Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors With Dementia
Medical Guardian is our top pick for seniors with dementia, thanks to its excellent customer service, high-tech systems, and advanced location monitoring.
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- Prices starting at $32.95 per month
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
- Free caregiver mobile app
- Prices starting at $19.95 per month
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
- Free caregiver mobile app
- Prices starting at $24.95 per month
- Fall detection costs $5 per month
- Caregiver mobile app for select systems with a fee
- Discount on monthly rates and free Connect Premium for veterans
- Prices starting at $19.95 per month
- Unique features: Systems designed for two users
- One free month of service for veterans
- Prices starting at $39.99 per month
- Unique features: Activity and caregiver monitoring
Our team of senior tech and fall-prevention experts tested the top medical alert systems in the industry to find the best medical alert systems without a landline.
Our team of senior tech and fall-prevention experts tested the top medical alert systems in the industry to find the best medical alert systems without a landline.
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Dementia takes a physical, social, and psychological toll on those diagnosed, as well as a toll on their caregivers. Fortunately, medical alert systems can make living with and caring for someone with dementia a little easier. Rather than having someone standing by 24/7, you can lean on medical alert devices to let you know if and when there’s an emergency.
Our team of medical alert and fall-prevention experts have tested and compared dozens of medical alert systems with the needs of those with dementia in mind. My team and I evaluated each system based on several criteria, including price, value, ease of use, customer service, and more. Below, I’ll dive into the best medical alert systems with features that help keep individuals with dementia as independent as possible while offering more peace of mind to their families.
Our editor Taylor Shuman's grandma testing out MGClassic
Our Top Five Medical Alert Systems for Seniors With Dementia
Our Methodology
My grandma testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system
How We Tested the Medical Alert Systems
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia have unique needs when it comes to medical alert systems. For example, someone with dementia is more likely to forget to put on a necklace pendant or how to activate the alert system themselves.
That’s why our medical alert and fall-prevention experts narrowed down the options to make choosing the best medical alert system for your loved one easier. My team and I spent over 200 hours testing and evaluating the best systems to create this list. We tested each medical alert system for a week. We also recruited the help of older adults like my grandma and uncle to try the systems and provide their feedback.
How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Systems for Those With Dementia
We evaluated and selected our top system using the following criteria:
- Pricing: Not every senior or family is working with the same budget, so we included the best medical alert systems for seniors with dementia at various price points. We tried to focus on the most affordable systems, but we also included pricier options with even more useful features. We considered monthly rates, equipment fees, additional fees, seasonal promotions, and different payment plans.
- Customer service: A company must be backed by friendly, knowledgeable, and trained representatives. We evaluated the quality of each company’s customer service and 24/7 urgent-response teams. We offered our personal experiences interacting with each provider that made our list.
- Ease of use: A major issue facing seniors with dementia is remembering how to use a medical alert device. We chose systems that are extremely easy to use and require very few steps to initiate an emergency response. Our top picks include systems that require little to no effort to get help.
- Response times: Help must arrive quickly in an emergency. We placed 10 test calls on each medical alert system and timed how long it took to reach a real person. We made the calls in various locations, including at home (in a 1,400-square-foot, two-story home), on walks, and running errands. All the systems on our list had average response times of fewer than 45 seconds.
- Battery life: Since seniors with dementia are more likely to forget to plug in a medical alert system, it’s important to consider their battery life. Many in-home systems use pendants with batteries that can last for a year or longer and backup base unit batteries in case the power goes out. On-the-go systems usually need to be charged once a day. Either way, our top picks offer extended battery life options to make it easier for seniors who may not remember to recharge or replace batteries.
- Special features: There are a lot of extra perks and special features that can make medical alert systems even more useful for seniors with dementia. Some seniors with dementia may get lost or struggle with wandering, for example, in which case GPS features are vital. Alternatively, if a senior is prone to falls, fall detection is a very important and potentially lifesaving feature. Finally, many systems include caregiver integration to ensure that caregivers and loved ones are always in the know.
