Medical Alert Systems of 2023

• Everything You Need to Know About Medical Alert Systems

• 1. Understanding the Costs of Medical Alert Systems
  • Monthly Fees
  • Equipment Fees
  • Add-ons
  • Hidden Fees
• 2. Deciding Between Cell and Landline Service
  
  Cell or landline? The choice affects mobility, reliability, and how seniors stay connected to help. Cell phones work anywhere. Landlines work only at home but tend to be simpler and more reliable in areas with weak cell coverage. The right choice depends on the individual's lifestyle, comfort with technology, and what actually keeps them safer.
• 3. Considering the User's Needs
• 4. Deciding Between Monitored and Unmonitored Systems
• 5. Budget Considerations and Payment Options
  
  Start by figuring out what you can spend and how you want to pay. Monthly fees, equipment costs, and add-ons vary widely. Private savings, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and VA benefits may all help cover costs. Check what each option covers and what it doesn't. Some providers offer flexible payment plans or help with benefit applications, which can reduce surprise bills.
• 6. Choosing Between Home-Based and Mobile Systems
• 7. Exploring Devices and Features
• 8. Reading the Fine Print
• 9. Making a Comparison and Choosing the Right System
• Conclusion

Everything You Need to Know About Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems, also called personal emergency response systems (PERS), connect users to help during emergencies. When triggered, they reach a monitoring center where trained professionals can dispatch assistance. With many systems on the market, knowing what to look for makes the choice easier.

This guide covers costs (monthly fees, equipment, add-ons, hidden fees), cell versus landline service, assessing user needs, monitored versus unmonitored systems, budgeting, device options, and what to check before signing a contract.

1. Understanding the costs of medical alert systems

Medical alert costs break down into four categories: monthly fees, equipment fees, add-ons, and hidden fees. Understanding each helps you compare systems fairly.

Monthly fees

Monthly cost depends on the system type. At-home systems run $20–$30 per month. On-the-go systems cost $30–$40. Bundled systems (home plus mobile) exceed $40 per month.

Examples of lowest starting prices:

• At-home landline: Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home, MobileHelp Wired Home, One Call Alert In-Home Landline ($24.95)
• At-home cellular: MobileHelp Classic ($19.95)
• On-the-go: HandsFree Health WellBe Medical Alert Pendant ($29.95)
• Smartwatch: Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch ($34.95)

Some unmonitored systems have no monthly fee. They call 911 or preset contacts automatically. We don't recommend them because they can't adapt to what's actually needed in an emergency—sometimes you want help from a caregiver, not 911.

Equipment fees

You can rent or buy equipment. Rentals are included in your monthly fee; you return them if you cancel. Purchases require an upfront fee but stay yours after you stop the service. High-tech devices like smartwatches cost extra.

Add-ons

Add-ons usually cost $3–$10 per month. Fall detection is common; about one in three older adults falls each year. Some companies include it in the monthly cost; others charge an extra $10 per month. Check if it matters for the person's needs.

Hidden fees

Watch for activation, initiation, processing, or membership fees. Most top providers don't charge these, but confirm with a representative before signing up.

2. Deciding between cell and landline service

Until recently, medical alert devices worked only on landlines, meaning they stayed home. Today, most systems run on cellular networks, so users can get help anywhere.

Cellular systems let users move around freely and summon help from anywhere. Landline systems stay in one place and require a landline connection.

One caveat: 3G networks are being phased out. Verizon and AT&T have already shut theirs down. Ask your provider whether your device needs replacing to keep working.

3. Considering the user's needs

Think about how the person behaves in emergencies, their comfort with technology, how often they'll actually use the system, and whether they stay home or get out regularly.

For someone uncomfortable with technology, a simple pendant with a push button is usually best. No learning curve, no confusion.

A smartwatch works well for active people or those who care about appearance. It has the same response time as a home system and is less obvious to wear. For someone with dementia who might wander, the GPS helps caregivers and responders locate them. But smartwatches are harder to use if the person has dexterity issues or vision problems.

4. Deciding between monitored and unmonitored systems

Systems either connect to a live operator or they don't. The difference matters.

Unmonitored systems automatically call a preset number—a family member, a friend, or 911. They need no service contract. The trade-off: no one tailors the response to the actual situation, and if the person can't answer the call, nobody knows what happened.

Monitored systems connect to a dispatch center. An operator can call the right person (caregiver, family, 911) based on what's needed. They often provide multiple languages, wellness check-ins, and activity tracking. Look for UL certification or membership in The Monitoring Association's Five Diamond Designation program.

5. Budget considerations and payment options

Total cost varies by system type, connection method (landline or cellular), and monitoring level. Start there when setting a budget.

Unmonitored systems cost a few hundred dollars upfront with no monthly charge. Monitored systems cost $20–$60 per month. Some companies throw in free equipment for active monitoring subscribers. New customers often get discounts if they pay yearly instead of monthly.

Price matters, but reliability and usability matter more. A cheap system that breaks down or confuses the user defeats the purpose.

6. Choosing between home-based and mobile systems

Does the person need help only at home, or do they go out and want coverage everywhere? That answers whether you need a home-based system or a mobile one.

Home-based systems have a wearable button that communicates with a base station via radio. The base station connects to landline or cellular service. Range is typically 300–1,400 feet from the base station. Even for someone who rarely leaves home, the range should cover the whole property, including the yard.

Mobile systems are for active people. They have GPS or geofencing so responders can find someone outdoors if they fall or need help. The downside: they need charging regularly and depend on cellular coverage where the person lives.

Mobile systems cost more than home systems. If the person spends significant time away from home—running errands, visiting friends—the extra cost may be worth it.

7. Exploring devices and features

Medical alert systems offer features beyond the basic button. You probably don't need all of them, but knowing what's available helps you choose what fits.

• Automatic fall detection: Senses a sudden drop and triggers an alarm without the person pressing the button. Not 100% accurate, though.
• GPS tracking: Shows exact location. Helps if someone with dementia wanders and gets lost.
• Wellness tools: Medication reminders, check-in calls.
• Caregiver apps: Family sees location and activity updates. Lets the user update emergency contacts.
• Lockbox: Stores a home key so responders can get inside without breaking down a door.
• Multilingual support: For non-English speakers.
• Battery life: Smartwatches and mobile systems charge daily. Other devices last longer or have backup batteries for power outages.
• Two-way voice: Lets the user tell the operator what's happening.
• Home temperature monitoring: Detects fire or unsafe temperatures and sends immediate dispatch.
• Wall buttons: Placed in bedrooms or bathrooms for situations where wearing a pendant isn't practical.
• Spouse monitoring: Add another household member to the plan at a discounted rate.

8. Reading the fine print

Before signing a contract, read the terms. Some companies charge steep cancellation fees if you quit early. Look for price-lock guarantees so your bill doesn't jump unexpectedly.

Also check contract length, free trial periods, how reliable the cellular service is (critical for cellular systems), and what the warranty covers. A good warranty can prevent expensive repair bills.

9. Making a comparison and choosing the right system

After researching, compare your top choices. Read reviews and ask questions. Everyone's needs are different, so pick the system that fits yours best.

Conclusion

Medical alert systems offer peace of mind when someone knows help is a button press away. Understanding the costs (monthly fees, equipment, add-ons, hidden fees), weighing cell versus landline, assessing actual needs, choosing monitored or unmonitored service, setting a realistic budget, and picking home or mobile coverage all matter. Read the contract terms before committing. The right system is the one that fits the person's lifestyle and the family's needs—not the cheapest option or the one with the most features.