Best Medical Alert Apps for Seniors
Medical Guardian offers our favorite medical alert app, featuring activity monitoring, location detection, and step tracking.
Best Medical Alert Systems
- Wide array of customizable systems
- No long-term contracts required
- At-home and on-the-go systems
Most Affordable Medical Alert Systems
- Prices starting at $19.95 per month
- Free caregiver mobile app
- Unique features: At-home and on-the-go bundles
Lively Link App
- Health and safety features (with select plans)
- Unused minutes carry over each month
- Budget-friendly plans with no contracts
Scroll right for more options
Best Medical Alert Apps for Existing Subscribers
- Medical Guardian – MyGuardian App
- Bay Alarm Medical – Caregiver Tracking App
- Lively – Lively Link App
Best Stand-alone Medical Alert Apps
A medical alert app can send help quickly if you have a medical emergency, allowing your loved ones to stay informed. Many medical alert apps are available, but our experts narrowed them down to six that we consider the best options for seniors and their caregivers. Whether you’re looking for a free, basic app or a more robust paid app that complements your medical alert system, we’ve selected a variety of apps to meet most needs and budgets.
Expert Insights
From Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.R
As a home health occupational therapist with three decades of experience, I have seen the emergence of the popularity of medical alert apps and the important role they can play in safety.
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Apps
Through research, conversations with customer care, and hands-on testing, we learned the ins and outs of the most popular medical alert apps. The apps had to provide safety for seniors, offer innovative features, and deliver quality products at fantastic value to make our list. Below are a few of the most essential criteria we looked for.
- Safety: We’ve included the most trusted and well-reviewed apps on the market, so you can rest assured they will offer protection and safety in a medical emergency.
- Value: We included some free and budget-friendly options, plus higher-end apps for people who don’t mind paying more for advanced features.
- Innovative features: Access to a 24/7 emergency operator, fall detection, activity monitoring –– there is no shortage of innovative features in the medical alert apps we’ve researched. We aimed to include the most innovative apps so you can choose customizable features that fit your lifestyle.
What’s the Difference Between Stand-alone Medical Alert Apps and Supplemental Medical Alert Apps?
A stand-alone medical alert app is downloaded straight to your smartphone. Some apps can be paired with a wearable smartwatch, such as an Apple Watch, to track your location and heart rate and provide an emergency button to press if needed. Most stand-alone medical alert apps notify your pre-selected contacts when you have a fall or press the emergency button. They will not connect you to 911 or a trained emergency operator.
A supplemental medical alert app will complement your existing medical alert system. Since these apps work in conjunction with top medical alert systems, they are often more comprehensive and can connect you to emergency services and/or a trained emergency operator easily. These apps are usually included with your monthly service subscription or for a small monthly fee. Overall, a supplemental medical alert app will cost you a bit more, but provide more exhaustive protection. Below is a comparison of the two types of apps and their uses.
| Supplemental medical alert apps | Stand-alone medical alert apps | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Robust features | Simple features |
| Emergency response | Connects you to a trained emergency operator | Alerts your emergency contacts (children, neighbors, etc.) when you need help |
| Costs | Pricier since you have to subscribe to monthly service for your medical alert system | Budget-friendly option |
| Best for | Those who need extra protection | Older adults who want simple peace of mind |
Best Medical Alert Apps for Existing Subscribers
Many medical alert companies provide users and their loved ones with an easy-to-use app that complements the system. Apps may offer GPS tracking, medication reminders, collaboration among caregivers, and the ability to check the status of your medical alert system, to name just a few. The table below explains our top picks for medical alert apps that pair with a medical alert system.
| Medical alert company name | App name | Add. monthly fee | Vitals | Medication reminders | GPS tracking | Pairable with companion watch | In-app medical alert button | Device status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Guardian | MyGuardian | None | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Bay Alarm Medical | Caregiver Tracking | None | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Lively | Lively Link | None | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
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1. Medical Guardian - MyGuardian Caregiving Portal and App
Checking our system’s location in Medical Guardian’s MyGuardian mobile app
Overview
Medical Guardian offers the MyGuardian mobile app, a free caregiver app compatible with all the company’s systems. The app and systems go hand in hand and offer unique perks, including a chat feature to check in with caregivers or loved ones, location tracking, and system status reports. That combination is ideal for active older adults who want the peace of mind of a high-tech medical alert system.
