The Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection

 Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection in 2023

• Best for an Active Lifestyle: Medical Guardian
• Best Pricing Options: Bay Alarm Medical
• Best At-Home System: MobileHelp
• Best Customer-Friendly Practices: ADT
• Best for Impaired Mobility: Aloe Care Health
• Best Hands-Free System: GetSafe
• Best Extended Coverage: Medical Alert

Our Research Methodology

We 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.

To decide on our top medical alert systems with fall detection, here’s what we did:

• Tested 34 devices across 12 medical alert system brands
• 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
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot

We tested the fall detection accuracy of each fall detection pendant and mobile system. We did this by following the individual fall detection testing instructions for each brand and recording if the device detected a fall then automatically contacted the monitoring center. 

Our team also tested each pendant and mobile device’s durability by conducting two types of water tests. If the device was water-resistant, we did a splash test. If it was waterproof, we submerged the device as a test.

See our full explanation of how our methodology for a full breakdown of criteria in each category and our scoring system.

Comparisons of the Top Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection

Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection in Detail

What are Fall Detection Devices?

Fall detection devices are an optional accessory available with most medical alert systems (MAS), also known as personal emergency response systems. A wearable fall detection device has motion-sensing technology that’s triggered when fall-like motion is detected. These devices are typically separate from the primary system, but some have built-in fall detection technology, like the Medical Guardian Mini Guardian.  

In case of a fall, the device sends a signal to a monitoring center, where a representative attempts to make contact to see if you’re okay. If you don’t respond or are hurt and need help, the representative contacts emergency responders and directs them to your location.

Why Is Fall Detection Important?

If you’ve had a recent fall, struggle with weakness, or have a condition that makes falls more likely, then you know the thought of falling is pretty frightening. Falls can be minor and maybe leave you with some bumps and bruises, but they can also be severe and constitute a major medical emergency. Three million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While all medical alert systems have a button that you can activate in the case of a fall or other emergency, you may not always be able to press the contact button if you’re too far away, injured, or even unconscious.

So if you or a loved one are at a high risk of falling or have memory impairment or movement difficulties, automatic fall detection may be the safest option.

Types of Fall Detection Devices

Fall detection is a feature available with most medical alert systems brands, typically for a monthly fee in addition to the base package that you choose. The base system is usually one of the following options:

• In-home unit: These medical alert systems are best for at-home protection. Units are connected to landlines or a cellular network, depending on what is most reliable and accessible in your area and most appropriate for your needs and budget. While most in-home medical alert systems have a button on the unit allowing you to call for help without wearing a pendant, automatic fall detection buttons typically need to be worn as a lanyard since they work by sensing a quick, downward motion of your body.
• GPS or mobile systems: Also known as on-the-go devices, GPS units go with you when you leave home. These are great for mobile and active adults and function well both at home and away. Mobile medical alert devices are designed to be worn around the neck, on your wrist, or clipped somewhere on your clothing. Fall detection is often an add-on feature with an additional monthly fee. Depending on the brand and model, fall detection technology is either built into the device or included as an additional lanyard. Similar to a fall detection lanyard, the mobile system needs to be worn around the neck to detect a fall.
• Fall detection necklaces: With the exception of a few sensor-activated options, fall detection devices are usually available to wear around your neck as a lanyard or pendant in addition to your home or mobile unit. Lanyards and neck pendants are currently the most accurate fall detection devices on the market.
• Combination systems: These include in-home units and GPS on-the-go devices for maximum coverage anywhere, anytime.

Many companies are trying to improve smartwatch fall detection technology to offer a more modern, stylish, and multifunctional fall detection device. If you’re interested in a wristwatch-style fall detection device, the Unaliwear Kanega is currently the only one on the market offering this combination of safety, style, and functionality.

How Much Does a Medical Alert System With Fall Detection Cost?

Medical alert systems and fall detection devices have a monthly monitoring service fee that varies based on the system, features, and medical alert company you choose. In addition to the monthly service fee, the cost of your medical alert system with fall detection capability may include:

• Equipment fees: You might pay upfront for equipment, shipping, a one-time processing or installation fee, or a lockbox fee (one-time or monthly cost). Some companies waive these fees when you start or if you pay annually.
• Add-ons: Some companies offer add-on features like medication reminders, caregiver apps, health monitors, and activity trackers, often at an additional cost per month.
• Additional buttons or devices: You might want extra wall buttons or a separate GPS device or fall detection button for your spouse. The cost of these varies, though certain providers offer free monitoring for additional devices. Some brands also offer connected devices like smartwatches and tablets, or upgrades like attractive necklace pendants.

With all of the optional features, there’s no simple answer to how much a medical alert system with fall detection costs. Depending on your needs, the cost of fall detection devices can vary pretty widely. Luckily there are many great brands offering fall detection devices, allowing you to customize your setup to best fit your budget. 

