Best Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection
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Having a medical alert system can be life changing for many people but not all of these systems offer the same things.
One important feature of a lot of medical alert systems is fall detection. The device picks up on a fall and automatically alerts emergency responders. With so many fatal falls each year in the USA, this is a feature that could potentially save lives.
Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection Comparison Chart
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How Do Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detectors Work?
Fall detection works using a motion sensor. When the device falls quickly and then a period of inactivity is detected, this signals a potential fall and the device will alert the appropriate people. While this is a great feature to have and often correctly detect falls, it has to be said that these systems are not always reliable.
Some of the more modern fall detectors may be a little more accurate and studies have shown that up to 98% of devices were able to correctly detect a fall. However, there are times that a fall is not detected which could lead to the user missing out on the important care that they require. Furthermore, there are numerous reports of fall detection picking up on falls that haven’t occurred, therefore potentially wasting the time of emergency responders.
Who are Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detectors Suitable for?
According to the Center for Disease Control, as many as 36 million adults take a fall in the USA each year. This is a staggering number and yet, with technology such as fall detection medical alert systems, these people could more easily access help. While these systems certainly won’t prevent falls, they may help to decrease the astonishing number of fatalities that come as a result of such falls.
For older adults who are unsteady on their feet or for anyone with a disability that affects their balance and coordination, falling is a real risk. Anyone that falls within this category could benefit from using a fall detection medical alert system.
How to Choose the Best Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection
When it comes to choosing the right medical alert system for you, there are several things that you need to consider. Before you commit to any product, you should look at the following aspects:
Clear Pricing
Unless you buy an unmonitored system, you can expect to pay a monthly fee. This will allow you to connect to a call center in the case of an emergency and will often cover the GPS tracking, if any, on the device as well as other features.
It is important that you understand the monthly costs and that there are no hidden fees. Fall detection typically comes at an additional cost but this should be clearly stated. It is important to make sure that you can cancel at any time without being charged and that you won’t be tied down to a lengthy contract.
Monitoring & Response Times
While most medical alert system companies pride themselves on having fast response times, it is important to check their history. The last thing you want in an emergency is to find that you cannot be quickly connected to help.
Many companies offer an immediate response and will stay on the line until help arrives. You may wish to look for systems that have a two-way speaker, so that you can have a conversation with the call center agent and explain your needs fully to them. This will also allow them to reassure you and offer moral support.
Customer Service
An excellent reputation goes a long way where businesses are concerned but if the customer service doesn’t live up to this, then it can be vastly disappointing. When you approach a company to discuss your needs, you should feel as though they are able to clearly answer any of your questions and are not withholding information from you.
If there are any issues down the line, you want to feel confident that the company will be there for you. For example, do they offer technical support or will they replace faulty equipment? If so, how quickly can this happen?
Comfortable
Most medical alert systems come with a wearable device, particularly those that offer fall detection. In order to detect the fall, the device must be on your person. Normally, a medical alert system will come in the form of a watch or a pendant.
It is important that the device is lightweight and easy to carry around. You should ensure that it feels comfortable, doesn’t irritate your skin and can be easily adjusted to suit you.
Waterproof
Many of the falls that happen across the globe occur in wet environments. For example, a lot of people slip in the shower or when getting out of the bath. For this reason, it is essential that your wearable device is waterproof and can be used in these potentially dangerous situations.
In addition to this, you may wish to consider that when you own a mobile device, and are on the go, you could get caught in bad weather. Something water-resistant will repel rain and humidity, without compromising on its function.
Range
For systems that operate on a cellular network, you will typically find that the range is unlimited provided that there is good network coverage. However, for in-home systems that rely on a landline connection, there is normally a maximum range.
Generally speaking, this is pretty generous, with many systems having ranges between 600ft and 1500ft. However, you should consider the size of your home and garden as well as any neighbors homes you may frequent. If you are not in range of the base unit, your system will not work.
Connectivity Type
Medical alert systems operate on either a landline or a cellular connection. In home-systems normally use a landline connection but since many homes no longer have a landline, it is important to have the option to connect to a 4G network, which many do.
Alternatively, if you are using an on-the-go device, these will operate using a cellular network. The benefit of this is that you are not limited on where the device will work. Provided there is a network coverage, you will always have access to help.
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking uses satellites to pinpoint your location and this can often be delivered to your loved ones via an app. Not only does this give them, and you, peace of mind but it is also imperative in an emergency situation. If you are unable to tell responders where you are then this type of system will let them know your exact location.
GPS tracking is ideal for people who may have problems with their memory or who easily become disorientated. In the event of a fall or accident, loved ones can make their way directly to you. Furthermore, through regularly checking the app, your friends and family will know when you are in an unfamiliar area and can come to help.