To learn more about how we test medical alert systems, check out our medical alert system methodology guide.
Why Trust Us
Our senior tech experts have tested dozens of medical alert systems over the years. We’re always researching and trying out the newest tech to keep seniors safe. All of our medical alert content is reviewed by Linda Schlenker, an occupational therapist with more than three decades of experience advising older adults and their caregivers about how to stay safe in their homes. She and her patients have extensive experience using medical alert systems. Linda approved the systems on our list and provided her insights and expertise.
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1. Medical Guardian - Best Customer Service
What we like most
- Prices starting at $32.95 per month
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
- Free caregiver mobile app
Medical GuardianOverview:
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
Overview
Medical Guardian offers several at-home and on-the-go medical alert systems. Each system is backed by the company’s impressive customer service and a 24/7 urgent-response team. When I pressed my system’s help button, the monitoring professionals already had access to my info. The agents can share information about the user’s dementia, other medical conditions, medications, allergies, and preferred hospital with emergency services. I appreciate this information exchange, especially for seniors with medical conditions that require a little extra care.
Money-Saving Tip: Medical Guardian is offering 50 percent off select products plus one free month of service, shipping, and a lockbox.
For older adults with dementia, the MGMini Lite is one of my favorite systems. The system is about as simple as it gets. It has one large button used to call for help, and that’s about it. It’s a water-resistant mobile unit worn on the wrist that features advanced location detection with GPS, Wi-Fi, and LTE technology. This sophisticated monitoring is especially important for individuals at high risk of wandering.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Medical Guardian
- Large in-home coverage range
- U.S.-based monitoring center
- No activation fees
- Landline and cellular options
- Advanced location monitoring
Cons About Medical Guardian
- Higher device fees for the MGMini and MGMini Lite
- No free trial
- Potentially limited service in rural or remote areas (for the cellular system)
- Mediocre battery life on mobile devices
Our Hands-on Experience:Dementia-Friendly Features
I’ve personally tested all five of Medical Guardian’s systems, and I’ve found that the MGMini Lite is one of the best choices for seniors with dementia. It’s a simple bracelet-style device that straps onto your wrist and has one large button on the front, plus a two-way speaker. It’s very simple, so there’s not much to remember. The button even has a bright blue ring that lights up when pressed, so you’ll know that you’ve done it correctly. The MGMini Lite is small and lightweight, so I often forgot I was wearing it. It is perfect for those with dementia; the less irritating or noticeable the system is, the less likely the user is to take it off.
Trying out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
I tested the waterproof device in different locations at various times of day and night, and I was typically able to connect with an agent at the Medical Guardian monitoring center in less than 20 seconds. It took a full minute to reach someone when I tested the system in my home though. I don’t have great Verizon reception (which MGMini Lite runs on) at my house, so that was likely why. Otherwise, I had no trouble using the system. Make sure you have solid Verizon service in your area before purchasing.
Medical Guardian’s agents were always helpful and friendly, whether I was testing for an emergency or simply reaching out with a question. The speaker was also quite loud, and I had no trouble hearing the person on the other end of the line.
» Dive Deeper: 2024 Medical Guardian Review
One of my favorite features for caregivers and loved ones is the MyGuardian mobile app. Through the app, you can monitor the user’s location, check the device’s status and power level, see a history of emergency calls placed, create a care plan, and more. It is especially useful if your loved one has dementia. If you can’t contact them, you can easily check in on them through the app. I used the app to track my system and create a call chain of the people I wanted to contact in case of an emergency. The app was simple to navigate and easy to use.
Checking my system's location in Medical Guardian's MyGuardian mobile app
Battery Life
The MGMini Lite has a 36-hour battery life. That falls short of comparable wearable devices from LifeFone and MobileHelp, but it’s still pretty solid. I tested the MGMini Lite for a week, and I only needed to charge it five times. I found it easiest to wear the device throughout the day and charge it when I went to sleep. Since I kept the charger by my bed, I was still able to reach the button if there was an emergency in the middle of the night.
