Picking the right caregiver alert/emergency alert system for you or your loved one can be very complicated. But, like most things in life, you don't realize this until you need one. We have tried to take the guesswork out for you by separating these systems into specific categories based on their level of assistance, monthly fees and other features. In addition, we only feature products that have overall positive reviews on Amazon (and other sources) - the majority of people who have tried these products have been satisfied. However, we do not "guarantee" any product. You can read through the reviews on your own as well, and we hope you are able to find something that works for you.
We have divided these alarms into 3 categories:
1. Category 1: Caregiver/ "Nurse" Alerts with No Monthly Fee
2. Category 2: Emergency Alert Systems that Can Call Outside Numbers and/or 9-1-1 with No Monthly Fee
3. Category 3: Emergency Alert Systems with GPS, Nationwide Coverage & a Monthly Fee
We have divided these alarms into 3 categories:
1. Category 1: Caregiver/ "Nurse" Alerts with No Monthly Fee
2. Category 2: Emergency Alert Systems that Can Call Outside Numbers and/or 9-1-1 with No Monthly Fee
3. Category 3: Emergency Alert Systems with GPS, Nationwide Coverage & a Monthly Fee
Category 1:
Caregiver/ "Nurse" Alerts with No Monthly Fee
A "paging system" that operates within a house or a facility
They do NOT Call Any Outside Numbers
They do NOT Call 9-1-1
They do NOT have GPS
Category 2:
Emergency Alert Systems that Can Call Outside Numbers AND/or 9-1-1 with No Monthly Fee
If you want an alert system that calls outside numbers, including 9-1-1, when button is pushed, there are systems you can purchase that do NOT have monthly fees. These can be set up to call several pre-programmed numbers. Some of these systems encourage users to create a pre-recorded message (in the event that the user loses consciousness or is unable to speak after pushing the emergency button). Something to be aware of is how well these systems work if the user is away from the base unit and needs assistance. Some systems require the user to talk into the base unit, and with others, the user can speak directly into the wearable alerts when button is pushed. We encourage you to read the reviews to gather that level of detail. Some are better than others as far as their overall area coverage. These "category 2" systems do not have GPS.
There are a number of options to choose from: stand-alone tabletop/wall mounted systems for dry and wet areas in the house (some of these systems are also equipped with wearable alerts); waterproof wearable alerts; voice dialers; pagers; one button emergency push systems; and more.
Category 3:
Emergency Alert Systems with GPS, Nationwide Coverage & a Monthly Fee (automatic fall detection is either included with the system or you can choose to pay an additional fee)
These systems have GPS, nationwide coverage, and either their own dedicated emergency call centers, or the ability for users to be connected to a U.S. based emergency operator that knows who they are, their medical history and where they are. These are the top 3 that we could find on Amazon, along with the "GreatCall Samsung Cell Phone for Seniors" that has an emergency alert built in.
We also have an ad below for Medical Guardian because they have a very good reputation and positive reviews. They do not sell on Amazon, but they do carry a variety of products for purchase on their website that include a dedicated emergency response center, fall detection, GPS, and more.
Emergency Alert Systems with GPS, Nationwide Coverage & a Monthly Fee (automatic fall detection is either included with the system or you can choose to pay an additional fee)
These systems have GPS, nationwide coverage, and either their own dedicated emergency call centers, or the ability for users to be connected to a U.S. based emergency operator that knows who they are, their medical history and where they are. These are the top 3 that we could find on Amazon, along with the "GreatCall Samsung Cell Phone for Seniors" that has an emergency alert built in.
We also have an ad below for Medical Guardian because they have a very good reputation and positive reviews. They do not sell on Amazon, but they do carry a variety of products for purchase on their website that include a dedicated emergency response center, fall detection, GPS, and more.