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.
This feature also comes in handy when seniors are out in the garden or doing chores like washing dishes.
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.
Look for a service provider that offers interpreters or multi-lingual support.
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.
In many cases, the longer, the better because it means that seniors can get emergency response service, whether they're at home, at the store, or out at a restaurant.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
