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6 Best Medical Alert Necklaces of 2024: Our Experts Tried & Tested
Nov 19, 2024
Fact Checked
We selected the best medical alert necklaces based on cost, safety, style, and other features.
Medical alert necklaces are a convenient way to stay protected by a medical alert system when you’re outside your home, running errands, or traveling.
Medical alert necklaces are included with many medical alert system packages at no extra cost.
Some medical alert necklaces offer special features, such as fall detection and GPS location tracking.
The best medical alert necklaces on the market include companies like Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical, and others mentioned in this guide.
Not all medical alert necklaces are the same, and there are products we don’t recommend, like the Life Alert necklace.
Our Reviews Team spent more than 2,500 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. During our process, we:
Engaged in ongoing independent research
Consulted with licensed adult caregivers and doctors who specialize in senior care
Medical alert systems can provide an extra measure of safety for older adults and anyone who lives alone or has a medical condition. While most medical alert companies provide both in-home units and on-the-go devices, not all of them offer medical alert necklaces. If you’re active or simply like to have your hands free while wearing your medical alert, a medical alert necklace could be just what you’re looking for.
Medical alert necklaces, also known as medical alert pendants, vary quite a bit in cost and features, so it’s important to first identify your needs and choose the best for you. We’ve researched and tested medical alert necklaces to help you make an informed decision. Read on for our Reviews Team’s top picks of the best medical alert necklaces on the market.
1
Best for Older Adults
9.9
Exceptional
•
Average response time: under 25 seconds
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Mobile system holds charge up to 5 days
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Lightning Deal! 75% off MGMini Lite with code LIGHTNING75
GetSafe: Best Medical Alert Necklace for At-Home System Package
Why you can trust our expert review
2.5K
Hours of Research
1
Surveys Deployed
13
Brands Tested
9
Experts Consulted
Video: Best medical alert system
Want to learn more about our top picks and why we chose them? In this video, physical therapist and geriatric clinical specialist Vicki Tilley reviews the best medical alert systems available from brands like Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, and Bay Alarm Medical. She covers each device’s standout features and performance highlights, like fall detection accuracy, GPS location precision, and how easy it is to use.
Table 1 Comparison of the best medical alert necklaces, as of November 2024
One-time equipment fee: $2.99 per month for extra in-home necklace, $149.95 for MGHome Cellular base unit, $149.95 for MGMini on-the-go necklace
Processing fee: $0
Free trial period: No
Range:
1,300 feet (ft.) (MGClassic)
1,400 ft. (MGHome Cellular)
Dimensions:
MGMini: 2.1 x 1.3 W x 1.7 inches (length x width x height)
Weight:
MGMini: 1.3 ounces (oz)
Connection types: Landline, AT&T cellular or Verizon cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi
Pros & Cons
ProsOn-the-go medical alert necklaces in multiple colors, with the option to add fall detection ($10 extra per month)Step tracker and GPS tracking available in caregiver appEasy-to-use website with clear details on features and pricingConsNo free trial periodHigh equipment fees ($149.95–$199.95)
Additional Information
Medical Guardian offers three medical alert systems with necklaces, covering a wide variety of options, including a standard help button, GPS location tracking, and fall detection. With so many features offered at a competitive price, a website that’s easy to use, and great customer service, our Reviews Team chose Medical Guardian as the “Best Medical Alert Necklace for Older Adults.”
Medical Guardian necklace packages
Medical Guardian offers necklaces with the following packages:
MGClassic: $29.95 per month plus:
$2.99 per month for additional basic help button necklace
$10 per month for fall detection necklace
MGHome Cellular: $37.95 per month plus:
$149.95 equipment fee for base unit
$2.99 per month for additional basic help button necklace
$10 per month for fall detection necklace
MGMini: $39.95 per month plus:
$149.95 equipment fee
$2.99 per month for basic help button necklace
$10 per month for fall detection necklace
Fall detection is available for all three packages. A fall detection necklace has built-in sensors that sync with the base unit and call the monitoring center when the necklace detects a fall. While fall detection doesn’t prevent falls, a fall detection necklace can contact the monitoring center and emergency services immediately after a fall, even if you’re unconscious or can’t press the help button. Use NCOA’s Falls Free CheckUp to check your risk of falling.
