Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors With No Monthly Fee

No one wants to think about getting into a medical emergency, but the reality is that it could happen to any of us. Having a way to request assistance at any time is the key to being prepared. 

A medical alert system for seniors is a portable alarm button usually worn as a pendant or wristband. You can also install alarms on the walls throughout your home. Many medical alert systems have a monthly fee that can be cost-prohibitive, though some insurance companies cover fees. Benzinga reviews safe and affordable options for seniors to use.

Best Medical Alert Systems With No Monthly Fee

A medical alert system for senior citizens can be a life-saving investment. Not all alert systems are created equal, and evaluating your needs is critical to securing the right system. Consider your level of activity, budget, health concerns and the size of your home to choose wisely. Here are budget-friendly medical alert systems with features created to keep you safe. 

Silent Beacon

The Silent Beacon is a panic button that has a GPS tracker. By pressing a button, you can send a message with your GPS coordinates to family and friends on your pre-programmed list. The Silent Beacon includes two buttons to prevent false alarms and reduce confusion during an emergency.

Features:

• Base station range - 100 feet
• Fall detector - Yes
• Warranty for wear and tear - One-year limited warranty 
• Connection type - Direct Bluetooth link to mobile phone or tablet
• GPS tracker - Yes
• Two-way communication - Yes

Benefits:

• Water-resistant
• Two-way communication
• A well-designed app
• GPS tracker

Disadvantages:

• Depends on a cell phone for GPS and transmission
• Needs to be recharged using a micro USB

Mace Brand Alert 911

In the case of an emergency, Mace Alert 911 provides a one-touch direct connection to 911. Although it doesn't need a cell phone contract, Mace Alert 911 operates any place in the United States where there is a cellular connection. With two-way voice functionality, you can immediately speak with the 911 operator. The device is battery-powered, and you can share it with family and friends.

Features:

• Base station range - No base station
• Fall detector - No
• Warranty for wear and tear - Limited warranty 90 days from the date of purchase
• Connection type - Cellular connection
• GPS - No
• Two-way connection - Yes

Benefits:

• Uses a cellphone connection to operate
• Enables two-way interaction with emergency personnel
• Simple setup

Disadvantages:

• Only dials 911
• Does not monitor and relay location
• Not waterproof

Help Dialer 700 Emergency Alert Dialer

Help Dialer 700 Emergency Alert Dialer comes with two panic buttons. The best method to maintain your independence and request help when necessary is with a help dialer. At the push of a button, this medical alert system for seniors plays a custom emergency message and immediately calls up to three phone numbers. A call recipient only needs to press any button on their phone to enable full two-way communication.

Features:

• Base station range - 100 foot
• Fall detector- No
• Warranty for wear and tear - 1-year factory warranty
• Connection type - Home phone system and Bluetooth adapter
• GPS - No
• Two-way connection - Yes

Benefits:

• Water-resistant and pacemaker safe

Disadvantages:

• No GPS tracker

LogicMark Freedom Alert Emergency System

The Freedom Alert Emergency System allows you to communicate directly with anybody the system contacts via landline using the wearable pendant. The system plays a pre-recorded message if you cannot talk, allowing the person taking the call to forward it to the nearest emergency operator. You can decide whether to dial 911 immediately or dial personal contacts first and then dial 911.

Features:

• Base station range - 600 feet
• Fall detector - No
• Warranty for wear and tear - 1-year limited warranty
• Connection type - Landline connection
• GPS - No

Benefits:

• Two-way communication is possible using a waterproof pendant.
• The customizable contact list includes 911 by default.
• Call receivers can forward the call to 911.
• You can answer incoming calls through the pendant.

Disadvantages:

• Doesn't include fall detection
• Only works with a landline connection
• No outgoing calls 

ATS Medical Alert Panic Button

Using the internet and a smartphone app, the Medical Alert Panic Button from ATS enables you to contact numerous individuals simultaneously. The ATS panic button works well in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities. If you have trouble pairing your panic button, use your WiFi router's WPS setting. 

Features:

• Base station range - Depends on the in-home WiFi network
• Fall detector - No
• Warranty for wear and tear - 1-year warranty
• Connection type - Home WIFI required
• GPS - No
• Two-way connection - No

Benefits:

• You do not need a phone or cellular service.
• You can set up and name several panic buttons. Each button has a unique name when the alert is activated.

Disadvantages:

• Requires smartphone to set up
• Doesn't allow two-way communication

What Does a Medical Alert System Do?

A medical alert system offers features designed to be activated when needed. A few of the most common characteristics include:

24/7 monitoring: Whenever you press your medical alert system button, a real emergency response representative will be available to assist you 24/7.

Automatic fall detection: When your wearable alert system detects a fall by using technology such as accelerometers and processors, it instantly notifies the monitoring center. Medical alert systems for seniors with this feature are helpful when a serious fall occurs that may result in the loss of consciousness. 

GPS tracking: During an emergency, the first priority is locating the patient. A medical alert system with tracking rapidly informs family members of their loved one’s location. Individuals who become disoriented may benefit from medical alert systems that provide real-time GPS position tracking. Physically active seniors who travel or often change locations may also find this useful. 

Activity monitoring: This feature monitors the user's movement. If a user hasn't displayed movement for a while, the system alerts family members and friends.

Medication reminders: Some medical alert systems offer scheduled medication reminders. The prearranged reminders ensure that you follow the treatment regimen advised by your medical specialists.

Benefits of a Medical Alert System

Advantages of purchasing a medical alert system for yourself or a loved one include:

Safety monitoring: Home medical alert systems frequently come with home intruder detection systems and support quick reaction times for accidents and emergencies. Some medical alert systems include GPS monitoring, inactivity detection, fire, smoke and CO2 monitoring.

Peace of mind: A senior who uses a home medical alert system can live independently without being concerned about being alone during an emergency. The alert system also reassures friends and family that they can be prepared for unexpected events. Getting an immediate medical response is often critical. 

Ease of use: Systems designed for medical alerts are simple to use and help avoid delays in medical attention. With one click of a button on the neck, wrist or waist, you can interact with emergency channels to receive emergency assistance. If your phone is out of reach or shouting for help isn’t an option, a medical alert system comes in handy. 

Stay Safe Affordably

Even the best health insurance will only go so far if you can’t get immediate medical attention. A medical alert system for seniors provides access to faster communication, but many systems have an average monthly fee of $20 to $45 per month. You can avoid a monthly subscription cost by selecting a system without a monthly fee while still being able to call for help and receive activity monitoring. An in-home system is especially critical for seniors who do not venture out frequently or have many caregivers. The alarm system must be simple to use, suitable for your needs and close at hand. Find peace of mind with a medical alert system.

Frequently Asked Questions