Best Medical Alert Systems with GPS
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A medical alert system is essential for vulnerable people and could mean the difference between life and death. These handy pieces of equipment often come with GPS which is excellent for locating the user if they go missing or if they find themselves in an emergency situation.
Medical Alert Systems with GPS Comparison Chart
Medical Alert Comapny | Quick Overview | |
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Who are GPS Medical Alert Systems Suitable for?
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a type of technology that uses satellites to detect a person or object. When this technology is used in a medical alert system, it will send notification of the wearer’s location to a call monitoring center or a loved one.
This feature is essential for people who are more vulnerable to becoming lost or disorientated, such as those with Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, or general memory problems. GPS is also an excellent feature for patients who may be suffering from mobility issues and serious medical problems. If they suddenly find themselves in an emergency situation, first responders will be able to locate them, even if the wearer isn’t sure where they are.
If you live alone and find yourself in need of emergency care, a medical response team or your loved ones will more easily be able to locate you. This is especially important if you experience a blackout and cannot communicate over the phone or through your system.
What are the Benefits of a GPS Medical Alert System?
There are many benefits to using a medical alert system with GPS. If you fit into any of the categories we have discussed in the previous section, or simply want a way to feel safer, then this feature will likely be advantageous.
- With precise location tracking, your loved ones or a caregiver will be able to monitor your whereabouts at all times. This gives them instant access to your location in the case of an emergency. What’s more, for patients with memory problems, loved ones can come and help should they wander to a place that is deemed unsafe.
- Wearing your GPS medical alert system means that, if you ever fall or have a medical emergency, you have immediate access to help, regardless of the time or day.
- Many devices come in the form of wearables such as a pendant or watch which means you aren’t limited to having to remain in the home.
- A lot of systems also feature fall detection. When a fall is detected, an alert is sent to a responder who will send help even if you are unable to communicate. Knowing your location means that response teams can easily find you.
- All of this information is transmitted in real-time meaning that there won’t ever be a delay in help reaching you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a GPS Medical Alert System
When it comes to choosing the right GPS medical alert system for you, there are several things that you will need to consider. Getting it right means that you will always have the safest and most accurate system. So, before you commit, consider the following factors.
Fees
Most medical alert systems will come with an option to sign up for a monthly or annual plan. This plan will typically give you access to 24/7 support directly through the device but may also come with extras. In some cases, you may need to pay a supplement for things like fall-detection or an additional device. However, when taking out a plan, you may find that the initial equipment fee is waived. That being said, you may need to pay an activation or installation fee.
In other cases, you may opt to purchase just the equipment and link this up to a loved one who will respond in an emergency. The cost of the equipment can vary significantly depending on the device.
If you are taking out a plan, you must look at whether there is a minimum term. If you are required to sign up for a specific time period, you may also wish to look at whether you will need to pay a cancellation fee should you no longer require the system.
Two-Way Communication
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing your system is whether it features two-way communication.
Some systems will allow you to connect to support and inform them of the issue, whereas others will allow the responder to also speak to you. This is great if you feel that you need more in-depth communication or reassurance until help arrives.
You may also wish to look at whether the system has the capacity for multilingual communication. If your first language is not English, many companies employ response staff who can speak other languages.
Battery Life
The last thing you want is to find yourself in an emergency situation is with a drained battery. If you live a very active lifestyle and spend a lot of time out of the house then a reliable battery is even more important.
There are some systems that come with a lifetime battery that can last up to two years. However, more commonly, you will have a rechargeable battery that is charged on a cradle. It is also important to look at how long it will take to charge and whether there is an option to have more than one battery, so you can still wear the device while one is charging.
Automatic Fall Detection
Fall detection, as we have mentioned, often comes with an additional monthly fee. However, this fee isn’t typically any higher than $10.
However, if you are vulnerable to falling or unsteady on your feet then this is a feature that is worth considering. All too often, elderly and disabled people stumble and it can be a long time before help arrives.
With fall detection, a fall will be picked up automatically and help will be dispatched to you even if you cannot communicate with the responder.
Landline or Cellular Monitoring
Medical alert systems typically operate on either a landline or cellular network, and which you choose will depend on what is available to you and how you want to use the system. Some people do not have a landline and so have to opt for a cellular connection.
The advantage of this is that you aren’t tied to a certain range which is the case with a landline connection and these cellular devices are often mobile, meaning you can leave the house. However, the downside is that you must have network coverage to be able to use the device. If you enter into a network ‘dead spot’, you will not be able to call for help.
Range
The range of your medical alert system refers to how far you can be from the base unit. For in-home systems, a base unit is fitted in the home and many of these have a very generous range. You may even be able to go into your next-door neighbor’s house for a cup of coffee and still be in range.
