This guide contains:

Background on medical alert services
Important features and functions of medical alert services
How to find the best medical alert service for you

Our independent guide was written to help consumers understand the basics of medical alert services, and how to help you find the best medical alert service for you. We do not offer any medical alert services, so you can be confident that all of the information in this guide is independent and unbiased.

Background on medical alert services
Medical alert monitoring systems are designed to provide safety, security, and peace of mind for certain people at risk and their families and loved ones. Medical alerts are designed for anybody who is at risk of some medical emergency (heart attack, stroke, falls, etc.), and can be used by anyone who might find use for such a system.

Medical alert systems work are effective because the person at risk wears a small, waterproof, transmitter around their neck or wrist; if there is a medical (or other) emergency, the user simply presses a button on the transmitter. The transmitter then sends a signal to the in-home base unit, which is attached to a phone line. The base unit then dials the monitoring center and an operator answers the call. Once the call is connected, a powerful speaker and sensitive microphone on the base unit allow the conversation to take place between the user and the operatore without the user having to actually go to the phone. In fact, because of the power of the microphone and speaker, many base units can handle conversations in most rooms in a home, even if the base unit is only in one main room.

If the user is within range of the base unit and can converse with the operator, the operator will assess the situation and arrange for assistance if needed. If the user is not within range of the base unit, or otherwise can't converse with the operator (user is unconcious, for example), the operator will call for help automatically. The list of people that the operator calls is usually pre-designated by the user and family. Designated people can include family, friends, neighbors or anyone else, but in the event of a real medical emergency, or if the situation is urgent, the operator will always call emergency medical personnel and/or the police. Arrangements can be made to have a lockbox (a secure box attached to the front door with a combination that holds a key to the home) installed at the user's home so that emergency personnel, family and friends can readily access the home or apartment when necessary.

Important features and functions of medical alert monitoring services
Medical alert monitoring services are offered nationwide by companies that are very similar to home alarm montoring companies. These medical alert companies provide the equipment for the home and assist with the setup and programming of the equipment.