For comparison, Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Micro lasts up to three days, while MobileHelp’s units last for around one day. The one downside is that it took around three hours for my MGMini Lite to fully charge.
The one thing I didn’t like was the charging time. When I tried to charge the device during the day, it was painfully slow to get it from 0 to 100 percent. It took just over three hours. A few hours is pretty standard for mobile medical alert systems, but it feels long.
Charging the MGMini Lite
Pricing
At $44.95 per month, the MGMini Lite is one of Medical Guardian’s more expensive systems, and there’s also an equipment fee of $149.95. Still, I think it provides excellent value for those living with dementia. Plus, these prices are on par with similar mobile plans from carriers such as Aloe Care Health. Medical Guardian offers other GPS systems that are great for those with dementia, including MGMini, a mobile system worn around the neck, and MGMove, a smartwatch system. They both cost $39.95 per month plus equipment fees.
Looking for an in-home system? You can choose from cellular and landline options starting at $32.95 monthly. Just know that with in-home systems, if your loved one wanders away from home, they won’t be able to use their system and you won’t be able to track their location.
» Pricing Info: Medical Guardian Prices and Deals
To help prevent fall-related injuries, I’d recommend adding fall detection for $10 per month. Studies show that those with dementia are at a much higher risk of falling, so this feature is essential, in my opinion.1 In the event of a fall, the system will automatically detect it and call for help, even if the user is unable to press the help button.
The fall detection works very well — almost too well at times. My grandma, who owns a Medical Guardian system, has experienced many instances in which her system thinks she has fallen, but she hasn’t. Luckily, she can just let the operator know that it was a false alarm. It’s important to note if it would be confusing or stressful for your loved one with dementia. During testing, the MGMini Lite detected my simulated fall correctly around 70 percent of the time.
Did You Know? Roughly 1 in 4 adults over 65 suffers a fall each year.2
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2. Bay Alarm Medical - Best value
What we like most
- Prices starting at $19.95 per month
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
- Free caregiver mobile app
Bay Alarm MedicalOverview:
Trying out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
Overview
Bay Alarm Medical offers inexpensive systems that still come packed with top-of-the-line features. Prices start at $24.95 per month for their in-home system and $29.95 for their on-the-go systems. I’ve tested their mobile and in-home systems, and I’m a big fan of both. That said, their on-the-go offerings (particularly the SOS Micro) are a better fit for many seniors with dementia, especially if your loved one tends to get lost.
» Our Full Review: Bay Alarm Medical Alert System Review 2024
Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Micro is available as a solo device or in a bundle with the in-home system. If your loved one is more of a homebody, it may make sense to bundle so you get the best of both systems. Just be prepared for the higher cost of a bundling plan, plus equipment fees.
Current Deal: Bay Alarm Medical is giving new customers 30 percent off select plans, as well as one free month of service and free shipping.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Bay Alarm Medical
- Affordable systems
- Price-lock guarantee
- Cost-saving bundling options
- No hidden fees
- 30-day risk-free trial
- Caregiver tracking with some equipment
- Excellent customer service
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical
- Free shipping is usually not available
- Small product lineup
- Equipment fees on select systems
Our Hands-on Experience:Dementia-Friendly Features
Bay Alarm Medical primarily made this list for the SOS All-In-One 2, an on-the-go system worn as a necklace. The device comes with your choice of an AT&T or Verizon connection, so you can opt for the cellular provider with the best service in your area. It will provide extra assurance that your loved one is always protected, regardless of their location. I appreciated having options, since I have great AT&T coverage in my area, while Verizon's service is pretty limited.
Similar to Medical Guardian, the lightweight device comes with a caregiver tracking app. I can pinpoint the location of my device, view my location history, and receive low-battery notifications right in the app. All those features can help you keep tabs on your loved ones, which is helpful if you’re concerned about them wandering or missing appointments.
