Falls are a serious concern for many seniors. According to statistics, one in four older adults falls each year. These falls can often lead to serious injuries. For seniors who live alone, the risk is even higher, as they may not get help right away if they fall.
Most fall detection devices can alert someone immediately and reduce the chance of long-term injuries by helping ensure that help arrives quickly. But, with so many options out there, choosing the right fall alert system for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming. To help you keep your loved one safe, we’ve put together a list of nine of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.
Benefits of Fall Detection Devices
With seniors being at a higher risk of falls, a fall detection system can make a big difference in keeping your loved one safe. Here are a few key benefits of fall alert systems:
- Swift help: Most devices can quickly detect and report falls to emergency services or a caregiver, ensuring help arrives fast.
- Peace of mind: Fall alert devices work around the clock, so your loved one is always looked after, even when you can’t be there.
- Personalized alerts: Some devices let you set up alerts tailored to your specific needs. You can decide who gets notified in case of a fall — whether it’s family, friends or emergency services — so the right people are informed right away.
- Independence: With a fall alert system, your loved one can feel more secure about living independently. They’ll know that even if they do fall, help is ready and waiting.
Considerations Before Making a Purchase
Fall alert devices can help reduce the risk of serious injury, especially for seniors who live alone. But, before you buy a device for your loved one, there are a few important things to keep in mind, including:
- Health and mobility: Think about your loved one’s health and mobility. Are they prone to falls? Do they have any conditions that might affect their balance? Understanding their specific needs can help you choose the right device for them.
- Living situation: Consider where your loved one lives. Do they live alone or with someone? Are they in a large house or a smaller apartment? The living environment can influence the type of device that’s most suitable.
- Ease of use: Assess how comfortable your loved one is with technology and choose a device that matches their tech skills — whether it’s a simple wearable or a more advanced system with additional features.
- Budget: Look at your budget and compare different devices. While it’s important to find a device that offers good value, sometimes the cheapest option might not always be the best.
- Subscription fees: Some medical alert systems charge a monthly subscription fee for monitoring services. It’s important to factor these costs into your decision and choose a plan that fits your budget.
- Battery life: Check how long the device’s battery lasts. A longer battery life means less frequent charging, which can be more convenient for your loved one.
- Customer support: Look for a company that offers good customer support. This can help ensure you’re able to get help easily if there are any issues with the device.
- Reviews and recommendations: Read reviews and ask for recommendations from others who have used similar devices. User reviews can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of different fall alert systems.
- Trial periods and return policies: See if the device comes with a trial period or a good return policy. This way you can test it out, without any commitment, to ensure it meets your loved one’s needs.
Choosing the Right Fall Detection Device
Choosing the right alert device for your loved one can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some practical tips to help you narrow down your options:
- Assess their needs: Carefully consider your loved one’s specific needs. If a loved one with dementia is prone to wandering, it can be useful to prioritize a fall alert system with accurate GPS tracking and other features that make finding them easier. Understanding your family member’s unique situation can help you pick a device that suits them best.
- Ease of use: When considering fall detection devices for seniors, it’s important to prioritize devices with user-friendly designs and clear instructions.
- Comfort: Your loved one should feel comfortable wearing or carrying the device. Check to see if it’s lightweight and not too bulky.
- Response time: Find out how quickly the device can alert someone in case of a fall. The faster the response time, the better.
- Customization options: Some devices let you set who gets notified in case of a fall. This could be family, friends or emergency services.
- Battery life: Check the battery life of the device. It’s best to prioritize devices that don’t need to be charged too often and can last through the day.
- Reviews and recommendations: Read reviews and ask for recommendations. Other caregivers and users can offer valuable insights into the best options available.
Our Fall Detection Device Top Picks
When it comes to choosing the best fall detection device, it’s important to prioritize safety and reliability. We researched the top options, considering factors like accuracy, ease of use and response time, to bring you our top picks.
1. LifeStation Mobile With GPS
LifeStation’s device combines location tracking with fall detection to help ensure emergency responders can locate your loved one quickly in case of a fall or other emergency. This system can be particularly beneficial for seniors who like to maintain an active lifestyle outside the home.
Additionally, the device is lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it easy for your loved one to carry wherever they go. The fall detection feature is highly sensitive and can detect a wide range of falls, from minor slips to more severe tumbles. Our favorite feature of the LifeStation Mobile with GPS is the two-way communication feature which allows the user to speak directly with a monitoring center operator in case of an emergency, providing added reassurance.
Conversely, the monthly fees can be a bit higher compared to other systems. However, the comprehensive coverage and peace of mind it offers make it a worthwhile investment.
Monthly Subscription: $43.95
Rating: 4.9/5
2. ADT Health Medical Alert Plus
ADT’s system is popular due to its long battery life and accurate tracking. When built-in sensors detect sudden changes in movement, like a fall, the device automatically sends a signal to the ADT monitoring system. This alert notifies the ADT monitoring center, where trained operators can assess the situation and dispatch help if needed.
This device is ideal for seniors who split their time between home and outings. Its long battery life can be particularly useful for seniors who don’t want to worry about frequent recharging. It’s also lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it easy for your loved one to carry it wherever they go.
The initial setup can be a bit more complex for some, but ADT’s customer support is available to help. The company also provides comprehensive instructions and assistance to help you set it up correctly.
Monthly Subscription: $37.99
Rating: 4.25
3. GreatCall Lively Mobile Plus
This fall alert device is small and light, and can be worn comfortably on a lanyard or on a belt. Additionally, it’s designed to be easy to use, making it ideal for seniors who prefer a minimalist design.
