Top 10 Best Medical Alert Systems
While technology has changed immensely since actors from the 80's famous infomercial cried, "Help, I've fallen and I can’t get up!", the need for affordable and reliable elderly medical alert systems remains the same. In fact, the National Council on Aging reports that 30 percent of seniors experience a fall or have other situations where emergency medical assistance is required each year. With a growing percentage of seniors wishing maintain their independence at home, medical alert systems and services provide a way for them to do so safely.
This list has been provided to help seniors, caregivers, and loved ones choose the best medical alert system for their situation. If you have experience with medical alert systems, please share that experience and your opinions below to help others choose the best Medical Alert company.
The rankings, ratings, and opinions expressed on TheTopTens.com are influenced by site visitors and TheTopTens®, and are subject to change. To keep this valuable service free, we may generate advertising revenue from some companies featured in this list.
-
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian is an American personal emergency response system provider headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company offers a variety of products for different needs, including in-home and mobile systems with options such as automatic fall detection and GPS location tracking.... read more
Visit Website Get a Free Quote Or Call 1-800-863-4013In order for a medical alert system to be useful, the system first has to be available. Medical Guardian goes with you everywhere, giving you access to emergency help when you need it and peace of mind when you don't.
Any medical alert company can pick up the phone and send emergency help when you need it. But it's what Medical Guardian does before an emergency situation arises that makes the difference. They are there for you whenever you need them to make sure you are prepared for when an emergency comes.
-
ADT
ADT traces its history to 1874 and is known for providing home security and medical alert services. Its medical alert systems connect users with company-operated, U.S.-based monitoring centers, where agents can contact caregivers, loved ones, or emergency responders when assistance is requested. ADT... read more
Visit WebsiteMedical alert systems are not insurance. They are not there just in case something happens. They are there because a medical emergency WILL happen. When it does, you want a company you can count on to be there exactly when you need them and to act promptly and appropriately with the right response.
Most of the companies in this space have been around for 10 years max. They could go away tomorrow. ADT has been around longer than most of these companies combined. ADT is not going anywhere. When you need them, they are right where you need them to be, ready to help.
-
Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical is dedicated to making medical alert systems straightforward and user-friendly. Its home alert systems feature a large help button and are designed for quick and easy setup. The company offers in-home and mobile systems with 24-hour emergency monitoring. Bay Alarm Medical also offers... read more
Visit WebsiteWhen you are shopping for medical alert systems, you need to consider the situations in which accidents and medical emergencies occur. In a moment of panic or pain, it is difficult to ask anyone to pull out their phone (if they have it), unlock it, dial a number, and make a call to explain what is going on.
These moments require immediate and simple action. Bay Medical reduces as much complexity to medical alerts as possible to make alerts a one-button action.
-
QMedic
QMedic is a healthcare technology company that specializes in medical alert systems and care-management services. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company focuses on supporting older adults and people with disabilities. QMedic's products and services include in-home and... read more
-
LifeFone
LifeFone is a provider of medical alert systems established in 1976 and headquartered in White Plains, New York. The company offers a variety of wearable emergency devices designed to help seniors and individuals with medical concerns maintain their independence.... read more
-
MobileHelp
MobileHelp is a Florida-based company specializing in mobile medical alert systems. Founded in 2006, the company offers products including wearable emergency buttons and GPS-enabled devices.
MobileHelp serves seniors and individuals with medical needs by providing 24/7 monitoring and emergency... read more
-
Acadian On Call
Acadian On Call was founded in 1991 as a medical-alert service for seniors and individuals with health concerns. It later became part of Acadian Monitoring Services, a division of Louisiana-based Acadian Ambulance Service.... read more
-
Lively
Lively is a connected health technology company that creates products and services for older adults. Founded as GreatCall in 2005, the company offers mobile devices, cellular service, apps, and medical alert products with emergency-response features.... read more
-
Lifeline
Lifeline is a medical alert service that offers emergency response solutions for seniors and individuals with medical conditions. Established in 1974, the service was acquired by Philips in 2006 and sold to Connect America in 2021.... read more
-
Life Alert
Life Alert is a United States-based company that provides personal emergency response services, primarily for seniors and people with medical conditions. The company was founded in 1987 and is known for alert systems that include wearable emergency buttons.... read more
-
?
Life Protect 24/7
-
?
Alert1
Alert1 is a medical alert system provider that offers emergency response solutions for seniors and other users. Founded in 1988, the company provides a variety of options, including home-based and mobile systems.
Headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Alert1 offers 24/7 monitoring and emergency... read more
-
LifeStation
LifeStation is a New Jersey-based provider of medical alert systems that offers both in-home and mobile emergency response solutions. It provides 24/7 monitoring services targeted primarily at seniors and individuals with medical needs.... read more
More Info
What to Look for in a Medical Alert System
One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a medical alert system is the range and reliability of the device. A good system should work seamlessly throughout your entire living space, whether that’s a small apartment or a large house with a yard. Some systems offer a wide range of coverage that extends beyond the home to the yard or driveway. This is particularly useful for those who have a more active lifestyle or require mobility assistance when stepping out. Additionally, it's essential that the system functions 24/7 and offers backup options like battery support in case of power outages.
Another vital aspect to consider is the response time and quality of the monitoring service. When an emergency occurs, time is of the essence, and a rapid response can be a lifesaver. It's crucial to research the average response time and how the monitoring centers handle emergency situations. For instance, do they have trained medical professionals available to assist with decision-making? What's the protocol for contacting local emergency services? Some systems offer a direct line to a nurse or physician for non-emergency medical advice, which can be a valuable feature for some users.
Finally, look for user-friendly features that will make the system easy for the user to operate. Especially for seniors who might not be tech-savvy, complicated devices with difficult interfaces can be more of a hindrance than a help. Look for systems that have simple, one-touch operation for emergencies. Also, the installation process should be straightforward, either as a DIY setup or with professional installation options. Usability extends to wearability, as well: the device should be comfortable to wear and should not interfere with daily activities. The best medical alert systems blend seamlessly into daily life while providing the reassurance and security of immediate assistance when needed.