Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection

Medical Guardian was founded by 25-year-old Geoff Gross in 2005 because he wanted his grandmother to finally feel empowered, not left behind, by a medical alert company.

Since then, the company has grown to offer multiple shower-safe wearable styles such as watches, pendants, and clip-ons; as well as at-home systems, which offer options for older adults with a landline or those with poor cell service. There’s a variety of connectivity options, including 4G LTE, WiFi, and GPS, and the at-home range from the console is an impressive 1,400 feet. (That’s about four football fields.) 

Installing the system is a breeze: All the user has to do is charge the device, which takes three to four hours, and then call Medical Guardian’s support line to activate it. Users can then feel safe with 24/7 monitoring provided by the company’s Five Diamond trained and certified operators.

The add-on Call Chain feature can provide additional peace of mind, by allowing users to send text and email notifications to people they’ve chosen. However, one of the downsides to Medical Guardian is that it will share personal identifiable information with third parties that provide the company services (such as payment processors), as well as for marketing and research purposes. 

Medical Guardian does not offer a free trial or a price lock guarantee, however there is a one-year device warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.  

Medical Guardian’s monitoring and subscription plans can be paid monthly, quarterly, or—for a 16% discount and free lockbox—annually. Fall detection is not included with any base plan, but it is available as an add-on pendant. Wearable devices are available in your choice of white or black.

In-Home Systems

• Classic Guardian: Necklace and wristband that connects to a landline and includes access to the caregiver app | $29.95 per month (paid monthly or quarterly) or $329.45 per year
• Home 2.0: Cellular/WiFi voice assistance device that syncs to included necklace and wristband and includes access to caregiver app | $37.95 per month (paid monthly or quarterly) or $417.45 per year

On-the-Go Systems

• Mobile 2.0: Lightweight device that clips to clothes and attaches to the included necklace and wristband. Offers advanced hourly location monitoring via LTE, WiFi, and GPS, as well as direct access to the caregiver app | $44.95 per month (paid monthly or quarterly) or $494.45 per year
• Mini Guardian: Lightweight, small pendant equipped with a help button and two-way speaker with advanced location tracking for alarms using WiFi and GPS | $44.95 per month (paid monthly or quarterly) or $494.45 per year
• MG Move: Smartwatch that comes with weather alerts, a pedometer, and an optional app to stay in touch with loved ones | $39.95 per month (paid monthly or quarterly) or $439.45 per year 

Add-Ons

Add-ons that are available during the checkout process include:

• Fall Detection Pendant: Automatically detects most falls (though users are encouraged to push the button as well if they are able) | $10 per month
• Wireless Wall Button: A press of a button from up to 2,000 feet away from the base unit prompts an emergency call to the monitoring center | $2.99 per month 
• Voice-Activated Wall Button: Contact the monitoring center from up to 500 feet away from the base unit by pressing the button, pulling a cord, or using your voice | $4.99 per month
• Elite 911: One-button cellular speaker box that connects you to a 911 operator, no charging or phone needed | $9.99 per month
• Lockbox: Let emergency services inside even if you can’t get to the door | $2.99 per month, or $0 per month if paying annually
• MG Protection Plan: Covers device damage due to defect, malfunction, damage, and wear and tear | $6.99 per month
• OnGuard Alerts: Send real-time text/email notifications to Call Chain Caregivers | $2.99 per month

Medical Care Alert is a family-run business that was founded in 2008. You don’t need to be technologically savvy to set up the company’s devices—just plug them into an outlet and telephone jack and press a button to confirm the connection—making them a great choice for older adults. 

Users who spend time at home indoors and outdoors will appreciate the HOME & YARD Medical Care Alert System, which includes a walkie-talkie-style voice pendant that can be worn as a necklace or strapped to your wrist, wheelchair handle, or another mobility device. Each HOME & YARD system can work with up to four devices.

For those who spend more time inside, the HOME Medical Care Alert System includes a whole-house speakerphone, and its wrist/pendant buttons have a range of up to 1,000 feet from the base. An automatic fall detection pendant, available for an additional monthly charge, can give older adults more peace of mind while going about their daily activities. 

Finally, Medical Care Alert’s HOME & AWAY ULTRA GPS System is a great option for those who aren’t home all the time, or for those who have cognitive conditions that can lead to concerns like wandering. This shower-safe device combines a two-way speakerphone with GPS, WiFi, and cellular connectivity, as well as (for an additional cost) built-in AutoFALL protection. No free trial is available, but the company does offer a 100% lifetime replacement of products with manufacturing defects at no cost.

Medical Care Alert offers several systems and offers customers the option to pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Annual plans include one month of free service, so if you can afford the upfront cost, you’ll save a bit of money in the long run.

