When people think of medical alert bracelets, they often picture seniors who are unable to pick themselves up after a fall. It’s true that fall-prone seniors can benefit from medical alert systems, but these devices also help active seniors preserve their independence. In some situations, a medical alert bracelet can even help an elderly adult age at home rather than in an assisted living community.

Seniors aren’t the only ones who use medical alert devices, though. Some adults wear them when they travel alone, and they’re also helpful for people with health concerns, such as cancer or post concussion syndrome. You can even have children wear medical alert bracelets if they’re unsupervised after school or cannot communicate verbally due to autism or another condition.

We realize we can’t list every individual who might benefit from a bracelet, so we’ve focused on some of the main reasons why you may want one. Our guide covers several situations where you may need a medical alert bracelet, so you can decide whether to invest in a monitoring system. We also offer some helpful tips on choosing the right one because the bracelet your elderly neighbor prefers may not be the same one you or your aging father needs.

Here are several factors to consider if you’re on the fence about buying a medical alert bracelet.

You Live Alone

Many seniors choose to age at home rather than moving to an assisted living community. Approximately 1 in 3 older adults live alone, and that figure jumps to 47% for women aged 75 and older. If you’re part of these statistics, you may enjoy the perks of living on your own but worry about what might happen if you fall. Even if you aren’t concerned about the risk of falls, you may have loved ones who fear you may become injured while nobody is around to help.

A medical alert bracelet helps alleviate these concerns by providing around-the-clock monitoring. You can get a bracelet that only works in your home, or you might prefer a GPS-enabled bracelet that you can wear anywhere in the country. If you spend most of your time at home, you may also benefit from a wall-mounted medical alert system or a pendant-style device.

Some bracelets have automatic fall detection, which means they notify emergency workers or loved ones if you fall. Every second counts after a fall, so automatic detection may help save your life. Consider getting a bracelet with a lockbox, so emergency workers can get inside quickly if you’re unable to open the door.

You Have Chronic Conditions

Chronic medical conditions can leave you feeling weak and exhausted, which may increase your risk of falling. You may also feel dizzy from medications for health conditions, such as high blood pressure or depression. Impairments, such as hearing loss or blurred vision, can also make it difficult to navigate your home. Caretakers of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease also appreciate the 24/7 monitoring of a reliable medical alert system.

Regardless of which conditions you have, a medical bracelet helps keep you safe while you manage them. Look for a bracelet that is water-resistant so you can wear it day and night, even in the shower. You may also want to install a wall-mounted medical alert system. Make sure your bracelet offers automatic fall detection, so medical staff receive a notification if an injury occurs, even if you can’t reach the help button.

GPS tracking is an essential feature for seniors prone to wandering or seniors who get lost easily. Some bracelets even have caretaker apps, so loved ones can monitor movements and track activity trends, which may help prevent issues before they occur. These features aren’t always included in monthly subscription plans, but paying a bit extra may be worth the peace of mind.

Your Home Needs Modifications

Home modifications don’t prevent 100% of falls, but they certainly up your odds of staying safe. Handrails, walk-in tubs and sensor lights are a few common modifications for seniors, but these additions aren’t always affordable. While you work on fitting home modifications into your budget, consider using a medical alert bracelet.

A medical alert bracelet gives you the confidence to navigate your home. You can wear a bracelet around the home or get an on-the-go unit that works wherever you are. Fall detection is often the focus of medical alert bracelets, but you can also use a bracelet to call for help during other types of emergencies, such as a house fire. Some seniors call for help after burning themselves during meal preparation, bumping into a sharp edge or hitting their heads on a hanging object.

Other Factors to Consider

Before buying a medical alert bracelet, make sure you can fit it into your monthly expenses. Many companies offer free devices but charge monthly subscription fees ranging from around $20 to $100. You may be able to get assistance with these subscription costs by contacting your medical insurance provider or a senior assistance agency.

Look for a medical alert provider with short-term subscription options if you’ve never used a bracelet or in-home device. This gives you the option to switch providers instead of being locked into a commitment for months — or even years. Some companies offer trial periods so you can see if a medical alert bracelet is right for you.

An unexpected fall can leave you with painful injuries and a stack of medical bills. Consider a medical alert bracelet if you live alone, battle medical issues or need home modifications. This compact device may just save your life.