Best Medical Alert Necklaces Guide & Reviews of 2021

Most people have seen commercials for panic buttons, bracelets, and other jewelry for elderly people. They brush it off as something they don’t need, but later on, down the line, they realize the life-saving benefits of a pendant that can contact the police with the push of a button. When it comes time to purchase a necklace or pendant, seniors and caretakers need to find the one that suits their specific needs. This list of the best medical alert necklaces highlights the top choices for sale on the market.

Jerry Carter - Editorial Staff

Updated: March 2, 2021

What We Did to Find the Best

To find the best medical alert necklaces, we gathered our team of tech researchers and experts, professional writers, and a slew of reports and client reviews. We figured out the five key metrics to take into account when considering the top products. Then, we looked at each provider and gave them a grade between 0 and 10 for each metric. In the end, we had the average scores for each necklace, and we could see which products came out on top.

  • Features

    0-10

    monitoring period, 24/7 alerts, disaster protection etc.

  • Support

    0-10

    telephone, email, chat, and other channels

  • Price

    0-10

    monthly fee, money-back, trial period

  • Ease of Use

    0-10

    installation, maintenance, service support

  • Trust Score

    0-10

    BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)

It was important for us to compile this list because there is an increasing population of seniors who need emergency response bracelets and similar stainless steel jewelry. These five examples are the result of hours of research and reviewing.

1. Bay Alarm Medical: Great for Active Adults Who Want Their Freedom

Total Score 9.8/10

Bay Main
Bay Medical Alert
Bay Medical Alert System
  • Features9.5/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price9.5/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$19.95

Visit Website
Best for Active Seniors

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

30 days

This medical alert pendant is easy to install and boasts fast response times. Customers can speak to a call center agent in less than a minute. There is also a two-way talk, which allows for loud and clear communication between clients and the call center. Customers report that the monitoring center is friendly and professional.

They can help individuals get in touch with any of the pre-programmed phone numbers of friends and family members, too. Many of the products offer long-range support up to 1,000 feet, although the connection gets spotty after 500 feet. Also, keep in mind that it requires a monthly contract starting at $19.95.

Pros:

  • Connectivity options
  • Crisp audio
  • Fast response times
  • Large, clear display
  • Two-Way Talk
  • Voice prompts/notifications
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Contract required
  • Outdated aesthetic
  • The connection gets spotty after 500 ft

The panic button is large and adequately marked for those who have impaired eyesight. Also, the accompanying base station can sit on a counter or table, or users can attach it to the wall. The set comes with a base unit, four wall panic buttons, and choice of a wristband or a chain necklace. However, the design aesthetic isn’t the most modern. The wrist strap is thick and black while the button is bulky. On the plus side, there are landline and WiFi options, including 4G LTE connectivity. Clients can bring the wristband into the shower with them and rely on a 32-hour battery backup in power outages. The voice notifications are crisp and clear.


2. MobileHelp: A Reassuring Choice for Dementia & High-Risk Seniors

Total Score 9.7/10

Mobile Help Main
Mobile Help Complete Protection
Mobile Help On The Go
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.5/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$19.95

Visit Website
Best for Couples

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

30 days

MobileHelp’s medical alert pendants come in three buying options: MobileHelp Classic, Solo, and Duo. As the name suggests, the company uses mobile connectivity, although it requires AT&T cell service. Installation is easy, and customers can sign up for a contract at just $19.95 per month. The set includes a base station, help button, and free lockbox for online customers. There is also a free mobile app available on iOS and Android. Family members and caretakers can log into the app to stay updated on medications, appointments, and other pertinent information.

Pros:

  • 24/7 connection
  • Activity tracking
  • Decent range
  • Free mobile app
  • GPS technology
  • LCD display
  • Medication reminders

Cons:

  • Contract required
  • Only works with AT&T cell service
  • Some features cost extra

Each of the company’s emergency response monitoring centers is in the United States. Just be careful, because the company can cancel a customer’s service if there are too many false alarms. Other helpful features include GPS tracking, 30 hours of battery backup, and a range of 600 feet. The MobileHelp Fall Button can detect when seniors stumble even if they don’t push the panic button. Also, the base unit has a convenient LCD, but it might be hard for seniors to see. The wristbands come in black or white and aren’t super stylish but not terrible. Medication reminders cost an extra $5 per month. So does the activity tracking option, but it can come in handy for caretakers of active older adults.


3. LifeStation: An Affordable & Accessible Solution

Total Score 9.6/10

LifeStation Main
LifeStation Medical Alert
LifeStation How It Works
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$19.95

Visit Website
Best for Budgets

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

The LifeStation medical alert necklace for men and women features two-way talk and five-day battery life. It comes in neutral styles and colors like silver-gray, although it would be nice to have stainless steel or even red version. The front of the device is where the panic button is. It’s slightly recessed and has an LED indicator light and microphone beneath it. When not in use, the device sits in its charger.

The cellular connection is backed by AT&T’s 3G cellular service. Customers report decent response times and easy installation.

