Lyme Ambulance Association, Inc.
Medical Alert Wearables
Updated: October 2022
Falls are the
#1 cause of injury
for seniors
Forty years ago medical alert wearables were very basic and worked only in your home. Today there are both simple and feature-rich systems, and thanks to cellular, GPS, and automatic fall detection, you have the option of wearables that work anywhere you go and can get help to you even if you’re unconscious from a bad fall.
Medical alert systems
provide peace of mind
as well as help in a
medical emergency
Curious about
medical alert wearables?
Use the menu below for answers to frequently asked questions
- What exactly is a medical alert wearable?
- Who should consider using one?
- Who might not be a good candidate?
- Is a medical alert system a good present for an aging parent?
- Are there different types of medical alert systems?
- Will Medicare pay for a medical alert system?
- How much does a monitored medical alert system cost?
- What about unmonitored systems?
- Can’t I just carry my cellphone instead?
- What special features can I get with a monitored system?
- Does automatic fall detection really work?
- Where can I buy a monitored medical alert system?
- How do I pick which monitored system to get?
- Customer satisfaction: Top-rated brands
What exactly is a medical alert wearable?
It’s typically a small electronic device you wear on your wrist or around your neck. It has a button you push to get help in a medical emergency. Some models offer 2-way communication with a live agent directly through the wearable unit itself — and cellular versions provide coverage wherever you go.
Who should consider using a medical alert wearable?
It’s a personal decision, but something to think about if you’re:
- a senior (or senior couple) living alone
- someone with balance problems or a history of falls
- anyone with a health condition or disability that puts them at greater risk for a medical emergency
- a caregiver concerned for a patient or loved one’s safety
Medical alert systems can also be helpful on a temporary basis while recovering from surgery or illness.
Who might not be a good candidate for a wearable?
Someone with advanced dementia, profound hearing loss, or severe motor skills limitations may not be able to benefit from the 2-way communication type of wearable device discussed here. However, some companies offer motion detection/geofencing and other special features for caregivers.
Is a medical alert system a good present for an aging parent?
It may be tempting to get a wearable for an older family member but discuss it with them first. The system only works if the person is willing to wear and able to use the device. Get buy-in from the intended user. Then, before committing, be sure to take advantage of the free trial period most reputable companies offer.
Are there different types of medical alert systems?
There are two basic types: monitored and unmonitored.
A monitored service offers 24/7 live support. When you push the button, you’ll be connected to an agent at the company’s monitoring center. Depending on the situation, the dispatcher will send EMS to your location and stay in voice contact with you until they arrive; or if EMS is not required, the dispatcher can reach out to a family member or friend you’ve pre-selected to alert them to the situation. And sometimes, just talking to the dispatcher can resolve issues or alleviate concerns.
You pay an ongoing monthly fee for a monitored service.
Unmonitored devices do not provide a live agent. Instead, when you push the button, the device calls or pages a contact(s) you’ve designated, such as a caregiver, family member, or even emergency services (911). Unmonitored services are usually cheaper (no monthly fee), but while they work well in some situations, they do not necessarily provide certainty of response (e.g., if the relative or friend is unavailable.)
Will Medicare pay for a medical alert system?
Unfortunately, no. Basic Medicare B does not pay for medical alert systems though some Medicare C (‘Advantage’) plans may pick up some or all of the cost. Or if you have a Health Savings Account, you can use that. Plus, some companies will give you a discount if you’re a member of AARP.
How much does a monitored system cost?
Prices vary by company and features, but 24/7 live support usually costs between $20 and $60 a month, often with a discount if you sign on for annual service. You pay more for cellular, GPS, and some special features such as fall detection, in which sensors determine if you’ve taken a hard fall and automatically contact the dispatch center for you.
What about unmonitored medical alert systems?
This report focuses primarily on monitored services. A future report will cover unmonitored options, including the cellular Apple Watch with GPS, an SOS button, and automatic fall detection that will call 911 if you have taken a hard fall and are unresponsive.
Why can’t I just carry my cellphone with me all the time instead?
Two problems. Your phone isn’t waterproof. You can’t take it into the shower (where many falls occur.) And let’s be honest: Will you really remember to keep your phone on you ALL the time? Every day? Everywhere?
