What Is a Medical Alert System?
A medical alert system — also called a personal emergency response system (PERS) — is a wearable device that connects you to a 24/7 monitoring center at the press of a button. If you fall, have a medical emergency, or feel unsafe, you press the button and a trained operator responds within seconds.
The operator can dispatch an ambulance, call your emergency contacts, or simply talk you through the situation. Some systems also include automatic fall detection, which triggers an alert even if you cannot press the button yourself.
For seniors aging in place alone, a medical alert system is one of the most important safety devices in the home. The fear of falling and not being able to get help is the number one concern seniors report about living alone.
Types of Medical Alert Systems
In-home systems consist of a base station and a wearable pendant or wristband. The base station connects to the monitoring center via your phone line or cellular connection. The wearable has a range of 400–1,000 feet from the base, covering your home and yard. Cost: $20–$35/month.
Mobile (GPS) systems are standalone devices that work anywhere — at home, in the car, at the store, on a walk. They use cellular networks and GPS to locate you. No base station required. Cost: $30–$50/month.
Smartwatch-based systems combine medical alert functionality with a regular watch. They include fall detection, heart rate monitoring, and GPS. They look like a normal watch, which appeals to seniors who do not want to wear a pendant. Cost: $30–$50/month plus the watch ($100–$300).
In-home + mobile bundles include both a base station for the home and a mobile GPS device for when you leave. This provides the broadest coverage. Cost: $35–$50/month.
Key Features to Look For
Fall detection uses accelerometers to detect sudden falls and automatically contact the monitoring center. This is critical for seniors at high fall risk or those living alone, because a fall can render you unable to press the button. Fall detection adds $5–$10/month to most plans. Not all fall detection is equally accurate — ask about false alarm rates and detection accuracy.
Cellular connection is strongly recommended over landline-only systems. Cellular systems work during power outages (if the base has battery backup) and do not require a home phone line. In New England, where winter storms cause frequent power outages, cellular reliability is a real advantage.
Battery backup on the base station keeps the system running during power outages. Look for at least 24 hours of backup. Some systems offer 32–72 hours, which matters during New England nor'easters that can knock out power for days.
Waterproof wearable is essential. Falls are most common in the bathroom. If your pendant or wristband is not waterproof, it will be sitting on the counter when you need it most. Wear it in the shower.
Two-way voice communication lets you talk to the monitoring center through the pendant or base station without picking up a phone. This is standard on most systems but verify before purchasing.
GPS tracking on mobile devices helps dispatchers find you if you cannot describe your location. This is important for seniors who walk outdoors, drive, or have early-stage dementia.
Caregiver app or portal lets family members check the senior's location, view activity patterns, and receive alerts. Not all systems offer this — ask if it is important to your family.
New England-Specific Considerations
Living in New England creates specific requirements for a medical alert system:
Power outages. Winter storms regularly knock out power across New England. Your medical alert system must function without electricity. Cellular-based systems with battery backup are the most reliable option. Verify the backup battery duration — 24 hours is the minimum, but 48–72 hours is better for the region.
Cellular coverage. Rural areas of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and western Massachusetts have inconsistent cellular coverage. Before choosing a cellular system, verify coverage at your specific address. Most providers will let you test the system and return it within 30 days if coverage is inadequate.
Cold weather and outdoor use. If you use a mobile GPS device for walks, snow shoveling, or trips to the mailbox, ensure the device works in cold temperatures. Some devices lose battery life rapidly in extreme cold. Keep the device close to your body (in a pocket, not on an outer jacket) to maintain battery performance.
Long driveways and rural properties. In-home systems with a 400-foot range may not cover the entire property on a rural New England homestead. If you spend time in a barn, garden, or detached garage, a mobile GPS system provides coverage beyond the home.
Emergency response times. In rural areas, ambulance response can take 15–30 minutes or longer. A medical alert system that also contacts nearby family or neighbors can provide faster initial response. Some systems allow you to designate local contacts who are called first before dispatching emergency services.
Cost Comparison
| System Type | Monthly Cost | Equipment Cost | Fall Detection | |------------|-------------|---------------|----------------| | In-home (landline) | $20–$25 | $0–$50 | +$5–$10/mo | | In-home (cellular) | $25–$35 | $0–$100 | +$5–$10/mo | | Mobile GPS | $30–$45 | $0–$150 | Often included | | Smartwatch | $30–$50 | $100–$300 | Often included | | Bundle (home + mobile) | $35–$50 | $0–$150 | +$5–$10/mo |
Most companies offer discounts for annual or quarterly prepayment (10–20% off monthly rates). Avoid long-term contracts — the best companies offer month-to-month service.
What to Avoid
Long-term contracts. Choose month-to-month service. If the system does not work well or your needs change, you should be able to cancel without penalty.
Large upfront equipment fees. Many quality systems include equipment free with the monitoring plan. Equipment fees of $200+ are a sign you are overpaying.
Landline-only systems. These are outdated and do not work during power outages (unless you have a separate battery-backed phone). Cellular systems are the standard.
Hidden fees. Ask about activation fees, shipping fees, and cancellation penalties before signing up. Get the total cost in writing.
No fall detection. For seniors at fall risk (which is most seniors over 70), fall detection is worth the extra $5–$10 per month. The device is useless if you cannot reach the button.
How to Choose
Test before committing. Most reputable companies offer a 30-day trial with full refund. Use this period to test the device in every room, in the shower, in the yard, and anywhere else you regularly go.
Involve the senior in the decision. A device that is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or confusing will not be worn. Let the senior try different form factors — pendant, wristband, belt clip, watch — and choose what they will actually wear every day.
Check the monitoring center. Where is it located? Is it staffed 24/7? What is the average response time after the button is pressed? Quality centers respond within 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical alert systems cost $20–$50 per month depending on the type. In-home systems start at $20–$35/month. Mobile GPS systems run $30–$45/month. Fall detection adds $5–$10/month. Most companies offer discounts for quarterly or annual prepayment.
Original Medicare does not cover medical alert systems. However, some Medicare Advantage plans include PERS devices as a supplemental benefit. Medicaid waiver programs in some New England states may also cover them. Check with your specific insurance plan.
Cellular-based systems with battery backup continue working during power outages. Look for systems with at least 24 hours of battery backup — 48–72 hours is better for New England, where winter storms can cause multi-day outages. Landline-only systems may not work during outages.
Fall detection accuracy varies by device and manufacturer. Most systems detect 80–95% of hard falls. They may miss slow falls (like sliding off a chair) and can produce occasional false alarms from sudden movements. Despite limitations, fall detection significantly improves outcomes for seniors who fall when alone.
Yes — and you should. Most quality medical alert pendants and wristbands are waterproof and designed to be worn in the shower. Falls are most common in the bathroom, so wearing the device while bathing is essential. Verify the waterproof rating (IP67 or higher) before purchasing.
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