The Best Medical Alerts for Seniors in 2022
We created this guide to help seniors and their loved ones choose a reputable and affordable medical alert system, which is often also referred to as life alert systems or fall alert devices. Our team spent over 400 hours researching medical alert devices, conducting hands-on testing, and consulting with experts to determine the best medical alert systems available today. Below, we provide details about the top 9 medical alert companies and their devices, explain common medical alert features, offer advice for choosing the right life alert system, and answer frequently asked questions so you can feel confident you’re choosing the best device for you and your loved ones to be protected in the event of a fall or medical emergency.
Expert Reviews of the Best Medical Alert Systems
Bay Alarm Medical Review
Best for Customer Service
Bay Alarm Medical currently has four medical alert systems available. If you’re looking for budget-friendly life alert systems, Bay Alarm Medical might be a good fit as it offers competitively priced devices and top-notch customer service.The company provides excellent customer service, and has a LiveChat box on its website so you can receive immediate assistance and support. Additionally, you may call Bay Alarm Medical’s customer service team seven days a week. When you call, you’ll speak to U.S.-based, trained customer representatives to provide you a positive, pleasant, and consistent customer experience.
Pricing and Plans
Bay Alarm Medical’s four devices range from $24.95 per month for the Basic In-Home system to $29.95 per month for the SOS Smartwatch device. All Bay Alarm devices have monthly payments, but you may choose to pay every quarter or annual without discounts. You may cancel anytime, and if you’re on quarterly or yearly billing, the company will refund you for the unused months. There’s a risk-free 30-day trial period where you can use the device, return it if you decide it’s not for you, and receive a full refund minus shipping costs.
Monitoring and Cellular Provider
Bay Alarm Medical provides complete monitoring services nationwide via the U.S.-based call centers located in Utah and Idaho. Bay Alarm Medical’s emergency monitoring centers are UL-Listed and CSAA Five Diamond Certified.
Cellular-enabled devices use the AT&T and Verizon cellular networks to connect with Bay Alarm monitoring centers. You can use the 24/7 emergency medical monitoring centers anywhere in the United States with cellular coverage.
What Are Some Services and Amenities Provided in Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities today are not the retirement homes of yesteryear. Many offer a wide range of amenities to ensure their residents are comfortable and entertained. Every community is different, and some assisted living communities offer more basic amenities that cover the essentials while other facilities can resemble a high-end resort.
The below table provides more in-depth explanations of common offerings at assisted living facilities today.
Service or Amenity | Description |
Controlled Access | A security system that may include a secured gate requiring permission to enter the community and/or a sign-in system at the front desk for visitors. |
Emergency Call System | Wireless alert systems that allow assisted living residents to call for help from their rooms with the push of a button. |
Nursing Staff | Licensed nursing staff that are either on-site or on-call for an assisted living facility and can respond to provide medical care for residents such as dressing wounds, placing catheters or IVs. |
Concierge Service | Front desk staff members who are available (in some cases around the clock) to answer residents’ questions and calls. |
Transportation | Scheduled transportation via community shuttle or car that’s provided to residents to attend medical appointments or for trips to nearby shops, restaurants, parks or other community-organized outings. |
Social Activities and Events | Community activities organized by the facility’s staff members that may include classes, games, social events such as happy hours or parties, regular clubs, community volunteer programs, cultural or artistic performances, visiting lecturers, and outings to nearby attractions. |
Salon/Barbershop | An on-site hair and beauty salon where residents can receive typical salon or barbershop-style services such as haircuts, perms, facial hair grooming or manicures, and in some cases massages. |
Gym/Fitness Room | An on-site space where residents can use exercise equipment or light weights or attend fitness classes led by an instructor. Some communities’ fitness areas also include a swimming pool, sauna and/or hot tub. |
Wellness Program | A program offered at an assisted living community that is specifically designed to enhance a resident’s nutrition, physical fitness, and overall health and wellbeing. |
Outdoor Common Areas | A communal space accessible to residents that allows them to enjoy the outdoors while remaining on community property. This might be anything from a shared patio with tables to a park-like yard with a communal garden. |
Computer Room | A room in the facility that’s equipped with computers and printers for residents to use, along with resources to help them use the computers and other equipment provided. |
Wi-Fi | Wireless internet access that’s provided to residents and visitors on facility grounds. |
Laundry and linen services | Washing and drying of laundry and bed linens for residents. These services often operate on a schedule that includes regular laundry pick-ups and drop-offs to residents’ apartments. |