Here’s a fast start guide to help seniors and loved ones evaluate and purchase the best medical alert systems (aka Personal Emergency Response Systems or PERS) for home safety and fall prevention.
I’ll be diving deeper into this topic for a new module in my Believe in Balance course.
Below is a summary of some of my early research with quick tips to consider when evaluating medical alert systems. Top independently reviewed devices are included with links to learn more and order.
Why Consider a Medical Alert System?
Provides 24/7 emergency help at home or on-the-go.
Reduces risk of delayed medical care after falls.
Supports independence and peace of mind for seniors and loved ones.
Key Features to Look For
Fall Detection: Automatically alerts help when a fall is detected.
Type of Monitoring: Landline, cellular, or GPS-based for mobile use.
Response Time & Center Quality: 24/7 certified monitoring.
Ease of Use: Simple wearables and easy setup.
Cost & Contracts: Watch for hidden fees and long-term agreements.
Discounts and Benefits: Check Your Insurance Coverage, ie) Medicare Advantage Plans, AARP and possible coverage with Veterans benefits
Top-Rated Systems at a Glance
1. Medical Guardian
Why it stands out: Rated Best Overall by NCOA; fast response, long range, diverse device options
Offers home base, mobile pendants, smartwatches, GPS on-the-go.
Monitoring starts around $29.95–$36.95/month, no long-term contract
2. Bay Alarm Medical
Touted for outstanding customer service, price-lock guarantee, and discounts
Basic plan starts at $24.95/month, with fall detection add-on (~$10/month)
3. MobileHelp
Best Value pick: lowest starting cost (~$24.95/month), no hidden fees, 30-day trial
Offers in-home and on-the-go devices; fall-detection pendants; 4G LTE connectivity.
Honorable Mentions
Lively – integrates with Jitterbug phones, offers fall detection pendants
ADT Medical Alert – lifetime warranty, no hidden fees, cellular/base range options
Action Steps
✅ Decide: Do you need a home system or mobile coverage (for outdoor use)?
✅ Prioritize: Fall detection is essential for higher-risk individuals.
✅ Check: Trial periods and avoid long-term contracts.
✅ Review: Compare monthly & upfront costs carefully.
✅ Test: Use trial periods to confirm comfort and reliability.
“What about using my Apple Watch with the Fall Detection Feature??”
I cover this option and the pros and cons, with costs in my new course
Trusted Resources & Reviews
National Council on Aging (NCOA): ncoa.org
SafeWise: safewise.com
Consumer Reports: consumerreports.org
SeniorLiving.org: seniorliving.org
Final Tips
Best Overall: Medical Guardian — full-featured options and strong support.
Best Value: MobileHelp — affordable and transparent.
Best Budget: Bay Alarm Medical — lowest price with good service.
Stay Safe, Stay Independent- Take Charge of Your Health!!
To learn more about my upcoming new Believe in Balance Course with a comprehensive review of fall detection and medical alert systems subscribe to my Substack and podcast for updates.
For a personalized comparison chart or for local deals get on my list, and always talk with your healthcare provider or reach out to a trusted aging services advisor or Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) professional for best fit for your individual needs.
Resources and Disclosures: I am an Amazon associate and the links in this post are connected to my account. This does not affect my evaluation of the products listed. They were all independently tested for 2025 by the reviews mentioned in this article. Purchasing through my links does not change the price you pay, all current offers and pricing are up to date and adjusted for sales on Amazon’s platform by the vendor and reflected here.
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