» Also Check Out: Best Medical Alert Systems for Veterans
When I tested the caregiver app, I was really happy with the real-time updates. We spent the day apart to see how accurate it was, and she was amazed that I knew she’d been to the grocery store and the pharmacy! We were also really happy with the prompt and professional treatment we got from the customer-service team.
Navigating Bay Alarm Medical's companion mobile app
The SOS All-In-One 2 device comes as a wearable lanyard pendant with a large, red button and speaker. Alternatively, seniors can wear the help button using a more subtle belt clip. I tested the fall detection using both the lanyard and the belt clip, and the results were similar to what we experienced with Medical Guardian’s MGMini. With the lanyard, it picked up on eight of our 10 test falls. The belt clip meant it was less likely to pick up on falls.
Battery Life
The SOS All-In-One 2 is similar to Aloe Care Health and Medical Guardian when it comes to battery life. Bay Alarm Medical claims you can get up to three days on one charge. That was accurate in my experience, which I’m very happy with. It means the device can stay running for a full weekend without charging. That’s a great fit for seniors who may struggle to remember to plug in their devices. With such a long battery life, however, the infrequency of charges might make it harder for some seniors to create a consistent charging schedule. Still, having a device that’s more likely to have a charge for longer is a plus in my book.
Pricing
If you want to get a high-quality medical alert system at an affordable price, I’ve found that Bay Alarm Medical strikes a great balance between budget-friendly devices and value. The SOS Home starts at just $24.95 per month with no equipment fees, but that doesn’t help if your loved one leaves the house regularly. That’s why I think the SOS Micro is a better option, even though it’ll cost you more. SOS Micro starts at $29.95 per month, and you can add fall detection for an extra $10 per month (the same as Medical Guardian). The one-time equipment fee is just $99, about $50 cheaper than Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite device.
» Price Guide: Bay Alarm Medical Cost and Pricing
If you want to bundle the SOS Home and SOS Micro (it includes fall detection by default), your plan will cost $54.95 monthly. Another option is Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS All-In-One 2 system, which also provides at-home and on-the-go coverage. The system starts at $34.95 per month without fall detection. If you opt for either bundles, your equipment fees will vary between $99 and $129. While shopping online for Bay Alarm Medical systems, I liked the pricing transparency and felt I knew what I was paying for. No surprise fees here! If you’re worried about losing or damaging your device, you can also add affordable protection plans for as little as $2.95 per month.
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3. LifeFone - Best fall detection
What we like most
- Prices starting at $24.95 per month
- Fall detection costs $5 per month
- Caregiver mobile app for select systems with a fee
LifeFoneOverview:
LifeFone At Home Landline or Cellular Equipment
Overview
LifeFone offers six different medical alert systems designed to meet seniors’ needs, whether they are homebodies or spend time out and about. You can add fall detection to any in-home system for just $5 per month — half of what the feature costs with Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm Medical. I consider it a must-have feature for those with dementia, considering they face a higher risk of falling than older adults without dementia.
The company offers a variety of systems, but its at-home options are some of my top picks for homebodies. They’re simple, easy to use, and even feature temperature monitoring to protect you from emergencies other than falls.
» Related Reading: 2024 LifeFone Review
I love that LifeFone cares about family too. Spouses can receive a pendant and monitoring for free with basic service, which means you can get two monitoring services for the price of one. My experience with customer service was always positive, further demonstrating LifeFone’s commitment to its customers.
Pros & Cons:Pros About LifeFone
- Lifetime price guarantee
- Anytime cancellation with prorated refunds
- Large in-home coverage range
- Cheap fall detection
- Caregiver mobile app
- Free spouse monitoring
Cons About LifeFone
- No language support
- Expensive add-ons and accessories
- Best rates require an annual plan
Our Hands-on Experience:Dementia-Friendly Features
Not only does LifeFone offer six great plans for seniors, but its affordable fall detection is also a big plus for older adults with dementia. If you go with the at-home system (my personal favorite), the base has a range of up to 1,300 feet. I tested it, and the wearable device was still working when I walked upstairs to the opposite end of the house.
