Many older adults are on the move: walking the neighborhood, running errands, gardening, visiting family. A medical alert system that only works at home leaves a gap the moment you step out the door. That is where a GPS medical alert system comes in. It keeps the same fast connection to help with you wherever you go, and because it knows your location, help can find you even when you cannot say exactly where you are.
Quick Answer
A GPS medical alert system is a wearable device with built-in cellular and GPS that connects you to a 24/7 monitoring center at the press of a button, anywhere you go. Because it tracks your location, a trained response specialist can send help to exactly where you are, even if you are unable to describe where that is.
How Does a GPS Medical Alert System Work?
The device uses the same kind of cellular network as a cell phone, so it does not need a landline or a connection to a home base unit. When you press the help button, it opens a two-way voice connection to the monitoring center. A trained response specialist speaks with you through the device, uses GPS to see your location, and sends the right help to you, then stays on the line until it arrives. There is nothing to dial and nothing to set up in the moment.
Who Benefits Most from GPS Protection?
A GPS medical alert may be a good fit if you
- Walk, exercise, or spend time outdoors
- Drive or run errands on your own
- Garden or spend time in a large yard
- Travel or visit family and friends
- Live alone and stay active during the day
- Want protection that reaches beyond the walls of home
In-Home vs GPS Mobile: What Is the Difference?
The right choice depends on where you spend your time. In-home systems are built for protection throughout the house and yard. GPS mobile systems go wherever you do.
| Type | Where it protects | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| In-home system | Inside the home and nearby yard, through a base unit | Time spent mostly at home |
| GPS mobile system | Anywhere there is cellular coverage | An active life outside the home |
| Smartwatch | Anywhere, worn on the wrist | Those who prefer a watch to a pendant |
Our Mobile System and Mini Mobile System both include built-in GPS so a specialist can locate you when you are away from home, and the Smartwatch offers the same on-the-go help in a form you wear on your wrist. If you are weighing home versus mobile, our guide to GPS or in-home medical alert systems walks through the choice, and this look at how your system works away from home explains what to expect on the go.
Features That Matter for an Active Life
What to look for in a GPS medical alert
- Built-in GPS so help can find your exact location
- Long battery life to get you through a full day out
- Water resistance, so you can wear it in the rain or the shower
- Clear two-way voice directly from the device
- A lightweight, comfortable design you will wear every day
- Optional automatic fall detection
A note on fall detection
Automatic fall detection can sense a fall and connect you to help even if you cannot press the button. Keep one thing in mind: no fall detection technology detects 100 percent of falls; always push your button when you need help.
How to Choose the Right GPS Device
Start with your day. If you are often out and about, a GPS mobile device is the natural fit, and the choice then comes down to comfort and form: a pendant you wear around the neck, a smaller device you carry, or a watch on your wrist. Think about battery life and how easy it is to charge, and consider adding fall detection if balance is a concern. The best device is the one you will actually wear every day, and our team can help you match one to your routine.
Keep help within reach wherever your day takes you. Find the Medical Alert device that fits your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GPS medical alert system?
It is a wearable help button with built-in cellular and GPS that connects you to a 24/7 monitoring center anywhere you go. Because it knows your location, a response specialist can send help to exactly where you are.
Does a medical alert system work outside the home?
A GPS mobile system does. It uses a cellular connection rather than a home base unit, so it works anywhere there is coverage, whether you are walking, driving, or traveling.
How accurate is the GPS on a medical alert device?
GPS location is usually accurate enough for a response specialist to send help to your area and guide responders to you. Accuracy can vary with surroundings, such as being deep inside a large building, which is why two-way voice matters too.
Do GPS medical alert systems need a cell phone?
No. A GPS mobile medical alert has its own built-in cellular connection, so you do not need to carry a cell phone or set anything up for it to work.
Can I wear a GPS medical alert in the shower?
Most mobile devices are water resistant and designed to be worn in the shower, which is important because many falls happen in the bathroom. Check the water-resistance rating of the specific device.