The standard at-home necklace included with the MGClassic and MGHome Cellular doesn’t include fall detection-you’ll get a separate fall detection necklace when you choose that option for either of the at-home packages.
You can add built-in fall detection to the MGMini necklace for $10 per month. If you would prefer to wear a smaller device around your neck while carrying the MGMini in a handbag or clipped to your belt, you can purchase a separate fall detection pendant for an added $10 per month, or a basic help button necklace for $2.99 per month. The additional help and fall detection buttons sync with the MGMini, so you’ll still need to keep the MGMini close by.
The MGMini mobile system has four color options and includes an adjustable and nonadjustable lanyard, as well as a belt clip. The MGMini uses cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS technology to connect to the monitoring center through a two-way speaker from wherever you are. The advanced location tracking made possible by GPS helps medical alert personnel find you in an emergency, especially if you’re away from your home.
The MGMini necklace can also be used with the MyGuardian app, which allows caregivers to stay connected with the medical alert user. During our Reviews Team’s hands-on testing, a member of the team noted the “app is very simple to use and intuitive.”
Multiple necklaces can be connected to the at-home base station (the stationary device plugged into the wall that syncs to wall buttons or wearable devices) with the in-home systems, so more than one person in your household can be protected on the same plan. Extra necklaces cost $2.99 each per month.
Medical Guardian also offers a jewelry line called Limitless Icons. The line is attractive and doesn’t look like a medical alert system, which makes it a good option for those wanting a more discreet wearable alert system.
One of the four Limitless Icon designs.
Warranty
The MG Protection Plan costs $6.99 per month. It covers unlimited battery replacement, as well as replacement of one base unit and two help buttons in any 12-month period due to the following:
Our Reviews Team found the Medical Guardian website easy to use for locating pricing information and details about each system. We also contacted customer service to find out more about the battery life of each necklace. A representative entered the chat within 20 seconds and answered all our questions.
Read our in-depth review of Medical Guardian to learn more about your medical alert system options with this company.
Our Top Pick
Most Affordable Medical Alert Necklace: MobileHelp Classic
Dimensions: 1.9″ L x 1.4″ W x 0.3″ H Weight: 0.5 oz
Connection types: Landline, AT&T cellular
Pros & Cons
ProsMedical alert necklace offered with most affordable in-home system from MobileHelpAdd fall detection to necklace for extra $11 per monthNo equipment of processing feesFree trial periodConsFall detection costs extraNo GPS or two-way communication available with the Classic help button necklace
Additional Information
MobileHelp offers the lowest-priced help button necklace in this review with its Classic in-home system, making it our clear winner for “Most Affordable Medical Alert Necklace.”
The Classic in-home system doesn’t offer many bells and whistles, but it costs $24.95 per month and includes the base unit and a waterproof help button on a necklace. You can also add a fall detection necklace for an additional $11 per month.
But unlike most brands on this list, the MobileHelp Classic offers neither two-way communication nor GPS tracking, meaning you can’t speak directly with the monitoring center from the necklace (you’ll have to use the base unit to communicate with the monitoring center), and medical personnel can’t track your location based on GPS data. With no GPS, that means the MobileHelp Classic necklace will only work when it’s within range of the base unit in your home, which is 1,400 feet. So, while you may save money with MobileHelp, you sacrifice some advanced features and the peace of mind you would have if your necklace was connected to a monitoring center when away from your home.
MobileHelp does offer medical alert necklaces with GPS, but their starting monthly costs are almost double the starting monthly cost of the Classic. Though the cost is higher, the monitoring center staff did have the correct location each time our Reviews Team tested this feature in the hands-on testing. Read our review of the top medical alert systems with GPS for more information on GPS technology in medical alert systems.