» Helpful Resource: Best Medical Alert Systems
Medical Guardian’s app is free, but you’ll pay an extra $2.99 per month to add premium features such as notifications for loved ones during an emergency (called OnGuard Alerts). If you’re using the SOS Smartwatch and want premium features, you’ll pay an additional $5 monthly for the Support Circles Apps. The add-on allows the user to send and receive messages to trusted contacts and keep track of appointments or events. For comparison, Bay Alarm Medical’s Caregiver Tracking App offers all of its features free of charge.
Expert InsightsFrom Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.RAny service allowing a senior to send and receive messages only to trusted contacts is important since seniors are frequent targets of scammers. The feature of appointment and event reminders is very useful, particularly for those whose memory may not be what it once was.Pros About Medical Guardian
- Advanced location tracking
- Chat with care partners via the companion app
- Companion app accessible on mobile or desktop
- Appointment and activity alerts
- Billing management
- Care Circle management
- System status and reports for select systems
Cons About Medical Guardian
- May be complicated for seniors who are not tech-savvy
- Device status and connectivity is checked only once per day
- Some features that are free in the mobile app cost extra to use on the SOS Smartwatch
Our Experience With the MyGuardian App
During testing, we were impressed with all of MyGuardian’s features. We used the app to manage account and billing information, chat with our Care Circle, manage approved emergency contacts, and view the system’s location, activity, and connectivity status history. We could also set reminders for appointments or medications, which is ideal for older adults who struggle to keep up with their schedules. The app was easy to navigate and use.
Setting reminders in Medical Guardian’s MyGuardian mobile app
If you’re looking for an app that keeps all the most important information for seniors and caregivers in one place, it’s hard to beat MyGuardian. Read our full Medical Guardian review to learn more.
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2. Bay Alarm Medical - Caregiver Tracking App
Navigating Bay Alarm Medical’s companion mobile app
Overview
The Bay Alarm Medical mobile app provides real-time location tracking, location history, and low-battery notifications. The app works with the SOS Micro, SOS All-In-One 2, and SOS Smartwatch systems. We wish the app was compatible with all Bay Alarm systems (like Medical Guardian’s app), but it’s not available with SOS Home, the company’s most affordable system. The upside is that the app is free to use with a compatible Bay Alarm Medical plan.
The app is ideal for family members with a loved one living with memory loss who want to know their location at all times. We love that the whole family can stay in the loop since multiple phones can have the app simultaneously.
Expert InsightsFrom Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.RLocation tracking and history are very important for those whose loved one has dementia, as wandering and getting lost is unfortunately very commonPros About Bay Alarm Medical
- Location tracking
- Location history
- Notifications if emergency alert device is running low on battery
- Can be downloaded on multiple phones
- Supports multiple devices and profiles
- Available on both Android and iPhone devices
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical
- Only for caregivers, not seniors themselves
- Not compatible with SOS Home systems
- Must download a separate app for billing and account management
Our Experience With the Bay Alarm Medical App
Not only could we track our system’s location in real-time, but we could also view its location history over the past 30 days. That’s great if you worry about your loved one wandering or getting lost. Another great feature is the automatic low-battery notification. If your loved one forgets to charge their device, approved caregivers will be the first to know. Since we could download the app on multiple phones, having several friends or family members in the know at any given time was easy.
» Our Full Review: Bay Alarm Medical Alert System Review [2024]
The app offers unique features, including step tracking and a Ring Device button. When we pressed the Ring Device button, our system started ringing through its two-way speaker so we could easily locate it. That feature is excellent for people prone to misplacing their devices and seniors with memory loss.
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3. Lively - Lively Link App
Testing out the Lively Link app’s location tracking feature
Overview
Lively offers two separate apps: the Lively Health & Safety Service app and the Lively Link app. Both apps require a subscription to a Lively phone or medical alert plan. With one of those plans, trusted contacts and caregivers can use the Lively Link App. Like Bay Alarm Medical’s app, it sends notifications to loved ones in an emergency. It also helps caregivers check the subscriber’s location, review daily activity, and see current device status and connectivity.
