Medical alert devices are for personal medical emergencies, while security systems guard your property. Because they’re so different, you can use both, but you don’t want to mix up one for the other. Medical alert systems generally serve the following two purposes:
To provide a way for the user to get help during medical emergencies To alert medical personnel that the user has fallen
If the device doesn’t have built-in fall detection, the user is responsible for hitting the button on their device. Once the alert goes off, the provider either contacts the user’s emergency contact or sends first responders straight to the user’s home, depending on the device plan and settings. However, some companies are combative if you try to end their services, even if the user has passed away. In those instances, it’s not much different than having a contract. Most providers also offer GPS-enabled alert devices that work outside of the home and allow caretakers and first responders to locate the user. You can even get in-car medical alerts that call 911 after a car accident. Just know that opting for these upgrades will increase your monthly price. If your system is professionally monitored, the provider rep may try to contact you before sending the police, or they may jump straight to alerting the authorities. (Again, that will usually depend on the plan or settings.) While medical alert devices specifically protect people, security systems protect your property when you’re gone or indisposed. Don’t get us wrong; an armed security system definitely offers your family greater safety, but that’s more of a fringe benefit than its main purpose. A home with a full security suite (door and window sensors, motion detectors, strategically-placed cameras) and professional monitoring will usually be safer than a home with a few sensors and self-monitoring. Because of this crossover, some home security companies, like ADT and Vivint, offer medical alert devices. (It’s uncommon for medical alert companies to sell home security, although we have seen it.) For more information on home safety, check out our pieces on ways to make your home safe and how Google Home can help the elderly. If you do, the biggest benefit is bundling services. You might get a better deal buying an ADT security system plus ADT medical alert than you would buying an ADT security system and a separate medical device from, say, Medical Guardian.
Automatic fall detectionBackup battery (and number of hours it lasts)More than one monitoring centerPower source (typically needs either a landline or a cell phone plan)
You also want to make sure the device has a large enough range for your home. If your home’s too big for the average medical alarm system, we suggest getting a mobile system with a GPS plan.
