Do I need a medical alert bracelet for a pacemaker?

We highly recommend getting a medical alert bracelet because of the extra reassurance it provides. You’ll want to be prepared if there’s an emergency with your pacemaker.

Can you wear a medical alert device with a pacemaker?

You can, but be wary of gyroscopes and other harmful signals that can affect your pacemaker. If you aren’t sure what signals will affect your pacemaker, reach out to your doctor or the pacemaker manufacturer to learn more.

Can I wear a hearing aid with a pacemaker?

You can, as hearing aids don’t interfere with your pacemaker. However, for extra safety, store your hearing aids in any pocket that isn’t your breast pocket.

What are the benefits of using a medical alert system next to a pacemaker?

If your pacemaker is damaged or experiences battery failure, a medical alert system can instantly connect you to emergency services and your loved ones.

Are medical alert systems covered by Medicare?

Speak to your provider to find out if your Medicare plan covers medical alert systems. *NOTE: Only Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage.

Best Medical Alert System For Pacemaker Users

Updated: Jul 17, 2022

Written by:

Kalise Gartner

AgingInPlace.org keeps our resources free by working as an affiliate partner with some companies mentioned on our site. These partnerships or the commission we may earn do not affect our opinions or evaluations of the products we mention. Our reviews are solely based on our research methodology and from input from our AgingInPlace.org Advisory Board. Learn more about our ad policies.

Best Medical Alert System For Pacemaker User...

Chapter:

Skip the Carousel

BEST OVERALL

See Pricing

(888) 720-2061
BEST FOR THOSE WHO STICK CLOSE TO HOME

See Pricing

(800) 920-4605
BEST FOR ACTIVE SENIORS

See Pricing

(800) 749-4107

In the modern age, there have been many amazing advancements in medical technology that enable senior safety. One of the most lifesaving of these inventions is the pacemaker. Pacemakers can give patients diagnosed with certain heart problems the ability to live more normal lives.

The team of experts at Aging In Place highly recommends a medical alert system as an extra layer of security for people with pacemakers.

Key Takeaways

You can use a medical alert system with your pacemaker, but we recommend you talk with your doctor and the pacemaker manufacturer to learn more about doing so.
There are extra features you can add to your medical device plan that may help you better manage your health, such as medication reminders and fall detection.
Cellular medical alert systems cost more than landline medical alert systems, but cellular medical alert systems are mobile.
It is wise to avoid devices with magnets or gyroscopes, as those are known to be harmful to pacemakers.

Overview

Pacemakers are small electronic devices placed in a patient’s chest to help regulate slow or failing heartbeats. These devices are effective in helping people with specific temporary or chronic heart issues live a more rewarding, healthy life. Pacemakers are also sensitive pieces of equipment—accidents can happen, wires can break, or batteries can fizzle out.

That’s why our team of experts has compiled a list of the best medical alert systems for people with pacemakers—to offer more peace of mind that help can be contacted immediately should an emergency occur.

How Does a Medical Alert System Benefit Pacemaker Users?

A medical alert system provides extra security for people with pacemakers and may even save your or your loved one’s life. If a pacemaker issue arises, you can use the medical alert system to be connected to help instantly.

However, many patients with a pacemaker are afraid wireless devices, such as medical alert systems, will interfere with the peacemaker´s performance. Rest assured, using a medical alert system will not interfere with you or your loved one’s pacemaker, at least not if you’re using the correct system.

For example, most medical alert systems don’t use devices with magnets or other components that emit signals that can affect a pacemaker. If you’d like to learn about any known risks for using a medical alert system with your pacemaker, we recommend contacting your doctor or your pacemaker’s manufacturer. We also suggest staying away from medical alert devices with advanced features in their help button pendants, such as gyroscopes.

Medical Alert Systems for Pacemaker Users Reviews

After many hours of extensive research, we identified the best medical alert systems for pacemaker users on the market.

Bay Alarm Medical: Best Overall
MobileHelp: Best for Those Who Stick Close to Home
Medical Guardian: Best for Active Seniors

Best Overall

Shop Now (888) 720-2061

If you are on a tight budget, one of our most consistent recommendations for a good medical alarm system is Bay Alarm Medical.

Bay Alarm Medical is beneficial for pacemaker users because the medical alert jewelry (pendant or wristband) does not affect pacemakers and is regarded as a safe option by medical professionals. The in-home plans have a range of up to 1,000 feet from the base unit, and pricing starts as low as $24.95 per month for a landline connection and $29.95 per month for cellular.

If you’re a pacemaker user who lives a more active lifestyle and wants that same coverage, Bay Alarm Medical offers the GPS Mobile Help Button and the SOS Smartwatch. Keep in mind these monthly plans cost a little more and come with an initial equipment fee. In contrast, the in-home options do not have an equipment fee.

The GPS Mobile Help Button starts at $29.95 per month and has a $79 equipment fee. The SOS Smartwatch also starts at $29.95 per month, but this option has a $159 equipment fee.

