5 Helpful Monitoring Devices For Seniors

Medical alert systems, like baby monitors or nanny cams, are great technologies that allow users to summon help when they cannot do so themselves.

They are popular amongst older adults at higher risk of falling or family caregivers worried about unforeseen medical emergencies.

Older adults who have advanced dementia or one of the Geriatric Syndromes are especially at risk for dangerous falls, injuries, and premature death.

At the touch of a button, an alert is dispatched, and individuals can be connected through phone calls or smartphone apps, for example, with emergency services, a friend, or family members.

These monitoring devices for seniors help reduce emergency response times to promote positive health outcomes in the event of a medical emergency with elderly individuals.

These systems provide reassurance and peace of mind that those you care about are taken care of.

This article will discuss the most popular and well-regarded medical alert systems on the market today so that you can make the most informed decision about which is right for you.

How do I choose a medical alert system?

There are so many medical alert companies and technologies available that it’s hard to know which one is the right choice.

Which system you choose will be based on your needs, considering factors such as features, cost, customer service, and the monitoring service. Considerations for each of these are outlined below:

Device features

With new-age technology, devices are now well-equipped to do more than just call emergency services.

Numerous types of medical alert systems and different add-ons can enhance the user experience.

Additional features exist, such as:

• GPS location tracking
• Movement sensors
• Automatic heart rate, blood pressure sensors, fall detection using motion sensors
• Wearable devices and room monitors
• Two-way audio and real-time communication with loved ones or personal or professional caregivers
• Aligns with your daily normal routine
• Live videos, video feed, via a monitoring camera
• Door sensors to safeguard against wandering
• Smart motion detection
• Infrared night vision
• Caregiver app access
• Cost and subscriptions:
  • Certain tech companies or service providers will require annual or multi-year contracts for their users in addition to the cost to purchase the device itself
  • Contracts and medical alert systems will vary in price depending on the device’s quality and features
• Customer service:
  • Because alert systems provide emergency services, all systems will have a customer service line that can be reached via phone or online chat
  • It is important that the system you select has positive ratings and reviews to ensure your own satisfaction
• Reliability of the monitoring service:
  • All monitoring centers for medical alert systems must be accredited by the Monitoring Association or Underwriter’s Laboratory. These associations ensure compliance and reliability of the services.
  • Additionally, monitoring services should have contingency plans for an outage so that service is truly 24/7, especially at night. The center must also direct calls to a live agent and never an automated answering machine.

Each of these factors is important when selecting a medical alert system for you or a loved one.

The remainder of this article will discuss popular companies and their products to help you select the right device.

Full disclosure: I may earn a small commission when you purchase any of the products reviewed below, at no additional cost to you.

Thank you for supporting my website!

 

1. MobileHelp

MobileHelp provides a wide variety of medical alert systems that range from standard in-home units to portable systems that can be taken on the go.

Its devices are some of the least expensive options compared to other emergency response systems.

MobileHelp stands out also because there are no additional fees for cellular in-home devices.

Thus, the “classic” plan is one of the cheapest amongst other reputable companies.

Additionally, the company offers a website and mobile app called MobileHelp Connect.

Both users and their caregivers can access this, adding an extra sense of security.

MobileHelp offers numerous devices and services, from a smart device known as “Touch” to couples plans.

The company provides high-quality customer service and products at reasonable prices.

MobileHelp’s advantages include no additional charges for cellular connection and added features.

Some customers, however, must pay a fee for activation.

Products, Cost, and Features

Product	Monthly Cost (USD)	Type of System	Features
Classic	19.95	In-home	Main station and portable pendant Cellular connection 30-hour backup battery life Fall detection for $10/mo
Wired Home	26.95	In-home	Pendant and/or wristband Landline connection 30-hour backup battery life
Solo	41.95	Mobile	Mobile device GPS location services Cellular connection 24-hour battery life Fall detection for $10/mo
MobileHelp Duo	46.95	In-home and mobile	Base station and mobile device Cellular connection 24-hour battery life 30-hour backup battery life Fall detection for $10/mo
Mobile Duo	49.95	Mobile	Two mobile devices Cellular connection 24-hour battery life Fall detection for $10/mo
Touch	54.95	In-home, mobile, and tablet	Wearable alert button, mobile device, and tablet Cellular connection 24-hour battery life 12-hour backup battery for tablet Fall detection for $10/mo

 

Optional Features

• Lockbox for EMS home access
• Medication reminders for $5/mo
• Wall-mounted help button for $2/mo
• Wearable pendants

 

 

2. Medical Care Alert

Medical Care Alert is unique in that it only employs operators who are EMT/EMD-certified at their monitoring center.