» Pricing Guide: Lively Medical Alert System Cost and Pricing
Lively Link is available with both of Lively’s medical alert packages. You can use Lively Link if your loved one has a Jitterbug Smart4 or Jitterbug Flip2 with a Preferred or Premium plan or the Lively Mobile2.
The Lively Health & Safety Service app simply gives subscribers another way to access the Urgent Response button and connect to a Lively agent during an emergency. You can use the Lively Health & Safety Service app on a compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, or Alexa device. (Note that you must have a Lively medical alert package.) That gives you a lot of ways to use Lively, even if you or your loved one aren’t interested in purchasing a Lively device.
Pros About Lively
- Apps for subscribers and caregivers
- Affordable plan prices
- Location tracking
- Emergency notifications
- Stand-alone app options
- Activity monitoring
- Low-battery notifications
Cons About Lively
- Available only on select Lively and Apple devices
- No chat function
- Equipment and activation fees may apply
Our Experience With the Lively Apps
We tested the Lively Link app and were pretty impressed with its functionality. We could check the subscriber’s location, activities, and emergency call history whenever. We tested the Urgent Response button on the Lively Mobile2, and we were pleasantly surprised to see an emergency notification via the Lively Link app in mere seconds.
Tracking my grandmas location using the Lively Link mobile app
We would have liked to see a chat function like the one available on the MyGuardian app, but otherwise, we had no issues using the Lively Link App. It’s important to note, however, that Lively Link doesn’t offer much for senior subscribers. Lively Link is specifically designed for loved ones, while Lively Health & Safety Service can be used by seniors to access Urgent Response.
Watch the video below to learn more about our experience with Lively and its mobile apps.
In-depth review of Lively’s Jitterbug Flip 2 Quick Tip: If you don’t see your provider listed above and you’re unsure if your company offers a companion app, check its website or call to inquire. You won’t want to miss out on the benefits!
Best Stand-alone Medical Alert Apps in 2024
Consider the stand-alone apps below if you’re looking for a medical alert app that isn’t attached to a medical alert system subscription.
| App name | Monthly Fee | Vitals | Medication reminders | GPS tracking | Pairable with smartwatch | In-app medical alert button | Fall alerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Panic Button | $0-$4.99 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| FallSafety Home | $0-$4.99 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Senior Safety | $0-$4.50 | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
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1. Red Panic Button
Red Panic Button’s app
Overview
Developed in 2010, the Red Panic Button sends an emergency message and your location to an established list of contacts through text, email, and a post on the social media site X if you have an account. The app is free if you’re looking to use its standard features. It can also be paired with smartwatches to access the panic button on your wrist. If you pay $4.99 to upgrade to the pro version, you’ll see no in-app ads, and you can input unlimited contacts. If you’re looking for a bare-bones medical alert app for your loved one, accessible for free (or a one-time fee), the Red Panic Button could be your best option.
Pros About Red Panic Button
- Pairable with smartwatches
- Simple functionality
- Available in the Google Play store and Apple App Store
- Great value
- Free options
Cons About Red Panic Button
- Does not connect user to emergency operator or 911
- Only one emergency contact available with free version
- Requires a little bit of configuration
- Lacks features available with other medical alert apps
Our Takeaways From Red Panic Button
Red Panic Button is a free app that lets you push the big, red button during an emergency to alert your chosen contact and even send a 10-second voice message, video, or image. Unlike FallSafety Home, Red Panic Button is available through the Google Play store and Apple App Store, meaning you can add it to most smartphones. If you want to add more than one person to your emergency contact list, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee of $4.99. We think it’s well worth the price, especially if you have more than one person you can count on during an emergency. We also like that you can add the app to an Apple Watch or another compatible smartwatch.
