A medical alert system is a device used to summon help in an emergency. It connects the wearer with his caregivers or emergency responders just by pressing a button.

Introduction (1)

A medical alert system allows seniors to call for help whenever they needed. It gives a sense of peace to both parents and children. It is beneficial for those who are disabled, fall frequently, or have other medical conditions. It is effective for patients of:

  • Diabetes, because poorblood sugar level causes loss of consciousness
  • Multiple sclerosis, because it targets mobility
  • Heart diseases
  • Seizures
  • Vertigo
  • Hypotension
  • Parkinson’s and Alzheimer disease

Working

Medical alarms come in two systems that are mobile-based and home-based. The home-based system has a base station with a built-in speaker to contact an emergency agent and a button to call for help. Some advance home-based systems provide a button that is installed in the house and does not need to be pressed. Mobile-system provides coverage with the help of cellular technology. An individual has to take a mobile device whenever go outside. Devices come in different weights and sizes. A wearer must select the device according to his comfort level. That device uses a GPS to track the location of the mishap and permits the emergency responders to reach the exact site.

Important features

While choosing a medical alert system, one must check for the following important features.

  • Live24/7 supervision
  • Prolonged battery life of both systems
  • Batteries must be rechargeable
  • Wide range of home-based system
  • The capability of fall detection
  • The capability of GPS tracking
  • The wearable device should be water-resistant
  • Equipment cost, activation fee, and a monthly fee
  • Contract requirement
  • Availability of multiple languages
  • Network companies for mobile-based systems

How to select a medical alert system?

There are many things to consider before selecting a medical alert system. The most important thing to do is checking recalls from FDA. The website shows the list of medical system recalls. One must eliminate those medical systems from hiswish list. The second step is to consider the requirement and then selecting a medical system according to it. One must evaluate the following needs:

  1. Home-based or mobile-based system

Home-based systems are appropriate for those people who mostly stay at home or who cannot leave the house alone. This system provides complete coverage within the house. A mobile-based system is suitable for active folks. This system works outside as well as inside the house. These systems work with the help of GPS tracking and cellular technology.

  1. Automatic fall detection

It is an add-on feature provided by most companies. This feature automatically detects whenever the wearer falls. In this technology, certain sensors are used to detect falls, which are known as accelerometers. If someone falls, the company responders contact the wearer immediately without waiting for him to press the button. This feature must be considered by those who have less mobility and are at great risk for falls.

  1. Monthly expense

While selecting a medical system, monthly income is the factor to be considered. A user has to pay a monthly fee to the company. The monthly costs of companies differ from each other. Mostly the cost ranges from $19 to $49. An individual must know whether the selected system is affordable or not.

  1. Type of device

The wearable device comes in various forms such as a pendant, bracelet, or belt. These forms are light weighted and easily wearable. An individual can easily keep any of these forms with him while going outside. But these forms might not be helpful in all scenarios. For instance, a wearerdoes not wear it while taking shower. And if he falls inside the bathroom, then the medical device will be of no use. In such cases, a certain type of device comes that can be installed in the house. These are operated just by the voice of an individual.

Review of best medical alert systems (2)

  1. Medical Guardian

This company provides an all-in-one wearable device having both Wi-Fi and GPS facilityand a two-way speaker capability.

  1. Cost: $29.9-$49.9/month
  2. Services: On-the-go and In-home
  3. No activation fee
  4. No equipment fee
  5. No contract required
  6. Automatic fall detection costs $10/month
  7. Special features include wall-mounted buttons, wearable wrist button, voice-activated button, mobile app
  1. Bay Alarm Medical

It provides high-class services and innovative features at affordable prices. It offers on-the-go and in-home devices that are activated via cell signals or landlines.

  • Cost: $19.95-$39.95/month
  • Services: on-the-go and in-home
  • No activation fee
  • 1000 feet in-home range
  • At-home services charge no fee
  • GPS help button costs $79
  • SOS smartwatch costs $179
  • No contract required
  • Automatic fall detection charges $10/month
  • Special features include location tracking, automatic crash detection, caregiver tracking, customizable pendants
  1. MobileHelp

This company offers a high-quality device that meets one’s monitoring requirements.It has received high reviews from the customer in the industry.

  • Cost: $19.95-$49.95/month
  • Services: on-the-go and in-home
  • 1300ft in-home range
  • No activation fee
  • No equipment fee
  • No contract required
  • Automatic fall detection costs $10/month
  • Special feature includes mobile app
  1. Medical alert

It has received A+ ratings and excellent customer reviews. It delivers all that one looks forin a good medical alert system. It offers 25/7 monitoring services.

  • Cost: $19.95-$42.95/month
  • Services: on-the-go and in-home
  • 800 ft in-home range
  • No activation fee
  • No equipment fee
  • No contract required
  • Automatic fall detection costs $10/month
  • Special features include a mobile app, automatic fall detection, wearable wrist button
  1. GetSafe

It is one of those medical alert systems that provide home-based voice-activated emergency monitoring. This company best suits those who do not want to wear any device. It delivers its services with 30 days money-back guarantee.

  • Cost: $24.95/month
  • Services: in-home
  • No activation fee
  • $79 for one-bedroom
  • $149 for up to 3 bedrooms
  • $229 for five bedrooms
  • No contract required
  • Special features include automatic fall detection and hands-free use of medical alert

References

  1. https://www.medicalalertadvice.com/resources/3-main-types-of-medical-alert-systems-and-devices-explained/
  2. https://www.health.com/health-reviews/the-best-medical-alert-systems