level of customer service. Call to hear current Medical Guardian offers and pricing

800-520-5889 View Packages

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