Best Medical Alert Systems of 2024

SeniorLiving.org Rating 5.0

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
excellent	excellent	excellent	excellent	excellent

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Overview

Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile with fall detection is small and portable

Bay Alarm Medical’s prices start at $24.95 per month. Even top-tier packages remain affordable, which is why Bay Alarm Medical made our list. Not only are the prices for at-home and on-the-go options affordable compared to the competition, including Medical Guardian, but they also come packed with top-of-the-line features. That means you get the most bang for your buck. If you want more than one system, you can bundle two for even bigger savings. There are some providers that offer in-home systems for a few dollars less. For instance, MobileHelp’s prices start at $19.95 per month. However, Bay Alarm Medical’s inexpensive on-the-go prices, bundles, and caregiver app make it our pick for best value. Plus, the provider offers seasonal discounts. Right now, you can save 30 percent on select systems for St. Patrick’s Day!

» Dive Deeper: Most affordable medical alert systems

I’m a big fan of the SOS Smartwatch. It allows you to track your steps, set daily goals, and connect to the 24/7 monitoring center. It’s excellent for active seniors who want a discreet system that functions like a smartwatch. More of a homebody? The company’s in-home system, SOS Home, has all the standard features: a base unit, a help pendant, and optional fall detection. Plus, you can add wall help buttons to any package. I was disappointed to see that you can’t add automatic fall detection to the landline version of SOS Home. Most other providers, including Medical Guardian and ADT Health, offer fall detection for landline systems. It’s an excellent feature for those who live in areas with spotty cellular coverage. On the other hand, if you do have reliable reception and want fall detection, you can upgrade to the cellular SOS Home unit with fall detection for $39.95 per month.

» Learn More: Best medical alert systems for active seniors

Testing and Response Times

Bay Alarm Medical’s systems are simple to install and operate. SOS Mobile is sleek, small, and lightweight. My grandma and I agreed that it felt easy to carry around. It was much lighter than MobileHelp’s multi-device systems.

When testing the SOS Smartwatch, I learned that you don’t need a smartphone or any internet-connected device to use it. This is similar to other medical alert watches, including the Medical Guardian’s MGMove system.

Placing a test call took only 10 seconds. That’s five seconds faster than Medical Guardian’s average response times. I simply pressed the watch’s help button, which connected me to an agent. Then, I informed her that I was testing the watch. She confirmed it was a test and verified my identity.

Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch

Response times for the SOS Home were quick too! I was connected to an operator in about 20 seconds. Bay Alarm Medical advertises that a response takes up to 45 seconds, so I was pleased to learn that this claim is accurate.

Features for Caregivers

Bay Alarm Medical offers a mobile app packed with caregiver features. I downloaded the app on my iPhone and found that I could track my device, view the battery life, ring the device if lost, and view the device’s signal strength.

The ability to track your loved one’s location at any time is excellent, especially if they have dementia and are prone to wandering. My grandma wore the SOS Mobile system at the house while running errands and on a walk. Using the mobile app, I could see her system’s exact location on a map. It gave me peace of mind to know that if there was an issue, I could easily locate her.

Navigating Bay Alarm Medical’s companion mobile app

The mobile app also lets you set up an emergency plan. This plan features everything that first responders would need to know during an emergency, including the user’s emergency contacts, home entry information, and medical history. If a fall is detected, the response agent will have all of this information on hand to provide help as quickly as possible. Many other providers have a similar emergency response plan. I appreciate this, as it makes receiving help easier and more efficient.

Customer Service

When I was testing out Bay Alarm Medical’s automatic fall detection pendant and help button, the response agents always responded promptly with professionalism. When I called as a potential customer, the customer service team answered all of my questions and were extremely friendly with each interaction.

Overall, my experience with customer service was very pleasant. I know that if a loved one ever needed help, I could trust the Bay Alarm Medical team to be patient, kind, and reliable. For more details on this provider’s alert systems, take a look at our Bay Alarm Medical review.

