Medical alert systems, also known as medical alert alarm systems are considered one of the most helpful tools in promoting independence and instant access to emergency assistance. Over the years we’ve had many questions about these alert systems so we decided to compile some of these opinions and reviews of these major systems. Our findings are below. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
The rankings below are affected from feedback coming from users like yourself. If you purchase one of the medical alert systems listed below please come back to rank and review the product.
Compare Medical Alert Systems
 LifeStation |  LifeFone |  ADT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | |||
| Monthly Fee | $28.95 | $29.95 | $34.95 |
| Contract Required | None - Month to Month | None - Month to Month | 1 year contract |
| Setup Fee | $0 | $0 | $75 |
| 30 day Money Back Guarantee |  | |  |
| 24/7 Emergency Call Support | | | |
| 911 Phone Service | | | |
| Pendant Button | | | |
| Wristband Button | | | |
| Beltclip Button | | | |
| Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | |
| Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews | |
Detailed Comparison of Medical Alert Systems
For more info check out Common Medical Alert Questions and an Introduction to Medical Alerts.
All Medical Alert Systems
For those looking to really shop around below is a list of all the medical alert systems we could get our hands on. Let us know if you would like any other systems reviewed or have any questions.
All Medical Alert Systems specifications where compiled from each company’s website and sales reps, and may change without notice. If you are a representative of one of the companies reviewed on our site and would like to update any information please contact us.
Mary Albert, Health Writer
Jack Stewart, Recreational
Alice Mitchell, Travel Writer
Dorthy Wilson, Relationship Writer
Is there a system that works outside the home as well? Two recent falls have occurred while getting out of the car at destinations. Thanks!
Lifestation provides a 911 phone which allows contact with emergency personal anywhere there is cell service. We have put together a video review for this product at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsFJkdg3HcU&list=UUOOLK3HCm-iuN2lqVoyAgBg&index=7&feature=plcp
I purchased a medical alert system after my mother fell a few months ago and it saved her life. I couldn’t be happier with the company we chose or the promptness of their response. I think every parent and grandparent living alone should have one of these.
I need to acquire a system for my 90 year old mother to use as I will be relocating soon and she wishes to stay home. My concern is my house is two stories. If she is downstairs and the monitor is upstairs, what happens when she presses the button? Can I get a monitor for both upstairs and downstairs with the LifeStation system?
I verified with Lifestation and they said yes this is a possible option but their advice was to order the system with one base console and when it arrives test every far-to-reach corner of your home to see how it works. They are convinced that their system will work in almost every home. In the event that you have an area of your home that is not covered by their system you can install a second unit.
My mother spends summers on the east coast and winters on the west coast. I assume national companies serve all states but are there special things to watch out for in choosing a company?
All the companies we review on this site work everywhere in North America. Good luck with your decision and don’t forget to rate the system you pick.
Mary
Does anyone know if there is any interference with the pendant battery and an implanted pacemaker/defibrillator device? The device mentions that you should use the ear opposite the device for talking on cell phones, but maybe those are more powerful batteries?
Thanks for any info.
My Mom has the Phillips Lifeline System. We chose this system because of the fall feature. She pays about $20 more /month for this feature. I believe they have 24/7 contact service. The table above gives other hours??? She is questioning whether the fall feature is really worth the extra cost.
I need an alert system that will call on a daily basis to make sure I’m OK. Do any of these recommended systems do that and if not, is there one out there that will?
Lifestation has a service called “Activity Assurance” in which they will automatically check in each day to ensure that all is well. You can see this as part of their package at the following link: http://www.happyhealth.net/go/lifestation-order/
I own a medical alarm company and we have been rated by AARP and the BBB. We have great affordable plans and our customers always come first. Check us out.
medical alert systems
All medical alert systems are essentially the same. These kinds of services have been around for 20+ years now and the technology hasn’t changed. As mentioned above, your best bet is to go with a company that been in business for awhile and also won’t hit you with any hidden fees or long-term contracts.
My family used Bay Alarm Medical for my grandfather before he passed away late last year. At the time they were the least expensive and offered a free lockbox with the service.
There are many other great companies on the web so make sure to do your due diligence to find what’s best for your loved one!
MEDSCOPE is a great company, http://www.medscope.org They have no hidden fees, NO long term contracts, and much cheaper per month than the competition. Very similar to Lifestation and have an A rating with the BBB. Check it out, do your research and don’t get strong armed by pushy salesman.
If my mom already has ADT home security, could I add on a medical alert system that is different (like LifeStation, since it seems to have more features that I like)?
Yes. Most medical alert systems connect to your phone line and shouldn’t conflict with your home security system.
Which ones can you speak through the pendant?
Lifewatch USA medical alert systems has a button with a speaker in it. They even have a mobile help button with a speaker in it that you can take everywhere.
Not clear to me whether you need to have a land line telephone.
