If you’re new to medical alert systems, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. What’s the difference between monitored and unmonitored systems? How do they function outside the home? Are they covered by insurance? This guide breaks it all down to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Our team engaged in extensive independent research, consulted with licensed caregivers and medical professionals, mystery-shopped leading brands, and reviewed hundreds of customer testimonials from trusted sources like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.
What is a medical alert system?
A medical alert system consists of two key components: the equipment and the monitoring service.
Medical alert equipment
Most at-home systems include a base unit that connects wirelessly to wearable devices or wall-mounted buttons. Mobile options eliminate the need for a base unit, and can be taken on the go. They usually come with a rechargeable battery and charger. When purchasing a medical alert system, look for the following features:
- Wearable help buttons: Typically worn as necklaces, wristbands, clipped onto a belt loop or in a pocket.
- Additional accessories: Some systems offer wall-mounted buttons, carrying cases, and extra features like medication reminders and GPS location tracking.
- Easy setup: Setting up your medical alert system usually involves plugging in the base unit and testing help buttons. Many systems feature voice prompts for step-by-step guidance.
Medical alert monitoring service
If you choose a monitored system, pressing the emergency button connects you to a professional monitoring center, typically within 30 seconds. Some devices include fall detection, which automatically alerts the center if a fall is detected. Trained staff assess your situation and contact emergency services or designated caregivers, if necessary.
Unmonitored systems, on the other hand, directly call 911 or your emergency contacts without a monitoring center intermediary. While these systems eliminate monthly fees, they may be less reliable in ensuring prompt and appropriate assistance.
Types of medical alert systems
Monitored vs. unmonitored systems
- Monitored: Staffed 24/7, providing personalized response plans and professional assistance.
- Unmonitored: Directly dials emergency contacts or 911 without professional monitoring.
At-home vs. on-the-go systems
- At-home systems: Ideal for older adults with mobility concerns. Available with landline or cellular connectivity.
- On-the-go systems: Ideal for those who would like peace of mind while going about regular activities. These devices work anywhere, continuing to provide emergency support with the push of a button.
Advanced features:
- Caregiver alerts: Notifications are sent to family members when an emergency button is pressed.
- Fall detection: Uses accelerometers to detect falls and send automatic alerts.
- Ambient sensors: Wall-mounted, voice-activated sensors for high-risk areas like bathrooms.
How monitoring centers work
More than 69% of respondents to our survey reported that fast response time is the most important thing they look for in a medical alert system. Most of the devices we tested had a response time of about 30 seconds.
When an alert is triggered, a trained professional assesses the situation and follows your pre-set emergency response plan. Some monitoring centers have redundant backup locations to ensure uninterrupted service.
Medical alert system emergency process:
- User presses help button → An alert is sent to the monitoring center.
- Monitoring professional responds → The monitoring professional will ask questions, engaging in two-way communication if possible.
- Emergency services contacted → If necessary, the monitoring professional will contact emergency responders and send them key health information and access details.
- Caregivers notified → If included in the user’s preferences, the monitoring center will contact listed caregivers.
- False alarm handling → In the case of a false alarm, users can confirm they do not need assistance.