The Product Lineup and Pricing

SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.8

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
excellent	excellent	excellent	excellent	excellent

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Overview

My grandma testing out Medical Guardian’s MGHome Cellular system

Medical Guardian is always one step ahead when it comes to high-tech, customizable features for medical alert systems. It offers everything from discreet on-the-go systems to the MyGuardian companion mobile app and desktop portal. I found that Medical Guardian adds flair and versatility that competitors like LifeFone and ADT Health simply don’t offer.

Whether you’re looking for a simple medical alert system or one with all the bells and whistles, Medical Guardian offers five different packages to meet your needs. I tested all of the standard features and add-ons, including fall detection, a base station with two-way audio, water-resistant help buttons, and systems built for at-home and on-the-go use. During my research, I found that Medical Guardian offers deals throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on their website!

Testing and Response Times

My grandma and I thought it was really easy to get Medical Guardian’s systems up and running. She helped me set up the Home 2.0 system, and all we had to do was plug the system into an outlet to turn it on. Then, we pressed the red button on the back of the base unit. A button on the front of the system turned green to indicate a strong signal, and a voice said, “Device ready.” My grandma put on her help pendant and she was ready to go!

Once you get your system set up, the response times are very fast. An operator answered my calls for the MGHome Cellular, MGMini, and MGMove in about 15 seconds — just five seconds slower than my results for Bay Alarm Medical’s mobile systems.

Testing out the MGMini Lite

MGMini Lite, the company’s latest on-the-go system, was a little slower. It took about one minute for an operator to answer after I pressed the emergency button. This is still a reasonable amount of time for a medical alert device, but in a real emergency, every second counts. It’s worth noting that I was in a new location when I tested out MGMini, and I might not have had the best cell reception. Similar to the other cellular systems on our list, you will need a strong cellular connection to use any of Medical Guardian’s mobile options.

» Want to Learn More? Medical Guardian review

Features for Caregivers

The best feature for caregivers is the MyGuardian portal and mobile app. If you manage the billing on behalf of your parent or grandparent, the app makes it easy to pay for the Medical Guardian subscription. You can also update health and safety information as needed to assist emergency response agents.

Setting reminders in Medical Guardian’s MyGuardian mobile app

When I tried out the app, I found that it had a variety of useful features. I could check the system’s location, status, connection quality, battery level, and alert history. Similar to Bay Alarm Medical’s app, I could also update my grandma’s health and safety information in the app, including her medical history, emergency contacts, and household information.

One unique feature of the app that I loved was the option to set activities and reminders. If your loved one has a hard time keeping track of appointments or taking medications, you can set alerts in the app. I set a reminder for my grandma to take her medications. The alert was audibly announced through the MGHome Cellular base unit at the time I designated. It worked like a charm!

» Learn About: Best medical alert apps

Customer Service

As expected from a respected provider like Medical Guardian, my overall customer service experience was great. Any time my grandma and I made a test call or had a question, the representatives we spoke with were helpful and patient.

Even though it took a little longer than expected to get a response using the MGMini Lite system, the agent was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. I also liked using the MyGuardian app, as it saved a lot of time and effort when managing things like billing.

The Product Lineup and Pricing

SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.2

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
average	average	average	average	average

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Overview

MobileHelp Systems

MobileHelp made this list thanks to their Duo alert systems designed for two users. The company offers a versatile lineup of medical alert systems designed for both at-home and on-the-go use, whether you need protection for just yourself or for a partner as well.

While many companies charge an extra fee or require you to purchase two separate systems to add a spouse, MobileHelp offers multiple two-in-one systems. Our Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt, tried out MobileHelp and found the systems were easier to test, as he and his spouse could use the two-in-one system at the same time!

MobileHelp offers coverage for you and a spouse or roommate at one affordable monthly rate. If you just need in-home protection for yourself, the MobileHelp Classic is just $19.95 per month. It could save you at least $10 per month when compared to providers like ADT Health and Medical Guardian. MobileHelp also offers a high-tech touch-screen system, MobileHelp Touch. This system has medication reminders, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, and other health and safety features for those who need a little more coverage.

