Even the most careful seniors aren’t immune to injuries from trips and falls. Approximately 25% of seniors fall at least once per year, and sadly, more than 27,000 of those falls are fatal. That’s because some falls occur during a stroke or seizure where prompt attention is necessary for a full recovery. Other falls result in a serious injury, such as a concussion or broken hip, that make it difficult — sometimes even impossible — for elderly adults to get up and find help.

Some caretakers and spouses attempt to keep seniors safe by modifying the home with bars, ramps and voice-activated lights. These home modifications help reduce the risk of falls, but they aren’t always enough to keep active seniors safe. That’s why many seniors rely on wall mounted medical alert systems for peace of mind.

Benefits of Wall Mounted Medical Alert Systems

The best wall mounted medical alert systems provide around-the-clock coverage for seniors who live alone or in an assisted living community. Seniors can use them alone or with medical alert system necklaces, bracelets and apps for extra peace of mind. The buttons attach easily to the wall with an adhesive material, and you can set them near beds, showers, stairs and other common places where elderly household members may fall. When a senior needs assistance, all they have to do is press the button to request help.

Wall mounted buttons are typically an add-on feature offered by some of the best medical alert system providers. A handful of providers offer one button at no charge, but you can generally expect to spend at least $2 to $5 per button each month. Most wall mounted buttons are not mobile friendly, which means you must keep them in one location rather than bringing them along on errands or vacations. They’re best for seniors who spend the majority of their time at home and need a simple solution for emergency assistance.

If you’re considering a wall mounted medical alert system, keep in mind that you generally can’t buy one on its own. You must buy a medical alert system package that includes a wall mounted button for free or a small fee. We chose the wall mounted button from Mobile Help as our top pick because the company is geared toward seniors on a tight budget, but we realize you may prefer a different company. That’s why we’ve provided details about three well-known companies that offer wall mounted buttons to help you make an informed decision.

The 3 Best Wall Mounted Medical Alert Systems for Budget-Minded Seniors

MobileHelp

MobileHelp is one of the best medical alert system providers for elderly adults without a landline. The company is often considered one of the most budget-friendly options because its monthly plan prices start at just $19.95. This cost covers a basic in-home unit, but you can add a wall button for $2 per month. The highest-priced plan costs $41.95 per month before you add special features, such as fall detection or a wall mounted button.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure whether MobileHelp is the right company for you or your loved one. Subscribers can test-drive medical alert systems from MobileHelp for a full 30 days then return the products if they don’t meet their expectations. Few medical alert system providers are this generous.

MobileHelp also offers a cancellation policy that’s better than those provided by similar companies. Unused monthly subscription costs are fully refundable, and you aren’t forced to commit to a long-term contract. Subscriptions are available on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual schedule, making it easy to find an option that works for your financial situation.

Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm Medical provides affordable coverage for seniors, and prices are similar to MobileHelp’s plans. If you subscribe, expect your monthly bill to fall somewhere between $19.95 and $59.95 per month before you add on special features. At $2.95 per month, wall mounted buttons are slightly higher than MobileHelp’s $2 cost. However, you can save money by ordering a four-pack of buttons for $10.

Bay Alarm Medical never charges activation fees, equipment costs or cancellation fees. Units are available for landline connections and cellular connections, though you must pay an extra $10 per month for any device with fall protection. Subscribers are billed monthly, so you don’t have to sign a long-term contract.

Bilingual subscribers may appreciate that Bay Alarm Medical provides service in 170 languages. Elderly adults can call the U.S. based call center for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Medical Care Alert

Medical Care Alert is ideal for seniors who prefer simple plans with no frills. However, keep in mind that monthly subscriptions aren’t available until you complete at least one billing cycle. Subscription costs range from $29.95 to $39.95 per month before adding features such as fall detection or a lockbox. Wall mounted devices have a one-time fee of $29.95, but you can bypass this cost by swapping one of your pendants for a button.

When an injury occurs, subscribers communicate with EMT- or EMD-certified operators. This provides peace of mind for family members and seniors who are concerned that regular operators may not understand the severity of a situation. Call center workers also undergo a certified training program via the Security Industry Association, which provides added reassurance that calls are handled appropriately.

Family members who like to stay in the loop regarding medical incidents appreciate the automatic text alerts from Medical Care Alert. Messages are sent to approved family members, friends and medical professionals when an emergency occurs.

Why Choose a Wall Mounted Medical Alert System?

Batteries in wall mounted buttons last for months — sometimes even years. This makes them a great backup plan for seniors with devices that require battery charging after just a day or two. If an issue arises, seniors can request help with the press of a button rather than waiting for a bracelet or pendant to finish charging.

Wall mounted devices provide extra coverage for seniors who want or need 24/7 protection. Seniors can choose one spot for a button or invest in multiple buttons and mount them around the home. They are convenient and easy to use, so seniors who struggle with dementia or similar conditions can easily figure out how to press them if an issue arises.

How to Find the Right Wall Mounted Medical Alert System

Start by considering the budget of whoever plans to pay for the device, whether it’s a caretaker or the button’s user. Wall mounted buttons are generally add-on features for medical alert system plans, which means you can’t just pay for the button itself. You have to pay the monthly premium for a bracelet, necklace, watch or app, plus the fee for the button.

Look for a wall mounted button that is water resistant, even if you don’t plan to place it by the shower. When an emergency occurs, a senior may have wet hands from washing dishes or a heavy layer of sweat from a medical condition. Either way, elderly adults can press the button with confidence knowing that they aren’t at risk for electrical shock.

Comparing medical alert systems can get stressful, but don’t rush when you choose a wall mounted button and its accompanying devices. Every medical alert system has different pros and cons, so it’s important to select the one that matches its owner’s needs.