Warranty
MobileHelp’s warranty is called Connect Premium. For $6.99 per month, Connect Premium provides coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen medical alert equipment. It also gives you a price-lock guarantee for two years and discounts on MobileHelp services and products.
If you stay at home much of the time and don’t need a mobile medical alert necklace with GPS, MobileHelp offers low-priced medical alert necklaces to provide protection in and around your house. Read our MobileHelp Review to learn more.
Most Stylish Medical Alert Necklace: Bay Alarm Medical
Connection types: Landline, AT&T or Verizon cellular
Pros & Cons
ProsFour styles of charms to personalize your medical alert necklaceOne of the lowest monthly prices on the marketWaterproofConsBella charms only fit help button necklaces without fall detection
Additional Information
Bay Alarm Medical offers a fashionable medical alert option called Bella Charms that makes it stand out from other companies. Bella Charms slide over the help buttons, creating a jewelry-like look. Our Reviews Team was impressed with this unique addition to the medical alert market (we’ve seen only one other company offer this perk), which is why we named Bay Alarm Medical the “Most Stylish Medical Alert Necklace.”
The ability to customize the look of your medical alert pendant is a special perk in an industry that offers very few style options. One of the biggest challenges respondents cited in our Reviews Team’s survey of medical alert system users was that their device “doesn’t look appealing.” Customizing your medical alert necklace can make it look more pleasing, which could increase your likelihood of wearing it more often. Bay Alarm Medical offers a medical alert necklace with the option to add Bella Charms to any of the following packages:
SOS Home Landline: $24.95 per month (landline)
SOS Home Cellular: $29.95 per month (AT&T or Verizon) Cellular)
SOS Home Cellular with Fall Detection: $39.95 per month (AT&T or Verizon Cellular)
SOS Mobile 360° Bundle: $59.95 per month (AT&T or Verizon Cellular), $99.20 one-time GPS equipment cost
SOS Smartwatch 360° Bundle: $59.95 per month, $159 one-time smartwatch cost
SOS All-in-One: $39.95 per month (AT&T or Verizon Cellular), $119 one-time equipment cost
SOS All-in-One with Fall Detection: $49.95 per month (AT&T or Verizon Cellular), $149 one-time equipment cost
You have four styles of Bella Charms to choose from:
Gemma: Leopard print
Marella: Animal black and tan print
Marina: Blue, purple, and pink swirled pattern
Stella: Black with iridescent sparkles
Bella Charms are available to disguise any of the Bay Alarm medical alert necklaces without fall detection, but cannot be used with the SOS Mobile device with fall detection.
Bay Alarm also recently added more style options with colorful wristbands to hold your help button in place.
Bella Bands come in four colors and, like the Bella Charms, can only be used with the Bay Alarm help buttons without fall detection ($17 each or $60 for all four).
Warranty
The Bay Alarm Medical warranty covers normal wear and tear for the life of the product. You can purchase the Premier Protection Plan for $2.95 per month, which covers one unit replacement per year and replacement of accessories at 50% of their replacement value.
We found the Bay Alarm Medical website easy to use and well designed. We also had a good customer service experience when our Reviews Team used the chat feature to find out if the necklace includes two-way communication.
For people who need the added protection of a medical alert device but don’t want to sacrifice style, Bay Alarm Medical Bella charms are a great choice.
Read our complete Bay Alarm Review for more information on this company.
Best Medical Alert Necklace with Advanced Features: LifeFone
Connection types: Landline, AT&T, or Verizon cellular
Pros & Cons
ProsLifeFone VIPx® medical alert necklace has more features than many other brandsFall detection costs half the price of most other brandsNo equipment or processing feesConsHigher monthly cost than some other systemsNo free warranty for wear and tear (protection plan costs extra)
Additional Information
LifeFone offers one of the most tech-savvy medical alert pendants on the market, making it our pick for “Best Medical Alert Necklace with Advanced Features.”