What special features can I get with a monitored system?
In addition to 24/7 live support at the push of a button, many monitored alert companies provide value-added services or optional features — some of which may incur an additional monthly charge.
- automatic fall detection
- GPS locator
- telehealth connection to a registered nurse or board-certified doctor
- daily check-in service
- medication reminders/dispensers
- health tips and a step-counter
- vital signs monitoring
- a touch-screen tablet with cognitive-training games and personalized photo gallery
- a 2nd wearable for a spouse at low- or no cost
- smoke and carbon monoxide detection; ambient temperature monitoring
- the ability to make non-emergency calls with the wearable device
- a ‘smart key box’ enabling EMS to enter your home even if you’re unable to let them in yourself
- motion detection and geofencing*
- special app/portal for caregivers and family members
* geofencing = getting an alert when the patient moves out of a predetermined area
Does automatic fall detection really work?
The evidence is mixed. A wearable will usually detect hard falls, but some falls may be missed, and there are occasional false alarms. If you suffer from poor balance, however, automatic fall detection may be worth the extra $10-$15 a month.
Where can I buy a monitored medical alert system?
You can buy direct from the manufacturer online, and some brands are available at big box stores (like Walmart) and large e-tailers (like amazon.com). Your local drugstore probably carries a few models; CVS and Walgreens, for example, have their own branded lines.
How do I pick which monitored service to get?
Everyone’s situation is different but start by thinking about the type of service you need and how much you’re willing to spend. Talk to friends and trusted advisors. Visit company websites. Request brochures. Review the list below and make notes. Keep the list handy if you’re talking to a sales agent.
Home or mobile
Do you need home-only coverage or a mobile system that works anywhere you go?
Range
If it’s a home-only system, how far does the signal reach? To your cellar? Garage? Backyard? It needs to reach as far as you’re likely to go.
Installation
Do you have to be tech-savvy to set up the system correctly? Will the company install it for you?
Comfort
Does the wristband chafe, or does the pendant get in the way? Can you see yourself wearing it all day?
Appearance
Is the wearable’s design subtle or is its purpose obvious? Does that matter to you?
Flexibility
How easy is it to add or change features?
Geography
What if you move? Does the company offer nationwide service?
False alarms
What is the company’s policy on false alarms if you hit the button accidentally? Any penalty?
BBB rating
Check online with the Better Business Bureau; read the complaints. You can learn a lot from other people’s negative experiences. A few bad reviews don’t necessarily mean a bad product, but perhaps a complaint surfaces something that’s a deal-breaker for you.
Free trial
Find out if the company offers a free-trial period — for how long? Try before you buy!
Transparent pricing
Make sure the price you’re quoted includes everything (such as any one-time equipment or activation fees) AND that the monthly price doesn’t reflect just a special short-term ’introductory’ offer that increases in price when the offer term ends.
Contract
Is there a time-specific contract involved? Can you cancel anytime w/o penalty?
Call center
Where are their dispatchers located? U.S. is best.
Training
What training do dispatchers receive? Some companies use certified EMTs.
Response time
What is the average response time between when the emergency button is pushed and contact is made with a live agent? It should be measured in seconds, not minutes.
Battery life
What’s the battery life on the wearable unit? Cellular systems with GPS and two-way voice communication may need to be charged daily.
Waterproof
Can you wear the device in the shower? What about the pool?
Sound quality
Whether it’s an in-home base unit or the wearable itself, is the sound loud enough? Clear enough? Can you hear and understand what’s being said?
Battery back-up
If there’s an in-home base unit, does it have battery back-up? How long does it keep operating in a power outage?
Ease of updating
Most technology needs firmware or software updating periodically. Does the system do it automatically? Or is some level of proficiency required to install updates?
Cell coverage
Confirm that the provider for any cellular medical alert service you’re considering works where you live — that’s important in a hilly, rural area like Lyme. Check too on any areas you routinely travel, especially if there are known coverage gaps.
Bottom line
Ask around. Talk to your doctor, friends, family, or local Senior Center. Do a little research (see the ‘For More Information’ section.) Then pick a reputable, established company that offers a product that meets your needs at a price you can afford.
And remember...