Pros:

  • Clear audio quality
  • Easy set-up
  • Good response times
  • In-home and mobile options
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Low pricing
  • No contract commitments

Cons:

  • Fall detection costs extra
  • Lacks a return policy
  • Requires AT&T service

The company is currently having a sale for American Heart Month, so the low prices are even better now. This is a good option for those who are on a budget but still want to keep their loved ones safe and secure. The device only weighs about two ounces, and it has a range of about 500 feet.

The accompanying app allows family members to send a text and find out immediately where their loved one is. Keep in mind that some features, like fall detection and GPS tracking, cost extra.


4. GreatCall: Excellent Coverage Wherever They Go

Total Score 9.6/10

Great Call Main
Great Call Medical Phone
Great Call Medical Device
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$24.99

Best for Independent Seniors

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

30 days

These medical alert pendants come from the business that sells the Jitterbug cell phone for older adults. The GreatCall Lively Mobile Plus offers emergency service starting at $24.99 per month. Customers can get the convenience of a cellular connection without signing on to a contract. Plus, they’re not confined to their houses to use the service. The Lively Mobile can get seniors in touch with IAED-certified agents, nurses, and doctors within minutes.

There is even a caregiver app, so loved ones can keep up with health conditions and safety. There’s no base station to set up, just the wearable necklace. That said, it’d be nice if it had a gold or silver chain instead of a thick black cord.

Pros:

  • 4G LTE network
  • Caretaker app
  • Fall detection
  • IAED-certified agents
  • No contract required
  • Virtually unlimited range
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Limited nighttime security
  • Somewhat bulky design
  • The panic button should be more recessed

Using Lively Mobile is super easy. It helps with the little everyday things, too, such as needing directions or getting locked out of the car. Put it in the charger cradle at night, and it’s ready to use again in the morning. This poses the risk of the client having a nighttime emergency and not being able to reach the device. Even so, the battery is long-lasting and has enough juice to last for 80 hours.

The device is waterproof, so there are no worries about using it in the shower, either. The company website has a useful blog with info on diabetes, heart attacks, buyer advice, and more.


5. Medical Guardian: Versatile Protection

Total Score 9.5/10

Medical Guardian Main
Medical Guardian In Home
Medical Guardian On the Go
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.5/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$44.95

Best for Cellular Connection

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Some people might prefer a medical alert necklace for women, but the Guardian brand offers a sleek smartwatch that does the same thing. Of course, more traditional products are also for sale. The least expensive option is Mobile Guardian. It comes with GPS tracking, two-way communication, and a strong cellular connection. It’s also water-resistant and has a long-lasting battery.

This device detects falls and triggers the automatic emergency response promptly. From there, clients can speak with the well-trained, professional call center’s TMA Five Diamond-certified agents. Moreover, the Guardian blog has a handy quiz that consumers can take to see which device and styles best suit their needs.

Pros:

  • 1,300-foot range
  • Fall detection included
  • In-home and on-the-go options
  • Long-lasting battery
  • No contract required
  • Non-emergency dispatch
  • TMA Five Diamond-certified monitoring center

Cons:

  • A more expensive option
  • Lots of different devices to choose from
  • There is a monthly account fee to access monitoring center

Guardian offers some great benefits to its customers. First, there is the non-emergency dispatch. This is useful when seniors are out and about, and they get lost or need health advice. They can connect to the monitoring center (which is entirely U.S.-based) to chat. There is also a spousal monitoring program and a refer-a-friend deal.

With the Mobile unit, clients can choose from a black wristwatch or a panic button that hangs from the neck. Both are waterproof and can connect individuals with the call center or local authorities via one push of a button.


Best Medical Alert Necklaces of 2021 (Pricing & Features)

Below is a side-by-side view of the provider’s medical alert pendants and the functionalities they come with. Take a peek to help make the purchasing decision easier.

Provider Total Score Price BBB Rating DIY instal Trial Period Warranty Auto-Dial Battery Backup Calendar Connectivity Contract Required Fall Detection Location Tracker Range Two-way Talk Waterproof
1. Bay Alarm 9.8 $19.95/mo A+ Yes 30 days 1 year Yes Yes No Landline/WiFi Yes No No 1,000 ft Yes Yes
2. MobileHelp 9.7 $19.95/mo A+ Yes 30 days 1 year Yes Yes Yes WiFi Yes Yes Yes 600 ft Yes Yes
3. LifeStation 9.6 $19.95/mo A+ Yes 1 year Yes Yes No WiFi No Yes Yes 500 ft Yes Yes
4. GreatCall 9.6 $24.99/mo A+ Yes 30 days 1 year Yes Yes Yes WiFi No Yes Yes Unlimited Yes Yes
5. Medical Guardian 9.5 $44.95/mo A+ Yes Prorated Yes Yes No WiFi No Yes Yes 1,300 ft Yes Yes

Features of Medical Alert Necklaces

Before getting lost in the sea of bracelets and accessories out there, consider these top capabilities and functions. Depending on the individual, certain features may be more important than others. Still, when consumers know what they want and need, they have a better time purchasing an emergency response pendant.