However, if you like to get out and about then a mobile device may be more suitable. Some of these come with a built-in base that allows you to contact support through the wearable. Others come with a small, portable base unit that can be carried with you. The range of these tends to be less generous than an in-home unit.
Response Times
In the event of an emergency, you want to feel confident that help will get to you quickly. Before signing a contract or taking out a plan, be sure to look at how quickly the response times are. This includes how quickly you will be able to talk to an agent and how quickly help will arrive.
If you are using a system that contacts a loved one, you may wish to consider linking it to someone who lives nearby so that they can reach you more quickly.
Water-Resistant
Many falls and emergencies happen in the bathroom so having a wearable device that can be kept on while you shower or bathe is essential. Furthermore, if you are out running errands, you will need to be confident that the tracker won’t be damaged by rain.
Caregiver Tracking
A lot of vulnerable people have a network of caregivers, and keeping all of them up to date can be time-consuming and tricky. However, many medical alert systems come with an app that can be used to provide up to date information at any time of the day.
Best GPS Medical Alert Systems
There is a huge range of medical alert systems on the market, and even once you have considered the above factors and decided what you will need, choosing can still leave you with a lot of questions. For this reason, we have put together a detailed guide on some of the best GPS medical alert systems available today.
1. Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian offers three different medical alert systems with GPS, each of which is excellent for people on the go.
Active Guardian
The active guardian is a portable device that can be worn around the neck. It is lightweight and operates on both a GPS and WiFi system. This offers the ultimate protection for people who like to get on with life despite their limitations.
It comes with built-in fall detection which can be activated for an additional monthly fee and boasts an incredible battery life.
Features:
- Two-way communication
- 24/7 US-based support
- Lightweight and portable
- Built-in fall detection (you must pay an additional $10 per month for this feature)
- Waterproof
- Optional lockbox for an additional monthly fee
- Unlimited range
Mini Guardian
For anyone who is looking for a medical alert system that has GPS tracking and everything that a larger system would have, but is extremely compact, we would recommend this device. The mini guardian is half the size of a traditional mobile system and can be clipped onto a belt or pocket for those on the go.
It boasts a super-strong cellular connection over a 4G network and uses three types of location tracking, including GPS.
Features:
- WiFi, GPS, and Triangulation tracking
- Lightweight and portable
- 5-day battery life
- Choice of colors
- Great cellular network connectivity
- Water-resistant
- Two-way speaker
- Unlimited range
Mobile Guardian
The mobile guardian can be worn as either a watch or a pendant which makes this a versatile choice. It comes with a portable base unit that offers a 350ft range. This is a great choice for people who are active but also spend a considerable amount of time at home.
It is lightweight and makes use of a reliable cellular connection giving you 24/7 access to US-based assistance.
Features:
- 350ft range
- Lightweight
- Portable base unit
- Two-way communication
- Waterproof
- GPS tracking
- 24-hour battery life
Active Guardian | Mini Guardian | Mobile Guardian | |
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Monthly Monitoring Fee | $39.95 | $39.95 | $44.95 |
Yearly Plan | $439.45 ($36.62 per month) | $439.45 ($36.62 per month) | $494.45 ($41.20 per month) |
Equipment Costs | N/A | $124.95 (One-time fee) | N/A |
Fall Detection Cost | $10 per month | $10 per month | $10 per month |
Fall Detection Device Built-In? | Built into neck pendant | Built into neck pendant | Requires neck pendant (included in fall detection price) |
Range | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) | Up to 350 ft. |
GPS? | |||
Waterproof? |
2. MobileHelp
MobileHelp
With a choice of devices and the option to take out an annual, bi-annual, quarterly, or monthly plan, the MobileHelp medical alert systems with GPS are great for people who don’t want to be restricted in terms of options.
Use code: BESTMOBILITYAIDS to get $35 off MobileHelp Solo, Duo or Classic annual plan
MobileHelp Duo
This diverse unit features an in-home base as well as a mobile button for when you are out and about. The system is easy to install and comes with no hidden costs, you are free to cancel at any time.
The system comes with a risk-free 30-day trial and you have the option to add fall detection which will call for help even if you cannot communicate.
Features:
- GPS tracking
- Cellular network
- Protection at home and on the go
- Option to add fall-detection
- Waterproof button
- Two-way speaker
- No contracts or hidden fees
- 24/7 US-based support
Mobile Duo
Should you require a dual system that comes with two help buttons with all the same features as other systems, then this is something worth considering. The Mobile Duo operates on a cellular network and features GPS tracking, so that help can always find you.