Best Fall Detection Medical Alert Systems
It is clear that there are many considerations when choosing a medical alert system with fall detection.
Even after you have thought about all of these, there are still many options to choose from. Take a look at our in-depth comparisons of various systems to help you decide which is right for you.
1. Medical Guardian
Best Overall Choice – Medical Guardian
The Medical Guardian alert systems have an excellent range of features and aside from fall detection, you will benefit from things like GPS tracking and a waterproof device that can be worn wherever you go. However, with five different systems to choose from, you should look at the features of each to see which will be suitable.
All of the Medical Guardian medical alert systems come with a monthly fee ranging between $29.95 and $44.95 a month. However, if you add fall detection, this will take the monthly cost up by ten dollars. We think that this is very reasonable, especially when you consider that the fall detection feature works with a handy neck pendant. However, while the neck pendant for the Active and Mini Guardian has fall detection built-in, you will need an additional device when taking out this option with the Classic, Home, and Mobile options.
The Home and Classic Guardian operate on a landline connection and have a 600ft and 1300ft range, respectively. The former is great for people who spend a lot of time in the home, whereas the latter is ideal for people who like to get out into the garden or perhaps pop to the neighbor for a cup of coffee. Both come with a watch or pendant and feature two-way communication. In the event of an emergency, this can be very reassuring.
However, if you spend a lot of time out of the home, the Active, Mobile, and Mini Guardian devices operate on a 4G connection giving you the freedom to explore the world and still have back-up in the case of an emergency. The Mini Guardian is the smallest of these devices and is ideal for those with a very active life that don’t need weighty equipment. These systems also benefit from GPS tracking which is excellent for people who are at risk of becoming lost or disorientated.
Home Guardian | Classic Guardian | Active Guardian | Mini Guardian | Mobile Guardian | |
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Monthly Monitoring Fee | $34.95 | $29.95 | $39.95 | $39.95 | $44.95 |
Yearly Plan | $384.45 ($32.04 per month) | $329.45 ($27.45 per month) | $439.45 ($36.62 per month) | $439.45 ($36.62 per month) | $494.45 ($41.20 per month) |
Equipment Costs | N/A | N/A | N/A | $124.95 (One-time fee) | N/A |
Fall Detection Cost | $10 per month | $10 per month | $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) | Built into neck pendant | Built into neck pendant | Requires neck pendant (included in fall detection price) |
Range | Up to 600 ft. | Up to 1,300 ft. | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) | Up to 350 ft. |
GPS? | |||||
Waterproof? |
Pros
2. MobileHelp
Best for No Upfront Fees – MobileHelp
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Whether you are looking for at-home protection for an affordable monthly cost or on the go help for you and your partner, MobileHelp has a system for you. Fall detection can be added to all packages for just $10 per month and all of the mobile systems benefit from GPS tracking which is excellent for giving your loved ones peace of mind. Furthermore, there are no upfront equipment fees for any of the devices.
The in-home classic system does not rely on a landline connection, so if you don’t have one, it’s not a problem. You will benefit from around the clock access to US-based support at the touch of a single button. The system comes with a free lock box and free delivery as well as no contracts or hidden costs. Pay for what you want and cancel at any time.
If you spend a lot of time at home but also need protection when you are out and about, the MobileHelp Duo system offers both of these for a competitive price. The system comes with a home base unit and a mobile pendant both of which operate on a reliable cellular connection.
For those who require protection only when they are out of the home, the Mobile Solo is a great choice. With GPS tracking and two-way communication, this gives you everything you need in a compact and lightweight pendant. For a very slightly higher monthly cost, you can get two mobile units, one for you and one for your spouse.
MobileHelp Classic | MobileHelp Duo | Mobile Duo | MobileHelp Solo | |
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Monthly Monitoring Fee | $19.95 | $41.95 | $44.95 | $37.95 |
Yearly Plan | $359.40 ($29.95 per month) | $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 | N/A |
Fall Detection Cost | $10 per month | $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) | Requires neck pendant (included in fall detection price) |
Range | Up to 1400 ft. | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) |
GPS? | ||||
Waterproof? |
Pros
3. LifeFone
Best for Flexible Contracts – LifeFone
With a long standing excellent reputation, LifeFone offers a range of medical alert systems with the option to add fall detection for as little as $5 per month. Regardless of your needs, the brand offers various systems to suit all situations whether you are at home or on the go. One of the stand-out things about this company is that there are no setup fees, no hidden costs, and you are not tied into any contracts.
The at-home system operates on a landline connection although not all landlines are supported so the company will check this with you when you sign up. However, there is also an at-home system that uses a cellular connection. The at-home services are slightly less expensive each month so if you don’t spend a lot of time outside, then these may be suitable for you. Each of these systems can be upgraded to a fall detection pendant for just $5 a month and there is an option to pay an annual fee.
