One out of four adults falls each year in the US. The number is around 36 million. And among them, more than 32,000 result in death. Isn’t that shocking? Medical alert equipment, also referred to as a personal emergency response system (PERS), works as a savior in such conditions. But how to find the best one?
AARP is a US-based organization that is working on alleviating issues for the age of seniors over fifty. We have selected the top 10 AARP medical alert systems in 2021 following the exact guideline of AARP even though they didn’t recommend any specific item. Let’s check them out.
List of the top 10 medical Alert Systems
- Medical Guardian
- Bay Alarm
- Philips Lifeline
- Alert1
- LifeFone
- Life Alert
- MobileHelp
- One Call Alert
- GetSafe
- ADT health
Note: You may receive medical alert system discounts often if you become a pat of AARP members.
Comparison of the top 3 AARP medical alert system
Company | Medical Guardian | Bay Alarm | Philips Lifeline |
Price Range | $29.95 to $79.95 | $21.95 to $39.95 | $29.95 to $60 |
Two-way communication | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fall Detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pendant and Wristband | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Range | 1300 feet | 1000 feet | Didn’t Disclosed |
Long term contract | NO | NO | NO |
Activation fee | NO | NO | NO |
Battery Backup | 30 hours | 32 hours | 18 hours |
Top 10 AARP Medical Alert Systems in 2023
1. Medical Guardian
With 15 years of experience in the health industry, Medical Guardian is regarded as one of the most popular medical alert companies.
Along with landlines and Wifi facilities, they enable you to use cellular services like AT&T and Verizon as well. Either you’re looking for an in-home alert device or an on-the-go system, Medical Guardian will cater to you with five different systems:
Mini Guardian, Active Guardian, Mobile Guardian, Classic Guardian, and Home Guardian.
Monthly Price Chart
Medical Guardian | Monthly Cost |
Classic Guardian | $29.95 |
Home Guardian | $34.95 |
Mobile Guardian | $44.95 |
Mini Guardian | $39.95 |
Active Guardian | $44.95 |
Freedom Guardian | $44.95 |
Key Features
- The price ranges from $29.95/month to 79.95/month (without the add-ons)
- Five Diamond Professional 24/7 emergency monitoring in the US with trained communicators
- 1300 feet of coverage with two-way communication makes it effortless to communicate in the event of an emergency
- Wearable Medical Alert Buttons on both wrist and pendant
- Additional Medical alert buttons
- Cellular and Landline Monitoring
- Automatic Fall detection (Charges $10 per month)
2. Bay Alarm medical alert
Bay Alarm has been in business since 1946. Right now, they are serving more than 150,000 people with an A+ rating. They offer both in-home and on-the-go facilities.
Pendant, SOS smartwatch, 4G LTE GPS help button, wall button, and split-second in-car alert are parts of their in-home and on-the-go system. Either you have a landline or a smartphone device, the Bay Alarm medical alert systems work on both devices.
When it comes to customer-friendly policies with no long-term contracts, the Bay-Alarm comes first. In fact, you’ll get a 30-day free trial with a money-back guarantee. What’s more, can you ask?
Monthly Price Chart
Type of System | Monthly Cost |
In-Home (Single Pendant Help Button) | $21.95 |
In-Home (Pendant + 2-Pack Wall Button) | $24.95 |
In-Home(Pendant + 4-Pack Wall Button) | $29.95 |
On-the-Go (GPS Help Button) | $24.95 |
On-the-Go (SOS Smartwatch) | $24.95 |
On-the-Go (Splitsecnd In-Car Alert) | $29.95 |
Dual System (In-Home + GPS) | $39.95 |
Dual System (In-Home + Smartwatch) | $39.95 |
Dual System (In-Home + Car) | $39.95 |
Key Features
- The monthly cost of service ranges from $21.95 to $39.95 (without the add-ons)
- Landline and cellular monitoring service
- In-home, in-car, and mobile monitoring
- GPS location tracker aids you to keep track of the seniors
- The base station provides 1000 feet of coverage within your home
- Emergency fall detection ($10 monthly fee)
- Waterproof necklace and wristband
- The base unit for in-home systems offers 32-hours of backup in case of a power outage.
3. Philips Lifeline
Lifeline was acquired by Royal Philips back in 2006. But this brand has been serving the people of North America since 1972. Doctors used Philips lifeline alert system providers in hospitals earlier, and they became available for home use in 1980.
Lifeline is not the brand for people who look for cheaper options. But when it comes to precise location detection and reliability, Philips Lifeline has become a top contender.