Medical alert systems need to be connected to a phone jack, which is typically a land line. Though I suppose if you had a digital phone or voip you could plug it in there… any phone jack.
Some alert systems, such as LifeStation, have a 911 add-on device that allows you to send an alert when you are not home. From what I have read, this 911 device appears to use a radio signal and does not connect to your telephone.
Any reports of interference with Internet Wifi routers? Any information on “Designed For Seniors” medical alarm advertised in AARP Bulletin and sold by First Street? thanks- Trudi Swain
Land lines probably have the highest reliability. I’ve never had a dropped call on a land line. This would also avoid any potential interference.
I talked to First Street and they said they don’t have their own emergency center, so I guess its outsourced. I personally would rather have a system from a provider with their own emergency center.
Lifewatch USA has a no land line system. They have been around for 30 years and have the latest technology.
Thanks for the reviews. But, how do we know that the top three listed companies are not running this site and list only positive reviews for themselves?
Our website guy said the companies are listed in order of their rating. He said peoples reviews will automatically adjust the rating. So please join the discussion.
If you have experience with any of the medical alarms please share your experiences and write a review. Thanks for your great question.
need info on your most popular alarm for patients with epilepsy
Sharon
Hi Sharon. That is a great question. We don’t have any information right now about the best options for epilepsy but this is something we’ll look into. Do you have any advice to share?
Sharon, we’ve put together some info for you about features to consider in a medical alert system for people with epilepsy: Medical Alert Systems for those with Epilepsy
Do any of these systems make provisions for telephones that are “off-hook”. Meaning would the Medical Alert send out the alert if any of the home’s telephones are not hung up (off the telephone base)?
LifeStation has something new called ’911 Phone’ which claims to provide a quick way to access 911 services when you’re not at home.This could also be used when the phone is off the hook.
Some systems have activity assurance that check in everyday, so if the phone was off the hook the emergency team would be notified when that check-in fails to happen.
Do you have any ratings on a company LifeGuardian Personal Assistance Resonse Systems? Thank you
I don’t think we have any information on them, but we will look into it. Thank you for the suggestion. Have you used their system? If yes, can you share your experience? Thanks.
Ann, we’ve looked over the LifeGuardian website and summarized the info here: LifeGuardian Alert System. If you’ve used their system please share your feedback with this community by writing a review.
We are working on adding reviews for other medical alert companies that some of our vistors have been asking about. Please let us know if you know of a system that you are interested in that we could add to our review.
Thanks for putting together this great info. I’ve been searching for a medical alarm for my mom for the last month.
Many Medical Alert Systems are listed on the better business bureau (BBB) at http://www.bbb.org/ I’m glad this site show the BBB rating for their top reviews. So many problems and bad service horror stories could be avoided if people researched the product they needed instead of listening to the recommendation of a high pressure salesperson.
If you have a high pressure sales person in your house I feel sorry for you. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) put together guidelines for purchasing medical alert systems partially in response to high pressure sales people. See their guidelines at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/whocares/emergency.shtm
The best way to purchase a medical alert systems is on the Internet on your own time. There you can do the proper research and determine what features best suit your needs without any sales person in your home trying to convince you that his product is best.
How did you find the info on Medical Alert Systems on
the BBB website you have. We tried to do it but it didn’t
work for us. Thanks for your help!
Patrick Gannon
Please see the following links Lifestation and Lifefone’s BBB report:
Lifestation BBB Report
Lifefone BBB Report
MedScope’s BBB rating below
http://www.bbb.org/washington-dc-eastern-pa/business-reviews/medical-alarms/medscope-america-corporation-in-wynnewood-pa-133156857/
My mother passed away 3 months ago and the medical alert company we were using (not listed in your review above) is still billing us. Thank you for creating a site where medical alert systems can be honestly reviewed.
I picked up a medical alert system for my father. After reading many of the reviews I choose ADT Companion. They are a little more expensive, including an installation fee but at the end of the day reliability was most important to us. I’m not saying that other system are not reliable but I also have used an ADT security system in the past and I’ve always received good service. I know that some of the cheaper systems have reliablilty issues. The worst story that I heard (not ADT) was of a woman that had a system for three years and when she fell the system was offline. Nothing terrible happened but needless to say she switched companies.
I have had the Alert One medical alert system for 2 years. I’ve had no problems except for replacing the battery which is no big deal.
Hi,
I just had an unsatisfactory contact with a medical alert company which I don’t think you reviewed above, and for good reason; Life Alert (I double checked the name of the company.) Repeatedly they required information from me before answering two simple straight-forward questions. Finally, when I got the information from them, one refused to transfer a call for me and the other hung up on me. Thought this may be of use to you. I would not mind a reply from you. Thank you for supplying the information you have posted which compares companies. It is the first I have found of this nature. If you have any further recommendations to help us make a choice of medical alert products, I’d appreciate it. Thank you again.
Linda