The latest features included in the LifeFone VIPx® medical alert necklace are:
Cellular connection with both AT&T or Verizon networks (almost half the companies on this list offer only one network)
Advanced location tracking using cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS technology
Text and email reminders from LifeFone when battery is low
Compatibility with a caregiver app for $8 per month, so caregivers can check on the user’s location, first movement of the day, and get notifications if the user presses the button
The VIPx® necklace, while not the least expensive among medical alert necklaces, offers a range of features many users may find valuable for staying safe both at home and while running errands or traveling. With advanced location tracking, your caregiver and LifeFone monitoring personnel can locate you in an emergency anywhere in the United States, as long as you’re in an area with cell service or Wi-Fi.
The emergency response plan can also be personalized with your information to suit your needs and to alert specific contacts you choose in the event of an emergency.
The VIPx® comes in three color options: black, white, and silver. It also features a 10-day battery life, one of the longest battery lives among GPS-enabled necklaces. You’ll receive a charging station with the VIPx®. When it’s low on battery, or you get a low-battery notification from the company, just set the necklace in its charging station, and it will be fully recharged in about three hours.
Warranty
LifeFone offers a protection plan for $5 per month that covers wear and tear, loss, theft, damage, and battery replacements.
Our Reviews Team found the website to be very informative. When we contacted customer service, a representative came to the phone in fewer than five seconds and thoroughly and efficiently answered our Reviews Team member’s questions.
If you’re active and want to be protected in an emergency no matter where you are, the VIPx® by LifeFone may be a great option. Learn more about LifeFone medical alert systems from our dedicated LifeFone Review.
ProsMedical alert necklace includes advanced GPS location tracking and two-way communication for added help in an emergencyCustomer support available 24/7Warranty provided at no extra costConsHigher monthly fee than some other medical alert necklacesSlowest monitoring center response time on this list
Additional Information
ADT is a well-known name in home security systems. The company also sells medical alert equipment that is monitored 24/7 and comes with a variety of options. Our Reviews Team particularly likes the ADT Health On-The-Go system for its advanced location tracking capabilities, making it our choice for “Best Medical Alert Necklace with GPS.”
In addition to GPS tracking, the ADT Health mobile device includes two-way communication (it’s one of the only GPS-enabled necklaces in this review that also comes with two-way communication), so if you push the help button in an emergency, you can talk to a representative at the monitoring center. This will allow the representative to gather details about your situation and determine what kind of help you need. ADT Health provides this technology at a lower price than many other medical alert providers, with no additional fees for equipment or processing.
Our Reviews Team learned the On-The-Go mobile device is not waterproof, but ADT Health does offer waterproof options with its standard help button necklace and its fall detection necklace. During our Reviews Team’s medical alert system testing, the help button still worked after placing it under the faucet for one minute.
Fall detection was the No. 1 feature people wanted in their medical alert device in our Reviews Team’s survey of medical alert users. And for good reason. Research shows that older adults are more likely to fall in the bathroom than anywhere else in their home, and those falls are more likely to cause an injury.
Warranty
A free Premium Protection plan is provided for all ADT Health devices to cover wear and tear, damage, manufacturer’s defects, power surges, and battery replacement.
Customer service
Phone: 800-746-3640, 24/7
Online chat
Payment options
Credit card
We found the ADT website easy to use, although it didn’t provide all the details we needed to know to make a purchase decision (such as whether the GPS device can be worn as a necklace, what its size and weight are, and whether it’s waterproof).
We contacted customer service to get those details, talking with two representatives via online chat and one on the phone. In each case, the representative was helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. Read more about ADT medical alert systems in our full ADT Review.