BE SURE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY RISK-FREE TRIAL PERIOD
Customer satisfaction: Top-rated brands
There are many companies from which to choose. While we can make no assurances about any specific medical alert products, we have, for your convenience, included basic price information for the three medical alert companies that scored highest on a 2020 customer satisfaction survey conducted by Consumer Reports. We’ve also included review or demonstration videos for these companies so you can see the size and appearance of their products and get a better understanding of how they work.
Links to more medical alert company websites are included in the For More Information section of this report..
Bay Alarm Medical
bayalarmmedical.com
1-877-522-9633
Bay Alarm Medical’s website states they have “America’s #1 Rated Medical Alert Systems.” This appears to be based on Google reviews. The company is frequently touted in comparison rankings as the best buy for the money.
MONTHLY PRICE
$25 for an in-home landline system
$30+ for an in-home cellular system
$35 for a mobile SOS Smartwatch with location tracking
$40+ for a mobile SOS All-in-One with caregiver tracking and optional fall detection
All of the above options include live, 2-way communication with a monitoring center. Location Tracking allows the monitoring center to get help to you wherever you are. Caregiver Tracking enables access to the real-time location of the person wearing the medical alert device (via an app) and is useful for caregivers or concerned family members.
Prices in effect October, 2022
Call or visit the website for product descriptions, options, package deals and discounts
YOU PAY EXTRA FOR
+$159 to purchase the SOS Smartwatch. That’s on top of the $35 monthly fee.
+$ 99 to buy the SOS All-in-One wearable. That’s in addition to the $40 monthly fee.
If you want automatic fall detection, too, the purchase price for the All-in-One wearable is $129, and the monthly fee is $50.
See the website for more information
Be sure to check any terms & conditions
COMPANY RATINGS
Bay Alarm Medical received the highest ‘customer satisfaction’ score (85/100) among medical alert system users surveyed by Consumer Reports in 2020. The company also receives an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
VIDEO REVIEW/DEMONSTRATION
MobileHelp
mobilehelp.com
1-800-992-0616
According to their website, MobileHelp is America’s leading provider of M-PERS (Mobile-Personal Emergency Response System) technology. MobileHelp often offers a promotion whereby you can get 1 or 2 months of free service and 50% off fall detection.
MONTHLY PRICE
$20+ for a basic home-only system with a wearable ‘help’ button
$38-$40 for a mobile system with GPS
$55 for a system that includes a WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled 8″ smart tablet
All of the above options include live, 2-way communication with a monitoring center. GPS enables the monitoring station to get help to you wherever you are.
Prices in effect October, 2022
Call or visit the website for product descriptions, options, package deals and discounts
YOU PAY EXTRA FOR
Optional automatic fall detection (Fall Button) is an extra $11 a month
See the website for more information
Be sure to check any terms & conditions
COMPANY RATING
MobileHelp received the 2nd highest ‘customer satisfaction’ score (84/100) among medical alert systems surveyed by Consumer Reports. The company receives an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
VIDEO REVIEW/DEMONSTRATION
Lifeline
(formerly Philips Lifeline)
lifeline.com
1-855-681-5351
In business for more than 45 years, Lifeline has the largest U.S. subscriber base. In 2021, Philips sold its Lifeline division to Connect America — a company with its own line of PERS (Personal Emergency Response Systems). Connect America works closely with managed care organizations and other health facilities/hospitals.
MONTHLY PRICE
$30 for a landline home system (HomeSafe)
$45 for a HomeSafe with AutoAlert (automatic fall detection)
$50 for On the Go — a mobile pendant with automatic fall detection and GPS location technology
All three options above include 2-way communication with a monitoring center and provide a waterproof (HomeSafe) or water-resistant (On the Go) wearable ‘help’ button.
Prices in effect October, 2022
Call or visit the website for product descriptions, options, package deals and discounts
YOU PAY EXTRA FOR
– One-time ‘activation’ fee of $50 for the home-based system
– One-time ‘device’ fee of $100 for the mobile unit
See the website for more information
Be sure to check any terms & conditions
COMPANY RATING
Philips Lifeline received a score of 83/100 in the Consumer Reports customer satisfaction survey. The company receives an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
VIDEO REVIEW/DEMONSTRATION