• HOME Medical Alert System: Whole-house two-way speakerphone console, one shower-safe wrist button or necklace pendant with a 1,000-foot range, the equipment needed for landline installation (if needed), and a free lockbox | $29.95 per month or $329.45 per year (landline) | $34.95 per month or $384.45 per year (LTE Cellular) | $10 per month for automatic fall detection
• HOME & AWAY ULTRA GPS Medical Alert System: Water-resistant two-way voice pendant that connects via WiFi and the AT&T and Verizon cellular networks, plus a free smartphone app that shows device location, weather, most recent alarm activity, caregiver notifications | $39.95 per month or $439.45 per year
• HOME & AWAY DUO Medical Alert System with GPS: Wrist or pendant button for at-home coverage and GPS device (comes with carrier) for coverage everywhere else | $39.95 per month or $439.45 per year | $10 per month for automatic fall detection

Add-Ons

• Jewelry Pendant Holder: This brass holder and 24-inch chain with magnetic breakaway clasp makes your device look more like actual jewelry; available in silver and antique gold finishes (however, unlike MyGuardian’s Limitless Icon pendants, Medical Care Alert does not state that it uses hypoallergenic brass) | $49.95
• Cellular MedReady Automatic Pill Dispenser Monthly Plan: Dispenses up to nine pills, four times per day, and sends notifications via text, email, or phone call when a dosage is missed | $49.95 per month
• HOME Medical Alert Wall Button: Waterproof emergency button that can be attached to a wall or a table and connects with the HOME Medical Alert System | $39.95 (one-time charge)
• Fall Detection Pendant for HOME & AWAY DUO: Includes a microphone and a speaker so you can communicate with operators if you fall | $36.62 per month (when paid annually) for the device, plus $10 per month (monitoring)

GetSafe offers a variety of ways to call for help, and fast—in fact, the operator response time is 25 to 35 seconds. The devices are voice-enabled; all the user has to do is say “Call 911” twice, or pull a cord. Multiple people in a household can use the same alert system, which can help save money, which can be crucial when considering only 19% of disabled people in the U.S. have a job, compared with 64% of non-disabled people. 

GetSafe’s system is very simple to set up: Just plug it into a wall outlet and power it on. Then the system syncs itself with the GetSafe Monitoring Center via AT&T 4G LTE, no internet required. Customers love the versatility of GetSafe’s products because they can just hit a button to call for help. Non-wearable devices include a base unit, voice-activated wall buttons, and standard wall buttons. However, in order to have accurate fall detection, you must still wear a separate automatic fall detection pendant. 

Unlike some other companies, though, GetSafe offers a 30-day risk-free trial, which can come in handy if you’re not totally sure its devices and services are the best for you and your needs. However, no warranty is advertised on its website and there is no information available on its website about operators’ training. 

Reviews on GetSafe’s site feature customers who love the independence that comes with non-wearable devices, easy setup, and the peace of mind its systems offer.

Unlike many competitors, GetSafe only offers a single home base device, and structures its prices around the number of rooms covered:

• Starter (0–1 Bedroom): Base unit, one voice-activated wall button, and one complimentary lanyard button | $79 equipment fee + $29.95 per month
• Standard (2–3 Bedrooms): Base unit, two voice-activated wall buttons, one standard wall button, and one complimentary lanyard button | $179 equipment fee + $29.95 per month
• Select (4–5 Bedrooms): Base unit, three voice-activated wall buttons, two standard wall buttons, and one complimentary lanyard button | $279 equipment fee + $29.95 per month

If none of these plans work for your living situation, you can also request a custom package over the phone. 

Add-Ons

• Lockbox: A rust-proof, combination-style lock that lets emergency responders or designated contacts enter the home without damaging your property | $30
• Help Button with Optional Auto Fall Detection: Worn on the neck or wrist, this waterproof device features a recessed button to reduce accidental pushes, as well as an 800-foot range and five-year battery life | $25 for pendant and $10 per month for fall detection
  

Launched in 2005 as GreatCall, the company’s focus for years was basic, easy-to-use cellphones designed with older people in mind. It has since entered the medical alert market as well, and it was acquired by Best Buy in 2018, with the model name of its first mobile medical alert device—Lively—eventually becoming the company’s new name in 2021.

These days, users can choose from several styles of mobile devices with an Urgent Response Button, including a clip, a pendant, and a wristband. Urgent Response Agents can call emergency services if necessary, stay on the line until help arrives, and keep users’ loved ones up to date. 

