Technological advancements in medicine have encouraged service providers to develop medical alert systems that enable users to respond to emergencies effectively. The primary purpose of these systems is to notify emergency services and alert family members. Those who are living on their own are relying on these systems because of the affordable plans and subscriptions offered by the providers.

Let’s take a closer look at this technology and understand its functioning.

What is a medical alert system?
Medical alert systems are emergency response devices that can call for help and alert the nearest authorities. Seniors can benefit by using such devices, as they can activate an emergency response from home or even on the go. Today, these devices are portable, and they feature fall detection and automatic alerts with active health monitoring.

What are the different types of medical alert systems?
Depending on the purpose, they are bifurcated into traditional medical alert systems, cellular technology systems, GPS enabled devices, and fall detection systems.

How much do medical alert systems cost?
Most systems offer a 30-day trial period. Some also offer a money-back guarantee. The reasonably priced medical alert systems are available for approximately $15/month, while the premium ones are around $30/month. It’s advisable to check with the vendor to understand the terms of the services provided.

In-home vs. mobile medical alert systems – Which is better?
There’s only one primary point of distinction between an in-home and a portable medical alert system, and that’s usability. It’s possible to use an in-home alert system only when the device is connected to the home landline, whereas, mobile systems can send an emergency response from any location and alert the nearest medical center. Medical Guardian, Mobile Help, LifeStation, LifeFone, and QMedic are some popular at-home devices. Medical Alert, HelpButton, ADT Health, among several others, are excellent choices for mobile monitoring systems.

How do medical alert systems work?
Traditional consoles feature basic health and status monitoring systems that you can connect with your home landline. The main component of such devices is an emergency response button. Seniors can activate this button to send out a distress signal alerting the nearest medical care providers in the system’s network. You can either buy a dedicated console to be installed at an accessible location in your home or opt for belts, necklaces, or wristbands with a portable emergency response button.

In the absence of a home landline connection, it’s advisable to opt for cellular and GPS enabled devices. They are capable of accurately sharing the location immediately after transmitting an emergency response via an active cellular network. Additionally, these services also include fall detection systems that come in handy in case someone is unable to activate the response manually. These devices automatically send out a distress signal to alert medical authorities.

Top 10 highest-ranked medical alert systems
The following devices and providers showcase their unique functionality of the system. Herein, we understand the key features.

Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian is well known for its amazing response time. It’s a service that’s best suited for seniors who face mobility. The system has an active fall detection feature, and the device has a range of nearly 1,300 feet, making it one of the best monitoring and alert systems.

Medical Alert
Medical Alert is the preferred choice for active seniors and family members who love the outdoors and travel frequently. The cellular GPS enabled device can transmit a distress signal from any location. An automatic fall detection alert message is sent when the user is unable to press the button and call for help.

MobileHelp
The cellular-based network is one of the few systems that provide active medical health support with timely reminders throughout the day. It is best suited for seniors who need to be reminded of taking their daily medication.

LifeStation
LifeStation is an exclusive all-in-one solution that also comes at a premium cost. It is one of the few medical alert systems that features an amazing 5,000 feet range and an active CSAA certified monitoring team for emergency response.

LifeFone
LifeFone is best suited for married couples and features home-based and on-the-go systems. Your spouse is automatically included in the plans that you subscribe to. The home installation has a maximum field range of 1,300 feet, and portable devices are connected to medical alert centers over AT&T’s cellular network.

Philips Lifeline
One of the key highlights of Philips Lifeline is the fall detection technology, which makes it one of the better choices for older adults who are susceptible to accidents at home. Philips lets you customize your emergency response plans.

HelpButton
The service ranks highly among portable systems for its discreet usability and aesthetic design that are best suited for active seniors and travelers. HelpButton offers only cellular-based GPS and WiFi-enabled medical alert pendants, bracelets, and other wearables.

GetSafe
GetSafe offers is the voice activation for medical alerts. When the user is unable to press the emergency button due to an unfortunate event, they can rely on the voice activation technology to activate the device.

QMedic
QMedic is an upgrade over standard medical alert systems. The device is more suitable for tech-savvy users as QMedic incorporates integrated communication and smart technology. The wristbands and discreet pendants track and actively monitor your current status.

GreatCall
GreatCall is another tech-savvy smartphone-enabled medical alert device that can be connected via Bluetooth. The device contacts your immediate caretakers and alerts emergency services.