Current Deal:

Current Deal: MobileHelp is currently offering free activation, a complimentary lockbox, and no equipment fees. Talk about a deal! Visit our MobileHelp pricing guide to learn more about this provider’s monthly rates and packages.

Testing and Response Times

Jeff noted that setup for the MobileHelp Duo system, which comes with an in-home system and on-the-go unit, was simple. For the in-home unit, all he had to do was plug in the base station and put on the wearable help button. Then, he plugged the mobile unit’s charger into the wall and set the unit on the charger. It was fully charged and ready to use in a few hours. During testing, he recorded response times between 25 and 30 seconds, which is on par with other at-home systems from providers like LifeFone and Alexa Together.

Our Editor Jeff Hoyt Testing Out MobileHelp

While the response time was pretty solid, Jeff was most impressed with the system’s in-home coverage range. The in-home unit features a coverage range of 1,400 feet, which is perfect for larger houses. He placed a test call at one end of the house using his help button, while the system’s base station was on the opposite end of the house. The system still detected the call and connected Jeff to an emergency response agent.

Features for Caregivers

MobileHelp Connect is the company’s one-stop portal for caregiver features. Jeff tested out the standard version (which is free), and he received automatic alerts whenever he pressed the system’s emergency alert button. It also gave him GPS-based location detection access to track the system’s movement and any periods of inactivity.

» Dive Deeper: 2024 MobileHelp review

The MobileHelp Connect portal also allows you to upload important health information in the MobileVitals section. However, it’s important to note that some features are hidden behind a paywall. For instance, medication reminders cost an extra $5 per month. Other providers like Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical offer all app features at no extra cost, so I was disappointed in these additional fees.

Customer Service

Jeff was satisfied with the response times and care of MobileHelp’s medical alert agents. They were friendly and able to answer questions promptly. The one downside was that Jeff’s house is not located in an area with great reception for AT&T users. Since MobileHelp devices operate exclusively on AT&T’s cellular network, the connection with agents was not always the best. Sometimes it was difficult to communicate without repeating himself multiple times.

The Product Lineup and Pricing

SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
above average	above average	above average	above average	average

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Overview

The Medical Alert Plus ADT Health System

ADT is best known for its 150-year history of providing reliable, innovative home security. The company has applied that same standard of excellence to its medical alert systems to protect seniors and their families.

I can also say from personal experience testing out ADT Health devices that they don’t skimp on service. Every person I interacted with during the testing process knew exactly what to do and responded to all of my questions quickly.

Though ADT’s systems are comparable to major competitors, I was most impressed with the professionalism of their monitoring centers. ADT’s Emergency Response Monitoring Center is U.S.-based and company-owned. It’s also company-operated and monitored 24/7 by senior-sensitivity-trained professionals. (Talk about a mouthful!) In the middle of an emergency, older adults can rest assured they will speak with a top-trained ADT professional, just as I did during testing.

» Further Reading: ADT Health review

ADT has three systems, including on-the-go and in-home models and add-on features, such as fall detection and home temperature monitoring. If you already have an ADT home security system, make sure you mention it to your customer representative, as you may be eligible for a discount on an ADT medical alert system.

Testing and Response Times

I tested all three of ADT Health’s medical alert systems, which include Medical Alert Basic (landline home system), Medical Alert Plus (cellular home system), and On-The-Go.

The setup was easy and only took a few minutes for each system. Similar to Medical Guardian and MobileHelp, all I had to do was plug in the in-home base stations and charge the mobile unit. Plus, as already mentioned, the responses we got from the ADT emergency monitoring center were phenomenal. On average, an agent responded in as little as 10 seconds, and they showed compassion and professionalism with every interaction.