» Helpful Resource: Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors With Hearing Loss
LifeFone’s At-Home unit includes a 32-hour backup battery that will kick in if and when the power goes out. Navigating the house in the dark during a power outage could make falls more likely, so I appreciate the backup protection. I tested the backup battery by unplugging my system from a power outlet, and it still worked like a charm!
In addition to waterproof pendants and bracelets, the base unit has a room temperature sensor. If the temperature in the room drops below or rises above the temperature limits you’ve set, an alarm will sound. The feature can help save lives in the event of a fire or even alert others if the heater has stopped working during colder months.
Battery Life
Since the base unit of LifeFone’s At-Home unit plugs right into the wall, you don’t have to worry much about batteries. What I really liked about LifeFone’s system was the longevity of the help buttons. Whether you choose the pendant or the bracelet, the battery can last for up to three years. LifeFone will even monitor the remaining life of your battery and send you a new one when it starts to run low. My grandma and I agreed this was a fantastic feature for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. You never have to worry about charging anything, and even if the power goes out, you’ll still have backup support until the electricity comes back on.
If you want an on-the-go system, LifeFone has four options with battery lives ranging from one to 10 days. There’s a wrist-worn system, two pendant options, and a smartwatch system. The At-Home & On-the-Go VIPx system, which can be worn like a necklace, lasts a whopping 10 days. That’s very impressive for a mobile system and more than three times as long as the battery life offered by Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Micro.
» Related Reading: Best Medical Alert Systems for Active Seniors
Pricing
LifeFone’s prices range from $29.95 to $47.95 monthly for month-to-month plans with no up-front activation or equipment fees. Those are competitive prices compared to the other brands on our list. There are even discounts available for quarterly and annual payment plans. You can also choose from several helpful add-ons, such as a caregiver app with location tracking, a medication reminder service, and daily check-in calls.
» Learn More: LifeFone Medical Alert System Cost and Pricing
If your loved one stays at home most of the time, the At-Home package with fall detection is our top pick. In addition to the base unit, it comes with a lanyard pendant or a bracelet. It’s an excellent value at just $29.95 per month for the landline option or $34.95 per month for the cellular option, and fall detection only tacks on an extra $5 monthly. You can save a few bucks per month if you select a quarterly or annual payment plan. Even with a monthly plan, you can save a lot by choosing fall detection with LifeFone, since it’s $6 per month cheaper than MobileHelp’s fall detection.
Check out our video review of LifeFone below to learn more.
This video will show you the LifeFone family of Medical Alert Systems for those who are always home and those who go out often. -
4. MobileHelp - Simplest systems
What we like most
- Discount on monthly rates and free Connect Premium for veterans
- Prices starting at $19.95 per month
- Unique features: Systems designed for two users
MobileHelpOverview:
MobileHelp Base Unit
Overview
MobileHelp is known for their affordable systems designed for two users, but the company made this list thanks to their simple systems. They offer both at-home and on-the-go systems that are stripped down to the basic features, making them as simple as possible for people with dementia.
» Related Reading: Medication Dispensers for Seniors
Pros & Cons:Pros About MobileHelp
- Vast product lineup
- Two-for-one systems
- Large at-home range
- Landline and cellular options
- Support for over 240 languages
Cons About MobileHelp
- Cellular systems won’t work in areas with poor AT&T coverage
- Uses a third-party monitoring company
- Fall detection requires a separate pendant
Our Hands-on Experience:Dementia-Friendly Features
MobileHelp’s Home Duo Bundle is a great option for people with dementia. It comes with a simple base unit with large, clearly labeled buttons; a wearable help button; and a mobile unit. It offers comprehensive at-home and on-the-go protection. The system can also be used by two people, which is perfect for couples. One person can use the in-home system while the other uses the mobile unit. The Solo and Micro systems are also solid options for people with dementia, since they require just one piece of equipment that can be worn at home or on the go. That way, your loved one will still be protected if they wander.
