What Are The Best Medical Alert Systems For Outside The Home?

What Are Medical Alert Systems for Outside the Home?

Medical alert systems for outside the home are often called on-the-go or mobile medical alert systems. These systems are designed to give an emergency alert from wherever the user may be–not just when they are at home.

How Do These Medical Alert Systems Work?

Medical alert systems for outside the home are not landline-based at all. Instead, these systems usually tap into an existing cellular network. The systems the emergency service uses to find the user and send emergency responders vary. Some use 911 location systems, while medical alerts with GPS use that technology, and a few still require you to state your location when calling for help.

How Are They Different From In-Home Medical Alert Systems?

Medical alert systems designed for use inside the home most often have two components–a base station and a wearable pendant or wall button. The base station acts as a signal receiver for a wall button or pendant. If the emergency button is pressed, help is immediately summoned. These systems typically have a range where they can be activated, which is normally anywhere from 600 feet-1,500 feet. Medical alert systems for outside the home typically consist of one signaling device, like a wearable pendant, medical alert watches, or medical alert bracelets. These systems can be activated anywhere and do not need a base station to work. The signaling device either works with a replaceable battery or needs to be charged in a special charging station. Some devices are also connected to a wireless network and offer monitoring apps and other special features.

What Are Pros and Cons of Medical Alert Systems for Outside the Home?

 Pros

• Can be used anywhere–no range limit
• No need for a landline
• Most contain fall detection and GPS location features

 Cons

• Pendant or device needs to be charged or have a battery replaced
• Must have the device on your person for it to work
• Typically cost more than in-home systems

Who Are These Systems For?

Personal emergency response systems (PERS) for outside the home are designed for active seniors and seniors who spend a lot of time traveling. These systems give these individuals the security of knowing that they can always summon help in an emergency, even if they are not at home. Conversely, seniors who only need a system for when they are home alone are more likely to be satisfied with an at-home medical alert system.

Best Medical Alert Systems For Outside The Home Reviews:

• Medical Guardian: Best for Active Seniors
• HandsFree Health: Best smartwatch/system for caregivers
• LifeFone: Best Battery Life

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Key Takeaways
• What Are Medical Alert Systems For Outside The Home?
• How Do These Medical Alert Systems Work?
• How Are They Different From In-Home Medical Alert Systems?
• What Are Pros And Cons Of Medical Alert Systems For Outside The Home?
• Medical Guardian
• HandsFree Health
• LifeFone
• How To Choose The Best Medical Alert System Outside The Home
• Bottom Line
• Why You Can Trust Our Review
• FAQs

How to Choose the Best Medical Alert System Outside the Home

If you think you need a medical alert system for outside the home, decide what features you actually need first. Some systems just consist of a wearable pendant, and some systems are smart systems with associated apps and other features.

Once you have decided what features you need, look at system prices. The medical alert systems with more features usually cost more per month and may have extra fees for device rental or setup. You may decide the extra costs are worth it, or you may decide those features aren’t what you really need. If you’re a caretaker for a senior who needs a medical alert system, smart systems may be invaluable. It is also noteworthy that some companies offer deals if you sign up for a whole year at once instead of paying month to month.

If you plan to spend a lot of time outside your home, look at battery life. Pendants and other wearable devices that need to be charged should last long enough for daily use but be recharged overnight. Also, a waterproof pendant or button is essential in case it rains while you are outdoors.

Bottom Line

Medical alert systems for outside the home are most suited to active seniors that spend a lot of time outside the home. These systems typically cost more than at-home systems, but often have other features that some may consider worth the cost. If you’re looking for a medical alert system that works outside the home, think about what you want out of the system and its battery life.

Why You Can Trust Our Review 

Our AgingInPlace.org medical alert experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value to the lives of our readers. We’ve collectively spent more than 1,700 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. Throughout this process, we:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with geriatricians and adult caregivers 
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed medical alert system users
• Tested various medical alert systems

Author: Annie Keller