Medical Care Alert System Review For 2023

Updated: Jan 01, 2023
Written by:
Annie Keller
Visit Site (888) 988-7409

Key Takeaways

  • Medical Care Alert offers three packages of medical alert systems.
  • The company has a call center open 24/7 and is staffed with EMT and/or EMD-trained professionals.
  • Medical Care Alert does not offer smart devices or many other digital options.

One thing that can be confusing about various medical alert systems is the many options they offer. Medical Care Alert makes it simpler by offering three packages with different features for different needs. The brand is also known for having knowledgeable responders at its call center. How does Medical Care Alert compare to the other best medical alert systems? Here’s a breakdown of the Medical Care Alert system and what it does.

Overview

Medical Care Alert logo

Medical Care Alert initially offered a self-install home security system, but the company eventually transitioned to its current medical alert service. Unlike other medical alert companies that provide a large array of packages and systems, Medical Alert offers three packages that contain different services.

Other Recommended Medical Alert Systems

If you decide the Medical Care Alert system is not for you, here are some of the other best personal emergency response systems.

  • Medical Guardian: Medical Guardian offers three on-the-go medical alert systems for active seniors.
  • Aloe Care Health: Aloe Care Health has an easy-to-use medical alert system that comes with a motion sensor for automatic fall detection.
  • Bay Alarm Medical: This is one of the least expensive in the field, starting at $19.95 a month.
  • LifeFone: LifeFone’s medical alert system offers longer battery life than many other systems and a variety of features with the caregiver app.

Medical Care Alert Review

Who Is It Best For?

Medical Care Alert’s system is best for those who want a well-supported system with a dedicated, trained response team.

Who Is It Not Recommended For?

Medical Care Alert’s system is not for those seniors and caretakers who want more comprehensive options digitally, like activity trackers and wellness checks.

What Do We Like About Medical Care Alert?

Medical Care Alert’s system offers three packages without the overwhelming options of some systems. The company’s call center is staffed with EMT/EMD-certified professionals available 24/7 to talk you through an emergency when you summon help.

Things To Note About Medical Care Alert That Visitors Might Not Like

Medical Care Alert offers a simple medical alert system. For seniors wanting a smart device or caretakers wanting more sophisticated monitoring features, it might not suit their needs.

Medical Care Alert Systems & Features

  • Available
    • Base unit—stationary
    • 24/7 monitoring
    • 1,000-foot monitoring range
  • Optional
    • Fall detection
  • Not Available
    • Base unit—stationary
    • Wellness checks
    • Spouse monitoring
    • Smart device
    • Activity tracker
    • GPS capabilities
    • Fall detection
    • Mobile capabilities

The Home Medical Alert system requires a landline to work and is designed for people who spend most of their time at home. It consists of a base station that you plug in and connect to the landline, and a neck pendant or a wrist help button that can activate the base from 1,000 feet away. Neither of the alert buttons needs charging (they will last an estimated seven years before needing replacement), and both are waterproof. Pressing the alert button on the base or either of the mobile buttons will call EMT- or EMD-certified professionals that will stay on the line until help arrives.

  • Available
    • Base unit—stationary
    • 24/7 monitoring
    • 1,000-foot monitoring range
    • Mobile capabilities
  • Optional
    • Fall detection
  • Not Available
    • Wellness checks
    • Spouse monitoring
    • Smart device
    • Activity tracker

If you don’t have a landline, the Home Cellular Medical Alert system is the same as the Home Medical Alert but works with your cell phone. The base is also plugged in but comes with a battery with 72 hours of life in case of a power outage.

  • Available
    • GPS capabilities
    • Spouse monitoring
    • 24/7 monitoring
    • Smartphone app
  • Optional
    • Fall detection
  • Not Available
    • Base unit—stationary
    • Spouse monitoring
    • Smart device
    • Activity tracker

The Home and Away system doesn’t come with a base station. Instead, you’ll get a neck pendant, a wrist pendant, a GPS device, and a charger. The pendant needs charging every three days. It’s water resistant and uses GPS tracking, Wi-Fi, and cellular location to help emergency responders find you if you press the button for help. It also comes with the RemoteCare 24/7 mobile app, in which loved ones and other caregivers can monitor the pendant’s location. The GPS device can be clipped to your belt or carried in a purse. The pendant uses two-way communication when you press the button to summon help.

  • Available
    • Base unit—stationary
    • GPS capabilities
    • Mobile capabilities
    • 24/7 monitoring
    • Caregiver notifications
    • Smartphone app
  • Optional
    • Fall detection
  • Not Available
    • Wellness checks
    • Spouse monitoring
    • Smart device
    • Activity tracker

The Home and Away Ultra system is like the Home and Away Duo system but only offers a neck pendant. The GPS is built into the pendant, so there’s no extra device to carry. The pendant provides two-way voice communication and connects to the RemoteCare app. It can also be set to send a text message or other notification to caregivers if the pendant is removed from the charging station and when it is returned to the station.