» You Might Like: Consumer Cellular’s GrandPad Review and Pricing
I paid the extra $11 for fall detection and tested it using the mobile pendant included with the Home Duo Bundle. I simulated 10 falls during our tests, and it detected every single one. Customer support was always fast to respond and extremely friendly. The tests don’t mean the Home Duo Bundle will always detect a fall (fall detection devices are never 100 percent accurate), but it was very reliable in my experience.
Battery Life
MobileHelp’s wearable help button for the home system has a built-in battery that doesn’t require charging. Instead, it’s designed to last for up to five years, even longer than LifeFone’s in-home pendants. Unlike LifeFone, MobileHelp doesn’t track battery life, which means you’ll need to request a new battery whenever the LED light starts flashing amber (that’s the low-battery signal).
Testing out MobileHelp's wearable help button
The mobile unit that comes with the Home Duo Bundle has a battery life that lasts around 24 hours, which is six hours shorter than Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite. I could easily recharge the system by setting it in its charging cradle. It took a few hours to fully charge.
Pricing
Prices for MobileHelp’s systems range from $24.95 to $49.95 per month, depending on the system you choose. MobileHelp’s large product lineup makes finding a system that best meets your needs simple. You can enhance your system with add-ons such as fall detection for $11 per month. I love the add-ons, but MobileHelp’s fall detection is pricier than most other providers, including Medical Guardian and LifeFone. Keep an eye on the cost as you pick accessories, because it can quickly add up.
» Our Full Review: MobileHelp Medical Alert System Review [2024]
My top pick for seniors with dementia is the Home Duo Bundle, which gives you an in-home unit, a mobile unit, and a wearable help button. The system costs $44.95 per month, but you can score a discount if you pay for your system annually.
The one thing I didn’t like about MobileHelp was the cost of add-ons. Some add-ons, such as location detection, are standard with basic plans from Bay Alarm Medical. With MobileHelp, location detection comes at no charge with the MobileHelp Connect portal — but there’s a catch. The standard (free) version of MobileHelp Connect covers only 30 location requests per month.
» For Location Tracking: Best GPS Medical Alert Systemsof 2024
Essentially, you, as a caregiver, use up a location “ping” every time you want to know your loved one’s location. If you need to check their location more than 30 times in a month, you’ll have to pay an additional $6 per 30 requests. That isn’t ideal if you like to check up on your loved one multiple times per day.
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5. Aloe Care Health - Most high-tech system
What we like most
- One free month of service for veterans
- Prices starting at $39.99 per month
- Unique features: Activity and caregiver monitoring
Overview:
The Aloe Care Health Smart Hub
Overview
Aloe Care Health uses new technology to keep older adults safe and connected with their loved ones. They offer in-home and on-the-go systems with advanced monitoring, including fall detection and motion sensors. My uncle helped me test Aloe Care Health’s systems, and we were impressed with the sleek equipment. The Smart Hub, Aloe Care Health’s in-home base unit, looks more like a smart speaker than a medical alert system. If you want something discreet, it’s a great option.
Expert InsightsFrom Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.RAloe Care Health is one of my top picks for a medical alert system for someone with dementia. It offers a comprehensive package with helpful options, including activity monitoring, fall detection, voice-activated calls, and “Find My Device.”I’m also a big fan of the companion mobile app. It has a very modern feel and is easy to use. Through the app, I received real-time updates on my uncle’s movements throughout the home. If the system didn’t detect movement in the morning at the time when he normally got up, I would receive an alert in the mobile app. This is crucial data if you’re concerned about your loved one falling, wandering, or forgetting to complete daily activities such as bathing and eating.
