A medical alert system (often called a Personal Emergency Response System or PERS) provides an immediate connection to a monitoring center or emergency services during a personal emergency. These systems typically include a wearable button or pendant that activates a call for help. Their primary purpose is to offer users, particularly those with health concerns or who live alone, a reliable way to summon assistance quickly. Selecting the right system involves weighing individual lifestyle needs against the technical specifications and service quality of available options.
Choosing Between Home-Based and Mobile Systems
The first step in selecting a system is determining the user’s typical environment and mobility level.
An in-home system is designed for individuals who spend the majority of their time inside or immediately surrounding their residence. These systems use a base unit that connects to the monitoring center via a landline or cellular signal. The wearable help button communicates wirelessly with this base unit, typically offering a limited range of a few hundred to over a thousand feet.
A mobile medical alert system suits active users who frequently leave the house for errands, travel, or outdoor activities. These all-in-one devices contain their own cellular transmitter and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. GPS allows the monitoring center to pinpoint the user’s exact location during an emergency, regardless of how far they are from home. Mobile systems offer unlimited range wherever there is cellular coverage, but they require more frequent charging than home-based counterparts.
Evaluating Device Features
Beyond the system type, the physical device must meet specific safety and maintenance requirements.
Automatic fall detection uses built-in accelerometers to sense rapid changes in motion and orientation, signaling a possible fall without a button press. While beneficial, these systems are not guaranteed to detect 100% of falls, so users should still press the help button if possible.
Water resistance is a necessary specification, as many accidents occur in the bathroom or shower. Wearable pendants and wristbands should be rated to withstand water exposure to ensure functionality during and after bathing.
Battery life differs significantly between system types. Home-based base units often include a backup battery lasting up to 32 hours in a power outage, and their pendants can last for years without recharging. Mobile devices need daily or multi-day charging, with some lasting up to five days depending on features like GPS and fall detection.
Assessing Monitoring Services
The quality of the monitoring service determines the speed and effectiveness of the emergency response. The industry standard response time (from pressing the button to speaking with an operator) generally falls between 15 and 45 seconds, though some providers consistently achieve times under 30 seconds. Look for providers offering 24/7 staffing with trained professionals who can calmly assess the situation.
Third-party validation, such as a UL or ETL listing, confirms that the equipment and central monitoring station meet established reliability and safety standards. Many reputable services also hold a TMA Five Diamond Certification, which signifies rigorous operator training.
Users should be able to customize the response protocol, dictating the exact order of contacts—such as calling a family member first, followed by emergency medical services. A dedicated monitoring center agent can relay pre-filed medical information to responders, a service distinct from simply dialing 911.
Understanding Costs and Agreements
The financial structure of medical alert systems includes both equipment and service fees. Equipment costs vary; some providers offer the device for a one-time purchase (ranging up to $350), while others lease the equipment, often resulting in no upfront fee.
Monthly monitoring subscription fees are the primary recurring expense. Basic in-home plans start around \(20–\)25 per month, while mobile systems with advanced features cost \(30–\)50 or more monthly.
Activation fees and shipping costs are common one-time charges. Additional features like fall detection are optional add-ons that typically increase the monthly fee by $5 to $10.
It is best to seek a provider offering month-to-month agreements to avoid long-term contracts. While many companies offer a prorated refund if service is canceled early, consumers should confirm the policy regarding potential restocking fees for the equipment.