Best Speaker Medical Alert Systems

Safety and security are top priorities for seniors who may be at risk for falls and other health-related complications at home. Incidents that may only cause minor injuries for a younger person can prove life-threatening for an elderly individual. One in five seniors who fall experience a significant injury; this could be a serious fracture, such as a broken wrist or hip or trauma to the head. Household modifications can lower the chances of in-home accidents occurring, but many aging adults have a complex set of needs and require more than strategically placed handrails and ramps to keep them safe.

Getting help should be easy and the response time fast, which is why a medical alert system is one of the best tools at-risk seniors can have for communicating quickly with emergency services. Wearable pendant or bracelet devices can automatically notify a company’s monitoring service if the sensitive technology detects a fall. Other common system features include additional wall-mounted buttons, alerts that remind seniors to take medication, and monitoring for appropriate activity levels or GPS location.

Choosing the right medical alert system to integrate into your aging loved one’s life can be time-consuming and confusing. Not only should you look for durable equipment paired with reliable service, but it should also be straightforward and easy for seniors to use when they’re in crisis. There are a variety of brand names and feature packages to consider, which is why this guide focuses on top-ranking brands and how to spot quality when it comes to speaker medical alert systems.

The 3 Best Medical Alert Systems with Speakers

Medical Guardian

With an abundance of choices in subscription services and device types, Medical Guardian deserves its place on any best-of list for medical alert systems. The water-resistant Active Guardian device with a two-way speaker is small enough to be worn around the neck or easily carried in a pocket. While this is the company’s only device with a two-way speaker system, its Freedom Guardian option, which functions like a smartwatch, allows seniors to use a voice-to-text SMS messaging feature to communicate quickly with the contacts stored in their device.

Add-on monthly subscriptions that combine the voice-activated wall button for the Family and Classic Guardian plans with automatic fall detection simplify access to help for seniors who may not be able to easily use a handheld device. Medical Guardian’s monitoring center also invites families to add up to four contacts, known as the Care Circle, who can be notified of any alerts or incidents.

Medical Guardian offers generous perks for customers who subscribe to their services on a yearly basis. Annual subscribers enjoy a base monthly discount and aren’t charged for a lockbox device that can let emergency responders unlock an entry door rather than risking damage to the home by breaking in.

Philips Lifeline

While Philips Lifeline may not offer as many options and ways to combine devices with services as others do, as the direct manufacturer and service provider for each device used in its medical alert system, the company ensures product quality. Lifeline’s GoSafe device features an in-home communicator paired with a wearable mobile pendant. The GoSafe and GoSafe2, which doesn’t provide an in-home communicator, come with automatic fall detection included in the price.

Voice extension can be added to your GoSafe monthly subscription and may be a necessary feature for seniors who live in a larger home and need more range. Philips Lifeline also offers a dynamic and programmable medication dispenser. This device can hold a maximum of 60 medication cups and release up to six doses each day. Maintaining consistent timing and dosing of medication can help seniors further reduce the risk of injuries and complications associated with improper medication management.

Though there are no discounts on annual subscriptions or base units, Philips Lifeline only charges a one-time fee for a lockbox add-on rather asking users to pay a monthly fee for that feature. Monitoring costs are refundable in the event you decide to return a medical alert system. Any fees associated with the device itself or its activation and installation are not, however.

RescueTouch

The devices available through RescueTouch offer versatile communication options, and many plans come with automatic fall detection included. All but one device, the basic 9-1-1 Caller, include GPS tracking and the ability for seniors to communicate directly with their chosen contacts.

Families can choose between devices that offer monitoring through RescueTouch’s emergency response center, or simply connect them to the friends and family contacts stored in the device. Contacts can also call the device to check in with their loved one. The Chit Chat Twin Pack provides two devices with the same functionality as the single device plans with the added feature that the units work as walkie-talkies when in the home together.

Rather than offering add-on devices or services for a fee, RescueTouch packages their options at different base price points. Discounts for quarterly and annual subscribers help customers reduce out-of-pocket expenses. RescueTouch doesn’t require contracts or charge cancellation fees. Returns in the first 30 days may be eligible for a full refund; quarterly or annual subscribers may be eligible for a prorated refund if they cancel before their subscription is up.

When to Choose a Speaker Medical Alert System

Some aging adults and their loved ones struggle to know when they should start using a speaker medical alert system, and the answer can be different for every family. If you think your elderly loved one is developing signs of dementia or is at risk of experiencing falls, a stroke or heart attack, it may be time to invest in a medical alert system with speakers. A wearable device with two-way communication is especially beneficial for anyone with mobility problems.

Mobility issues and other health conditions that lead to injuries in the home may not always be apparent before they occur. Independent seniors or those who spend several hours alone may enjoy the peace of mind a medical alert system with speakers brings, even if they don’t have a history of accidents or serious health concerns. This feature can also prove helpful for notifying responders of false alarms, which can sometimes happen with unintended triggers or when the device’s sensitivity misinterprets a senior’s movements as a fall.

Medical alert systems that include two-way speakers allow seniors to call for assistance from the device and speak to someone about their needs. When seconds matter and emergency responders need to know how severe the circumstances are and where to locate the elderly person in the home, this vital feature can be a lifesaver.

How to Compare Speaker Medical Alert Systems

Ultimately, your family’s needs will determine which medical alert system will offer the best combination of features and services, but there are a few basic considerations to keep in mind while considering your choices. Mobile connectivity can offer a wider range of use than a device that depends on a landline, but strong cellular signals may not be available in every area. Wearable devices last longer when they’re made to be water-and-sweat-resistant. Base units should be equipped with a backup battery in case the power goes out, and larger homes may require the base unit’s range to reach farther for the wearable device to function properly.

Many providers offer a variety of features and optional services at different price points, which helps consumers control costs and tailor their monitoring subscription to fit their circumstances. Costs can be a concern, but so can complicated features that get in the way of calling for help. Choose a system with services that not only fit your budget, but one that your family members and caregivers understand how to use. Knowing that your loved one’s device will quickly and easily connect them with the type of assistance they need is priceless.