The at-home systems have a long-lasting back-up battery so that, in the event of a power outage, you are still protected.
While the home systems do have a very generous 1300ft range, they do not offer GPS tracking, although this isn’t something that is typically needed within the home. On the other hand, for users who like to get outdoors and explore, the on-the-go systems boast GPS in a handy wearable pendant with two-way speaker.
For users that spend equal amounts of time at home and away, there is the option to choose a system with both an in-home base and an on-the-go pendant. While this is a little more each month, you have the advantage of cover wherever life takes you.
At-Home Landline | At-Home Cellular | At-Home & On-the-Go GPS | At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, Voice-In-Pendant | |
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Monthly Monitoring Fee | $29.95 | $34.95 | $39.95 | $43.95 |
Yearly Plan | $274.45 ($22.87 per month) | $340.45 ($28.37 per month) | $406.45 ($33.87 per month) | $439.45 ($36.62 per month) |
Equipment Costs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Fall Detection Cost | $5 per month | $5 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) | Built into device |
Range | Up to 1,300 ft. | Up to 1,300 ft. | Up to 600 ft. (from base unit), 350 ft. (from mobile unit) | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) |
GPS? | ||||
Waterproof? |
Pros
4. Philips Lifeline
Best Compact System – Philips Lifeline
If you are looking for a medical alert system that is discreet, compact, and lightweight then the Philips Lifeline range could be right for you. The range is made up of a selection of at-home and on the go devices that can be worn as a pendant.
The HomeSafe system can run on a landline or cellular connection, with the latter having a fee that is $14 more each month. While the monthly costs are typically higher than other companies, fall detection is included rather than coming as an add-on. This home system is great for people who remain at home for much of the time and has a 600ft range.
With the auto alert function enabled, the system will accurately detect falls and connect you to help. There is a two-way speaker and a long-lasting battery which the company will replace when it drains.
If you are on the go then the GoSafe 2 offers GPS coverage as well as all of the features of the home system in a handy, lightweight pendant. Again, the monthly cost is higher than other brands but fall detection is included as standard.
If there was a drawback to these systems, it would be that there are upfront costs that cover setup, equipment, and delivery. At almost $120 for the GoSafe system and almost $70 for the home system, this is quite pricey.
HomeSafe with AutoAlert | GoSafe 2 | |
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Monthly Monitoring Fee | $44.95 (Landline), $58.95 (Cellular) | $49.95 |
Yearly Plan | $49.95 | $49.95 |
Equipment Costs | $50.00 activation fee (one off fee) + shipping fees ($19.95) | $99.95 (One-time fee) + shipping fees ($19.95) |
Fall Detection Cost | N/A | N/A |
Fall Detection Device Built-In? | Requires neck pendant (comes included) | Built into device |
Range | 600-foot range | Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) |
GPS? | ||
Waterproof? |
Pros
5. Bay Alarm Medical
Best Affordable System – Bay Alarm Medical
One of the things that stands out about the Bay Alarm medical alert systems is that you get versatile choices. They offer both an in-home system and a GPS help button. The in-home system can be connected to either your landline or a cellular network. Although, if you choose the latter, the monthly cost is elevated from $19.95 to $29.95. That being said, these are exceptionally reasonable fees when you consider what you get.
Fall detection can be added to both options for an additional $10 a month and while the in-home system does not require an upfront equipment cost, you should keep in mind that the GPS button will incur a one-off $79 fee. However, this is essential for vulnerable people on the go and is a small and lightweight device that is easy to carry and use.
The GPS system also comes with a handy tracking app for your friends and family and thanks to a reliable 4G-LTE connection, you have a good level of coverage across much of the country.
The in-home system requires the user to be within range of the base unit but is very generous in terms of this. There is a two-way communication system and the base has a 32-hour back-up battery for your peace of mind. It also comes with either two or four help buttons depending on the package you choose so you’ll never be far away from getting assistance.
There are no hidden costs and you get a free 30-day trial period to ensure that the equipment is right for you.
In-Home Medical Alert | GPS Help Button | |
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Monthly Monitoring Fee | $19.95 (Landline), $29.95 (Cellular) | $24.95 |
Yearly Plan | N/A | N/A |
Equipment Costs | N/A | $79 (one-off fee) |
Fall Detection Cost | $10 per month | $10 per month |
Fall Detection Device Built-In? | Requires neck pendant (included in fall detection price) | Built into device |
Range | Landline: up to 1,000 ft, up to 800 ft. (neck pendant) Cellular: Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) | Cellular - Unlimited (dependent on cellular coverage) |
GPS? | ||
Waterproof? |