Charging my On-The-Go ADT Health system

The devices have very powerful speakers that make it easy for those with hearing loss to hear the agent on the line. The voice prompts of the Medical Alert Plus base unit were loud enough that they actually startled me the first time I heard them. Luckily, I found that the system had an adjustable volume control, so I could turn it down.

I also had a great experience with the On-The-Go system. It held a decent signal while I drove around town. Similar to MobileHelp, the system is dependent on AT&T coverage, so it won’t be right for those who live in areas with spotty AT&T cellular coverage.

The Medical Alert Basic home system worked just fine, but the equipment is a bit clunky-looking and doesn’t offer fall detection. Still, it’s a great option for those on a budget who want a landline system.

Setting up ADT Health’s Medical Alert Basic system

Features for Caregivers

While ADT Health can send caregivers mobile alerts if there’s an emergency, it does not offer a companion app or portal. If my grandma or another loved one had an ADT system, I would feel a bit left out of the entire process.

While I could rest easy knowing that my grandma had professional ADT agents available at a moment’s notice, I still wish there were more features to loop caregivers into the health and well-being of the seniors in their lives. Alexa Together, Medical Guardian, and Bay Alarm Medical have really upped the game with caregiver features, so hopefully we’ll see some upgrades from ADT in the future.

Customer Service

ADT Health has some of the best customer service agents of any provider on this list. I received quick responses from agents, and they answered all of my questions without having to put me on hold.

I also tried out the company’s online chat feature, which was very useful. I was connected with a knowledgeable agent in about one minute. Again, I wish that there was an ADT Health app to make it easier to stay connected during an emergency, but otherwise, ADT Health does a great job of communicating with seniors and caregivers.

Product Lineup and Pricing

SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
above average	above average	above average	above average	above average

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Overview

Medical Alert at Home No Landline

Medical Alert offers one of the industry’s best mobile apps. The app is capable of tracking the subscriber’s location, performing emergency calls, and provides a device status indication. All of those features give family members and caregivers an extra level of assurance. With the added peace of mind, I didn’t feel the need to check in on my grandma multiple times a day during testing, and she didn’t feel like I was hovering!

Current Deal:

Current Deal: Medical Alert is offering free shipping and a free lockbox for new annual plan customers.

All you have to do is open the mobile app straight on your smartphone. From there you can view their call history and device status, create testing schedules, build an emergency contact list, and check their real-time location.

Medical Alert offers other essential features for at-home and on-the-go systems, including optional fall detection, GPS location tracking, and waterproof help buttons. Plus, I found that setup for every system is as simple as it gets, requiring just one or two plugins. With all of these great features, Medical Alert was an easy top pick for my grandma and me.

However, Medical Alert’s pricing for cellular systems is around $5-$10 more than other providers like Lively or MobileHelp. It starts at $37.95 per month for a cellular in-home system. All of Medical Alert’s systems also have a $99.95 one-time programming fee, which I’m not a fan of. Other providers like Bay Alarm Medical don’t have added fees, so it’s something to keep in mind when budgeting.

Testing and Response Times

Setup for the Medical Alert Home System was quick and easy. My grandma and I just plugged it in and we were ready to test things out.

In addition to our initial test to ensure that the button was working, we made several test calls over the course of a few days. The average response time was between 30 and 40 seconds. It wasn’t as fast as Bay Alarm Medical, but it was faster than our tests with Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite device.

The main drawback was that my grandma has hearing loss, and without a volume control on the base unit, she had to be relatively close to hear what the agent was saying.

» Learn More: Medical Alert review

All in all, Medical Alert systems are simple to use and don’t come with extra bells and whistles. That means it won’t be best for those who want sleek equipment or the latest and greatest features. On the other hand, this is perfect for older adults who don’t want anything complicated or high-tech.

Features for Caregivers

Medical Alert offers excellent features for caregivers. I could use the app to see my grandma’s precise location and even remotely test her device to ensure that it was working properly. The app was easy to use and had features that I didn’t even know I wanted! I could even check her call history, for example, which is good for keeping track of any emergencies or test calls your loved one places.

