The Best Medical Alert Technology for Your Aging Loved One

Medical Alert Technology Goes Mobile

Thanks to the latest technological advancement – the medical alert system mobile device – active seniors can now have medical alert monitoring everywhere they go, instead of only in their homes.

SafeHome.org researched mobile medical alert systems and arrived at their three top choices. Each of the systems has the following features:

• 24/7 emergency response ensures that response centers are always open
• Water-resistance protects while you shower, bathe, or wash dishes
• Fall detection is a medical alert technology that saves lives every day
• Extended battery life allows you to be on the go without worrying about the battery
• Cellular monitoring is the feature that enables the system to be mobile
• Nationwide coverage means you can travel in all 50 states
• GPS location services pinpoint your location if you are lost or disoriented
• Long-range means the devices have you covered anywhere in the country
• Easy set-up for those who are technology-challenged

Bay Alarm Medical has packages with mobile GPS options starting at $29.95/month. Their fall detection feature costs an extra $10/mo. Free accessories include a necklace style lanyard, carrying case with belt clip, and charging pod. Other GPS options such as Mobile GPS, In-Car, and a 360° Protection medical alert systems feature, all of which are customizable.

Medical Guardian has three mobile GPS options. The Mobile Guardian starts at $39.95/month and has a portable device and an alert button that works within 350 feet of each other. The top-of-the-line smartwatch option, called Freedom Guardian, has a one-time equipment charge of $99 and a monthly monitoring fee starting at $44.95. The price includes advanced tracking through GPS, text-to-speech messaging, reminders, alerts, local forecast, low battery notifications, analog watch face, and a multi-function side button.  

GreatCall offers two mobile medical alert devices and three packages. You can purchase the most advanced device, Lively Mobile Plus, for $49.99. The $39.99 monthly fee includes fall detection along with other features. The device does not require charging, and a replaceable battery is included with the system.

Primary Considerations

Medical alert technology is continuously evolving, and medical alert systems are no exception. For instance, fall detection technology has come farther than any of the other technological features. And although it isn’t 100% accurate yet, it has become highly-sophisticated, able to detect a fall and automatically call a response center for help.  

The mobile devices listed here – and others like them – are gearing toward an aging population that no longer sits on the porch and watches the world pass by. Many are still working or volunteering. They are running, biking, hiking, swimming, and traveling through their retirement years.

Medical alert systems designers pay attention to these lifestyle changes, which are apparent in features like increased battery life, GPS and Wi-Fi connections, and previously mentioned fall detection.

Families increasingly want to be connected and aware of an aging loved one’s activities. Seniors may now designate adult children, other loved ones, or caregivers to have access to their information, enabling caregivers and family to see if there was a fall or a call for assistance. This improved communication helps family support their loved ones even from a distance.

The goal of medical alert technology in the future will continue to be independent living for older adults with less risk.

How do you know when to get your parent a medical alert device?