Medical Alert Buttons For Seniors

Medical alert buttons can save lives by contacting an emergency response center when they’re pushed. They can be worn as a pendant around the neck or wrist, clipped to a belt loop, or carried in a pocket.

When pressed, the device triggers a call to a 24/7 monitoring center staffed by trained professionals. Here are a few reasons why you should consider one:

They’re Affordable

Medical alert systems can be a lifesaver in an emergency, but they can also be expensive. Depending on the brand and features, you can pay a one-time device fee or activation charge as well as monthly subscription fees. Some seniors may find that these costs are out of their budget, but they can be kept down with a few smart strategies.

First, it’s important to look for a system that has no minimum contract. This way, a senior can cancel their service if they find it isn’t right for them. Also, many medical alert companies offer discounts for veterans, members of AARP or AAA and other groups. These programs can save seniors a lot of money on the cost of a medical alarm system.

Another option is to choose a plan that offers a medical alert wearable or a mobile device with GPS built-in. These types of devices can help seniors feel confident about being away from home by providing a reliable means of communication with a monitoring center.

Bay Alarm Medical’s landline system used to be the most affordable on our list, but a recent price hike has pushed it down to runner-up status. It still boasts a number of features, including a free lockbox that first responders or caregivers can use to access a senior’s home without breaking a window or door.

They’re Discreet

A medical alert button is an emergency device that connects you to a customer service agent at the monitoring center if you press it in the event of a fall or other health-related accident. Depending on the system you choose, most will offer a two-way talk function, meaning that the operator can ask you how you’re feeling and send help your way right away. This feature is especially important if you have any injuries from your accident and need to communicate them to the emergency responder.

Most companies will offer stylish, wearable help buttons that can be worn around the neck or wrist. These buttons are often small enough to slip into your pocket and won’t interfere with your day-to-day activities. Some even come with a lanyard or beaded necklace to transform them into a piece of jewelry that looks more like fashion than a lifesaving device.

Some medical alert systems also offer unmonitored options where they don’t call a dispatcher when you push the emergency button. These are usually good choices for people who want basic protection but don’t want to pay a monthly monitoring fee or those who prefer their loved ones to contact them in an emergency instead of a professional.

For those who have a more mobile lifestyle, Acadian On Call offers mobile medical alert systems that can be used anywhere you are and include a waterproof help button with GPS auto locating. The Get Safe model has a sleek designer design that rivals your iPhone and looks more like fashionable jewelry than a medical alert device. They also offer a range of decorative charms that snap onto the pendant so you can change up your look.

They’re Easy to Use

Most medical alert systems — those you’ve probably seen on television and online ads — include a base station that connects to the user’s home phone or cell service and small wearable pendants, wristbands, or mobile devices with an emergency button built in. medic alarms If the user pushes the button, it signals the device to contact the company’s 24/7 monitoring center. Once there, a monitoring center professional evaluates the situation and contacts either EMS or the user’s caregivers as needed.

Most of the systems we reviewed also come with add-on equipment like a lockbox key holder to make it easy for emergency responders and caregivers to get into the home without damaging windows or doors, and medication reminders to help users remember to take their pills. Some even offer GPS capabilities so that the device can call for help when pressed away from home, too.

The system’s response time is another important consideration. Most companies list it on their websites, and our Reviews Team members found that most had fast response times. However, it’s always best to test a system before making a purchase, so ask the company about their response time and how they handle missed calls. personal medical alarms Many medical alert system manufacturers offer free or low-cost trials so that you can try the device before committing to it.

They’re Lifesaving

As more and more people live longer, medical alert systems are gaining popularity as a way to foster independence for older adults who might otherwise be at risk of serious injuries from falls or other health-related incidents. When a person presses the help button on a medical alert system, an alarm is sent to a 24/7 monitoring center, which contacts emergency services or the user’s predesignated emergency contacts. Some medical alert systems are based on landline telephones, while others operate on mobile networks. A device that uses a cellular connection can be less expensive, but you’ll have to pay monthly fees for cellular coverage, which are typically included in the monthly cost of your life alert system.





Many medical alert system reviews cite fast response times as one of the most important features of these devices. In fact, more than 69% of respondents to our Reviews Team survey said that fast response was the number one factor they look for in a medical alert system.

A good medical alert system has a wearable help button that the user or someone nearby can press in an emergency. The button is typically worn as a pendant or wristband and can be easily pressed from anywhere in the home or outside. The device also has a base unit that communicates with the monitoring center through a built-in siren, an alarm, or a cellular network. Some medical alert systems also come with GPS trackers to ensure your loved one’s safety on the go.