  • Available
    • Base unit—stationary
    • 24/7 monitoring
    • 600-foot monitoring range
  • Not Available
    • Wellness checks
    • Spouse monitoring
    • Smart device
    • Activity tracker
    • Fall detection

Like the Home Medical Alert system, the Home and Yard Medical Alert system requires a landline and is meant for those who spend a lot of time at home. Its main difference is the pendant, which provides two-way communication. Once you press the button, you can communicate with the other services’ professionals, which is useful if you spend a lot of time outside in your yard. The pendant can offer four hours of continuous talk time and comes with a recharging station. The range of the system is a little less than with the Home system, reaching 600 feet from the base.

How Much Does Medical Care Alert Cost?

Medical Care Alert Systems
Home Medical Alert System
Monthly fee$29.95, billed quarterly (one month free with annual plan)
Shipping feeUp to $11.95
Activation feeFree
Device feeNo device fees
Additional fees$10 a month for fall detection, $5 for an extended warranty
Home Cellular Medical Alert System
Monthly fee$34.95, billed quarterly (one month free with annual plan)
Shipping feeUp to $11.95
Activation feeFree
Device feeNo device fees
Additional fees$10 a month for fall detection, $5 for an extended warranty
Home & Away Duo System
Monthly fee$39.95, billed quarterly (one month free with annual plan)
Shipping feeFree
Activation feeFree
Device feeNo device fees
Additional fees$10 a month for fall detection, $5 for an extended warranty
Home & Away Ultra System
Monthly fee$39.95, billed quarterly (one month free with annual plan)
Shipping feeUp to $11.95
Activation feeFree
Device feeNo device fees
Additional fees$10 a month for fall detection, $5 for an extended warranty
Home & Yard System
Monthly fee$34.95, billed quarterly (one month free with annual plan)
Shipping feeUp to $11.95
Activation feeFree
Device feeNo device fees
Additional fees$10 a month for fall detection, $5 for an extended warranty

Customers who pay for a year in advance on any plan get a free lockbox. They can also be purchased for $29.95 each. Wall buttons can be purchased for any plan at $29.95 each, or a home medical alert user can replace either the neck or wrist pendant for a wall button. Extra wearable buttons for the home plans are $29.95 or $60.00 with fall detection. Additional two-way pendants are available for $60.00 each.

Pros and Cons of Medical Care Alert

Pros

  • Three basic plans without a lot of confusing options

  • No monthly device fees

  • Month-by-month plans available

  • EMT/EMD-certified center workers who can talk you through an emergency

  • Landline and cellular options available

Cons

  • In-home systems cost more initially than many other plans

  • Month-to-month plans not available for new customers

  • Few additional digital features like some other plans

What Others Are Saying About Medical Care Alert

I am very happy with Medical Alert, I have used them twice now & they come with in a very few minutes. They are always gentle & kind & help my husband & I get back on our feet. Thank you.

Dorothy, Trustpilot

After researching the different options available for home monitored alert care, and reviewing ALL the reviews on Angie’s List, I contacted Medical Care Alert back in September of 2013. They were able to help me find the perfect equipment to help with my grandmother’s care. Their customer’s service is the best that I have ever experienced! They treat you like you are one of their own family members. I have spoken to a few of them since we first started using the service. Each one of their employees have been overwhelmingly helpful, respectful, and attentive to all of my needs and have been more than willing to take all the time necessary to answer any and all questions until I felt 150 percent comfortable using the equipment.

Megan K., Trustpilot

Bryan and the Medical Care Alert staff were friendly, not pushy, helpful, and patient with me as I learned about medical alert systems. Ordering and delivery were quick and efficient. We found everything to be just as they said it would be. The setup instructions (written and video) were all easy to understand and made set up simple for my mother. Thank you Medical Care Alert!

Sharon Y., Better Business Bureau (BBB)

FAQs

The cost of a Medical Care Alert system varies by plan. It ranges from $29.95 to $39.95, billed quarterly.

Other Medical Alert Systems That We Have Reviewed

Our Comparisons of Medical Alert System

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WRITTEN BY

ANNIE KELLER
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Annie Keller is a freelance medical writer in Lowell, Mass. She has worked for a variety of medical publications and organizations. She has written about chronic illness, medical technology and devices, medical issues in the news, skin treatments, sports medicine, and many different conditions.

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Annie Keller, "Medical Care Alert System Review For 2023," last modified: Jan 01, 2023, https://aginginplace.org/medical-alert-systems/medical-care-alert-review/.