Medical alert systems can help seniors continue living at home in safety. Medical conditions can crop up with little warning, leaving a senior unable to make it to a phone to call for help. A medical alert system is like having a roommate on hand to notice that there’s a problem. These systems can detect a fall and alert emergency medical services if they can’t get in touch with the user. For pacemaker patients, knowing that help is available at the touch of a button is reassuring. If their pacemaker stops working or their heart acts up, a senior with a medical alert system is never alone or far from help.
This guide takes a look at some of the best mobile medical alert systems for pacemaker patients, including the costs, features and benefits, to help you find the alert system that works best with your lifestyle.
Best 4 Medical Alert Systems for Those With Pacemakers
Alert1 On-the-Go and Home Fall Detection
Alert1 On-the-Go and Home Fall Detection is a bit pricey at $58.95 per month, but it has several features that may appeal to pacemaker patients. The Home Fall Detection system has a 600-foot range from the stationary base and detects falls that may accompany a cardiac episode. While $58.95 is on the high side for similar systems, fall detection is included in the cost, while many other systems offer it as a paid add-on.
For active and independent seniors, the 30-day battery on the mobile device helps ensure it’s always on if something should happen while they are out and about. It’s waterproof so there’s no need to worry about a little rain, and it can go into the room most likely to be the site of a fall — the bathroom. There’s even a medication dispenser available for $149.95 as an add-on to remind seniors to take their prescriptions on schedule. This system doesn’t take the top spot due to the lack of GPS tracking, which can be helpful if a pacemaker patient experiences a problem while outside the home.
LifeStation Mobile with GPS
The best of the best medical alert systems for those with pacemakers might be LifeStation Mobile with GPS. It’s incredibly affordable at just $24.95 per month, although there’s an extra $5 fee to include fall detection. This addition can be particularly important for those with a pacemaker since they are more likely to experience a major medical event and need emergency services. With everything packaged together, the LifeStation Mobile with GPS is the most affordable of the pacemaker-friendly medical alert systems. The mobile device is waterproof and lightweight and can be worn on a necklace or wristband.
What makes this particular system valuable for anyone with a pacemaker is the included on-demand location tracking. As long as the battery is charged, the on-the-go device provides peace of mind and a near instant connection with local emergency services. The company lists an average response time of just 20 seconds in the event of a fall or push of the help button. The 5-day battery is one of most durable for mobile medical alert systems, and it’s the longest-lasting version with GPS.
MobileHelp Duo
At $41.95 per month, the MobileHelp Duo is the second most affordable option in medical alert systems for those with a pacemaker. There’s an extra $10 monthly fee for fall detection, but the service comes with a free lockbox to dispense medications and includes access to the caregiver portal. This provider also offers the MobileVitals package for an additional monthly fee. Vital tracking reminds seniors to take blood pressure measurements, weigh themselves and monitor their oxygen levels, and data is stored for easy retrieval through the MobileHelp platform.
The mobile device communicates with the waterproof wristband or pendant necklace at a distance of up to 600 feet, but the device is small and lightweight, so it’s easy to pick up and move. This gives seniors the option to travel throughout the country without the need to switch providers. The mobile device has a 24-hour battery, so it’s as easy to keep operational as a cell phone, and like a smartphone, it includes on-demand location tracking in the event of an emergency.
Bay Alarm Medical 360 Protection
Bay Alarm Medical 360 Protection is the premium option for those with a pacemaker. At $59.95 per month, it’s near the top of the price range for medical alert systems, but it has the features to justify the extra cost. Where most mobile systems have a 600-foot range, the 360 Protection package has a range of 1,000 feet while on the go. The battery isn’t the longest lasting, but at 3 days, it’s on the upper end for devices that include the option of on-demand location tracking and geofencing.
For an extra $5 per month, seniors can add location tracking. Fall detection costs an additional $10 per month, but what this system offers that is unique is the in-car installation. Included in the monthly fee is a device that provides monitoring inside a vehicle. Since driving is a major concern for many with a pacemaker, the ability to install the device in a car bumps the Bay Medical package up to the best option available.
What Is a Mobile Medical Alert System and Why Is It Important for Those With Pacemakers?
Active, independent seniors with a pacemaker can often live at home with no need for constant check-ins from a caregiver. But, heart trouble can be a major concern for loved ones or a senior who could face an unexpected medical episode. A mobile medical alert system lets seniors go about their daily life without worrying about an emergency. These mobile systems use the same communication network as cell phones, but only interact with one contact — the medical alert team.
The people on the other end of the device make contact in the event of a fall or at the press of a help button and contact local services to get assistance. Mobile systems work outside the home and anywhere a cell phone would work, making them an ideal option for seniors who travel or live alone.
How to Choose a Medical Alert System for Those With Pacemakers
For those with a pacemaker, it’s important to contact each company before making a final decision. While most devices don’t interact directly with a pacemaker, a quick call to make sure is a good idea. Since people with pacemakers have some unique restrictions — don’t stand too close to a car battery, for example — the manufacturer is likely the best source for compatibility information. Once a senior has a list of compatible options, they can look for mobile service packages that travel well. A medical alert system that only works at home isn’t a great option for a senior who goes fishing regularly or spends plenty of time at the beach.
Prices tend to range between $25 and $60 per month. Be sure to compare what each service offers and determine the level of monitoring needed for safety and security.