They offer five packages: HomeSafe standard (Landline), HomeSafe Standard (Cellular), HomeSafe with AutoAlert, (Landline), Homwesafe with AutoAlert (Cellular), and GoSafe 2.
For any service you pick for the, you have to provide an activation fee.
Monthly Price Chart
Lifeline Package | Monthly cost |
HomeSafe Standard, Landline | $29.95 |
HomeSafe Standard, Cellular | $43.95 |
HomeSafe With AutoAlert, Landline | $44.95 |
HomeSafe With AutoAlert, Cellula | $58.95 |
GoSafe 2 | $49.95 |
Key Features
- Packages range from $29.95 to $60 a month.
- 24/7 access to response centers
- Landline and Cellular monitoring system
- In-Home and Mobile observation
- State-of-the-art GPS and Wifi location detection
- Nationwide coverage
- Fall detection both in and out of the at-home system
- No long-term contracts
- Waterproof pendants and wristbands (Avoid chlorine water to get rid of damage)
- Caregiver apps allow you to set multiple contacts who can help you in emergency
- 30-hour battery backup
- Professional installation service (Will cost around $99)
4. Alert1
Alert1 has been in business since 1988, and they have been serving all the 50 states of the US. They’ve also received A+ credit for Better Business Bureau and consumer affairs.
Alert1 ensures you get reliable service whether you remain at home or use the medical alert service on the go. Instead of calling 911, it allows you to choose between a family member or a friend. Isn’t that interesting?
They also feature spouse coverage for an additional $5/month. So, you can enjoy AARP medical alert systems service for two people almost at the cost of one. Alert1 comes with five different packages: Home, Home+Fall detection, Kelsi (on the go), Kelsi Pro (Mobile+fall detection), and PAX plus (Home+mobile+Fall detection)
Monthly Price Chart
Alert1 | Monthly cost |
Home | $16.95 |
Home + Fall Detection | $27.95 |
Kelsi: On-The-Go | $33.95 |
Kelsi Pro: Mobile + Fall Detection | $43.95 |
PAX Plus: Home + Mobile + Fall Detection | $49.95 |
Key Features
- Charges range from $16.95 per month to $61.95 per month
- Cellular and landline monitoring
- In-home and mobile observation
- 24/7 command-center support
- Waterproof help button and pendant
- Two-way talk pendant
- GPS location tracking
- Spouse coverage
- Multi-lingual support covers 180+ languages
- All alert1 equipment are free upon purchasing the monthly package
- Self-installation and easy to use
- 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee
- The in-home device covers around 656 feet.
5. LifeFone
LifeFone, formed in 1976, has become a prominent medical alert company. Offering reasonable prices, Lifefone kept themselves up-to-date with the technology to serve the seniors in their best interest.
While some big brands charge additional activation and equipment fees, LifeFone offers them for free. They offer both at-home and on-the-go services. In total, they are offering four packages:
At-Home Landline, At-Home Cellular, At Home+On-the-Go, At Home+On-the-Go+Voice in Pendant. If you want to add any extra accessories, that will come at a one-time cost.
Monthly Price Chart
LifeFone | Monthly cost |
At-Home Landline | $22.87 |
At-Home Cellular | $28.37 |
At-Home + On-The-Go | $33.87 |
At Home + On-The-Go + Voice In Pendant | $36.62 |
Key features
- Charges range from $29.95 to $43.95 per month
- 24/7 emergency medical service
- The in-home base station covers 1300 feets
- GPS location detection
- Automatic fall detection ($10 a month)
- No activation fee and equipment cost
- 7-30 days of battery backup
- Two-way communicating pendant
6. Life Alert
Life Alert has been serving the US market for more than 30 years. They have saved around 500,000 patients in the last decade. Comparatively, their price structure seems a bit high, but their top-notch monitoring service makes it even.
The reason behind putting them down on our list is because of the expenses. You need to sign a three-year contract and pay a one-time membership fee of $198.
