Best Medical Alert Systems

G etting older doesn’t mean you’re relegated to the antique display cabinet of your family home anymore. But even if you’re a fit & active senior, having the peace of mind that a medical alert system provides, can make the difference between maintaining a healthy and stimulating existence, and keeping yourself cooped up at home for fear of a fall. If you’re in the market for a medical alert button, there’s a lot to consider: home-based or mobile? Monitored or not? Fall detection included? Most systems were originally designed to work only within your home – the button or alert bracelet was connected to your landline. Many now also offer a system that works over cellular but if you’re fairly active and spend a chunk of your time outside of your house, a mobile system might be right for you. Monitoring of your alert system is also something to consider. Obviously, this comes with a pricetag difference – most monitored systems will layer on a monthly fee – but you’re paying for the knowledge that should you need it, emergency services are at your fingertips and you literally don’t have to move. By all accounts, technology for fall detection is fully refined yet and may not work exactly as designed. But again, the additional monthly fee might be worth the cost for simply setting your mind at ease. This is a kind of insurance after all, and it can just be nice knowing that you have a bit of added protection. I encourage you to do your own research and get the system right for you, your health & your lifestyle, but for comparison, here’s three of the best service providers on the market today: Bay Alarm Medical Cost: Landline service $20 p/m. Cellular: $35 p/m. No contract required and no cancellation fee if you cancel within the first 30 days. 180 language options available. Life Alert Cost: Landline service: $50 p/m. In-home cellular: $50 p/m. Fall detection not available. Contract: 36 month minimum. LifeStation Cost: Landline: $26 p/m. Cellular: $33 p/m. No commitment or contract required. More than 240 languages available.