Medical alert systems provide immediate assistance when seniors slip or fall. Because fall-related injuries can seriously impact the long-term well-being of seniors, all aging adults should consider investing in a medical alert system. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, however, these systems can provide broader assistance. Features like GPS location tracking and medication reminders help seniors manage memory loss on a daily basis.
It can be difficult to select the best medical alert system for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This list analyzes three medical alert providers —MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical and Alert1 — that offer protection suited to seniors coping with these conditions. Of the medical alert systems discussed in this article, MobileHelp offers the best combination of low monthly costs and appealing add-on features, including apps that provide caregivers with essential information.
The Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
MobileHelp
MobileHelp offers affordable in-home and mobile medical alert systems that are equipped with features valuable for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The in-home system uses a cellular connection to track seniors within a 600-foot radius of the base station, and the portable mobile system protects users anywhere with cellular service. Both systems use wearable help button devices that are waterproof and showerproof.
For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the MobileHelp Duo package, which bundles the in-home and mobile coverage, provides extra protection when they’re at home and when they’re out of range of the base system. Many seniors with Alzheimer’s develop a tendency to wander, and this bundled package makes it easier for caregivers to locate missing seniors without compromising on at-home safety. The system includes an easy-to-use app, MobileHelp Connect, which provides caregivers with on-demand location tracking.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia may find it hard to follow a daily medication schedule. MobileHelp offers Medication Reminders, a useful add-on service that gives seniors friendly reminders via their cellular base station. Many at-home falls occur because seniors forgot to take their medication — scheduled medication reminders can keep them healthy in more ways than one.
Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical offers a variety of in-home and on-the-go medical alert systems, as well as a number of effective add-on devices. Thanks to Bay Alarm Medical’s diverse array of options, it’s easy to select a medical alert system tailored to seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The company offers two in-home medical alert systems. The first provides coverage using a landline, and the second uses AT&T 4G-LTE cellular connectivity to connect the in-home system to the emergency monitoring center. Both options come with features that might prove valuable for seniors with Alzheimer’s. The system comes equipped with a sensitive microphone and a high-output speaker, which may facilitate 2-way communication when seniors are confused or struggling to express themselves.
Bay Alarm Medical also provides on-the-go and in-the-car systems that use GPS to locate seniors when they’re not at home. To provide caregivers with peace of mind, Bay Alarm Medical developed a caregiver tracking app, which offers pinpoint location tracking, low battery notifications, weather/temperature notifications and access to location history. This app helps caregivers locate seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia and gives them a better understanding of when and where seniors wander. The company’s in-car system offers location-based boundary alerts, which can be programmed to notify caregivers when the senior leaves a designated boundary.
Alert1
The Alert1 safety alert system consists of in-the-home and on-the-go devices, which can be enhanced with add-ons like fall detection service or bundled together for a more affordable monthly rate. The in-home device requires a landline to connect seniors with the Alert1 Command Center, and the on-the-go option uses built-in location technology and Verizon cellular connectivity to protect seniors 24 hours a day. When bundled together, these services provide comprehensive coverage to seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The on-the-go device tracks the senior’s location if they wander or get lost, and the at-home device continues to work if the senior forgets to charge their mobile pendant.
Alert1 also offers several add-on devices that may prove beneficial to seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The wall-mounted emergency button provides additional coverage in high-risk rooms, like the bathroom. The medication reminder and organizer notifies seniors of dosage times and dispenses their medication. For seniors who are hard of hearing, the voice extender makes it easier to hear and communicate with the emergency operator.
The Most Important Features for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Medical alert systems can help seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia cope with some of the symptoms of memory loss. They can help them maintain a medication routine, facilitate communication with emergency operators and keep them safe inside and outside of the house. For the best results, look for medical alert systems with features such as:
GPS Location Tracking
On-the-go devices with GPS location tracking provide caregivers with essential location data when seniors wander.
Medication Reminders and Dispensers
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia may forget to take their daily medication without a reminder. Many medical alert systems, including MobileHelp and Alert1, offer medication reminder services or devices that inform seniors when to take their prescriptions.
At-Home and On-the-Go System Bundles
For seniors with a tendency to wander, an on-the-go system may not provide enough protection. Most mobile devices have 24-hour battery lifespans. If the senior forgets to charge their device, the at-home system offers crucial backup coverage.
How to Choose a Medical Alert System for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
After determining which medical alert features seniors need the most, it’s time to compare costs. Most medical alert systems charge monthly fees for their services, with separate fees for at-home, on-the-go and add-on services. Alert1, MobileHelp and Bay Alarm Medical all offer bundled packages, which provide seniors with at-home and on-the-go protection for a reduced monthly rate.
MobileHelp is the most affordable of the three medical alert systems; the bundled Duo package costs $41.95 per month. Bay Alarm Medical’s comparable 360° Protection package costs $59.95 per month, and the Alert1 bundle package costs $58.95 per month. Though MobileHelp offers the most affordable monthly plan, it also charges a one-time fee of $49.95 for its MobileHelp classic device, which may prove too expensive for seniors looking to minimize upfront costs.
Whether seniors opt for the affordability of MobileHelp or the varied add-ons offered by Bay Alarm Medical, they’re sure to receive reliable protection from their chosen medical alert system.
