You may know someone who could use a medical alert system to help them stay independent or to protect against falls. But it's a sensitive topic. It can be hard to have this conversation, especially if you’re having it with a parent or someone who’s not used to taking your advice.

Tools like medical alert systems can help us age with more independence, confidence, and safety. This article will cover strategies for discussing a medical alert system with someone who may not want to use one.

When is it time for a medical alert system?

There isn’t a specific age when people should get a medical alert system. But there are some signs someone you care about could use a medical alert system:

• They’ve had previous falls: Falls are one of the biggest risks medical alert systems help address. Falls are the leading cause of injuries¹ for adults 65+, and falling once doubles your chances² of falling again.
• They’ve had a “long lie” (when you fall and spend a long time on the ground because you’re unable to get up). Long lies may be linked to several health problems,³ like dehydration, pressure injuries, muscle and tissue damage, and psychological harm. More than three-quarters (75%)⁴ of people 65+ who fall need help to get up from the floor.
• They have health/mobility issues: Anyone with balance, mobility, or other health issues may have a higher risk of falling. A medical alert system can automatically get them help if they fall.
• They live alone/want to age in place: Aging in place means staying in your home as you get older instead of moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. According to research,⁵ using a medical alert system while aging in place can improve users’ sense of safety and security at home.
• They have an active lifestyle: It’s good to stay active, and medical alert systems can help. Using a medical alert system has shown to make people more active around the house, according to research.⁵

Preparing to discuss medical alert systems

It’s better to bring up the topic soon after a medical emergency or when you first notice signs someone may benefit from a medical alert system. Doing this early can help give the person you care about more time to get used to the idea.

You can also frame this as a general conversation about how the person you cares about prefers to age.

“I encourage people to begin the conversation about what matters most to them as they get older,” said Sarah Milanowski, a licensed master social worker and enrollment and marketing manager at LifeCircles PACE in Holland, Michigan. “If we can have chats with folks about what we want to happen AND explore what we’d want if we aren’t able to be independent, we’ll all be better prepared.”

If the person recently had a medical emergency, don’t be afraid to bring up the topic often. The sooner you bring it up, the sooner they can warm up to the idea and get help.

Choose the right time and place

Before you start, pick the right time and setting for a sensitive conversation. In a private place when you’re not in a rush is best.

Also, give some thought to what you want to get out of the conversation. Be prepared for resistance, but don’t let it deter you or make you emotional. Be calm and empathetic.

Approach the topic with empathy

Assure them you’re bringing up this topic because you care about them. They need to know you care about their health, safety, and happiness.

If they’ve recently fallen or had another medical emergency, explain it’s made you think about how to keep them safe while still letting them do the things they love. It’s not about disrupting their lifestyle but complementing it.

Ask them if they’ve thought about a medical alert system. It’s important to involve them in the discussion and ultimate decision—don’t decide for them. They may have negative opinions about a medical alert system. Learning about the available options together can help change their mind. When introducing the topic, respect their right to make their own choices.

Communication tips for discussing medical alert systems

1. Active listening techniques

Use active listening,⁶ which is when you not only hear what someone is saying but also tune into their thoughts and feelings. Listen intensely without interrupting or thinking about what you’ll say next. Pay attention to their body language and emotions.

“Caregivers need to be willing to listen to their care recipient and take feedback about their concerns with the devices or systems,” said Milanowski, the social worker in Michigan. “Make it an open discussion and be willing to see things from their point of view.”

2. Focusing on benefits, not limitations

Be positive. Emphasize the benefits of medical alert systems, not a person’s limitations. Many images associated with medical alert systems tend to highlight helplessness or frailty. But in reality, medical alert systems can help restore and prolong independence.

“Care partners should discuss the benefits of medical alerts with their care recipient,” said Milanowski. “Try to connect the benefits directly to the person’s goals. For example, medical alert systems can help people have peace of mind in their choice to live independently, and still access help if they need it.”

Emphasize how medical alert systems can help them return to their daily life and improve their quality of life.

3. Sharing specific safety concerns

Focusing on independence doesn’t mean you should paint an overly optimistic picture.

Maybe the person you care about has a fear of falling. Don’t ignore or dismiss their fear. Instead, acknowledge it. You can say something like, “Yes, falling is a serious risk, and it can be very dangerous. But a medical alert system can automatically call for help if you fall and are unable to press a help button. Doesn’t that sound reassuring?”

4. Involving them in the device selection process

Involving them when selecting a device helps the person you care about feel more comfortable and respected. They don’t want to feel you’re talking down to them—involving them in the discussion shows you care about their opinions.

5. Overcome common objections

Be prepared for resistance and for the conversation to be ongoing. You might need to address the topic multiple times before they come around. Don’t be discouraged.

Understanding medical alert system options

It’s important you understand some basics about medical alert systems before discussing it with the person you care about. Being knowledgeable allows you to answer some questions and help calm their fears.

Types of devices

Medical alert devices come in two main categories: in-home and on-the-go.

• In-home devices plug into the wall and connect to wireless help buttons. The buttons have a range they can operate from the base station—usually about 200 to 1,400 feet. Pressing the button within range will trigger a call to the monitoring center. From there, monitoring center agents will contact emergency services if necessary.
• Mobile devices use rechargeable batteries and GPS technology to keep you connected anywhere with cell service. Like in-home devices, mobile devices have a help button connecting to the monitoring center. The difference is mobile devices aren’t limited by range and can work anywhere with cell service.

Features to consider

Think about what medical alert features you, the person you care about, or their care partner would use.

Most medical alerts offer automatic fall detection for an extra $10 monthly. This feature will alert the monitoring center whenever it detects a fall. Note: no fall detection is 100% accurate.

Some medical alerts come with mobile apps to allow approved people to check the user’s activity, send medication reminders, and more.

Medical alert companies also offer wearable devices, like smartwatches. These devices look very similar to regular smartwatches. This may be a big perk for people worried about medical alert systems making them look old.

Cost ranges

Medical alert systems usually cost about $20–$55 per month, but the cost can vary greatly.

You may be able to save money by doing the following:

• Paying annually or quarterly
• Looking for seasonal discounts
• Checking if your insurance covers medical alert systems
• Using BenefitsCheckUp® to find cost savings in your area

You can also opt for a simpler device with no extra features.

FAQ

How much do medical alert devices cost?

Medical alert devices cost about $20–$55 per month, but the cost can vary considerably.

Can family members be notified during an emergency?

Yes, some medical alert companies have apps to notify family members, caregivers, or others if there’s an emergency. Sometimes, this feature comes with an extra fee, about $5–$10 extra per month.

What if someone doesn't want to wear the device?

If the person you care about doesn’t want to wear the device, start by asking them why and actively listening. Really understand their objections. Then, you can help them see how a medical alert device will increase their independence—not limit it.

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older Adult Falls Data. Oct. 28. 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts About Falls. May 9, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

3. University of Sheffield The Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research. The Long Lies Study. Found on the internet at https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cure/current-trials/long-lies-study

4. Kubitza J, et al. Concept of the term long lie: a scoping review. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity. Aug. 29, 2023. Found on the internet at https://eurapa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s11556-023-00326-3

5. De San Miguel K, et al. Personal emergency alarms: do health outcomes differ for purchasers and nonpurchasers? Home Health Care Services Quarterly. Dec. 8, 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01621424.2017.1373718

6. Harvard Business Review. What Is Active Listening? Jan. 2, 2024. Found on the internet at https://hbr.org/2024/01/what-is-active-listening