Angie's LIST Guide to
Medical alert systems

These devices provide a beneficial service to older adults and disabled persons, especially those wishing to live independently but with greater peace of mind. You generally wear a transmitter in the form of a pendant, wristband or belt clip. These transmitters are all waterproof, which is an important feature because you'll need to keep your device with you around-the-clock, especially in bathrooms where many household accidents occur.

The components of a medical alert system include the communications console unit and the wearable, monitoring device. The main console is integrated with your telephone system. The device contains a radio transmitter that sends signals to the main console unit when you activate it by pressing the help button. If you become disabled during an emergency and can't speak, the alert system can still connect to the response center and immediately call for help. The monitoring system is designed in such a way that, when the user activates it, a signal directs the console unit to immediately contact preselected emergency phone numbers for help.

A quality monitoring system device will have a long-life battery, usually a lithium battery that is designed to last for several years. Some units may offer a built-in feature that lets you know when the battery charge is getting low or you need to replace the battery. The main console unit also should have a battery-backup system in the event of power outages. A quality emergency monitoring system will have built-in voice-command features so that trained employees at the main response centers can communicate directly with you even if you're unable to talk.