They missed out on a crucial feature which is fall detection. Although other companies offer this AARP medical alert systems service at $10 every month, you won’t get it in Life Alert. However, you’ll get a lifetime warranty and a Life alert app for free. Their packages include:
Complete In-Home, Modified In-Home, and Home & GPS
Monthly Price Chart
Life Alert | Monthly cost |
Complete In-Home Plan | $89.85 |
Modified In-Home Plan | $69.90 |
In-Home & GPS Plan | $89.85 |
Key Features
- Price ranges from $69.90 to $89.85
- 24/7 US-based monitoring
- Don’t require a landline or WiFi connection
- The base station covers 800 feet with two ways of communication
- Waterproof in-door help buttons and wearables
- Lifetime price guarantee
- Free shipping and installation
- The mobile GPS button comes with 7-10 years of battery life (Free replacement upon damage)
7. MobileHelp
MobileHelp is a leading provider of medical alert systems and services that aids seniors and their families stay active and safe at home or on the go. They are one of the youngest medical alert brands we’ve come across, founded in 2006.
MobileHelp offers many customizable systems comprising mobile devices, wearable pendants, and key fobs with GPS tracking capabilities. They also offer a wide variety of accessories for each device, such as extra batteries, charging stands, and necklaces.
MobileHelp comes with or without long-term contracts. It’s up to you which one you’ll pick. They offer six packages comprising:
MobileHelp Classic, MobileHelp Touch, MobileHelp Wired Home (landline), MobileHelp Solo, MobileHelp duo, Mobile Duo.
Monthly Price Chart
MobileHelp | Monthly cost |
MobileHelp Classic (Cellular) | $19.95 |
MobileHelp Touch (Cellular) | $49.95 |
MobileHelp Wired Home (Landline) | $22.95 |
MobileHelp Solo (Cellular) | $27.46 |
MobileHelp Duo (Cellular) | $30.79 |
Mobile Duo (Cellular) | $33.79 |
Key Features
- Prices range from $19.95/month to $44.95/month
- In-home and mobile observation
- Cellular and landline connectivity
- GPS location detection
- 24/7 nationwide emergency monitoring within the US
- Waterproof neck pendant and wrist button
- Automatic fall detection button
- MobileHelp Connect online tools
You may like: Best Medical Alert Systems For Seniors No Monthly Fee
8. One Call Alert
One call alert has been in the medical alert business for more than twenty years. Their systems are reliable, easy to use, and designed with seniors in mind. They offer a variety of plans that fit your specific needs.
Not only that, but they have incredible customer service and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. Although MobileHelp acquired this company, they are still sold under One call alert branding.
The reasonable price structure and basic features made it ideal medical alert equipment for average people. They offer five packages:
In-Home Landline, In-Home wireless, Mobile on-the-go, Mobile Double, Complete Protection.
Monthly Price Chart
One Call Alert | Monthly cost |
In-Home Landline | $24.95 |
In-Home Wireless | $19.95 |
Mobile On-the-Go | $37.95 |
Mobile Double | $44.95 |
Complete Protection | $41.95 |
Key Features
- Prices range from $19.95 to $49.95
- Cellular and Landline Monitoring
- In-Home & Mobile observation
- The base station covers 1400 feet
- 24/7 emergency U.S based monitoring service
- Free Lockbox
- Automatic fall detection
- Water-resistant help button
- GPS location tracking
- Nationwide coverage within the US
- No long-term contracts
9. GetSafe
If the senior member of your family doesn’t like to wear any wearables and they remain inside the home most often, the GetSafe medical alert machine is the ideal choice. Since it’s a device without wearables, GetSafe has come up with excellent sound quality so that you can hear from a distance.
In fact, a test showed it could pick your sounds from six yards of distance without obstruction. GetSafe comes with three plans, including starter, standard, and select. All the package comes with a similar monthly charge except for the one-time equipment price.
Monthly Price Chart
GetSafe | Monthly cost |
Starter(0-1 Bedrooms) | $24.95 |
Standard(2-3 Bedrooms) | $24.95 |
Select(4-5 Bedrooms) | $24.95 |
Key Features
- Monthly price sticks to $24.95 for all the package
- 24/7 nationwide monitoring
- Automatic fall detection
- Cheaper monitoring fees
- Caregivers location tracker with on-the-go device
- GPS help button ($79 one-time charge)
- 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee
10. ADT Health
Do you want peace of mind in the comfort of your own home? ADT Health has been providing home security services for more than 140 years. We found their plans to be fairly affordable with rapid response times.
Both in-home and on-the-go monitoring systems are available. ADT Health also has customer-friendly policies like no long-term contracts and helpful features like a fall detection service.