Best Medical Alert Necklace for At-Home System Package: GetSafe
ProsNo landline requiredHas add-on purchase options, such as mobile unit and fall detection buttonCaregiver tracking available for extra fee ($5 per month)ConsMore expensive equipment fees than other at-home medical alert systemsAdd-on accessories can get pricey ($14.95–$71.95)
Additional Information
Our Reviews Team named GetSafe as “Best Medical Alert Necklace for At-Home System Package” because of its three at-home system offerings, which include at least one wall button (more for the two advanced packages) and one necklace. GetSafe also has a 30-day free trial period to ensure the system fits your needs.
GetSafe has three choices for an at-home medical alert system package: Starter, Standard, and Select. All of these packages vary in size based on the user’s home. The Starter is designed for small condos and comes with one voice-activated wall button and one necklace. The Standard is for two- to three-bedroom homes and comes with two voice-activated wall buttons, one standard wall button, and one necklace. Finally, the Select is for multi-level living spaces with four to five bedrooms and you get three voice-activated wall buttons, two standard wall buttons, and one necklace. The monthly monitoring fee is the same price for all three packages ($29.95).
Similar to other medical alert system help buttons, the necklace from GetSafe is waterproof. When our Reviews Team tested the durability claim to see if it was true, the necklace help button worked after a member of our Reviews Team wore it while taking a 15-minute shower.
A downside of GetSafe is the equipment, add-on, and shipping fees. Equipment fees range from $79-$279, depending on which medical alert system option you select. Some medical alert system companies, such as Medical Guardian, offer a free lockbox to attach to your front door to allow emergency services to enter your home, whereas the lockbox from GetSafe lockbox is an additional $30. Both standard ($12) and expedited ($40) shipping costs an extra fee.
Warranty
GetSafe offers a one-year warranty that covers defects and unintentional damage, and there is a hardware protection plan add-on for $5 per month.
Customer service
Phone: 888-799-6255
7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
Website: Online chat
Payment options
Credit card
When our Reviews Team contacted GetSafe via the online chat, the support representative was helpful and thoroughly responded to our questions within a few minutes. If you’re looking for at-home protection, you might consider one of the three GetSafe at-home system packages. Learn more from our GetSafe Medical Alert Review.
What is a medical alert necklace?
Medical alert necklaces are one way to feel more prepared in the event of an emergency. If you have an accident or don’t feel well, you can alert a monitoring center by pushing the button on your medical alert necklace. Monitoring centers are open 24/7 and staffed with trained specialists. When you contact the monitoring center, the representative will ask you questions to help determine what kind of help you need.
Medical alert necklaces versus medical ID jewelry
Medical alert necklaces are not the same thing as medical alert jewelry.
Lynda Shrager, MSW, OTR, a certified aging-in-place specialist, explained the difference between the two. “Medical alert necklaces are for falls and acute medical events. Jewelry tells someone there is a chronic medical problem and/or the wearer is taking certain types of medications, like insulin or blood thinners, that must be taken into account should a person need medical attention and not be able to speak for themselves,” said Shrager.
Pros/cons of medical alert necklaces
Medical alert necklaces are wearable help buttons that offer convenience and a range of features as part of an in-home system or a mobile system. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
ProsCan be worn around the neck or on a wristbandA hands-free way to stay protected in the event of an emergency in and around your homeLightweight and water resistant
ConsSome medical alert necklaces, particularly those with GPS, can be bulky and/or heavyNot all medical alert necklaces come with a warranty
How much do medical alert necklaces cost?
Medical alert necklaces range in cost, from the base cost of an in-home medical alert system, which starts at $20 per month for subscription fees, and up to about $200 in one-time equipment fees for the more advanced devices with GPS and two-way communication.
Common features of medical alert necklaces
Emergency help button
Water resistance
Fall detection
GPS
Whether to choose a medical alert necklace with or without GPS will depend on your daily activities, said Shrager. “If the person is active and leaving their home for various activities, then it is very helpful to have a [necklace with] GPS. Without GPS, the device will only cover the inside and perimeter of their home.”