24/7 Emergency Response

Being able to contact the local police department is crucial. There are moments when seniors are living alone, and they trip and fall, suffer heart attack symptoms, or some other emergency. It’s best to search for a necklace that can dispatch the authorities in a timely and efficient manner

Water Resistance

Since so many elderly people experience trips and falls in their showers and bathtubs, it’s best to have a waterproof necklace. The more often they need to take off their bracelets, the more likely they are to forget to put it back on.

Cellular Monitoring

In 2021, more bracelets receive power via a cellular connection. This opens up a new world for active older adults. They can leave the house without worrying if their necklace will still be in contact with the base station back at home. It also helps them feel more liberated because they’re not “chained” to the indoors.

Multi-Lingual Support

In the United States alone, there are plenty of other languages being spoken besides English. For seniors whose mother tongue is a foreign language, it can be particularly difficult to communicate with an emergency response team.

2-Way Voice

Another great perk of more modern technology is ID tags that offer two-way talk. In some cases, this means that older adults can speak directly to a monitoring center. Other times, it grants them the opportunity to speak to a nurse or caretaker at home, who can communicate through the base station’s speaker.

Spouse Coverage

There are a few services out there that offer free or reduced coverage for a client’s spouse. This makes sense, considering both of these adults are around the same age and could use the same kind of protection and assistance. Plus, the monetary savings are great and truly benefit someone who’s no longer working.

GPS Location Services

This is a great tool that is especially convenient for seniors with dementia or those that live an active lifestyle. More and more ID tags are capable of location tracking so that caretakers can see exactly where their loved ones are at all times. This could be life-saving in the event of an emergency or injury.

Long-Range Coverage

As they shop around, consumers will notice that one ID tag might have a wide range of service connectivity, while another may be short-range.

Redundant Call Centers

This means that the service provider offers regional monitoring and call centers. This way, if there is a power outage at one location, seniors in distress can get support from a different center. This may be harder to find, but more and more companies are offering this kind of feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Medical Conditions Require a Medical Alert Bracelet?

    These accessories don’t always have to indicate that a person has a health condition. In some cases, older adults prefer this kind of pendant or tag just for added peace of mind. As people age, they are more susceptible to tripping and falling or suffering some other kind of emergency or injury. Having a necklace that can notify loved ones or the police is crucial. That said, these bracelets are particularly useful for seniors with mobility issues, dementia, and diabetes. There is a greater risk of a health emergency with these conditions, so a chain tag that can contact 911 is potentially life-saving.

  • How Can I Get a Free Medical ID Bracelet?

    There are a few ways that seniors and caretakers can get free medical alert necklaces. First, try the local hospital because it might have a program offering these products at no charge. Those who have diabetes can call the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation. Moreover, individuals can get in touch with their primary care doctor to go over additional options. He or she may have access to certain resources that can provide a necklace at a reduced cost.

  • What Should I Put on My Medical ID?

    An ID or dog tag is only effective if it includes relevant information about the client. Most of these bracelets are made of stainless steel, silver, or gold, so things can be engraved on them. For instance, health conditions, medications, and allergies. It’s also helpful to include the patient’s name and address, their blood type, and emergency phone number. Some people include advance directive info if it’s relevant.

  • What Wrist Do You Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet On?

    There isn’t a hard and fast rule about which wrist clients should wear their stainless steel tag. Plus, there are gold and silver necklace options that people wear on a chain around their necks. Others opt for an anklet. The more important thing to take into account is buying one and keeping it on.

    Choose a place that’s obvious but doesn’t disrupt daily activities. Alternatively, someone might have a service dog that wears silver or red collar with the pertinent info.

  • What does ICE Mean on a Medical Alert Bracelet?

    ICE means “in case of emergency” and may or may not be on a med ID tag. It depends on the provider and the customer, and there are young, healthy people that wear ICE tags simply for added assurance. If there truly is a disaster or emergency, authorities or strangers will search the person to see if they’re wearing a red or gold pendant.

    From there, they can check for a tag revealing the phone number to a caretaker or family member. In some cases, people have service dogs that wear gold ID tags that do the same thing.

A Necklace or Bracelet is Hassle-Free, Stylish, and Reassuring

It’s 2021, and the aging population is only going to grow. A stainless steel bracelet or gold chain is inconspicuous and could mean the difference between getting emergency help or risking a life. Unlike the bulky products of the past, seniors can sport stylish jewelry that keeps their families and caretakers assured of their safety.

Plus, several organizations will supply these products for free or at a reduced cost. This is a great way for older adults to play it safe while still having the freedom to go about their daily activities.


Editorial Staff

Jerry Carter is an experienced writer and has a passion for content development for varied projects. Jerry had been studying law at university when he realized that only writing could satisfy his adventurist spirit and his desire for knowledge. As a person with many unusual hobbies, he is also interested in security and modern technology.


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