» For Smartwatch Shoppers: The Best Smartwatches for Seniors
Some reviewers, however, have mentioned that you may have to go through several steps just to send an emergency alert. (Note that this only applies if you don’t follow the proper configuration outlined on the Red Panic Button website.) It’s also a bit of a letdown that Red Panic Button doesn’t have advanced features like fall detection, which is available with both FallSafety Home and Senior Safety (the other stand-alone apps on our list). If you’re tech-savvy or have someone help you set up the app, Red Panic Button is still a solid option for a simple medical alert app. Otherwise, you may prefer something more robust, such as FallSafety Home or Senior Safety.
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2. FallSafety Home
FallSafety Home App
Overview
If you have an iPhone and Apple Watch, FallSafety Home is great for older adults prone to falling and looking for an innovative medical alert app at a great price. It includes fall detection, high-heart-rate detection, and a Send Help button. The app provides discreet yet comprehensive protection for independent seniors.
» Also Check Out: Social Distancing: Apps for Seniors (Tech-Savvy or Not)
The app can be used for free, but like Red Panic Button, the free version limits users to one emergency contact. We recommend paying $4.99 monthly to have five emergency contacts entered into the app. If the app detects a fall or you press the Send Help button, those five contacts will be alerted immediately. The app can also play a siren alarm so emergency services can find you.
Expert InsightsFrom Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.RThe FallSafety Home has just about everything you would need. If it had medication reminders, it would be perfect!Pros About FallSafety Home
- Fall detection
- High-heart-rate detection
- Shares location during an emergency
- Built-in panic button
- Siren alarm through iPhone speaker
- Free to use with one emergency contact
Cons About FallSafety Home
- Compatible with only select iPhone and Apple Watch models
- Monthly fee to add more than one emergency contact
Our Takeaways From FallSafety Home
FallSafety Home is limited to Apple users but is still one of our top picks for stand-alone medical alert apps. Just $4.99 per month is far less than most medical alert systems, including those offered by Lively, Bay Alarm Medical, and Medical Guardian. FallSafety Home is also one of the few apps incorporating fall detection, heart rate detection, and multiple ways to alert others of an emergency. The siren can alert first responders or others in your area that there’s an emergency, while the automatic fall detection and panic button make it easy to reach up to five emergency contacts in seconds (with the paid version).
Expert InsightsFrom Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.RFall detection is a critical component in medical alert systems. I have seen it save people’s lives repeatedly in my career. I’ve seen people fall and unable to push their button from a cardiac event or hitting their head. Others are unable to push their button due to their positioning and injury during a fall. Some individuals forget they had a medical alert system when they fell due to the trauma and stress of the fall with injury.That said, it’s the most expensive stand-alone app on this list. Red Panic Button requires a one-time payment of $4.99, but you’ll have to pay that amount monthly to keep your emergency contacts active with FallSafety Home. If you’re worried about falls and want fall detection discreetly, FallSafety Home is an excellent app. If you’re on a tight budget, you may prefer the lower costs of Red Panic Button or Senior Safety.
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3. Senior Safety
Senior Safety App
Overview
Great for caregivers who want to monitor a loved one, the Senior Safety app has some unique features at a good price. If your loved one has dementia or other cognitive challenges, the app can alert you when they wander outside a set boundary, there is high ambient noise around them, or a fall is detected.
» Related Reading: Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors With Dementia
The GPS tracking, low-battery alerts, and inactivity alerts allow caregivers to stay informed if anything unusual is happening with their loved one. There is a less robust free version of the app, but for just $45 a year or $4.50 per month, you can get the pro version, which includes safety alerts, scam and fraud protection, and GPS tracking.
Pros About Senior Safety
- Location monitoring with geo-fencing to prevent wandering
- SOS Alert Alarm
- Round-robin calling feature for emergency contacts
- Fall-detection alerts
- Low-battery alerts
- Dangerous-situations alerts
- High-ambient-noise alerts
Cons About Senior Safety
- Compatible only with Android phones
- Most features require a monthly fee
- Since it’s not compatible with a smartwatch, seniors must have their smartphone with them for the app to work
Our Takeaways From Senior Safety
Like FallSafety Home, the Senior Safety app is available only on certain devices. It’s compatible only with Android phones. The lack of smartwatch compatibility is disappointing, especially since seniors may not want to carry their phones constantly. That said, Senior Safety offers more features than Red Panic Button, particularly if you’re willing to pay for the pro version. For $4.50 per month (or less if you pay for a year of service in advance), you can get an emergency button, location tracking, automatic round-robin call forwarding to emergency contacts, fall detection, low-battery alerts, inactivity alerts, and more.
