Medical Alert Systems: What To Look For (and Alternatives)
A big fear for older adults living alone is falling and not being able to call for help. A medical alert system, or a reliable check-in routine, can give everyone peace of mind.
Types
- In-home systems: a button (pendant or wristband) connected to a base unit. Works around the house and yard.
- Mobile systems: GPS and cellular, work anywhere with coverage.
- Smartwatches: some offer fall detection and emergency calling.
Features to compare
- ☐ Fall detection (automatic): helpful, but not perfect, so the button still matters
- ☐ 24/7 monitoring by a trained call center, or calls to family only
- ☐ Waterproof button, since many falls happen in the bathroom
- ☐ Battery life and how you're alerted when it's low
- ☐ Range of an in-home system
- ☐ Two-way voice through the pendant
- ☐ Coverage where they spend time
Costs and contracts
- ☐ Monthly fee, equipment fee, activation fee
- ☐ Long-term contract or month to month?
- ☐ Cancellation policy and trial period
- ☐ Whether Medicare covers it: Original Medicare generally doesn't; some Medicare Advantage plans may
Make it work
- ☐ It only helps if it's worn, including at night and in the shower
- ☐ Test it monthly
- ☐ Keep the responder list current
- ☐ Have a spare key plan (neighbor or lockbox) so responders can get in
Low-cost alternatives
- A daily check-in call or text at a set time, with a plan if there's no answer
- A cell phone they always carry
- Smart speakers that can call contacts by voice
- Local "telephone reassurance" programs (ask your Area Agency on Aging)
General information, not medical advice.
The Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist includes an emergency plan and an editable daily check-in agreement.
Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist — $12
17-page room-by-room home safety and fall-prevention workbook with a fall-risk check, modification plan, ways to pay and a fridge emergency sheet. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
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