If you or a loved one is prone to falls or injury, you may consider purchasing a medical fall alert system. Fall alert systems help inform medical personnel that someone has fallen and needs assistance. These can be useful for older adults that live alone or have medical issues that increase the risk of falling. Having a medical alert system can be a lifesaver in times of crisis.
There are various pros and cons when purchasing a fall alert system. You may have to consider the costs, benefits, and features that are most useful to you.
Best Senior Fall Alert Systems
Here’s a look at 7 of the top-rated medical fall alert systems.
1. Medical Guardian Home 2.0 4G Device
The Medical Guardian fall alert systems have a 4.3 out of 5-star customer review rating by its users. The Home 2.0 device from Medical Guardian works anywhere with cell phone service and connects through their 4G network.
The top features of the Medical Guardian Home 2.0 alert system include the following:
- A wearable wristband or necklace
- Access to 24/7 emergency monitors
- A 32-hour backup battery for the home station
- Water-resistant protection
- 1,400 feet of protection around from the home device
- Access to a portal where you can access a team of caregivers 24/7
- Fall detection service add-on that automatically calls emergency services
A Medical Guardian Home 2.0 device costs \$37.95 a month with a one-time equipment fee of \$149.95, with additional add-ons such as fall detection at extra cost.
2. Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home
The Bay Alarm Medical System offers a home medical alert device at a low monthly cost. Users have rated this system 4.5 out of 5 stars. This system has a base unit, a wearable device, and a vial of information that can provide EMS with your medical information in an emergency.
The top features of the Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home include:
- A wearable wristband or necklace
- 1,000 feet of protection
- 100% waterproof
- Automatic fall detection
- 5 years of battery life without recharging
The SOS Home medical alert system is \$29.95 per month.
3. LifeFone At-Home Cellular
LifeFone medical alert systems offer a variety of benefits for older adults. Users have rated it 4.9 out of 5 stars.
The top features of the LifeFone At-Home Cellular system include:
- No equipment costs
- 1,300 feet of protection
- Waterproof button
- 32-hour backup battery for the base unit
- Room temperature sensor
- A wearable pendant
- 30-day money-back guarantee
The LifeFone at-home cellular system costs \$30.95 per month, with optional fall detection available monthly.
4. MobileHelp Classic
The MobileHelp Classic fall alert system is a great value, with no up-front equipment costs. It has a user rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
The top features of MobileHelp Classic include:
- One base unit and one wearable button
- Waterproof help button
- 1,400 feet of protection
- 24/7 monitoring in the United States
The cost of the MobileHelp Classic plan is \$19.95 per month.
5. Medical Alert
The Medical Alert home system is the most cost-effective system on the list; however, it doesn’t compromise value. Users have rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The top features of the Medical Alert system include:
- Wearable wrist or neck pendants
- 800 feet of protection
- Waterproof buttons
- 30-hour backup battery life of the base unit
- Two-way communication
- Optional fall detection as an add-on service
The Medical Alert home system costs \$19.95 per month, with fall detection as an available add-on service for an additional \$10 monthly.
6. ADT Medical Alert Plus
ADT is a pioneer in home security systems but also offers medical fall alert systems. ADT Medical Alert Plus users rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The top features of ADT Medical Alert Plus include:
- Fall detection services
- Home temperature monitoring
- Waterproof help buttons
- Wearable pendant or wristband
- No equipment fee
ADT Medical Alert Plus costs \$34.99 per month.
7. Get Safe Medical Alert System
The Get Safe Medical Alert system varies from other offerings on this list, as its mission is to put several alert buttons in your home in the most fall-prone areas. Users have rated this system 4.1 out of 5 stars.
The top features of the Get Safe Medical Alert System include:
- A wearable lanyard
- A voice-activated wall button
- 24/7 monitoring in the United States
- A base-unit
- Multiple ways to get help
- Occasionally offers discounted plans
Depending on the type of alert system, the cost varies widely, as you can increase the amount of wall buttons you purchase for additional rooms. The starter kit for 0-1 bedrooms begins at \$79 for the equipment fee and can cost upwards of \$279 for a 4-5 bedroom home. The monthly fee for the monitoring service is \$29.95, no matter what plan you choose.
Safety Tips for Older Adults
If you’re an older adult and using a fall alert system, there are some things you can do to help prevent falls.
Here are some tips for using a medical alert system and preventing falls:
- Keep your house or apartment well-lit
- Remove any tripping hazards, such as rugs
- Keep your medical alert device accessible and handy
- Place your wall buttons in high-fall risk areas
- Use handrails and assistive devices such as walkers when necessary
- Clean up any spills promptly
These tips may help you prevent falls and make you less likely to need emergency medical services.
Resource Links
- “SOS Home” via Bay Alarm Medical
- “Home 2.0” via Medical Guardian
- “Home System” via MedicalAlert
- “At-Home Cellular” via LifeFone
- “MobileHelp Classic “via MobileHelp
- “Gain Worry-Free Protection at home with ADT Medical Alert Systems” via ADT
- “Medical Alert Systems that you don’t have to wear” via GetSafe
- “6 Best Fall Detection Medical Alert Devices of 2023: Our Experts Tested and Reviewed” via National Council on Aging
- “13 Best Medical Alert Systems of July 2023: Analyzed and Reviewed by Experts” via National Council on Aging
- “Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room” via National Institute on Aging