Top 5 Medical Alarms on the Market

Medical alarms, sometimes known as a medical alert system, are important tools for seniors who live alone. With a medical alarm, you can contact emergency services with the press of a button. There are many medical alarms on the market. Some are stationary devices you keep within your home, while others are mobile, such as a bracelet or watch you wear.

Medical alarm systems are meant for seniors who are mostly independent, but considered higher risk for falls or other serious injuries. You can also use your medical alarm if there is an emergency at home, such as a fire. Some advanced alarms even monitor for smoke and carbon monoxide in the area, automatically contacting an emergency responder if the levels spike.

You do not want to frequently use your medical alarm system. If you find yourself constantly relying on your alert system, it may be a sign you need to move to an assisted living facility or make other changes around your home.

Types of Medical Alarms

There are two types of medical alarms, monitored and non-monitored. With a monitored device, you are directly connected to a medical responder when you active the device. The device comes with a two-way communication system, so you and the responder can actively communicate with one another. For these responders, you must be within range the system base, which is installed in your home.

A non-monitored device contacts emergency services when activated, but you are not able to communicate with the responder. You can choose which number is called when you activate a non-monitored device. Many seniors include family members in addition to emergency services.

1. MobileHelp

If you never looked into a medical alarm system before, MobileHelp is a great company to start with. The base system may not have as many features as other alarm systems, but there are customizable plans to add extra features you need. This helps keep the base plan affordable. MobileHelp is upfront with pricing, and there are no extra charges to connect the alarm to your mobile plan. Most of the plans are monthly, but there are options to pay either quarterly, semi-annually or annually for discounted rates. As of writing, new customers are eligible for a 30-day free trial period for all MobileHelp devices.

The classic plan includes a base station and a waterproof pendant, with a detection range of 600 feet. More advanced plans increase the range of the alarm. The initial plans use non-monitored system, but the duo line of plans all include monitored alarms.

2. Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm Medical provides multiple alarms in their basic package. All of the devices are paid monthly. The least expensive unit is the in-home system. The system is connected to either your landline or cellphone. You can connect a help pendant to the system, which operates within 800 feet of the base system. It also contains a backup battery system, with enough life for 32 hours.

The next option is an on the go system. The on the go system runs off of a 4G network and boasts an impressive 72-hour battery life. In addition to the monthly fee, you must purchase the physical alarm for this package. There is also an option to add automatic fall detection to your alarm. The last option is on the road. With this package, you get a specialized alarm that plugs into your cigarette lighter. In an auto accident, emergency services are automatically contacted, otherwise, you can press the button to speak with an emergency responder.

3. Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian has some of the pricier alarm systems on the market, but they come with state-of-the-art features, such as voice-to-text messaging. Because the base models are more expensive, there are no activation or installation fees for the majority of devices. Even the basic unit features an impressive range of 1300 feet, much more than even the advanced packages of other medical alarms. The Family Guardian package includes motion and door sensors around the home, as well as access for you and your family to the caregiver app.

There are two mobile options for monitored devices. One is shaped like a small cellphone, making it easy to carry around in your pocket or purse. The most advanced model is the Freedom Guardian, which is similar to a smartwatch. Medical Guardian offers free online quotes for their services, as well as 24/7 emergency monitors.

4. LifeFone

LifeFone is one of the newest and most unique medical alarm systems available. LifeFone has several standard medical alarms, but most seniors use LifeFone for their smartphone app, Mobile Alert. You can install Mobile Alert directly onto your cellphone. This is one of the least expensive plans available. If you do not have a cellphone or want a more traditional system, LifeFone has several at-home plans.

The at-home plans have many of the features as other brands, but you can sign up for the activity assurance option. With activity assurance, your medical alarm base will beep at a certain time each day. If you do not press a button on your alarm within 15 minutes, LifeFone will contact emergency services.

5. Medical Alert

Medical Alert only has three plans available as of writing. While it has fewer options than most other companies, it is considered one of the most reliable medical alarm services available. Two of the plans are available for at-home use, while the third provides a mobile alarm. All of the devices have a strong battery life, with the mobile alarm battery lasting for five days.