Medical alert systems are handy, life-saving devices that help the sick and elderly quickly connect with first responders, family, and monitoring agencies in the case of an emergency. So, they can press a button, or the device can detect on its own if the user falls or has a stroke or heart attack. A medical alert system has two components, the device itself and a 24×7 monitoring service that sends alerts to emergency contacts.

Types
Medical alert systems are categorized based on the type of equipment and key features. The device has a base unit plugged into an electrical outlet and is typically placed on a wall. Once activated, it connects through cellular or landline connection or wirelessly to devices like a pendant, necklaces, bracelets, or watches equipped with an emergency push button. When one presses the emergency button, it sends a radio signal to the base unit, which then sends an emergency alert to the monitoring center through a landline, cell phone, or internet. The monitoring service is a crucial component of the alert system. Once a trained customer service agent receives the alert generated by the push button, they track the user’s location, call the local medical services, alert all the people listed as emergency contacts, and ensure the user receives help as quickly as possible. The main types of medical alert systems are:

• At-home devices: At-home medical alert systems are best suited for patients and seniors who spend most of their time in the house or receiving home care. It has a base system connecting with wearable devices like necklaces, pendants, watches, and wristbands. These devices have motion-detecting sensors like accelerometers which can sense that one is going to fall and can alert the monitoring service upon detecting the emergency.
• Portable systems: Portable medical alert systems do not have a base unit, but users can wear it on the neck or carry it in their bags or pocket. One can also have an on-the-go system in the car. When one needs medical assistance, they can press the emergency button to alert the monitoring service.

Both types of medical alert systems are available with monitored or unmonitored services. With monitored services, one is connected to the monitoring center. An unmonitored service connects the user to the emergency services directly.

Things to consider
The design of a medical alert system should fulfill its primary purpose of monitoring and providing immediate communication to the sick and the elderly. So, it should be lightweight, easy to use, have a strong signal range, battery backup, extremely sensitive motion sensors that detect falls, and other sensors that can detect abnormalities in vital parameters. Here are the things to consider while buying a medical alert system:

• Type: An at-home medical alert system is ideal for those who stay indoors or are confined to a bed. A mobile or wearable device is ideal for children or seniors who have an active lifestyle and venture out by themselves or use mobility aids like wheelchairs.
• Signal range: The user must be close to the base station to communicate with first responders. Systems can offer a range of 200 feet to 1,400 feet. The user should choose a device they can access in the areas of the house they use most.
• Type of connection: Choose a system that works with the type of communication infrastructure you have at home.
• Additional buttons: Users may forget to wear a watch or a pendant that has an emergency button. The design of a medical alert system should be able to provide additional buttons in other accessible areas. It should also have voice detection features so that the user can activate the system in case of an emergency when they are unable to push the button physically.
• Special features and accessories: Some features help ease communication between the user and the monitoring service. One should look for a system with a speaker, microphone, GPS, and long battery life or a backup battery in case they forget to charge the device. Some systems offer video surveillance, which helps families and caregivers know where their loved ones are, especially for those diagnosed with dementia.

Cost
At-home monitoring fees range from $20–$30 per month, going up to $30–$45 per month for on-the-go systems. The cost of installation and activation can be anywhere between $30 and $100. Equipment costs are the biggest component and could be anywhere between $50 and $350 based on the type and features. One can also rent or lease the equipment to reduce expenses. Most companies charge additional fees for features like fall detection and video surveillance.

Best options
Some of the best brands offering medical alert systems brands are:

• ADT Health
• Aloe Care Health
• Bay Alarm Medical
• LifeFone
• Lively
• Medical Care Alert
• Medical Guardian
• MobileHelp