» Learn About: Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection for SeniorsSenior Safety is one of the most robust stand-alone apps on this list, followed by FallSafety Home. Remember that the free version lacks nearly all of the best features. It functions only as an SOS button to alert your emergency contacts. It provides round-robin calling until a contact can be reached. There’s also emergency health information storage. We highly recommend upgrading to the pro version to get all the bells and whistles, particularly GPS location tracking and fall detection.
What Is the Difference Between Stand-Alone Medical Alert Apps and Medical Alert Apps That Pair With a Medical Alert System?
A stand-alone medical alert app is downloaded to your smartphone and doesn’t require additional equipment, although some can be paired with other devices. You may, for example, pair certain medical alert apps with a wearable smartwatch, such as an Apple Watch, to track your location and heart rate and provide an accessible emergency button. Most stand-alone medical alert apps notify your preselected contacts when you have a fall or press the emergency button. They will not connect you to 911 or a trained emergency operator.
» Learn More: Best Medical Alert Watches of 2024
A medical alert app that pairs with a medical alert system will complement a physical system. Since the apps work in conjunction with top medical alert systems, they are often more comprehensive and can easily connect you to emergency services or a trained emergency operator. The apps are usually included with your monthly service subscription or treated as an add-on for a small monthly fee. Overall, apps paired with a medical alert system cost more but provide more protection.
Do I Need a Medical Alert App?
A medical alert app can notify loved ones when help is needed. Some apps connect you directly to a trained operator who can send emergency services. When considering a medical alert app, it is important to assess your medical history, lifestyle, and budget. Generally, we recommend every senior have some type of medical alert app just in case of an emergency. If you’re a healthy, active senior who just wants peace of mind, one of the stand-alone medical alert apps detailed above may be ideal.
FYI: If you’re looking for ways to pay for a medical alert system or app, just remember that Medicare will not cover the cost in most cases.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias receive care in their homes. For those who are cognitively impaired and still living at home, medical alert apps with tracking can provide a safety net for wandering, which is a common symptom of dementia. If you are a caregiver to an older adult with difficulty communicating or a history of falls, a medical alert app paired with a medical alert system provides great protection when away from your loved one.
Expert Insights
From Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.R
People say they don’t think they need a medical alert system. I disagree. I always say, “It’s like a seatbelt. I wear mine every time I get in my car. I’ve never needed it, gratefully, and it is wonderful if I never need it. But if I only need it once, I am going to be really glad I had it on, and it could save my life.”
FAQs About Medical Alert Apps
- How much does a medical alert app cost?
Depending on the features you’re looking for, and whether you choose a supplemental or stand-alone app, a medical alert app will cost between $0 and $39.99 monthly.
- Do I need a medical alert app?
If you or someone you care for lives alone or has a history of falling, a medical alert app is a great option for on-the-go protection.
- Are medical alert apps beneficial for caregivers?
Yes. Medical alert apps can help caregivers stay informed on the whereabouts of their loved ones when they are away. They also alert caregivers if their loved one is having a medical emergency.
- What does a medical alert app do?
A medical alert app allows users to alert emergency contacts if they are in an emergency and need help. Apps paired with a medical alert system have additional safety features, and some medical alert apps are specifically designed to help caregivers look after their loved ones.
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Morgan has been writing about the senior living industry for the past five years. In addition to over 400 hours of research on topics like medical alert systems, health insurance, and technology for older adults, she also brings her previous… Learn More About Morgan Redding
Linda earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University and has assisted 10,000+ seniors throughout her 25-year career. She specializes in home health care and fall prevention for seniors and has nearly three decades of experience recommending medical… Learn More About Linda Schlenker
Citations
AARP. (2020). Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage.
National Library of Medicine. (2021). Approach to Management of Wandering in Dementia: Ethical and Legal Issue.