However, you won’t have to bear any hidden costs for their services, such as shipping and activation fees. ADT comes with three packages:
Medical Alert Basic, Medical Alert Plus, and On-the-Go
Monthly Price Chart
ADT Health | Monthly Service Fee |
Monthly Plan Cost | $29.99 |
Medical Alert Plus | $35.99 |
On-The-Go | $39.99 |
Key Features
- Monthly charges range from $29.95 to $35.99
- 24/7 monitoring and nationwide coverage
- Landline and Cellular monitoring
- In-Home and Mobile observation
- GPS location detection
- Cheaper monitoring fees
- Automatic fall detection (Additional charge)
- No long or short-term contracts
- Water-resistant wrist bands and help buttons
- Temperature monitoring
How to Choose a Medical Alert System
The medical alert service company provides emergency help to you or your family members. In case of an emergency, every second & feature is crucial. That’s why you need to think about its features before you buy it.
These features differ from brand to brand. But we will aid you with the information required to get a perfect medical alert tool.
Also, these features will get fit with your or your loved ones’ preferences. This can influence the effectiveness of saving a life with the user interface.
Features you need to consider
GPS tracking
This can locate the source of the emergency, which is an effective life-saving feature. If the person is lost or unable to talk in that situation, GPS detection will assist to locate & reach him.
Mobile connectivity
With this, you can call your family or emergency services easily. With an automatic connectivity system, you don’t have to dial any number. It can dial multiple numbers automatically. It’s more like an instant help button.
Fall detection or alert service
In case of injury, accident & sudden heart or panic attack & if someone falls on the ground, the alerting device will detect the situation & call for help instantly.
Home health monitoring
Your alerting device is monitoring the daily checkups to read the health vitals. So it can alert you before there are any possibilities of injury or emergency.
Motion detecting: It helps the device to track the movement & positions nearby.
User activity tracker
It helps to monitor the health activity & can help you achieve & maintain exercise plans. It can also warn about the health hazard possibilities.
Two-Way Talk
With this feature, you can talk with the dispatcher service or your loved ones like an emergency phone call.
Range
It’s not possible to stay close to this all the time. With its alarm service tracking range, it can track the situation of seniors from another room or floor.
Battery Backup
Battery backup is mostly useful if the user remains outside his home. The battery will keep the alert service online more, which might result in a crucial factor in an outside emergency.
Multi-Language Support
Normally, this system & call center operations in the international English language. Some companies provide multiple language features to make it more user-friendly.
Exclusive settings: Voice detection, temperature sensor & activity tracker are some of the special features.
Home Based or Cellular?
This alert service comes with home-based & cellular network systems too. So you need to choose one based on the user’s medical needs & concerning safety.
Home-based system
Home-based systems are typically attached to landlines or with an electrical outlet. They provide AARP medical alert systems home service safety with its alert features. But it won’t work when the user is outside the home or within the device range.
Cellular networks
It is attached to mobile systems or can be a personal wearable device. It can provide safety service both inside & outside of the home with versatile GPS technology.
It’s up to you which service will be the perfect alert system between landline & mobile devices or a wearable device. If you or the user doesn’t go outside much, then you can pick up the home-based alert system.
How do medical alert monitoring and response work?
The AARP medical alert systems equipment has a fast monitoring & response system. So that it can effortlessly link you with a call center, send an emergency medical service, or direct your call to loved ones to get emergency help fast. So these two processes need to be active 24/7.
With a push of a button or by fall detection, you can connect to that device company or any dispatcher call center for assistance. This service may require a monthly subscription as a monitoring fee.
Here is how the fast & reliable monitoring & response work:
Monitoring
When you press the call button, it directs you to a medical monitoring team in seconds. An alert signal is sent to a monitoring system. Then the system investigates the alarm. Because it’s not unusual for individuals to press the assistance button by accident. And calls the medical personnel or family members if necessary.
Medical alert monitoring combines countrywide wireless voice, data, and GPS technologies to provide real-time monitoring and location tracking. This will accelerate the process of taking the personal emergency signal to provide fast service to that location.
AARP medical alert systems also monitor a person’s motion and activity. That’s why if someone falls on the ground or any kind of accident happens, it can track and activate the alert equipment instantly. That’s why today, automatic fall buttons are provided in most modern alert systems. It comes in handy in emergency cases because you can’t press the button in some scenarios.
Response
After calling, the rest of the work depends on the dispatcher service or response team. When an alert signal is on, the response team takes necessary steps like sending medical staff or sending signals to your family or nearby person to provide emergency help. It differs from service status.
As for the monitoring system, you will connect to a response center directly. For a non-monitored system, your call will be directed to your close friend or a family member.
A response team is enriched with sufficient technology like GPS tracking, a strong signal receiver to get voice & data, etc. It can also forward your call to multiple numbers at a time in case someone doesn’t pick up.