Users can stay connected with their loved ones using the Lively Link app, available for iOS and Android. The app is also accessible via the Apple Watch, as well as Alexa-enabled devices, which can connect users to agents just by using voice commands. 

For users who prefer simplicity combined with smart technology, the Jitterbug Flip2 is a good choice. This flip phone is easy to use because of its oversized physical keypad (including a built-in Urgent Response button), large screen, and Alexa compatibility. If you don’t use smart devices, you can opt for the Jitterbug Smart3, a smartphone with video chat, speech-to-text typing, an Urgent Response button, and a large screen. 

Lively doesn’t offer a free trial or a price lock, but its device warranty covers users for 90 days.  

Customer reviews on the Consumer Affairs website complain about Lively’s customer service, however, most highly recommend the Lively Mobile+ device because it helps them feel safe and the response time is fast.  

Lively offers two levels of health and safety packages, all paid on a monthly basis:

• Basic: 24/7 Urgent Response service and Lively Link | $24.99 per month
• Premium: Urgent Response, Care Advocate, Nurse On-Call (ask registered nurses and board-certified doctors medical questions and order prescriptions or get medication refills), and Lively Link (smartphone app that friends and family members use to stay connected to you and, with your permission, they can access your location and see changes in your daily activity) |$34.99 per month

Lively’s range of devices is suitable for users with varying preferences and levels of tech-savviness: 

• Lively Mobile+: Waterproof mobile alert device with two-way communication that can be carried in a bag, worn as a pendant, or clipped on a belt. Features two-way communication and 24/7 monitoring and fall detection | $49.99 plus monthly plan, activation fee and taxes
• Lively on Apple Watch: Fall detection is provided by the Apple Watch, not Lively. The device is sold separately | Free app 
• Jitterbug Flip2: Flip phone with Alexa, large screen and buttons, list-based menu, Urgent Response button, one-touch speed dialing, and other features like a camera, magnifier, and flashlight | $99.99 device fee + monthly $14.99–$19.99 talk and text plan + (optional) monthly Health and Safety package fee 
• Jitterbug Smart3: Simple smartphone with integrated Urgent Response button, speech-to-text typing, a high-quality camera, video chat capabilities, and games to enhance cognition. | $149.99 device fee + monthly $14.99–$19.99 talk and text plan and data plan ($2.94 to $30 per month)
  

MobileHelp, founded in 2006, was the first FDA-registered medical alert system provider in the U.S. In April 2022, Advocate Aurora Enterprises acquired MobileHelp.

It offers both in-home and on-the-go systems that are easy to set up because all you have to do is plug the system into an outlet that isn't controlled by a light switch and then press the test button. The pendant or wrist button will then prompt you to press it and then will guide you through the installation process.

MobileHelp’s medical alert necklaces come with a waterproof help button, 24/7 monitoring, and don’t require a landline installation. The necklace’s battery life is an impressive three-plus years, with the charging time clocking in at up to three hours. However, the mobile device battery will probably need to be charged every day.

The help button comes as a pendant or wrist button, which allows users flexibility. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The necklace comes with automatic fall detection, however, like most companies, MobileHelp’s website says that its fall button does not detect all falls. If possible, users should push their buttons when they need help. (The mobile device, neck pendant, and fall button are different devices). 

New customers receive a free lockbox, and everyone gets a 30-day risk-free trial. The company will repair or replace any products damaged due to normal wear and tear at no cost. 

MobileHelp states it hires only the top 3% of all applicants and the call center is staffed 24/7 by English and Spanish-speaking operators who are trained on idiomatic and cultural differences and who are regularly coached by quality assurance specialists. Other emergency alert companies don’t offer this breadth of language and cultural accessibility. Third-party interpretation services for users who speak other languages are available too. 

There are many options to choose from if you’re looking for a medical alert system from MobileHelp:

• MobileHelp Classic: Cellular base station and one portable help button | $19.95 per month
• MobileHelp Wired Home: Landline base station and one help button | $26.95 per month
• MobileHelp Touch Classic: Easy-to-use touchscreen cellular base station and one help button | $54.95 per month
• MobileHelp Solo: Mobile device + one help button | $41.95 per month
• MobileHelp Micro: Smaller device with automatic fall detection | $39.95 per month
• MobileHelp Mobile Duo: Mobile device, two help buttons, and monitoring for two users | $49.95 per month

In addition to the monthly plans, customers must pay a one-time $49.95 processing fee. There are no initial equipment fees, though users must pay for the full cost of replacement devices unless they purchase Connect Premium for $6 per month.

Connect Premium also ensures the medical alert system’s plan cost doesn’t change for two years after the start of Connect Premium, and gives users 25% off all accessories and MobileVitals, 50% off medication reminders and activity tracking (when bought with a fall button), and 30 additional pings per month for Location Detection on the MobileHelp Connect portal (usually $72 per year).