One potential con is the need for frequent charging, with the device typically needing a recharge every couple of days, depending on usage. While this is a small inconvenience, it can be a dealbreaker for some.
Monthly Subscription: $24.99
Rating: 4.25
4. Aloe Care Health Essentials
Aloe Care Health Essentials combines fall detection with a voice-activated hub, making it ideal for seniors who might have difficulty pressing buttons in an emergency. The voice-activated hub allows your loved one to call for help without needing to press a button, providing added reassurance and peace of mind.
The system also allows caregivers to check in through a mobile app, adding an extra layer of security. Furthermore, the app provides real-time updates and alerts, ensuring that you are always aware of your loved one’s status and can respond quickly if needed. The downside? It’s relatively new, so there might be fewer user reviews available. However, the advanced features and comprehensive protection it offers make it a worthwhile consideration.
Monthly Subscription: $39.99
Rating: 4.7/5
5. Alert1 Fall Detection Classic Medical Alert System
Alert1 offers a straightforward home medical alert system with fall detection. It includes a base unit and a wearable pendant, making it convenient for your loved one to access help in case of an emergency. The base unit is equipped with a powerful speaker and microphone, allowing clear communication with the monitoring center in case of an emergency. The wearable pendant can be worn as a necklace or bracelet, ensuring it is always within reach.
One limitation is that the base subscription doesn’t offer GPS coverage, so it may not be suitable for those who are frequently out and about. However, if your loved one is primarily homebound, this system offers excellent protection.
Monthly Subscription: $29.95
Rating: 4.6/5
6. Bay Alarm SOS All-In-One With Fall Detection
This device features both GPS and landline connectivity, making it excellent for both indoor and outdoor use. Bay Alarm’s Caregiver Tracking app provides real-time monitoring and even alerts caregivers if the device’s battery is running low. Additionally, its setup process is relatively straightforward, making it ideal for most seniors. The all-in-one pack comes with a wrist watch and a wearable button that can be worn as a necklace or bracelet, ensuring it is always within reach.
While the comprehensive protection is certainly worth the price, some people may find the monthly subscription fees too high.
Monthly Subscription: $49.95
Rating: 4.6/5
7. LifeFone At-Home And On-the-Go
The LifeFone fall detection device offers a comprehensive solution that works both at home and while your loved one is out and about. The device comes with automatic fall detection, which means it can sense a fall and alert emergency services even if your loved one can’t press the button.
The LifeFone system includes a base unit for home use and a portable device for when your loved one is outside. The portable device has built-in GPS, ensuring that emergency responders can locate your loved one quickly. This feature is particularly beneficial for active seniors who enjoy outdoor activities or running errands independently.
One of the significant advantages of LifeFone is its ease of use. The devices are designed to be simple to operate, with clear instructions and reliable performance. The system also offers a range of customization options, like choosing between landline and cellular connections and selecting additional features, like medication reminders.
Monthly Subscription: $49.95
Rating: 4.7/5
8. Medical Guardian
The Classic Guardian from Medical Guardian is known for its reliability and ease of use. It includes fall detection and a long-range button, making it suitable for larger homes. The system is designed to provide comprehensive coverage, ensuring that your loved one can access help from anywhere within their home.
The wearable device is comfortable and lightweight, making it easy for your family member to wear throughout the day. The fall detection feature is highly sensitive and can detect a wide range of falls, from minor trips to more severe accidents. This system is great for seniors who might need help reaching their device, thanks to its long-range capabilities. The Classic Guardian’s range extends up to 1,300 feet from the base unit, ensuring that even if your loved one is in the garden or a distant part of the house, they can still summon help.
One downside is that it requires a landline, which not all homes have these days. However, if your home is equipped with a landline, the Classic Guardian offers reliable and comprehensive protection.
Monthly Subscription: $32.95
Rating: 4.8/5
9. MobileHelp Solo
The MobileHelp Solo is a portable medical alert device that can be worn as a pendant or carried in a pocket. It’s designed to provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency, particularly falls. The device includes advanced fall detection technology that can sense when a fall has occurred and automatically send an alert to the MobileHelp emergency monitoring center.
This fall detection device is ideal for active seniors who spend a lot of time outside the home. Whether your loved one enjoys walking in the park, visiting friends or running errands, this device ensures they have access to help wherever they are. It’s particularly beneficial for seniors who value their independence, but want the reassurance of knowing they can get assistance in an emergency.
One of the standout features of the MobileHelp Solo is its portability. The device is small and lightweight, making it easy to wear or carry. This ensures that your loved one can have it with them at all times without feeling burdened. The GPS tracking feature is another significant advantage. In the event of a fall or other emergency, knowing the exact location of your loved one allows for a quicker response from emergency services. This can be crucial in reducing the time it takes for help to arrive, potentially improving outcomes in serious situations.
One minor drawback of the MobileHelp Solo is the need for regular charging. As a portable device, it can require recharging every couple of days.
Monthly Subscription: $41.95
Rating: 4.7/5
Senior Living With StoryPoint Group
At StoryPoint Group communities, we truly understand how much you care about your loved one’s well-being. That’s why we treat them like family. Our dedicated employees take the time to get to know each resident personally, so they can provide them with the best experience tailored to their unique needs.
To learn more about life at StoryPoint Group communities, contact us today at 1-844-275-9990 or schedule a tour of a community near your location.