This response service is active 24/7 to send assistance right away. Response employees, medical personnel & instruments are always ready as soon as the alert device turns on. In most countries, the preferred language for this service in English.
This is how a medical alert system provider protects your family members’ safety and well-being. It also enables emergency monitoring both inside and outside the home. The fast monitoring & response service signifies an emergency that delivers immediate care and keeps the people out of tension.
How much do AARP medical alert systems cost
AARP provides an effective medical alert system to its millions of senior customers. AARP medical alert systems service requires a subscription fee on a month-to-month basis.
There are many categories of fees & it depends on the company. Here are some cost factors you should keep in mind:
Monthly fees
Medical alert companies basically charge a monthly subscription fee service for their monitoring system, and technology, and to provide facilities. Some companies might offer you quarterly or annual services.
Monthly service typically ranges between $19.99 and $39.99 per month. For some brands or providers, it can exceed $50. It depends on the company. Because some companies may add other hidden costs, it varies.
Activation fees
The activation fee is a one-time charge to start the service as a part of the first monthly payment. It often varies from $0-to $100, depending on the company providers.
Feature Fees
There are many features like automatic fall detection, temperature sensor, GPS detection, test timers, activity & motion, etc. All these features come with cost charging. It usually charges $10-$30 per feature upgrade. So, you can choose features according to your needs & budget.
Also, some companies might provide you with additional hidden costs to their premium membership. Here are those costs they usually demand:
Hidden Fees
- There are multiple categories of fees out of the monthly subscription fees. I’m signifying them as hidden fees.
- Some companies might charge optional installation fees with your products. The installer comes home & sets up the device to the landline & electric outlet. This charge may vary from $20-$200.
- If you want to purchase the device for yourself, then it requires equipment cost. Otherwise, you have to return it to the company after you are finished using it. It may cost around $50-$300 depending on the device & company.
- There are more fees like Shipping fees, Service up-gradation fees:
- Cancellation fees and Caregiver app access fees. Before you take any service, check out for these extra fees to save some bucks.
Is a Medical Alert System Tax Deductible?
The IRS allows you to deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. This is a fairly high threshold, but there are exceptions for some people with special needs.
The IRS may allow you to deduct the cost of a medical alert system if it’s been prescribed by your doctor for a condition that could cause you serious harm if not immediately addressed – such as when you’re unconscious or unable to communicate with others.
When it comes to medical expenses, few are considered tax-deductible. The IRS states that medical alert devices are not deductible because they are not considered a necessity for everyday life.
However, if you have chronic health problems or are at risk of falling due to age, then you may be eligible for a tax deduction. Still, we suggest you take consultation with an accountant in terms of tax deduction.
Do Medical Alert Systems Interfere with Pacemakers?
No, they are not designed to interfere with pacemakers. Seniors who use pacemakers are at more risk of an emergency. So, they might need a more responsive medical alert service than others.
Pacemakers only interfere with metal components like mobile systems, metal detectors, etc. The American Heart Association suggests contacting the service provider or manufacturer to check before purchasing it.
FAQS About the AARP Medical Alert Systems
Are medical alert devices waterproof?
So, the medical alert system is usually designed as waterproof. It is best to contact the manufacturer or service provider to check for sure.
Are there any medical alert systems without monthly fees?
Though It doesn’t provide 24/7 dispatcher service, you can call your family or loved one in case of emergency.
Can medical alert devices be used for people with Alzheimer’s?
This alert service device can remind & medicine routine of the patient. Also, its GPS technology will send the location to provide emergency support if the patient loses his way home.
What is a passive alarm option?
Then, it will send an alert signal to the dispatcher service. The dispatcher then investigates the situation & provides medical assistance.
How does a medical alert work?
When you or your loved one suddenly get sick & need immediate treatment or attention from medical personnel, the alert system gets triggered.
This signal is transmitted & the dispatcher then evaluates the situation & sends immediate 24/7 medical help to that location.
Does AARP cover medical alert systems?
Final Verdict
AARP medical alert systems connect you to a controller who can call an emergency aid or contact a friend or family member quickly. So, it is becoming more & more reliable for your parents or loved ones in case of any medical emergency. It’s saving lots of lives for people in emergency & it’s getting good feedback too. ‘
More and more people are engaging with this service day by day. Taking that into consideration, AARP is trying to create more value in senior citizens’ lives. I hope you get to pick the right medical alert equipment from this list based on your budget and get to live a happy and independent life.