How to choose the best medical alert pendant for you
It’s important to think about your needs and preferences when deciding which medical alert necklace is best for you.
For example, if you are at home most of the time and just need a help button to wear around your neck, a basic necklace, such as the MobileHelp Classic, would be a good option.
If you are active and want your necklace to have GPS tracking capabilities, take a look at ADT Health, LifeFone, or Medical Alert, all of which provide this feature.
Also think about whether you prefer a smaller necklace over a large one, and if you care about the way the necklace looks. Bay Alarm Medical is currently one of the only brands on the market offering decorative charm covers. These covers disguise the help button as jewelry so no one knows you’re wearing a medical alert help button.
Whether choosing a medical alert system for yourself or someone else, here are a few other things to consider:
Does the user have hearing loss? Medical alert necklaces with speakers and two-way communication, such as those sold by LifeFone, Medical Guardian, and ADT Health, make it easy for someone with hearing loss to speak to monitoring center staff.
Is arthritis or hand strength an issue? Look for a medical alert necklace with large buttons that are easy to push. The person who will be wearing the necklace will need to test the button to make sure they feel comfortable using it.
Who should use a medical alert necklace?
Anyone with a medical condition that puts them at risk of falling, losing consciousness, or becoming short of breath could benefit from using a medical alert system necklace in their home or carrying a mobile device with them.
According to our Reviews Team’s survey of medical alert users, 51% bought a medical alert system for themselves. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 78% of Americans age 55 and older are living with a chronic health condition, making it wise to own a monitoring system in case of an emergency.2
“If a person is aging alone, a medical alert can be activated to tell people they’re close with that they have fallen or may be having a medical event,” said Shrager. “When I am working with a patient as their home care therapist, I always recommend they have one.”
People who are caring for an aging parent or other loved one may also want to consider a medical alert necklace with GPS tracking and/or a caregiver app to help them stay connected with the medical alert user. LifeFone, ADT Health, and Medical Guardian all offer medical alert necklaces with these features.
While medical alert systems don’t take the place of loved ones and caregivers regularly checking in on an older adult, they can be an important part of a comprehensive care plan.
Tips for saving money on a medical alert necklace
Medical alert necklaces can be expensive, particularly if they have more features than a simple help button. You can save money on medical alert necklaces in the following ways:
Take advantage of payment plans
Most medical alert companies offer discounted monthly rates if you pay quarterly or yearly. If you can afford to do so, this is a great way to save money on a medical alert system.
Watch for sales
Medical alert companies often run sales around the holidays. You can find free shipping on devices, one free month of medical monitoring fees, or no equipment fees in some cases. If you’re interested in a certain brand but can wait to buy your medical alert necklace, keep an eye on the company’s website to see if it starts a sale you can take advantage of.
Use FSA or HSA funds
Because Medicare does not cover medical alert systems, the out-of-pocket costs can be a barrier to getting a medical alert system for many people. If you have a flexible savings account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you may be able to use those funds to pay for a medical alert system. Check with your plan provider for more details.
Look for veterans benefits
While none of the companies in this review offer discounts for veterans, some smaller medical alert companies in your state may provide medical alert systems at low or no cost to veterans. The Senior Veterans Service Alliance has a nationwide listing of these companies, as well as other information on veterans’ benefits.3
Consider all cost factors
Despite the company’s strong marketing, our Reviews Team does not recommend the Life Alert necklace. Our main concern with the brand is its cost and contract requirements. Life Alert requires a three-year contract for its monitoring services, with a penalty fee for early cancellation. Additionally, the brand isn’t clear about pricing, so potential customers need to sit through a sales call to fully understand their fees.
Lastly, the Life Alert necklace does not include fall detection, as the company does not offer that feature. Yet its fees are higher than the competitors on this list, with a monthly fee of $49.95 to $98.95 for monitoring services and a one-time $197 activation fee. When considering all these factors, Life Alert is much more costly than many other systems. You can learn more about it in our full Life Alert review.
