Ryan Molloy, Editor-in-Chief of #TheSeniorList.com, shares his knowledge and insights on medical alert systems. Ryan covers the different types of medical alert systems, how they work, automatic fall detection, and how much you can expect to pay for a medical alert device.

Time stamp:
0:00 Ryan Molloy – What is a medical alert system?
0:29 A medical alert system connects you with first responders in an emergency
0:44 How do #medicalalarmsystems work?
1:06 Common features of medical alert systems
1:30 What is the monitoring center?
1:48 In-home systems vs. cellular (or mobile) alarm systems
2:06 What should you look for in a medical alert system?
2:25 What is automatic fall detection?
2:44 The importance of waterproof help buttons
3:04 Replacement batteries for home medical alarm systems
3:23 Professional medical first responders vs. custom contact lenses
4:09 Avoid long-term contracts when signing up for a medical alert
4:42 How much do medical alarm systems cost?
5:22 Does Medicare cover medical alarm systems?
6:02 Medical alarms cost about $1 per day – a small price to pay for your safety!

Have you ever seen the commercials for Life Alert, the ones with the people who have fallen down and can't get up? Life Alert is what we would call a medical alert system, a broad range of technologies designed to keep people safe in and outside of their homes.

These devices connect you to the first responder at the push of a button and ensure that help is not far away in the event of a fall or other emergency.

As technology advances, more and more different types of medical alert systems are flooding the market. There are units for home use and mobile units you can take outside with you. There are even smartwatches with medical alerts and voice assistants. But at their core, they all have a few things in common.

The first is a hands-free speakerphone and the second is a help button. In home devices, a hands-free speakerphone is attached to a base unit. This allows you to communicate. The other is a help button, one on the base unit and the other on either a pendant or bracelet. When you press the button on either of these units, you are connected to a company's monitoring center. They will assess your situation and initiate the appropriate response.

With portable devices you will find all of these parts in one device. So you can take it with you on the go: a hands-free speakerphone and a help button in one device. You can wear it either around your neck or on a belt clip.

What should you look for in a medical alarm system?

All medical alert systems have some combination of hands-free calling and help buttons, but there are a few other important features to consider when looking for a system of your own.

Fall detection
Using an accelerometer system, this pendant can detect when the wearer falls and automatically trigger an emergency call.

Waterproof help buttons
Most falls happen in the bathroom, regardless of age, so you should look for a system with water-resistant or waterproof buttons.

Backup batteries
For home systems that operate from an electrical outlet, there is a risk of a short circuit to your medical alarm system in the event of a power outage.

Tailored response plans
Not every call requires the help of an emergency service. If you are considering subscribing to a medical alert system, ask the sales representative if they accept a list of nearby loved ones. That way, instead of calling emergency services, an employee can simply call a friend or neighbor.

Flexible contracts
Most medical alert systems operate on a subscription basis. You don't buy the equipment, but rather lease it as part of your monthly fee. Be careful that a company doesn't force you to sign a long-term contract.

How much do medical alarm systems cost?
For a medical alert system, expect to pay between $20 and $50 per month. Home systems with a landline connection are cheaper, while GPS-enabled mobile devices will likely cost a bit more.

You should also consider the cost of extras like additional help buttons or fall detection, which will cost you an additional $10 per month on average. This depends on the provider.

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Related Links:
Best Medical Alert Systems: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medical-alert-systems/best/
Medical Alert System Guide: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medical-alert-systems/
Best Medical Alert Systems for Home: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medical-alert-systems/best/home/
Best Cellular Medical Alert Systems: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medical-alert-systems/best/cellular/

Related Videos:
How to convince a loved one to wear a medical alert system: https://youtu.be/PND5uLCpKTg
When is it time for a medical alert system?: https://youtu.be/qHCOk1l8948

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