Best For Those Who Stick Close To Home

Shop Now (800) 920-4605

If you’re looking for easy-to-use devices that are home-focused and offer renowned customer service, MobileHelp is one of our top recommendations for people with pacemakers. MobileHelp is also friendly to homes without a landline because the devices mainly operate entirely on mobile networks. If you live in a more rural area, however, don’t worry, as the company has landline options, too.

MobileHelp´s least expensive plan, MobileHelp Classic, is a cellular service that comes with a waterproof medical alert pendant. The max range is 1,400 feet away from the base unit, which is usually more than enough for you or your loved one to move comfortably throughout the home. MobileHelp Classic starts at $19.95 per month and comes with no additional equipment costs.

Our team of experts also recommends MobileHelp for those with pacemakers because of the MobileHelp Touch option. MobileHelp Touch has a wide variety of extra features that can benefit pacemaker users, such as medication alerts and the MobileHelp Connect App, which lets loved ones and monitoring centers track activity levels.

MobileHelp Touch is pricier at $49.95 per month, but there is no equipment fee. You’ll also have to sign a six-month contract and be willing to lower your range from 1,400 to 1,000 feet when choosing this option.

Best For Active Seniors

Shop Now (800) 749-4107

Medical Guardian is often listed on our site because of its stellar customer service and extra features. However, the reason we recommend the brand for pacemaker users is due to its MGMove device plan.

Instead of medical ID jewelry, like a pendant, the MGMove is a smartwatch that you or your loved one wear on your wrist. This keeps a wide space between your medical alert device and your pacemaker, creating a risk-free safety net. It’s also perfect if you, like many other seniors, aren’t a fan of the way medical ID jewelry can weigh on your neck after a while.

The screen on the MG Move has an SOS button, and there’s also one on the side of the watch, so connecting with help is always simple and fast. There are other useful features on the MG Move, such as text-to-speech and the Step Up reminder system, which help keep you on track throughout your day.

The MG Move starts at $36.62 if you sign up for Medical Guardian’s annual plan, and additional features, such as the Step Up reminder system, cost extra.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Medical Alert System for Those with Pacemakers

When your loved one or you have a pacemaker, it’s important to consider your lifestyle to ensure protection. For someone more comfortable spending all of their time in the home, landline-based monitoring plans are more suitable.

For people who prefer traveling or taking walks, a cellular medical alert system would be a better fit than a landline-based plan. Going this route usually costs more, but if you’re willing to pay extra, you’ll be protected wherever you go.

Consider if you have the budget for extra features, too, like automatic fall detection or medication reminders. Seniors with pacemakers are often prescribed heart medication, so having a device that both protects you and reminds you to take the medication can help save you from avoidable risks or emergencies in the long run.

Bottom Line

Medical alert systems provide confidence and peace of mind to many seniors, including those with heart conditions. These systems can give you the safety net you or your loved one needs to live a more fulfilling life at home or when you’re on the go. If you have a pacemaker and are considering a medical alert system, weigh the many benefits of one when determining if you will invest in this option.

Help is only a single push of a button away, no matter where you are.

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

AIP has a devoted team of experts working behind the scenes to ensure our information is up-to-date and accurate. We care about the health and lifestyle of seniors, and we aim to help give them the tools they need to reside safely in the comfort of their own homes and maneuver independently outside of them.

Alongside our medical experts, we:

Independently research and fact-check our information
Review and consult with geriatric-focused medical professionals
Survey medical alert system users and test their products
Compare pricing and product features
Review and interpret hundreds of verified online reviews through online databases, such as the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

: We highly recommend getting a medical alert bracelet because of the extra reassurance it provides. You’ll want to be prepared if there’s an emergency with your pacemaker.
: You can, but be wary of gyroscopes and other harmful signals that can affect your pacemaker. If you aren’t sure what signals will affect your pacemaker, reach out to your doctor or the pacemaker manufacturer to learn more.
: You can, as hearing aids don’t interfere with your pacemaker. However, for extra safety, store your hearing aids in any pocket that isn’t your breast pocket.
: If your pacemaker is damaged or experiences battery failure, a medical alert system can instantly connect you to emergency services and your loved ones.
: Speak to your provider to find out if your Medicare plan covers medical alert systems. *NOTE: Only Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage.

*Pricing is accurate as of April 14, 2022.

Other Medical Alert Guides And Medical Alert Systems That We Have Reviewed

Learn More About Medical Alert Systems

Was this Article Helpful ?
Yes No

WRITTEN BY

KALISE GARTNER

Kalise Gartner is a freelance writer focusing on products and businesses that serve those in need, as well as mental health and technology. She worked in the home healthcare industry alongside her mother in the early stages of her career, scheduling nurses and therapists for elderly patients. Her work has been used in small and local business pages, enriching and supporting her community’s business opportunities.

View Author

Do you want to cite this page? Use our ready-made cite template.