Medical alert necklaces: Bottom line
Medical alert pendants can be a great way to stay protected in the event of an emergency when you’re at home and away.
For people looking to purchase a basic help button necklace to use at home most of the time, our Reviews Team recommends Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, and Bay Alarm Medical.
For more active adults, GetSafe’s device is waterproof. LifeFone and ADT Health offer advanced medical alert necklaces with GPS and two-way communication for added safety anywhere you go.
Our Reviews Team does not recommend Life Alert for medical alert necklaces or any other medical alert device.
Frequently asked questions
Medicare does not cover the cost of medical alert necklaces or other medical alert systems in most cases.4
Some private insurance policies may cover part of the cost of a medical alert system that includes a necklace. Check with your insurance provider to see if your plan offers this coverage.
Based on their testing, our Reviews Team believes Medical Guardian is the best medical alert pendant for older adults.
But the best medical alert necklace for you is the one that fits your budget, personal needs, and preferences most closely. Think about why you want a medical alert necklace, how often you’re away from home, and whether you want a necklace with fall detection and/or an app that helps you stay connected to caregivers. These factors can all affect your decision of which medical alert necklace to buy.
Two of the most affordable brands recommended by our Reviews Team are Bay Alarm Medical and MobileHelp, which both offer medical alert necklaces with monitoring fees starting at $19.95 per month.
Medical alert necklaces range in price from $19.95 to about $50 per month for monitoring fees. Some companies also charge one-time equipment fees, which can be up to $150 for medical alert necklaces with more advanced features, such as GPS tracking and two-way communication.
Medical alert necklaces with GPS location tracking, such as those sold by LifeFone, Medical Guardian, and ADT Health, can be used to locate the person wearing it.
To purchase a medical alert necklace, you can buy it directly from a medical alert system company. Our Reviews Team’s top recommendations are MobileHelp, Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, LifeFone, ADT Health, and GetSafe.
A medical alert necklace is better for fall detection, while a medical alert bracelet is better for a more discreet option. But fall detection technology continues to improve and more medical alert companies are adding this feature to their smartwatch devices. Ultimately, deciding if a medical alert necklace or bracelet is better for you is based on your preferences and lifestyle.
When searching for a medical alert necklace, look for if it’s water-resistant or has special features, such as fall detection or GPS. These emergency help button necklaces also come in many different sizes, with some as small as a bottle cap and some as large as a deck of cards.
A medical alert necklace is a wearable help button you can push in the event of a fall or emergency. The button communicates with a monitoring center that can connect with emergency services to get you the help you need.
Stevens Judy A., et al. Injury Epidemiology. March 20, 2014. Circumstances and Outcomes of Falls Among High Risk Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700929/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Percent of U.S. Adults 55 and Over with Chronic Conditions. Nov. 6, 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/health_policy/adult_chronic_conditions.htm
Senior Veterans Service Alliance. Find Home Medical Alert Services in Your Area. Found on the internet at https://www.veteransaidbenefit.org/medical_alert.htm
Medicare.gov. What’s not covered by Part A and Part B? Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-isnt-covered-by-part-a-part-b
Cara Everett is a writer and registered dietitian nutritionist who has been helping people reach their wellness goals for over 20 years. In addition to working in clinical practice, Cara writes extensively on hearing aid technology, keeping pace with new models and industry developments to help readers make the most informed purchasing decisions possible. She has spent more than 1,000 hours researching and testing hearing aids.
Christopher Norman is a Board-Certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and Holistic Nurse. As a nurse’s aide, registered nurse and now nurse practitioner, he has loved working with older adults since 2004.
Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field as a pharmacist, researcher, and program director focusing on falls prevention, geriatric pharmacotherapy, mental health, long-term services and supports, and caregiving. Cameron is Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, where she provides subject matter expertise on health care programmatic and policy related issues and oversees the Modernizing Senior Center Resource Center.