All employees are certified and have robust training in responding to emergency situations.

When an alert is initiated through Medical Care Alert, the monitoring center will dispatch the alert to the user’s emergency contacts.

The individual’s contacts can include caregivers, family, and friends.

Products, Cost, and Features

Product	Monthly Cost (USD)	Type of System	Features
Home System	29.95	In-home	Landline connection 72-hour backup battery 1,000-foot range Fall detection for $10/mo
Home-3G System	29.95	In-home	Same features as Home System AT&T cell service rather than a landline Fall detection for $10/mo
Home and Yard System	34.95	In-home	Landline connection 24-hour backup battery 600-foot range
Home and Away Ultra	39.95	Mobile	GPS location tracking WiFi and cellular connection 3-day battery life Fall detection for $10/mo

 

Optional Features

• Lockbox for EMS access for $1.95/mo
• Wall-mounted buttons for $2.95/mo
• Additional wearable pendants for $1.95/mo

 

 

3. LifeFone

LifeFone is a medical alert service available through a pendant, wristband, or wall-mounted device.

LifeFone also offers a mobile device for users who may require emergency services when on the go.

Alerts are dispatched to a LifeFone Care Agent who has an individual’s personal Emergency Care Instructions on hand.

Monitoring agents will review the user’s emergency care plan and appropriately dispatch the alert.

LifeFone offers four different products that provide either in-home or mobile services.

Products, Cost, and Features

Product	Monthly Cost (USD)	Type of System	Features
At-Home Landline	24.95	In-home	32-hour backup battery 1,300-foot range Personalized emergency care plan Room temperature sensor Optional fall detection
At-Home Cellular	30.95	In-home	Same features as landline but uses AT&T’s 4G Cellular Network Medication reminders
At-Home and On-The-Go	39.95	In-home and mobile	30-hour backup battery 1,400 foot range from base unit and 600-foot range with mobile device Personalized emergency care plan Room temperature sensor AT&T’s 4G Cellular Network Optional caregiver tools Optional fall detection
At-Home, On-The-Go, and Voice in Pendant	36.95	In-home and mobile	Same features as At-Home and On-The-Go with additional Voice in Pendant (VIP) Verizon or AT&T 4G LTE cell service 30-day battery life Optional location features

Optional Features

• Lockbox for EMS access
• Activity assurance for $6/mo
• Wall-mounted help button
• Complete home package (medical alert device, smoke detector, and Carmon monoxide detector)

 

 

4. Alert1 

Why choose Alert1?

They do not have fees for the number of occurrences the pendant is pressed.

Alert1 encourages its members to test their products once a week.

This makes sure that everything is working properly, and helps members become familiar with their device.

They do not have long-term contracts. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time.

No equipment or cancellation fees. If a member needs to cancel, call Alert1 and send the equipment back to them.

Their Command Center is 5 Diamond Certified.

Monitoring is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Most importantly, when a member presses their pendant, Alert1 stays on the line until help arrives. Not all companies do this!

They have 2 service plans, 10-month and monthly

“On the Go” devices **Their most popular products:

• Easy to “install”
  • It comes with a charging cradle that you plug into a power outlet, charge the device for up to 2 hours, and it is ready to use. Charge lasts up to 16 days; Alert1 encourages weekly charging.
• Fall detection and GPS features are also available for these devices
• Can be worn around the neck or on the belt with the included belt clip
• Has a two-way speaker and microphone built directly into the pendant which allows you to talk directly to the command center
• The pendant is showerproof

 

 In-Home devices: 

• Products will come with the base unit (landline or wireless), as well as a necklace or a wristband.
• Easy to install
  • Landline units will plug into a power outlet and the phone/phone jack
  • Wireless units plug directly into a power outlet
• Fall detection is optional for both In-Home units
• Both have a two-way speaker and microphone in the base unit
  • If the command center cannot hear you across the base unit, they will call the phone number listed in the account. If no one answers the phone, Alert1 will send emergency help
• The pendant or wristband range is 600 feet from the base units!
• Pendants and wristbands are showerproof with a 5-year battery life (Alert1 will receive a low battery signal and reach out to you to remind you to replace the pendant))

     

