Personal emergency response systems, or medical alert systems, provide subscribers with an instant link to a 24/7 emergency call monitoring center staffed by caring, compassionate operators. When a medical alert subscriber activates their help button, the system automatically dials the monitoring center and the caller can engage in a clear, two-way conversation with the operator through a speakerphone located in a base unit.
Medical alert systems can be activated through either a pendant, wall-mounted or wrist-style help button. Also commonly known as medical alert system bracelets, the wrist-worn buttons are popular among users who are looking for a simple, discrete personal emergency response device that’s comfortable to wear and requires virtually no maintenance.
With dozens of medical alert system bracelets to choose from, finding the one that fits your specific needs and budget can be a challenge. To help you narrow down your options we’ve prepared a list of the three best medical alert system bracelets along with a summary of the costs, features and options available with each device.
The 3 Best Medical Alert System Bracelets
Bay Alarm Medical
Topping our list of the three best medical alert system bracelets is Bay Alarm Medical’s wristband personal help button, which is included with Bay Alarm Medical’s In The Home medical alert system. Bay Alarm Medical’s wrist-mounted help button is made in the USA, and 24/7 monitoring services are provided through three CSAA Five Diamond Certified medical monitoring centers located in California, Idaho and Utah.
This lightweight, user-friendly bracelet-style help button is 100% waterproof, making it safe to wear in the shower. The help button has a range of up to 1000′ from the in-home base unit, which provides ample coverage in most apartments and houses.
Bay Alarm Medical’s medical alert system bracelets come equipped with built-in, non-rechargeable batteries rated to last up to five years. If the battery in the medical alert system bracelet starts to run low, a signal is automatically sent to the monitoring station, and an operator will contact the subscriber.
Bay Alarm Medical monthly monitoring plans start at under $20, and this fee includes use of the medical alert system bracelet and base station, activation, shipping and 24/7 access to the call monitoring center. The company also offers landline and cellular-powered base units, making the service accessible for users who do not have a landline telephone.
QMedic
QMedic stands out for being one of the best medical alert system bracelets because it not only gives users 24/7 access to an emergency monitoring center, but it also includes an innovative activity monitoring feature that can help spot behavioral changes in users.
The QMedic bracelet is fully waterproof and equipped with a non-rechargeable battery rated to last up to two years for maintenance-free use. The button is secured to a comfortable watch-style wrist strap that is fully adjustable to fit each user, and the device is about the same size as a large wristwatch. The device is linked to an in-home, cellular-powered base unit that is equipped with a two-way speakerphone to enable clear conversations between the user and QMedic operators.
QMedic monitoring services include access to the QMedic caregiver dashboard — a secure online portal that lets authorized loved ones and caregivers monitor a user’s activity levels, sleep patterns and wear compliance. The QMedic system also automatically flags abnormal behavior patterns, such as changes to a user’s activity levels, which could indicate a developing medical issue.
QMedic monthly monitoring plans start at $30 per month, or $300 per year for the QMedic medical alert system bracelet, base station, 24/7 emergency call center access and the secure caregiver dashboard.
Medical Guardian
Rounding out our list of the best medical alert system bracelets is the Classic Guardian from Medical Guardian. This affordable in-home medical alert system includes a low-profile wrist button mounted on a watch-style wrist band that is highly water-resistant and rated for wear in wet environments such as the shower. The panic button is mounted on a watch-style band that can be adjusted to fit most users.
The Medical Guardian help button has an impressive 1300′ range between the in-home base unit and the medical alert system bracelet, which provides ample coverage for most apartments and homes. As with other similar systems, Medical Guardian users can trigger a call for help by simply pressing the button on their bracelet. The in-home base unit is equipped with a two-way speaker that allows users to speak with the call monitoring center, and if users are unable to respond to the operator, first responders will be dispatched immediately.
Medical Guardian monitoring costs start at under $30 per month, and subscribers can save on monitoring fees by choosing a quarterly, semi-annual or annual plan.
Why Use a Medical Alert System Bracelet?
A medical alert system bracelet is ideal for anyone who wants to know they can call for help at any time, even if they are unable to reach a telephone. These devices are especially well-suited for seniors and people with disabilities who want to remain independent without compromising their safety. Most wrist-worn panic buttons are either waterproof or highly water-resistant, making them safe to wear in wet environments, and the built-in batteries are usually designed to last a number of years.
It is important to note that most medical alert system bracelets are designed to function with an in-home base unit, which means users need to be within range of their base unit in order for the system to work.
How to Choose the Best Medical Alert System Bracelet
When shopping for a medical alert system bracelet, take the time to research the various providers and monitoring plans, as prices can range from under $20 per month to well over $60 per month. Also consider the range between the base station and the help button, since some devices are only suitable for small apartments while others offer coverage for larger homes.
