Choosing a medical alert system is an important decision—one that can provide critical support and invaluable peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for emergency protection for yourself or a loved one, understanding what features matter most will help you select the right system for your unique needs.
A medical alert system connects you to trained emergency response specialists at the press of a button. These specialists can quickly assess your situation and dispatch the appropriate help, whether that’s contacting a family member, neighbor, or emergency first responders.
These systems are especially beneficial for older adults, those living independently, individuals with chronic health conditions, and anyone at risk of falls or medical emergencies. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best medical alert system?
Here are the essential questions to ask when shopping for a medical alert system:
Key Questions to Ask When Considering a Medical Alert System
What Wearable Device Options Are Available?
The best medical alert systems offer wearable help buttons integrated into everyday accessories like watches, bracelets, and pendants. Wearable devices ensure you’ll always have access to emergency help, even if you can’t reach a phone.
Key benefits of wearable devices:
- Always accessible when you need help
- Discreet options that blend with your personal style
- Waterproof design for protection in the bathroom and shower
- Multiple wearing styles (wrist, neck) to suit your preference
When evaluating systems, ask about the variety of wearable options. Can you choose between a pendant or bracelet? Are there different sizes and colors? Modern options like smartwatches combine emergency response capabilities with health tracking features like heart rate monitoring and step counting.
Does the System Work Both at Home and Away?
Medical alert systems fall into two main categories: home systems and mobile systems. Understanding where you spend your time helps determine which type best fits your lifestyle.
Home Systems
Home systems provide emergency protection throughout your residence, typically with an impressive 800-foot range—that’s more than the length of two and a half football fields. These systems are available with both landline and cellular connections, giving you flexibility based on your home phone setup.
Mobile Systems
Mobile systems offer emergency protection wherever you go, using cellular networks and GPS technology. These systems allow emergency response specialists to pinpoint your exact location and send help directly to you, whether you’re shopping, visiting friends, or taking a walk through the neighborhood.
Smartwatch
Smartwatch systems combine the best of both worlds, providing 24/7 emergency access at home and on the go while also offering health monitoring features like step tracking and heart rate monitoring.
Consider your daily routine. If you spend most of your time at home, a home system may be sufficient. But if you maintain an active lifestyle with regular outings, a mobile system or smartwatch provides the coverage you need everywhere you go.
Is the Device Waterproof?
This is a critical feature that cannot be overlooked. According to the CDC, 81% of nonfatal bathroom injuries treated in emergency departments are due to falls, with the highest rates of injury occurring in those aged 85 and older.
This highlights why waterproof protection is essential. Many falls occur in the shower or tub, often when you’re unable to reach a phone to call for help. A waterproof medical alert device means you can wear your help button in the most dangerous areas of your home.
All quality medical alert systems should offer waterproof help buttons that can be safely worn in the tub or shower, ensuring you’re protected during these high-risk activities.
Is Fall Detection Technology Available?
Falls are a leading health concern for older adults. The CDC reports that one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year, making falls the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions in this age group.
Automatic fall detection technology is a feature that uses sensors to detect when you’ve fallen. If the system senses a fall, it automatically alerts an emergency response specialist—even if you’re unconscious or unable to press your help button.
When evaluating fall detection features, ask:
- Is fall detection available on all system types (home, mobile, and smartwatch)?
- Does it work in the shower, bath, or pool?
- Is there an additional cost for this feature?
- How accurate is the fall detection technology?
Having automatic fall detection provides an extra layer of protection, especially for individuals at higher risk of falling or those who live alone.
Does the System Have Battery Backup?
Power outages create dangerous situations. You’re suddenly in a dark house without electricity, heat, or the ability to charge devices. The last thing you should worry about during a power outage is whether your medical alert system will work if you need help.
Battery backup is an essential feature for home systems. It ensures your device continues functioning during power outages, when the risk of accidents may actually increase due to darkness and lack of visibility.
For mobile systems and smartwatches, battery life becomes the key consideration. These devices should hold a charge long enough to provide reliable protection throughout your daily activities, with clear indicators when it’s time to recharge.
What Level of Emergency Response Support Do You Provide?
Emergencies don’t follow a schedule. You need dependable, round-the-clock monitoring with 24/7/365 availability and immediate access to help at any hour. The quality of emergency response can make all the difference in a crisis situation.
Look for systems that offer multilingual support, as quality services can even provide assistance in 140+ languages through translation services. This ensures clear communication regardless of your primary language or the language spoken by those around you during an emergency.
Response specialists should be able to quickly assess your situation, determine the appropriate type of help needed, and dispatch that help immediately. Whether you need an ambulance, police, fire department, or a family member, trained specialists make fast, informed decisions during emergencies.
Can I Add Personal Emergency Contacts?
In addition to professional emergency responders, the ability to contact friends, family members, or neighbors provides flexibility in how emergencies are handled.
For minor situations—like a small fall where you’re uninjured but need help getting up, or if you accidentally trigger the alarm—response specialists can contact someone from your personal contact list. This gives your loved ones real-time awareness of situations and allows them to provide assistance when appropriate.
For serious medical emergencies, response specialists can immediately dispatch professional first responders while simultaneously notifying your emergency contacts, keeping family informed during critical moments.
Are There Additional Features and Add-Ons?
Modern medical alert systems offer more than just basic emergency response. Consider these valuable features:
Mobile App Connectivity
Look for systems that include a companion mobile app that allows family members and caregivers to stay informed about their loved one’s status, receive notifications, and manage emergency contacts remotely.
Key Lockbox
A secure key lockbox provides first responders with quick, damage-free entry to your home during emergencies, eliminating the need to break down doors.
Protection Plans
Equipment protection plans cover costs if your system is lost, stolen, or damaged, often with no deductibles or hidden fees.
Health Monitoring Features
Advanced smartwatch options may include heart rate monitoring, step tracking, medication reminders, and other wellness features that support healthy, independent living.
What Are the Costs and Payment Options?
Medical alert systems can start around $19.95 per month, with pricing varying based on the system type, rate plan, and additional features selected.
Common rate plan options:
- Monthly plans: Month-to-month flexibility with no long-term commitment
- Semi-annual plans: Six months of service.
- Annual plans: Usually the best value option.
Most reputable providers don’t require long-term contracts, allowing you to cancel services if needed. Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and ask about:
- Installation or activation fees
- Costs for fall detection or other add-on features
- Equipment charges (purchase vs. rental)
- Available discounts or promotional pricing
- Shipping costs and timelines
Making Your Decision
Choosing the best medical alert system means finding the right balance of features, reliability, and value for your specific situation. Consider your lifestyle, health needs, activity level, and budget as you evaluate options.
The right medical alert system provides more than just emergency response—it enables independent living, offers peace of mind for family members, and creates a safety net that allows you to live life confidently on your own terms.
Take advantage of product selection tools and free assessments offered by medical alert providers to identify which system best matches your needs. And remember, you can always switch to a different system if your circumstances change.