Customer Service

All of the emergency agents we dealt with were friendly and helpful. Additionally, I called the regular customer service number a few times with questions about the device warranty and app features. Each time, I was greeted by a friendly customer care agent who answered all of my questions with ease.

Product Lineup and Pricing

*All plans require a one-time $99.95 programming fee. Discounts are available for semiannual and annual payment plans.

SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
above average	above average	above average	above average	above average

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Overview

LifeFone at home on-the-go GPS Equipment

LifeFone has one of the largest in-home coverage ranges in the medical alert system industry. It’s essential that older adults can call for help during an emergency, no matter where they are in the house. With its excellent coverage range, LifeFone can deliver that reliability, making it a top contender for the best medical alert systems.

At 1,400 feet, LifeFone’s range from its base station to wearable help buttons is two or even three times the in-home coverage of competitors like Medical Alert and ADT Health. Plus, LifeFone’s signal range is the same for both its cellular and landline systems. Often, companies offer a larger coverage range for landline systems when compared to their cellular options, which is frustrating for those without a landline.

You can enhance your systems with automatic fall detection for $5 per month, which is inexpensive for the industry. Most providers on our list offer fall detection for $10 per month, so I appreciate the affordability!

LifeFone’s systems have several other great perks that put them on this list. Those perks include a caregiver mobile app, features for those with hearing or visual impairments, and up to 16-day battery life for the At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx system (wowza). They also recently added a smartwatch medical alert system to their lineup, perfect for active seniors and those who want a more discreet system.

Testing and Response Times

Jeff tested out LifeFone and found that the setup process is easy for both in-home and on-the-go devices. Once he had his devices charged and ready, he initiated several tests, including simulated fall detection from a seated and standing position.

The fall detection was great, though there was one instance while using the on-the-go model when it did not detect Jeff’s “fall.” This is pretty standard for the industry, as automatic fall detection is never 100 percent accurate.

Response times were equally impressive. Most of Jeff’s emergency tests connected him with an agent in as little as 20 seconds. Since all of LifeFone’s systems have large coverage areas, he never had trouble connecting to the base unit from various parts of the house.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt, using LifeFone’s fall detection pendant

Features for Caregivers

Unless you choose to pay for optional features for caregivers, you’ll only get basic text alerts in the event of an emergency. This is a bit of a drawback in my book, as many other providers like Bay Alarm Medical provide all app features for free.

Jeff tested out the LifeFone companion app and it worked well for medication reminders at home and location tracking while he was out running errands. Prices vary based on the features you want, but it may be worth the extra cost to ensure that you can get status updates whenever you need them.

» Want to Learn More? Read our latest LifeFone review

Customer Service

The LifeFone customer service team provided fast and reliable service whenever Jeff reached out. They were happy to answer questions and only put him on a brief hold (about 20 seconds) during one of the calls. I also gave LifeFone a call to learn more about their new smartwatch system; I learned that it has a battery life of up to 24 hours, tracks your steps and heart rate, and uses AT&T’s nationwide coverage. The representative I spoke with was very helpful!

Product Lineup and Pricing

SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
excellent	above average	excellent	excellent	excellent

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Overview

My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4

I often hear seniors say they don’t want to wear a medical alert device everywhere they go. Lively’s senior-friendly phones are a practical solution. The phones feature built-in medical alert technology, which is why they’ve made our list. These senior-friendly phones help older adults to stay protected and connected on the go. This one, simple device means that seniors don’t feel tied down, but they still have an extra layer of safety that can go anywhere with them. My grandma loved this aspect of using Lively, as it was more discreet than wearing a pendant.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? You can buy Lively products at brick-and-mortar stores including Walgreens and Best Buy.

Lively offers three phone plans starting at $19.99 per month. The health and safety features vary by plan. You can choose from two medical alert system plans that start at $24.99 per month. Lively’s monthly cost for these plans depends on the level of medical alert features you want, so it’s easy to find something to fit your budget.

