Medical alert necklaces or pendants are key accessories in many medical alert systems. They work by sending a radio signal to a corresponding base unit within the home when the alert button is pressed, or automatically directing it to the company’s monitoring center, in which a representative contacts the user to assess their situation.
Almost all medical alert systems come with a transmitter in the form of an alert button and a receiver—also called a base unit—set up inside the house. The range of each device can cover the average area of the home, allowing the senior to move freely inside.
Some systems have the ability to send a signal directly to the monitoring center without the help of a base unit, while others can detect falls and report them automatically after a period of inactivity or unresponsiveness.
After the alert button is pressed or the system registers a fall, a representative from the monitoring center contacts the user, assesses the type of emergency, and either dispatch medical personnel or reaches out to an emergency contact.
Older alert systems had to be connected to a landline to function, but newer devices offer cellular coverage inside and outside the home.
Mobile devices can be GPS-enabled and typically come equipped with a two-way intercom system that allows the user to speak to a representative from the company’s monitoring center.
There are also companies that offer non-monitored systems, in which case the device will attempt to reach a set of predetermined contacts or simply dial 911.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WEARABLE HELP BUTTONS?
There are many types of help buttons that come in a variety of forms, including necklaces, bracelets, smartwatches, belt clips, and even keychains.
Although these accessories can be worn in different ways, the material, quality, and features of the equipment do not vary.
Furthermore, most companies offer waterproof or water-resistant products that can be worn at all times, even in the shower.
Necklaces
Necklaces are by far the most popular option, especially among women. These systems typically come with a lanyard that attaches to the help button, allowing the user to hang it from their neck and discreetly hide it under their clothing.
Depending on the pendant’s design, the standard lanyard may be swapped for a different material.
Bracelets
Medical alert bracelets are a more recent option in the industry. They often come in the form of an elastic or plastic wristband that is worn like a watch, with the help button located where the dial would be.
Men tend to prefer this option, and many wearers report it is more comfortable for sleeping.
Most companies offer customers the choice between a necklace or bracelet. These can also be updated to have automatic fall detection capability.
Other Options
Some companies offer alternative accessories such as smartwatches, belt clips, and keychains. These commonly include mobile GPS tracking devices, which can serve as both the base unit and the help button.
Other, more modern systems can even integrate with smartphones and function through stand-alone mobile applications.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A MEDICAL ALERT NECKLACE
Medical alert necklaces make sense for users who want the convenience of a portable, light-weight device that can be easily reached and concealed under clothing.
However, when shopping for someone else, consider any factors that may impact the user’s ability to press the button, such as arthritis in the hands, allergies to certain materials, or cognitive disability.
NECKLACES & BRACELETS VS. CARRYING A CELL PHONE
With both medical alert necklaces and bracelets providing similar functionalities, the decision really comes down to personal preference. Keep in mind that necklaces or bracelet buttons are more likely to be worn throughout the day and are therefore less likely to be misplaced than a different type of device such as a cell phone.
One of the earliest and simplest medical alert systems were personal emergency phones. These systems merely consisted of a wireless phone that allowed seniors to automatically dial pre-installed numbers.
Although less expensive, phones could be cumbersome to carry, easily misplaced, and hard to reach after a fall.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS KNOW
Before purchasing a monitored medical alert system, it’s important that potential customers not only study the contract but also educate themselves about the different equipment available. When it comes to choosing medical alert systems, remember that necklace and bracelet buttons are by far the most popular options, especially for seniors.
Besides contract terms and equipment, also look into the company’s customer service, make sure they provide 24/7 monitoring and employ trained professionals. Knowing that a loved one will receive the level of care and attention an emergency situation may warrant could provide caregivers with additional peace of mind.
TOP 3 MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS WITH NECKLACE
Medical Guardian
This medical alert provider received the highest ranking because it offers a wide range of products that adjust to everyone’s needs and are reasonably priced.
In addition, it does not require its customers to enter into a long-term contract or charge activation fees. All their systems connect subscribers to a 24/7, U.S.-based monitoring center once the help button is pressed.
The trained emergency operator assesses the situation, decides what type of help the customer needs, and acts accordingly.
Medical Guardian alert equipment includes three in-home systems and three portable ones. The in-home systems operate with a stationary base or receiver and a water-resistant bracelet or necklace pendant that the subscriber carries at all times.
Two of the in-home systems have a range of 1,300 feet from the base, while the third one has a range of 600 feet. They also have 30-32-hour backup batteries.
Mobile systems are more diverse. One has a portable receiver, with GPS technology and unlimited range, and a water-resistant neck or wrist pendant that works within a 350 foot distance from the base. It has a 24-hour battery life. Another is a standalone water-resistant neck or wrist pendant with GPS technology, WiFi connectivity, and unlimited range. It has a 5-day battery life.
Finally, the Medical Guardian smartwatch has GPS technology and WiFi functionality, and thus, unlimited range as well. The watch has a battery that can last up to two days and has extra features such as calendar alerts and reminders, text-to-speech messaging, weather forecast, and advanced location tracking technology.
AT&T operates Medical Guardian systems’ cellular connectivity. Fall detection is an available add-on for most systems, although some include it already. Subscribers also have the option of purchasing an additional medical alert necklace or wristband, as well as a separate fall alert pendant necklace.