» Learn More: What Are Activities of Daily Living?
Aloe Care Health may be new to the medical alert system game, but the company truly understands what older adults and their caregivers need. For families most concerned with falls, we recommend the Essentials Plus package for at-home and on-the-go protection. It’s quite pricey at $59.99 per month with a $349.99 equipment fee, but it offers the most robust protection.
» Also Check Out: Aloe Care Health Review
Pros & Cons:Pros About Aloe Care Health
- Free fall detection with most plans
- No long-term contracts
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Voice-activated emergency calls
- Caregiver app
- Temperature, environment, activity, and air-quality monitoring
Cons About Aloe Care Health
- Upfront equipment costs
- No spouse monitoring
- Expensive compared to competitors
Our Hands-on Experience:Dementia-Friendly Features
Seniors with dementia and their loved ones can really benefit from Aloe Care Health’s Smart Hub. When using the system, my uncle could connect with an emergency-response professional simply by saying “emergency” three times or pressing the button on his help pendant. Whether he used his voice or pressed the button, he could connect with an Aloe Care Health agent in an average of 30 seconds.
My uncle testing out the Aloe Care Health Smart Hub and help pendant.
I think the voice-activated system is ideal for those who may misplace their phone or forget to wear their help button. Plus, I could place check-in calls to the Smart Hub using the mobile app. My uncle could then use the Smart Hub’s two-way speaker to talk with me. If you haven’t heard from your loved one and want to check in, this is an easy way to ensure they’re doing OK. You can also share updates with other family members and caregivers through the mobile app to keep everyone in the loop.
» Related Reading: Best Medical Alert Systems With Voice Activation
If your loved one loses their device, it comes with a Find My Device feature to help you track its location. Additionally, you can keep track of your loved one at any time using the Live Locator feature, a big step up from the limited GPS features that come with MobileHelp’s systems. The mobile app also offers notifications when your loved one is moving around the house, and you can write check-in notes to keep track of how the user is feeling. All those features are excellent for those with dementia who may need some extra monitoring.
Testing out the Aloe Care Health app
We loved that fall detection is treated as an essential component of Aloe Care Health’s medical alert systems, rather than an optional add-on. I tested the fall detection, and it performed about as well as I expected. It correctly recognized eight out of 10 test falls. If you want a reliable medical alert system with fall detection that won’t cost extra, Aloe Care Health’s Mobile Companion 2 is our top pick.
» Useful Resource: Best medical alert systems with fall detection for seniors
Battery Life
The Smart Hub just needs to be plugged into an outlet, but it also comes with a backup battery if the power goes out. I unplugged the system from power and the backup battery kicked in immediately. The unplugged Smart Hub was still working the next day without issue. The Mobile Companion 2 has a five-day battery life, which makes it a big step up from Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite, which lasts only about a day and a half before it needs charging.
Pricing
Aloe Care Health’s pricing ranges from $39.99 to $59.99 per month, plus up-front equipment costs that range from $149.99 up to $349.99. I had sticker shock when I first saw Aloe Care Health’s prices, but I think the advanced features are worth the cost. That said, if you opt for the at-home and on-the-go plan (Essentials Plus), you’ll pay more than $400 up front for the equipment and first month of service. That’s a lot more expensive than a provider like Bay Alarm Medical, which charges equipment fees ranging from $99 to $199.
» Price Guide: Aloe Care Health Medical Alert Systems
If you want a more budget-friendly option that’s still good for seniors with dementia, we recommend the Mobile Companion 2. The on-the-go plan costs $44.99 monthly, plus a one-time equipment fee of $149.99. The best part? Fall detection is built into the Mobile Companion 2 pendant and comes at no extra charge! I also love the look of the system. Similar to the Smart Hub, it’s sleek and a lot less clunky than other medical alert systems I’ve tested.
How Do Medical Alert Systems Help People With Dementia?