You can choose from features like 24/7 monitoring, on-call nurses, and concierge services, like accessing a personal operator to call you a Lyft ride. These phones can also operate simply as a senior-friendly cell phone with talk, text, and/or data without all of the medical alert system extras. And if you want to add on safety features in the future, you can.

Since Lively’s cell phones use the Verizon network, make sure that Verizon offers quality service in your area before you sign up.

» Further Reading: Best smartphones for seniors

If you don’t want a phone alert system, Lively also has a stand-alone medical alert system, called Lively Mobile2. You can even get Lively’s health and safety services for popular devices you might already own, like iPhones, Apple Watches, and Alexa-enabled devices. Being able to use your own device means you’ll already be familiar and comfortable with it. Plus, you can avoid the cost of having to purchase a device.

Testing and Response Times

I tested the Jitterbug Smart4, Jitterbug Flip2, and Lively Mobile2 with my grandma. My grandma preferred the Jitterbug Smart4 over the Flip2, since she could use it as a smartphone and a medical alert device without having to wear anything. The phone’s Urgent Response button is clearly displayed at the top of the screen at all times, so she could easily call for help whenever needed. She also liked trying the Jitterbug Flip2, Lively’s senior-friendly flip phone, because it was simple to navigate. The flip phone features a large, red Urgent Response button on the keypad for easy access. For a closer look at both phones, head to our Lively phone review.

One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2

I thought the Lively Mobile2, Lively’s mobile medical alert system, was very responsive. The system is not as large and bulky as its predecessor, the Lively Mobile Plus, which I appreciate. It is small, sleek, and lightweight, about half the length of a pen. The system is excellent for older adults who already have a phone they love and just want medical alert protection. After pressing the Emergency Response button, I was connected to one of Lively’s agents in about 10 seconds with the Mobile2 and around 15 seconds with both Lively phones.

Charging the Lively Mobile2

Features for Caregivers

The Lively Link mobile app is pretty basic, but it does a great job of providing updates and real-time location tracking. When my grandma went out for the day, I could see exactly where she was using the mobile app and the status of her phone. If she pressed the Emergency Response button on either of her devices, I also got an alert from the app. Caregiver apps are pretty standard for medical alert systems, but they’re rare with cell phones. Lively may not provide as many features for caregivers as Medical Alert, but it still gives you enough information to have greater peace of mind.

Testing out the Lively Link app’s location tracking feature

Customer Service

Lively customer service is always excellent, partly because they’ve been providing medical alert systems for years. They are easy to connect with and are always happy to answer questions. I was able to talk to customer representatives via the Lively Link app and the standard customer service phone number. Both times, I received quick and helpful responses. When my grandma and I initiated a test call, the Lively agents were very helpful and accommodating. For more details about Lively’s offerings head over to our Lively medical alert system review.

Product Lineup and Pricing

*Mobile app subscription doesn’t come with an Apple Watch or iPhone.

SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
above average	excellent	excellent	above average	excellent

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Overview

My grandma using Alexa Together on her Echo Show 8

You’ve probably heard of Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, and you might even have an Alexa-enabled speaker in your home like I do. If you have an Alexa product or are interested in purchasing one, Alexa Together is my top pick for your medical alert needs. Alexa Together offers proven, high-tech protection, with easy-to-use, voice-activated features.

In late 2021, Amazon introduced Alexa Together, a subscription service that protects older adults and enhances communication between caregivers and their older loved ones. Alexa Together can be accessed from any Alexa-enabled device for $19.99 (plus tax) per month. Subscribers can use all of Alexa’s standard voice-activated features, plus several medical alert features. This system is excellent for those with mobility or vision issues, as you can control all features with the sound of your voice.

