Medical alert systems are devices that allow an aged or disabled person to get the help they need in an emergency. These systems offer a way for the user to contact monitoring-center personnel. These monitoring agents can, in turn, contact emergency responders, loved ones, and neighbors.

Introduction to medical alert systems
Although medical alert systems come in various types, they have a few standard features. These are:

• Help buttons
  These allow the user to send a distress call to the monitoring center. They come as pendants, wristbands, or buttons that can be mounted on walls. As they are water-resistant, they can even be worn anywhere.
• Speakerphones
  These systems are often combined with the help button on a mobile wearable device, but they are on the base unit for in-home systems.
• Connection
  These medical systems operate either on a landline or cellular connections; however, a few can also be used on Wi-Fi.

Types

• In-home medical alert systems
  These systems can be used in and around the house. They come with help buttons and a speakerphone attached to a base station that allows you to connect with monitoring agents during an emergency. They are affordably priced.
• Mobile alert systems
  These systems can be used at places with good phone connections. They usually have a GPS tracking device that can be used by monitoring agents to update emergency responders about your location.
• Medical alert smartwatches
  These have all the features of the mobile alert systems in a compact form. Additional features could include weather reports and health monitors for heart-rate and step counts.
• Bluetooth medical alert systems
  This is a new technology that pairs your smartphone with a wearable help button. These systems can easily be used to contact caregivers and loved ones. However, you might not be able to connect with monitoring agents.

Cost

• In-home systems
  Ideal for those that spend a lot of time at home, you can purchase or lease this equipment. Monthly costs could be anywhere between $19.95 and $49.95. The purchasing cost of a medical alert system can vary, depending on the brand and its features.
• Mobile systems
  This equipment can be purchased or leased, and you could incur monthly costs around $24.95 to $60.
• Smartwatch
  If you want to ditch the traditional button medical alert systems, smartwatches are the best buy. You can get these smartwatches from $30 onwards.

Providers/companies

• MobileHelp
  The devices from this company have achieved the Good Manufacturing Practice seal from the FDA. Although based in Florida, it provides exceptional services in 50 states. The MDLIVE feature allows you to speak to a board-certified doctor through phone or video call without an appointment.
• LifeFone
  It offers a 30-day trial to new customers. Dispatchers have been known to respond to calls in about a minute. This company offers free basic protection for spouses.
• Bay Alarm Medical
  Being an established and leading name in security, this company offers the best features for indoor and outdoor protection of patients. Discounts are available to members of national organizations such as AARP and USAA.

Tips/guide
Things to keep in mind when buying medical alert systems

• Purchasing vs. leasing
  Most often, medical alert companies will charge you a monthly fee that covers the lease of the system and the professional monitoring service. Also, when you lease equipment, you do not have to worry about its malfunction, damage, and breakage. It all gets taken care of by the company. However, some companies might require you to buy the system. This should reduce monthly costs.
• Monthly monitoring charges
  You will need to pay a monthly professional monitoring charge; this could range from $19.95 to $60 per month, depending on whether you lease or purchase your equipment. You can avail discounts if you pay annually.