Selecting the Best Medical Alert System

Today there are many choices when it comes to medical alert systems. There are home based systems, smart phone systems as well as other important criteria you should know before attempting to purchase. Consumer Reports compares 8 of the most prevalent products you will see advertised…

Medical alert systems—where the press of a wearable call button puts you in touch with a dispatcher who can summon emergency help or contact a friend or family member—may offer some reassurance.
“Anyone who is at risk of falling or having a medical emergency” may benefit from such a device, says Leah Bellman, M.S., an occupational therapist and stroke rehabilitation specialist with Hebrew SeniorLife in Dedham, Mass.
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Also, you might wonder whether you can simply rely on the technology you already have, such as a smartphone. Probably not, say experts.
That’s because it’s unlikely that you have your smartphone with you all the time, says Mindy Renfro, Ph.D., D.P.T., associate professor in the school of physical therapy at Touro University Nevada in Henderson—it’s easy to get up from a chair and leave it there. “If you don’t have an emergency response system on your body, that is going to stay on your body, you’re at risk,” she says.
These wearable devices can help you summon assistance in an emergency. Here’s a look at the many options available.

Some highlights and key points from the report:

1. Do You want a Home-Based or Mobile System?

2. Should Your System Be Monitored or Not?

3. Should You Add a Fall-Detection Feature?

The report is a comparison of only monitored systems.

CR contacted all the companies but did not test the products so manufacturers’ claims cannot be confirmed.

Consumer Reports compared 8 Systems from the following manufacturer dealers:
Bay Alarm Medical, GreatCall, Life Alert, LifeStation, Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Philips Lifeline, Rescue Alert
3 Important Tips
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2. Be careful about buying for others.
3. Check return policies carefully if you have hearing loss.