Add-Ons

• MobileVitals Duo: Blood pressure monitor, digital weight scale, pulse oximeter, free lockbox | $43.29 per month
• Medication Reminders: Notifications sent to your device based on the medication schedule you set in your portal | $6 per month with MobileHelp plan
• Activity Tracking: Allows users to monitor their activity on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis and send instant messages if there are abnormal periods of activity, along with email updates to family and friends | $6 per month with MobileHelp plan
• MDLIVE: Access Verywell Health’s Best Overall Online Doctor of 2023 via MobileHelp’s Mobile Devices and Touch Base Station | $9.95 per month
• Lockbox: $29.95
• Additional Help button | $24 per year
• Additional Wall button | $2.95 per month (each)

ADT traces its history back to 1874, when founder Edward Callahan built the first residential security system network with each call box connected via telegraph. Since then, it’s exploded into a comprehensive security company that also provides medical alert services. Its products range from on-the-go systems to extended in-home range products. ADT has been in the business of security for almost 150 years as an early adopter of utilizing a central monitoring center. 

ADT offers a lifetime warranty for all of its medical alert products, along with a lifetime price lock guarantee—so the monthly cost never increases—and free shipping on some products. While ADT does not offer a free trial of its medical alerts, users can cancel their service at any time at no fee. However, if users don’t return the system within 30 days, they will be charged $250. Customers will be refunded for any monthly payments they paid for ahead of time but didn’t use. These savings add up and help the user cut down on costs. 

You can use the system at home via WiFi or cellular connection. However, if AT&T LTE service isn’t available in your area, you’ll need to opt for the Basic Medical Alert unit (landline required). The in-home range extends to 300 feet for the Medical Alert Basic System and 600 feet for the Medical Alert Plus System, both of which include one pendant or wristband at no additional cost.   

ADT has over 100 years of experience in the security business so we feel confident that it can meet diverse users’ needs while also providing great savings. Its website testimonials demonstrate its devices’ life-saving value and excellent customer service.  

ADT offers the following plans:

• Medical Alert Basic: In-home base unit, two-way talk, home temperature monitoring, pendant with a 300 foot range, landline required | $29.99 per month
• Medical Alert Plus: In-home base unit, two-way talk, home temperature monitoring pendant range with 600 foot range, no landline required | $35.99 per month
• On-the-Go: Mobile base unit with one GPS-enabled pendant and optional fall detection | $39.99 per month

Add-Ons

• Fall detection | $10 per month 
• Lockbox | $29.99 one-time cost
• Leather case to carry On-the-Go device, includes belt clip | $10
• Additional wristbands and neck pendants | $14.99 each 
  

HandsFree Health truly is hands-free—to use, all you have to do is say, “Okay, WellBe,” within range of the WellBe Smart Speaker. 

The device can play music, audiobooks, weather forecasts, and news, but it’s definitely not your average virtual assistant. You can ask medical questions and the virtual assistant technology will search through its curated health database for answers, schedule reminders to take medication, and receive alerts when it’s almost time to refill your prescriptions—at which point, operators are available to contact your pharmacy for you. WellBe’s Smart Speaker also keeps caregivers up to date with notifications about missed appointments and medications, as well as abnormal health readings, like blood pressure and sugar, detected by its “innovative technology.”

While outside the home, users can wear HandsFree Health’s WellBe Medical Alert Smart Watch which includes GPS, 24/7 monitoring, fall detection, the ability to talk via the watch to emergency services, a heart rate monitor, and a pedometer.  

Connectivity options include WiFi and a 4G cellular option, the latter of which comes with a monitoring subscription. Caregivers can try out the products with their loved ones at no risk with HandsFree Health’s free trial and there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.  

While the site lacks information about which languages its operators can understand, we still think caregivers will find HandsFree Health to be versatile for both their needs and the needs of their loved ones, along with offering fun extras like music, audiobooks, weather forecasts, and news reports. 

HandsFree Health’s plans include:

• WellBe Medical Alert Device and Smart Speaker: Virtual health assistant and medical alert device | $189 equipment fee, $39.95 per month
• WellBe Medical Alert Watch, Mobile Emergency Alert Device that allows users to call for help by pressing a button | $119.95 equipment fee, $29.95 per month
• WellBe Medical Alert PLUS: Smart Speaker and Medical Alert Smart Watch for on-the-go security | $159.95 equipment fee, $34.95 per month
• WellBe Pendant | $119.95 for pendant and $29.95 per month

Add-Ons

• Fall detection: $10 per month