Medical Guardian also has several accessories available for purchase, including voice-activated wall-mounted buttons, car charger for portable systems, and a lockbox to store a house key outside of the house.
Alert Necklace Features:
- Water-resistant
- Available for all systems, both at-home and portable, except for the smartwatch
- Option of a stand-alone medical alert necklace with GPS technology to be worn everywhere, at all times
- Adjustable-length lanyard is included
- Has a range of 350 feet from the unlimited range portable base, as well as up to 600 or 1,300 feet of the stationary, at-home receivers.
Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical is a monitored medical alert system. This means that if subscribers press the help button on its equipment, it will call one of the two 24/7 U.S.-based call centers where emergency medical personnel will assess the customer’s situation and provide appropriate assistance. Assistance is available in 54 languages and in all 50 states.
The company does not charge any startup, contract or cancellation costs. Subscribers can include medical monitoring for their spouses for free.
Bay Alarm Medical has three varieties of medical alert equipment. The most inexpensive one is the at-home medical alert, which consists of a receiver that can be connected to a landline or to the AT&T cellular network for an extra $10, and a small waterproof button that can be activated within 1,000 feet of the base and can be worn as a necklace or wristband.
These buttons can last up to 5 years without recharging. If the battery runs low, the button will automatically notify Bay Alarm to send the subscriber a brand-new one, free of charge.
Bay Alarm Medical also offers an on-the-go system that works with mobile GPS technology. For an additional monthly charge, caregivers can have access to an online tracking portal and geofencing service that tracks the whereabouts of the customer.
This system can be worn as a necklace or inside a belt clip case, is waterproof, and has a battery that lasts for 72 hours.
Both the in-home and on-the-go systems have the capability to upgrade the help necklace or wrist alert button to include auto fall detection for an extra $10 monthly.
If the customer slips and falls, the monitoring system automatically connects to the 24/7 monitoring center without the need to push the button.
In addition, Bay Alarm Medical has an in-car medical alert device that plugs into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter receptacle. Its features include vehicle locator capabilities, trip information, and driver profiles. It also has automatic crash detection and response technology.
Finally, subscribers may purchase the in-home, on-the-go GPS, and in-car systems as a bundle, with the option to add auto fall detection, a 4-pack of the wall buttons, and a lockbox. Other bundle packages are also available.
Bay Alarm Medical provides customers with a 30-day trial period, starting from the receipt date. They also offer a price-lock guarantee, which ensures that subscribers’ monthly payment will never increase.
Customers may cancel their subscription at any time and will get a refund on any unused months minus the shipping costs. Bay Alarm Medical has extra accessories available for purchase, such as extra help buttons, wall buttons, lockboxes, surge protector, DSL internet filter, and a 25 foot high-speed phone cord.
A “vial of life” to store all of the customer’s vital medical information is included for free when he or she subscribes for the first time.
Alert Necklace Features:
- Available in the in-home and on-the-go systems
- Range of 1,000 feet from the base station
- Superior battery life that lasts for five years
- Subscribers get a brand-new button for free once the battery dies
- Can purchase additional necklaces
- Can be upgraded to have auto fall detection technology that will be activated when a fall occurs without having to push the button
- Necklace has a breakaway magnetic clasp
Mobile Help
Just like Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical, MobileHelp is a monitored medical alert system that, with a press of the equipment’s emergency button, an operator responds to assess the situation and get help for the subscriber.
All of MobileHelp’s equipment uses cellular or GPS service, so customers without landlines are not hindered from using them. Customers are not required to enter into long-term or cellular contracts and are not charged hidden fees. MobileHelp has a 30-day money back guarantee on all of their available plans.
MobileHelp offers three types of systems, which can be paid for on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. First up, their cellular Classic system is an in-home medical alert system with AT&T cellular connectivity.
It displays the time, date, and ambient temperature, as well as the capability to set medicine reminders, although this feature carries an extra cost. The Solo system is a mobile system that operates with GPS and cellular service from AT&T.
Customers may bundle the Classic and Solo systems to have both an in-home receiver and a portable GPS-enabled device, which are connected to a neck pendant or a wrist button. This system is named the Duo.
The Classic, Solo, and Duo systems all include a choice of a waterproof neck pendant or wrist button which is upgradable, for an extra cost of $10, to have automatic fall detection. MobileHelp sells beaded lanyards for the neck pendant separately. They also carry other accessories such as wall mount buttons and lockboxes.
The third system is the MobileHelp Smart, a medical alert, GPS-enabled Samsung Gear S3 Frontier smartwatch that operates with the AT&T cellular network.
Apart from the built-in and discrete help button, the smartwatch also has a built-in microphone and speaker, monitors physical activity, has vital sign sensors, and is loaded with the Samsung Health application.
Subscribers and caregivers get free access to a suite of online tools, called MobileHelp Connect, that monitor the subscriber’s health and well-being. This service can be upgraded with premium features for an extra charge.
Alert Necklace Features:
- Available for in-home and mobile systems
- Can be upgraded to detect a fall automatically
- Waterproof
- Battery lasts for over five years
- Range of 600 feet from the in-home base station and 350 feet from the mobile device.
- Breakaway lanyard included to prevent risk of choking but will work with any chain or cord