How Accurate Is Fall Detection Technology?

Medical alert systems with automatic fall detection are not 100% accurate, and the accuracy varies from one medical alert company to another. In a 2015 study published in Gerontology, researchers sought to determine the accuracy of wearable fall detection devices in real life. The devices detected 12 out of 15 falls, with about one false alarm fall—a detected fall that didn’t happen—every 40 hours. Another study published in JMIR Publications in 2022 looked specifically at the effectiveness of fall detection in smartwatches, with results showing 77% of all falls were detected. This study also resulted in a false-negative rate of 16.4%, meaning that 16.4% of the “no fall” results were actually falls.  

While these numbers aren’t perfect, they’re far better than no fall detection at all. Keep in mind that the former study only looked at one personal emergency response system, and the latter studied induced falls, meaning they weren’t spontaneous falls in real-life situations. Medical alert system companies are continually trying to improve technology to detect more falls accurately and send fewer false alarms—and keep wearers better protected.

How to Choose the Best Medical Alert System with Fall Detection

While many people enjoy having abundant features and options, the variety of choices available for medical alert systems with fall detection can be overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when choosing your fall detection system:

Where do you want coverage?

The answer to this question will depend entirely on your mobility and lifestyle. If you’re largely independent and often leave home alone, a mobile system is a great choice. However on-the-go coverage may not be necessary or worth the additional cost—many people only leave home when accompanied by a family member, caretaker, or similar person, and in that case are unlikely to be without help in the event of an emergency. It’s also important to consider that most falls actually occur at home—nearly 70%, according to some studies.

What features will you use?

It’s easy to get drawn in by exciting features, but it’s worth considering which ones you will actually use. For example, if you forget to take your medication from time to time, features like medication reminders can be incredibly helpful. On the other hand, if you have limited mobility you’re unlikely to benefit much from activity or step tracking. Deciding which features you will realistically use on a regular basis will help you choose the most appropriate system—and will keep you from adding any unnecessary monthly fees. 

Do you need coverage for your spouse?

Most in-home units have a comparable price, whether it’s just for one person or two. But if you want on-the-go coverage for both of you, only certain companies provide discounts for couples. These include MobileHelp and Bay Alarm Medical.

Would you like a system that can help in non-emergency situations?

Most medical alert system companies help customers in emergencies, like a fall or a fire, and during non-emergencies when you need to contact a family member or neighbor to come help. However, some brands only cover emergencies, so it’s a good idea to check to see what the call center accommodates. All of the companies that made our list help with emergencies and non-emergencies. 

How are the third-party reviews?

Third-party sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau are valuable resources for evaluating the customer experience of different companies. Customers leave reviews, and brands receive an overall rating. You can read the rating and the reviews to see what to expect and how the company resolves any complaints. It’s always wise to read these reviews with a critical eye, though—people are more likely to leave a review to complain instead of praise a product or company, and these complaints can often be due to a misunderstanding or unrealistic expectation on the customer’s end. 

What’s the cancellation policy, and is there a contract?

Most medical alert system brands provide a risk-free 30-day trial and no contract. But this isn’t the case with every company, so ask about the return policy and contract before committing.

Who Should Use a Medical Alert System With Fall Detection?

“Medical alert systems are generally associated with senior citizens, but they can also be used by anyone at risk of falling or having a medical emergency, regardless of age,” said Dr. Debanjan Banerjee, a geriatric psychiatrist and one of the consultants at DoctorSpring. He also added that anyone with a chronic illness who may require emergency care or special medications could also benefit from a medical alert system in the home.

These systems can also improve quality of life for older adults. According to Dr. Banerjee, a medical alert system allows older adults to live at home independently and “provides a big assurance to their adult children since their parent has access to immediate help when they fall or suffer a more severe medical emergency.”

He also notes that these systems even help with fitness and well-being. “Fear of falling will discourage seniors to remain physically active, which can contribute to their functional decline,” he said. “With the fall alert system, they can move around without fear knowing help will be on its way swiftly in case something happens,” enabling them to stay more active and physically fit.

AgingInPlace.Org Survey of Medical Alert System Users

Remember the study we mentioned at the beginning of this article? In surveying 1,000 medical alert system users, we gained valuable insight that only encourages us to dig deeper, do more research, and bring you the most honest information and product reviews. 

Unsurprisingly, among survey respondents aged 54 and older, 60.75% reported that falling is one of their biggest daily fears. Of that same group, 33.64% stated that a significant fall is what led them to purchase a medical alert system. In choosing their medical alert system, 37% named fall detection as the most important aspect or feature. Perhaps most importantly, a staggering 95.33% of survey respondents aged 54 and older said they feel more confident on a daily basis when using a medical alert system.

Nicole Gleichmann contributed to this article.

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• Medical Guardian Review
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• Alert1 Review
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