Last year, while out to dinner with my father, he received an urgent alert on his phone. His mother had fallen, was experiencing slurred speech, and was confused. She was having a stroke, but thanks to her medical alert system, she was able to call him for help. With the click of one button, an ambulance and her son were notified immediately — minutes that happened to save her life.
Medical alert systems can offer you and your loved ones the peace of mind needed for a senior to remain independent.
EVERY 11 SECONDS, AN OLDER ADULT IS TREATED IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR A FALL.”
— U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
MobileHelp
This FDA-approved service received an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, and touts high reviews from its users. Varieties include a cellular in-home option with detectability 600 feet from home base, a fully cellular mobile option with GPS, and a water-resistant button.
Extras: The optional MobileHelp vital signs tracker and medication reminders offer medication alerts in addition to the life-saving signals. The device comes in the traditional button or pendant styles as well as the MobileHelp Smart Watch, an excellent option for men.
Cost: Initial set-up is $49.95 with no contract and $19.95 per month to use the service. If you sign up for annual use, the set-up fee is waived.
Bay Alarm Medical
Reviews claim this company stands out in its dedication to quality customer service. The service features landline and cellular in-home options (1000 ft. range), a mobile option with GPS, and water-resistant buttons. The landline service features a wireless base so that you can move the device while on vacation or a stay away from home.
Extras:
• Wireless wall buttons
• “Vial of life” medical information pack so EMTs can see the customer’s medical history in an emergency
• Caregiver tracking portal (on mobile systems only)
Cost: $19.95 per month; no contract necessary
Medical Guardian
This company receives outstanding reviews from its users for quality and customer service, and in 2015 was voted one of the best places to work by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Landline and cellular in-home options available (with a 1300 ft. range), a mobile option, a new combination wifi and cellular system for more active users, and a water-resistant button are featured.
Extras:
• Automatic fall alert detection
• Largest range in the industry
• Only service to offer a wifi/cellular unit
• A variety of flexible plans available
Cost: Starts at $29.95 per month
By Megan M. Seckman
*This article was previously published in our 2018-2019 Winter Issue.
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