» Related Reading: Alexa for Seniors

Alexa Together is one of the few in-home systems that runs on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, enabling connection with other smart devices, sensors, and appliances in the home. The service also pairs with the Alexa app, featuring a caregiver dashboard to view recent activity and adjust settings. The system provides 24/7 emergency response via Amazon’s Urgent Response Center. Users simply ask Alexa to call for help during an emergency. Alexa Together is also compatible with some third-party fall detection devices for enhanced protection.

» Learn More: Bluetooth medical alert devices

Testing and Response Times

Since my grandma was not familiar with setting up or using an Alexa-enabled device, I purchased an Echo Show 8 for her and walked her through the process. We plugged in her device, downloaded the Alexa app, and followed Amazon’s online instructions for setup. I will say, the setup process, which we cover in detail in our Alexa Together review, required a lot more steps than a traditional medical alert system. It required two Amazon accounts, email invitations, identity confirmation, and several setup prompts. My grandma felt a little confused during setup, and it took us around 30 minutes to get things up and running. However, once setup was complete, using Alexa was a breeze. I walked my grandma through various voice prompts and how to call for help.

We tested reaching emergency response agents with a variety of scenarios. We simulated a situation in which my grandma had “fallen” and the Echo device was on the other side of the room (about 15 feet away). It was still able to pick up her voice and contact emergency agents as soon as she said “Alexa, call for help.” However, if she went outside or into another room, she had to rely on a compatible third-party help pendant, as Alexa Together does not come with help pendants. This is a bit of a hassle, as that requires setting up an additional device if you want the added layer of protection. It’s also important to note that Alexa Together only works for in-home use, and there are no mobile options. That means Alexa Together is best for homebodies.

Testing out one of Alexa Together’s third-party fall detection options

In all of our tests, response times were excellent. The “conversation” with Alexa took anywhere between 5 and 30 seconds, but once we made it clear that help was needed, we were connected with a response agent in around 10 seconds. This meant that the longest we had to wait for assistance was about 40 seconds.

Speaking with the Alexa Together Urgent Response Center

Features for Caregivers

Alexa Together is great for caregivers because everything is connected through the Alexa app. Using the free Alexa app, I could check my grandma’s activity, make drop-in calls, monitor connected smart devices, and create customized alerts. I used the app to set reminders for appointments and medications, which then popped up on my grandma’s Echo Show 8.

Alexa Together’s appointment reminders

The app also notified me whenever my grandma placed a call for help, performed an action on her Echo Show 8, or there were extended periods of inactivity. This is excellent for caregivers who live far away or just want to keep a closer eye on their loved ones.

Customer Service

My grandma and I were happy with the kind and patient agents who helped us. Every time we initiated a call, we were connected with an agent who would ask us questions about the situation and determine what (if any) help was needed. I will say, representatives from other companies like Medical Guardian seemed to be a bit more seasoned and knowledgeable than the Alexa Together team, but we never had any major issues.

The Product Lineup and Pricing

As mentioned, you can use any Alexa-enabled device with Alexa Together. Below are a few of our favorite Amazon Echo devices that pair well with Alexa Together.

SeniorLiving.org Rating 3.0

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
average	average	average	average	average

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Overview

Life Alert Base Unit and Wearables

Many seniors equate medical alert systems with one brand — Life Alert. Along with this brand recognition comes longevity. Life Alert has been selling medical alert systems for 35 years. In short, Life Alert’s standing in the market helps some older adults feel more secure. We do recommend digging a little deeper to determine if Life Alert’s systems are right for you.

Life Alert offers three products; two can be purchased only in conjunction with its at-home base unit. Additionally, the base unit cannot be purchased on its own in most cases. This can get pricey with monthly fees costing between $49.95 and $89.95 per month. To use Life Alert, you will need to sign a three-year contract and pay up to $197 for delivery and installation, something we don’t see with any other providers. However, you will not be charged a fee for the equipment. We were impressed with a few features, especially the mobile device’s 10-year battery life, which is unprecedented for the industry. While most on-the-go systems require charging every few days, seniors using Life Alert will never need to stop to charge their devices! For comparison, some of Medical Guardian’s mobile systems have batteries that last up to five days.

