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Monitored vs. Unmonitored Medical Alert Systems
Monitored medical alert devices connect seniors directly to monitoring service providers at the touch of a help button. Unmonitored devices rely on reaching one or more emergency contacts (often 911).
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At a glance:
- Monitored mobile and in-home systems use either a landline or cellular network to connect seniors directly to emergency responders at a dedicated monitoring center.
- Unmonitored systems rely on contacting either 911 or loved ones and caregivers for help.
- Most monitored systems have an emergency response time of under 60 seconds. Response times for unmonitored systems can be hard to predict.
- Monitored systems usually cost more but offer advanced features. These include automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and healthcare services.
Medical alert systems, or personal emergency response systems (PERs), help seniors stay independent. Falls are the top cause of serious injuries for seniors, both fatal and non-fatal. When shopping for a medical alert system, choosing between a monitored or non-monitored system is crucial. For older adults seeking daily peace of mind, understanding how the system works is key. It impacts the help you get when you press the emergency button.
This article explains the differences between monitored and unmonitored medical alert systems. Seniors with well-being concerns can use this information to pick the best medical alert system for their needs.
Great variety
Medical Guardian
- Call chain for caregivers
- Sleek, stylish wearable devices
Monitored vs. Non-Monitored Medical Alert System Comparison
| Feature | Monitored | Non-Monitored |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts the user before dispatching help | Yes* | No |
| Makes a determination of the level of help needed before calling emergency services | Yes* | No |
| Can distinguish between true emergencies and less serious situations | Yes* | No |
| Has a monthly subscription fee | Yes | No |
*User must be within the range of a base unit or use a wearable with two-way communication.
What Are Monitored Medical Alert Systems?
When you get a monitored medical alert system, trained staff at the medical alert company’s control center are ready to respond to emergency alerts. Alerts happen when seniors press the emergency button on their in-home medical alert systems or wearable devices such as pendants or wristbands. At that point, an agent responds personally via the medical alert base unit or wearable equipped with voice communication technology.
Once in contact with an agent, they will help resolve your emergency by sending a close friend or relative—provided by you when you sign up for the medical alert service—paramedics, or the police. Please note that some medical alert wearable remotes do not have two-way communication capabilities. In this case, the call center may have to call emergency services if you are too far from the base station to communicate directly with them via voice chat.
Monitored Medical Alert System Benefits
Both home-based and mobile monitored medical alert systems offer several life-saving key features for seniors with mobility issues, including:
- 24/7 emergency response: Trained staff are always available to respond to medical emergencies quickly.
- Coverage beyond the home: Even if other household members are in another room, the yard, or away from their cell phone, the alert button ensures someone can be contacted.
- Fall detection and activity monitoring: Installed sensors add functionality, triggering alerts automatically even when seniors are unable to press the button.
- Family notifications: – Motion sensors and door/window sensors can send updates to family members and caregivers if routines change or potential issues arise.
Examples of The Best Monitored Medical Alert Systems
| Brand | Starting Monthly Price | Device Type | Key features and add-ons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Guardian | $27.95 | • In-home • Pendant • Bracelet • Smartwatch | • Range of up to 1400 ft • 5-day battery life • 25-second average response time • GPS tracking, fall detection, and more |
| Personal Living Alert | $22.90 | • In-home • Pendant • Bracelet • Smartwatch | • Range of up to 2000 ft • 5-day battery life • 18-second average response time • GPS tracking, fall detection, and more |
| ADT Medical Alert | $26.99 | • In-home • Pendant • Bracelet | • Range of up to 600 ft • 40-hour battery life • 15-second average response time • GPS tracking, fall detection, and more |
| Medical Care Alert | $29.95 | • Base unit • Help button (wrist or necklace) • Wall mount • Lockbox | • Range of up to 1000 ft • 72-hour battery life • 17-second average response time • GPS tracking, fall detection, and more |
| Bay Alarm | $24.95 | • In-home • Pendant • Smartwatch | • Range of up to 1000 ft • 2-5 year battery life • 10-second average response time • GPS tracking, fall detection, and more |
| Lifeline | $27.95 | • In-home • Pendant | • Range of up to 800 ft • 4-day battery life • 30-second average response time • GPS tracking, fall detection, and more |
What Are Non-monitored Medical Alert Systems?
Non-monitored medical alert systems do not involve a response from a call center. When the customer presses the emergency button on the wearable, these systems either automatically dial a predetermined number, typically 911, or a small set of numbers for friends and family members.
Regardless of the level of assistance the person requires, these pre-programmed responses occur whenever an alert is activated. If 911 is the automatic call number, a paramedic will respond whether you need help getting off the toilet or if you have fallen and broken a hip.
When non-monitored systems make a pre-programmed call or calls, they make contact in one of two ways:
- Direct connection: The system dials your emergency contacts and connects the senior to the first person who answers, using the base unit or wearable for two-way communication.
- Automated message: The system dials contacts and plays a recorded message stating there’s a medical emergency at the senior’s registered home address, noting it’s an automated alert. You can’t use these traditional medical alert systems while traveling because the automated alerts are sent based on the registered home location.