** Their monthly plans do have an activation fee.

** If you purchase their 10-month plan, you will get the 11th month for free!

**  Shipping is free with the 10-month service.

Available Products, Cost, and Features

Product	Monthly Cost (USD)	Type of System	Features
Classic Medical Alert	19.95	In-home only	Landline required Unlimited Button Pushes 24/7 Call Friends, Family, or 911 Free Equipment Use Coverage In All 50 States Works In & Around Home No Fall Detection (Fall detection option available - see below) Button Water Resistant to 50 Meters Wireless systems are available for an additional $10/month Call to Order
Medical Alert Pendant	39.95	In-home and On-the-Go	24/7 Command Center Unlimited Button Pushes Call Friends, Family, or 911 Free Equipment Use Coverage In All 50 States Works On-The-Go and In-home No Landline Required Fall Detection Included Button Water Resistant to 50 Meters
Fall Detection Classic Medical Alert	29.95	In-Home	Landline Required Unlimited Button Pushes 24/7 Call Friends, Family, or 911 Free Equipment Use Coverage In All 50 States Works In & Around Home On-The-Go Upgrade Available Fall Detection Included Button Water Resistant to 50 Meters Wireless systems are available for an additional $10/month Call to Order
On-the-Go + In-the-Home + Fall Detection Medical Alert	49.95	In-home and On-the-Go	Best All-around Protection! Landline not Required Unlimited Button Pushes 24/7 Call Friends, Family, or 911 Free Equipment Use Coverage In All 50 States Works In & Around Home Fall Detection Included
On-the_Go Wrist Watch Medical Alert + GPS + Pedometer	29.95	In-home and On-the-Go	Coverage In All 50 States Works In & Around Home Fall Detection NOT Included Lightweight, stylish wrist watch design does not look like a traditional medical alert device Simply push the SOS button and connect to our 24/7/365 Command Center   Select analog, digital, or date/time watch styles Showerproof medical alert device with built-in GPS is compatible with pacemakers Communicate through the watch’s built-in 2-way speaker Includes pedometer and weather app

 

 

 

5. Response Now Medical Alert 

Belle is a lightweight, shower-safe mobile help button designed to go wherever your busy life takes you.

Using the AT&T cellular network, Belle can communicate with the 24/7 monitoring center from anywhere in the U.S. at any time for any emergency, big or small.

 

HOW IT WORKS • AT A GLANCE

• Press the Call Button: Activate Belle for any emergency, big or small, by pressing the unit’s call button.
• Talk to the Operator: Operators are standing by 24/7 ready to assist you with any situation you might be experiencing. You’ll communicate with the monitoring center directly through Belle’s powerful two-way speaker and microphone.
• Help is on the Way: After discussing options with the operator, you’ll receive the appropriate level of response whether you’re at home or on the road. Help can include emergency medical services or simply a friend or family member. The operator remains on the line until help arrives!
• Get fully charged in just 3 hours. Requires charging only 2x per month.
• Belle is perfectly safe to take in the shower. Just no submerging it underwater!
• When your battery drops beneath 20%, ResponseNow will notify you via text and/or email that it’s time to charge Belle. Drop below 10%, and they’ll call you to inform you to charge.

 

PRICING

• Service Types: Belle (most popular), Belle+, In The Home.
• Plans: Annual, Quarterly, Monthly.
• Discounts and free lockbox available on Quarterly and Annual options.
• No equipment to buy. Customers pay for monitoring only.
• Return equipment when done with service in order to cancel.
• 30-day money-back guarantee.
• No binding long-term contracts. Cancel in the middle of the Annual plan? They will refund the remaining amount.

 

Products, Cost, and Features

Product	Cost (USD)	Type of System	Features
Belle	39.95 (Monthly) 113.85 (Quarterly) 419.40 (Annual)	In-home and Mobile	4G LTE Verizon or AT&T Coverage anywhere in U.S. Battery Life: up to 30 days Talk to operator directly through pendant Weight: 2 ounces Style: Necklace or Clothing Clip Shower-safe Fall Detection: No
Belle X	49.95 (Monthly) 143.80 (Quarterly) 539.40 (Annual)	In-home and Mobile	4G LTE Verizon or AT&T Coverage anywhere in U.S. Battery Life: 1-2 weeks Talk to operator directly through pendant Weight: 1.3 ounces Style: Necklace or Clothing Clip Shower-safe Fall Detection: Yes Caregiver App: Optional ($9.95/mo)
In the Home	29.95 (Monthly) 83.85 (Quarterly) 299.40 (Annual)	In-home only	Landline required Console and pendant setup Range: ~500 feet from console Talk to operator through console Pendant Weight: 1 ounce Style: Necklace or Wristband Shower-safe Fall Detection: Yes

 

Conclusion

Each device included in this article offers premium systems and services so that you and your loved ones can have peace of mind for those who may experience medical emergencies.

However, there are so many different monitoring devices for seniors on the market that it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you or your loved one.

Customers should consider what factors are important to them, whether it be device mobility, fall detection, or added features.

Regardless of your chosen system, help can be on the way with just the touch of a button.