Testing and Response Times

I tested the Master Unit and the Mobile + GPS system. They both offered response times of two minutes on average, which is longer than the other systems on our list.

The biggest drawback for me was the lack of automatic fall detection. Your only option is to press the button on your pendant, mobile device, or wall button and explain your needs.

This was contrary to my expectations from years of watching Life Alert’s infamous advertisements. I assumed that there would be some kind of automatic fall detection or at least voice activation, but I was disappointed to see that this was not the case. Still, if you’re looking for a brand with a long track record in the industry, you may want to consider Life Alert.

» More Details: Life Alert review

Features for Caregivers

Life alert offers basic email and text notifications for caregivers. I tested this out with my grandma. She pressed her emergency button and within about two minutes I got a notification text and an email. Unfortunately, these features are somewhat lacking, especially when compared to the location tracking and alerts provided by Aloe Care Health or Bay Alarm Medical.

Customer Service

Life Alert has a very experienced customer service team that is always ready to answer questions and provide support during an emergency. I was very happy with all of my interactions and never had any issues reaching an agent or customer service representative. 

The Product Lineup and Pricing

*You are required to bundle the master unit with add-ons in most cases.
**Add-ons cannot be purchased on their own; they must be bundled with the master unit.

SeniorLiving.org Rating 3.5

Ease of use	Equipment	Service & Response	Features & Tech	Pricing
above average	above average	above average	above average	above average

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Overview

The Aloe Care Health Smart Hub

Aloe Care Health’s systems are ideal for adult children and caregivers who worry about their loved ones living on their own. This medical alert system leverages modern technology to provide ultimate at-home support for independent seniors and their caregivers.

Family and friends in the designated Care Circle can see real-time updates on their loved ones via the Aloe Care Health app. During testing, I could view recent movements in the home, the temperature, air quality, and check-in notes. I could even call my loved one directly through the base station called the Smart Hub.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? Aloe Care Health offers a free month of service to U.S. military members and essential workers.

I love Aloe Care Health’s voice-activated emergency response, as it’s perfect for times when you can’t press your button. Mobile Companion 2, Aloe Care Health’s mobile unit, is a great option for seniors who want fall detection or on-the-go coverage. For even more protection, the Essentials Plus system includes a mobile unit and in-home Smart Hub for a discounted price.

Testing and Response Times

My uncle and I tested the Essentials and Mobile Companion 2 systems. The Essentials home base does not include automatic fall detection, but we were still able to make a test call using our help button and the voice-activated emergency response. My uncle said “Emergency” three times. Then, Aloe Care Health’s Smart Hub connected us to an emergency response professional and alerted designated contacts of the event. When we initiated a test call, we were connected with an Aloe Care Health agent in about 30 seconds.

My uncle testing out the Aloe Care Health Smart Hub and help pendant.

To test out the Mobile Companion 2 unit, we pressed the help button and were connected to an operator again in around 30 seconds. My uncle tried out the system in his backyard and on a drive. He found that it offered a reliable connection wherever he went!

Features for Caregivers

The Aloe Care Health app is excellent for caregivers, beating out contenders like Lively. I tested it out and was impressed with the information at my fingertips. I could call my uncle’s base station, see when he was up and moving around, view a history of his activity, and leave check-in notes for other loved ones to see.

The best part is that it never felt overwhelming. I could easily navigate the app to see my uncle’s location and any recent updates or emergency alerts. Plus, I could see notifications about changes in the air quality and temperature in his home.

Testing out the Aloe Care Health app

Customer Service

Aloe Care Health has a great customer service team that knows how to speak with seniors during an emergency. They remained calm and reassuring in all of our conversations. Even when I just called the regular customer care line for help, they connected me to the right person within minutes and answered all my questions. For a closer look at this provider, check out our latest Aloe Care Health review.

Product Lineup and Pricing