Medical Guardian
Great variety
Call chain for caregivers
Sleek, stylish wearable devices
ADT Medical Alert
Great plans
Home temperature monitoring
Fixed-rate service
Non-monitored Medical Alert System Benefits
Unmonitored medical alert systems provide a few benefits seniors should consider, including:
- One-time costs: Most unmonitored systems only require a single purchase, allowing seniors to avoid monthly monitoring fees.
- Direct 911 access: Many devices can call emergency services immediately with the press of a button.
Examples of The Best Unmonitored Medical Alert Systems
| Device | One-time cost | Key features | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| WellBe Smart Speaker | Starting at $189 | • Health-tracking • Medication reminders and prescription refill alerts via Wi-Fi smart speaker • Voice command support | No built-in emergency call to 911 without additional hardware (pendant/watch) |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | Starting at $249 | • Fall detection • Urgent response button • Health monitoring | Versions with GPS location or cellular services may require a monthly data plan |
| FastHelp | Starting at $149 | • Weeks-long battery life • Urgent response button • Can call 911 directly | The system does not contact friends or family automatically |
| Silent Beacon | Starting at $99 | • Can pair with your smartphone • Contacts 911 and alerts your other emergency contacts via text, email, or push notification • GPS tracking through your phone • Six-hour talk time, six-month standby time | Needs smartphone nearby (for GPS / alerting) since device doesn’t have its own cellular network |
The Monitoring Center Matters
When using a monitored medical alert system, the monitoring center itself can make a big difference in service level based on where it is located, the hours it has staff on duty, the response time, and operators being able to speak your language fluently. A monitored medical alert system should never be the link that delays your getting help.
- Location: Operators at overseas call centers may not understand the nuances of your medical information, struggling to communicate or recognize language and tone cues that suggest something is wrong, even if the client does not say they need help.
- Call Center Hours: Call centers that are not staffed 24 hours a day, every day are not helpful, as assistance may be unavailable when you need it most.
- Response Time: Operators must respond to alerts quickly to avoid escalation of a medical emergency. Response times should be measured in seconds, never minutes.
- Language Communication: Your calls need to be automatically routed to agents who are fluent in your native language, and you should never have to wait on hold for an agent who can understand you. Those who are fluent in your language as their second language can work well, but using a monitoring system with staff who primarily speak your language can drastically increase understanding.
Call centers should also be able to provide non-emergency help by contacting friends or family members via phone numbers provided as non-emergency contacts. If you need help getting out of bed or a chair, the operator can contact someone from the non-emergency list to avoid incurring the cost of paramedic services.
Cost Differences
Non-monitored medical alert systems usually have only an up-front cost for the base unit and any wearables. No monthly fee is associated with non-monitored systems. You may be able to lease or rent a non-monitored system. The most affordable non-monitored medical alert systems cost around $100-$300.
On the other hand, monitored systems include the up-front equipment cost with a continuous monitoring fee, typically charged monthly. Monitoring costs vary depending on services, but usually start at around $25 to $40 a month. Many companies offer the equipment for free with a monthly subscription. Monitored systems often require an annual service center contract as well, sometimes with cancellation fees for service cancellation before the end of the contract.
Voice Help
Whether you use a monitored or non-monitored system, having voice activation on your wearable makes it easier to get help. If you are unable to press the emergency button for any reason, you can speak a previously specified command to automatically connect to a call center or 911.
Bottom Line: Should You Choose a Monitored or Unmonitored Medical Alert System?
Choosing between a monitored and non-monitored medical alert system comes down to personal preference, your living situation, and your lifestyle. If you like the comfort of having a 24/7 monitoring center directing your emergency situations, and you don’t mind a monthly fee, a monitored system might be a great choice. If you feel comfortable with the alert system calling a predetermined contact instead of a monitoring center, consider a non-monitored system.
Frequently Asked Questions
The system you should choose will depend on your unique circumstances. Seniors who travel often should consider mobile monitored systems for their range and fast response times. Conversely, seniors with severe mobility concerns may benefit from either an unmonitored system that contacts 911 directly or an at-home monitored system that uses a landline connection.
Response times are generally more dependent on the medical alert company, rather than the type of system. However, monitored systems tend to have more reliable responses in under 60 seconds.
Unmonitored systems can be more affordable month-to-month, but usually require a hefty one-time setup fee.
Typically, neither system is covered by Medicare or most private insurance plans. However, you may be able to get coverage or free systems through Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, long-term care insurance, or state-based Medicaid programs.
Yes, there are unmonitored medical alert systems that include fall detection services, such as the Apple Watch SE 3. However, these services may require a separate data plan or a monthly fee.
In-home systems are best for seniors with severe health concerns that need reliable services, while mobile systems help seniors stay safe on the go. Mobile systems also tend to offer more add-ons.
While Life Alert might be one of the first brands that comes to mind, some of the most well-rated brands include: Medical Guardian, Personal Living Alert, Lively, ADT, Medical Care Alert, and Lifeline.