A medical alert system is more than just a piece of technology. It offers assurance for loved ones and allows seniors to get help when required. Monitoring professionals can get in touch with emergency contacts or emergency responders, even if your loved one is unable to articulate what’s wrong or doesn’t know where they are.
Pro Tip: Want to ditch the landline and use cell service for your medical alert system? Check out our guide on the best cellular medical alert systems.
Plus, with features like GPS and caregiver tracking apps, it’s easier than ever for families to keep an eye on their loved ones. You can ensure they don’t wander from the yard, stay in bed all day, or miss important medical appointments. The technology helps family members be better caregivers, even if they live across the country.
Best Medical Alert System Features for Seniors With Dementia
Having any medical alert system is better than not having one at all, but if your loved one has dementia, it’s important to prioritize a few key features to best meet their needs. Let’s take a look at some things that should be included with a medical alert system for older adults with dementia.
Money-Saving Tip: Need help finding medical alert systems in your price range? See our guide on the best affordable medical alert systems.
Fall Detection
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults.3 Seniors with dementia face an even higher risk of falling. Wearable fall detection devices sense the wearer’s position and send an alert to the monitoring company if they fall.
Testing out a Medical Guardian fall detection help pendant
Caregiver App
Some companies, including the ones on this list, offer caregiver integration features. Caregivers download an app on their mobile device to receive alerts about their loved one’s location, activity, device battery level, and more. Companies like Aloe Care Health go even further: Their app lets caregivers communicate directly with their loved one’s medical alert system through a hub with a two-way speaker.
Using Medical Guardians MyGuardian mobile app
Trained Operators
Find out if the company you’re considering uses monitoring professionals accustomed to working with older adults. Why does that matter? It ensures that they know to speak loudly and clearly and to take action if the caller is confused, unable to speak, or difficult to understand. You should also prioritize companies that keep user files in the monitoring center. That way, when an alert activates, the operator can see the caller’s medical information, including their dementia diagnosis, right away.
Long Battery Life
Older adults with dementia may struggle remembering daily tasks such as charging a phone or medical alert system. Prioritize systems with a long battery life, such as LifeFone’s At-Home & On-the-Go VIPx system, which has up to 10 days of battery life for on-the-go use.
Medication Reminders
Everyone forgets to take their meds from time to time, but meds can be even more difficult to keep track of for individuals with dementia. Some medical alert brands, such as LifeFone, offer medication reminders to help your loved one better manage their medications.
Setting reminders in Medical Guardian's MyGuardian mobile app
FAQs
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Should seniors with memory loss use medical alert systems?
Most seniors with memory loss could greatly benefit from a medical alert system. Seniors with cognitive impairment, including dementia, are more likely than those without it to suffer a fall.4 A medical alert system is a great way for loved ones, caregivers, and emergency responders to act swiftly if and when a fall occurs.
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What are monitoring systems for people with dementia?
Medical alert systems allow seniors with dementia to benefit from 24/7 monitoring. Features vary by system, but they most often allow loved ones and monitoring agents to detect when a fall has occurred or the user has wandered away from home.
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Do Medicare and Medicaid pay for medical alert systems for seniors with dementia?
Medicare does not typically cover medical alert systems, but Medicaid may cover medical alert systems for eligible beneficiaries with dementia. The systems fall under the Medicaid category of Personal Emergency Response Services, or PERS.
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Can medical alert systems prevent seniors with Alzheimer’s from wandering away?
No, medical alert systems can’t prevent older adults with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia from wandering, but they can alert loved ones and response agents if and when a senior does wander. The system can even track their location so they can be found as quickly as possible.
World Health Organization. (2023). Dementia.
National Council on Aging. (2023). Get the Facts on Falls Prevention.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2017). Risk Factors Associated with Falls in Older Adults with Dementia: A Systematic Review.
National Council of Medicine. (2017). Risk Factors Associated with Falls in Older Adults with Dementia: A Systematic Review.