Both you and your partner or housemate can be covered under one monthly or annual plan, and there is an option to add fall-detection. You can opt out at any time and there will be no hidden fees or lengthy contracts.
Features:
- Two-way speaker
- Two help buttons
- GPS location tracking
- Cellular connection
- Free lockbox
- No hidden costs or contracts
- Unlimited range
MobileHelp Solo
If you are someone who spends just as much time at home as you do on the go then this system would be ideal. It comes with a mobile unit that can be used anywhere and relies on a cellular network connection.
One of the best things about this system is that it offers a great range of freebies when signing up such as a lockbox, free activation, and free equipment.
Features:
- 24/7 US-based support
- Waterproof
- Portable and can be used in the home
- No long-term contract
- Two-way speaker
- Built-in fall detection (requires an additional monthly fee)
- GPS tracking
- Unlimited range
MobileHelp Duo | Mobile Duo | MobileHelp Solo | |
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Monthly Monitoring Fee | $41.95 | $44.95 | $37.95 |
Yearly Plan | $443.40 ($36.95 per month) | $479.40 ($39.95 per month) | $395.40 ($32.95 per month) |
Equipment Costs | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Fall Detection Cost | $10 per month | $10 per month | $10 per month |
Fall Detection Device Built-In? | Requires neck pendant (included in fall detection price) | Requires neck pendant (included in fall detection price) | Requires neck pendant (included in fall detection price) |
Range | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) |
GPS? | |||
Waterproof? |
3. LifeStation
LifeStation
The LifeStation personal medical alert system is a great choice for people who need something reliable with long battery life.
Mobile LTE
There are many things that make this GPS medical alert system outstanding including the lightweight and easy to wear pendant design that comes with clear LED lights and a push button. The system operates on a reliable cellular network and has some of the most competitive response times in the business.
One of the other most exceptional features is the incredible battery which lasts for up to five days of regular use. Once it is drained, recharging takes just three hours so you can be back on the go again in no time.
Features:
- Cellular network
- Precise GPS tracking
- Long battery life and quick charging
- Portable and lightweight pendant
- One month free and then a rolling month to month subscription
- Waterproof
- Cancel with 30 days notice with no hidden fees
Mobile LTE | |
Monthly Monitoring Fee | $34.95 |
Yearly Plan | N/A |
Equipment Costs | $34.99 |
Fall Detection Cost | $10 per month |
Fall Detection Device Built-In? | Built into device |
Range | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) |
GPS? | |
Waterproof? |
4. GreatCall
GreatCall
The GreatCall medical alert system is perfect for helping you to retain your independence and get out and live your life, even with limitations. This is the perfect choice for active individuals.
Lively Mobile Plus
This is a small device that can be attached to your belt or pocket and simply forgotten about until you need to use it. There is a range of options when it comes to cover. If you need something simple, the packages start at under $20 and offer basic coverage. However, if you are a little more vulnerable, you might take out the still affordable Ultimate package that includes fall detection, access to doctors and medical staff, and a wealth of other features.
With some packages, you have the option to use the compatible app which helps to connect you and your caregivers providing them with information on your whereabouts and any relevant data.
Features:
- Diverse range of packages
- Two-way communication
- GPS tracking
- Smartphone caregiver app
- Waterproof
- Cellular network
- Unlimited range
- No option for an annual subscription
Lively Mobile Plus | |
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Monthly Monitoring Fee | Starts at $19.99 |
Yearly Plan | N/A |
Equipment Costs | $49.99 |
Fall Detection Cost | Included in the Ultimate monthly subscription (costs $39.99) |
Fall Detection Device Built-In? | Built into device (available with the Ultimate subscription above (see above)) |
Range | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) |
GPS? | |
Waterproof? |
5. Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm offers an excellent on the go mobile system which is best for people who need something compact and easy to use.
GPS Help Button
The GPS help button from Bay Alarm is a small and easy to carry medical alert system that will fit into your bag or pocket and be there when you need it. This is great for people who have greater cognition, as it is not a wearable device and will need to be kept somewhere safe.
The system features optional extras including fall detection and caregiver tracking. Subscriptions are taken out on a monthly basis but there is no option for an annual contract.
Features:
- Multilingual communication
- No minimum contract
- Spouse can be covered for free
- Waterproof
- Optional fall detection built into the device
- Portable and lightweight button
- Button cannot be worn
GPS Help Button | |
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Monthly Monitoring Fee | $24.95 |
Yearly Plan | N/A |
Equipment Costs | $79 (one-off fee) |
Fall Detection Cost | $10 per month |
Fall Detection Device Built-In? | Built into device |
Range | Cellular - Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) |
GPS? | |
Waterproof? |
