In this article, I will share the best medical alert system for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients based on my experiences. If you are looking for a quick summary, please go through the table below.
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Top Choice
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Second Choice
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Best Value
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What's good?:
24/7 access to emergency center, Fast & reliable connectivity. Battery lasts for five days
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What's good?:
24/7 access to emergency helpline. Waterproof and great 4G LTE service. No activation fees. 7 day battery life
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What's good?:
24/7 access to emergency services, 5 day battery life, multiple ways to wear it
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What could be better?:
The main unit is a bit bulky, and the fall detection can be a bit too sensitive some times
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What could be better?:
The magnet to hang the device is a bit weak.
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What could be better?:
The device does not come with user manuals, so its a bit difficult to get it to start working.
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Contents
My father suffers from Alzheimer’s, and while I try to be available for him, I can’t be with him for 24 hours. We do have a caregiver for him at home, but I have been looking for a medical alert system for Alzheimer’s patients to be on the safer side.
Over the years, medical alert systems have improved a lot, come with many functions, and become more reliable. Still, I wanted an alert system that had a GPS tracking system, a fall detection sensor, and also convenient to use and is the best for my father.
I tried, researched, and read about twenty medical alert systems from different manufacturers and shortlisted six of the best medical alert system for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. I hope my research can be useful for other caregivers out there like me.
In this review, you will learn about.
- Six of the best medical alert system for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients.
- A detailed guide to help you choose the best medical alert system for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients.
- And much more.
What Should You Look For In A Medical Alert System For Alzheimer’s And Dementia Patients?
Two-way Communication
Having a medical alert device for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia with two-way communication is a must. In case of an emergency, two-way communication allows the user to talk to their loved ones or a medical professional. People with Dementia can lose the sense of direction, and for them to become less overwhelmed, it is essential that someone talks to them or guides them to stay safe till help reaches them.
Battery
The battery of the medical alert system for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia is another vital factor that you need to consider. You can’t expect someone with a medical condition that makes them forget to remember charging their medical alert device on time. Having a good battery life that can last up to three to five days is a must.
Range
People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia tend to wander around after forgetting their surroundings. For tracking people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, the medical device must have a long-range. If it works with a nationwide network provider, then that would be best.
Convenience
The medical alert system for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia should be of portable size and convenient to use. It should come with a lanyard and a belt clip to allow the user the ease of wearing it either way. The medical alert system should be lightweight and compact sized for easily carrying it along anywhere the user goes. Being water-resistant is another feature that adds to the convenience of wearing the medical alert system in the shower, where most falls happen.
Learn more about selecting the right medical alert system here:
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#1 LifeStation Medical Alert System
Features
- Two-way Communication: Score 9.75/10
- Battery: Score 9.5/10
- Range: Score 9.5/10
- Convenience: Score 9.5/10
- Overall Score: 9.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Network: AT&T 4G LTE
- GPS: GPS Satellite and Wi-Fi signal
- Water-resistant: Yes
- Battery: 5 days
- Fall detection: Optional
- Range: Nationwide cellular coverage
Bottom Line
The LifeStation medical alert system offers 24/7 monitoring with the most reliable network of AT&T to provide the user with help within minutes of pressing the help button.
Pros:
- 24/7 monitoring.
- Reliable nationwide coverage.
- Fastest response time.
- Waterproof.
Cons:
- Additional cost for fall detection and lockbox
Details
Two-way Communication: It comes with a microphone and speaker that lets the user get in touch with a certified care specialist with a single press of the help button. It is beneficial in case the user ever suffered a fall or other accident.
Battery: It comes with a rechargeable battery that offers an extended battery life. Once completely charged, the device lasts up to 5 days, which often saves the trouble of recharging it.
Range: The device comes with nationwide coverage with the AT&T network. The user can be anywhere in the network range, and the monitoring center can track them.
Convenience: With being portable in size, this device is easy to wear around the neck or clip-on to the belt. Water resistance allows users to wear it while taking a bath.
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#2 thriivePRO Medical Alert System
Features
- Two-way Communication: Score 9/10
- Battery: Score 9.5/10
- Range: Score 9.5/10
- Convenience: Score 9/10
- Overall Score: 9.2/10
Technical Specifications
- Network: Verizon 4G LTE
- GPS: GPS, WIFI, and cellular triangulation
- Water-resistant: Yes
- Battery: 7 days
- Fall detection: Yes
- Range: Anywhere within network range
Bottom Line
The thriivePRO medical alert system offers seven days of battery backup, the best in class battery life, which lets the user free from charging the battery frequently.
Pros:
- Water-resistant.
- Clear two-way communication.
- Extended battery life.
- Accuracy of location.
Cons:
- The fall detection feature is not reliable.
Details
Two-way Communication: It comes with a two-way speaker that lets the user talk to a trained emergency specialist. Communicating with a specialist offers reassurance to the user in case of an emergency and allows them to be calm till help reaches them.
Battery: The battery life of this medical alert system is exceptional. Once fully charged, the device will last up to seven days and thus doesn’t require frequent charging.
Range: With Verizon 4G LTE network compatibility, this medical alert system offers nationwide coverage. The device will be active anywhere within a network range, letting the loved ones track the user anytime.
Convenience: The device is lightweight and portable. The user has the option to wear it around their neck or clip it to a pocket. The water-resistant feature makes it safe to wear even in the bathroom.
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#3 Medical Guardian Medical Alert System
Features
- Two-way Communication: Score 9/10
- Battery: Score 9/10
- Range: Score 9/10
- Convenience: Score 9/10
- Overall Score: 9/10
Technical Specifications
- Network: AT&T 4G LTE
- GPS: GPS and Wi-Fi
- Water-resistant: Yes
- Battery: 5 days
- Fall detection: Available for a monthly fee
- Range: With the network area
Bottom Line
The medical guardian medical alert system comes with a soft button that is easy to press even during an emergency for help to reach the user.
Pros:
- It has low initial investment.
- It offers two-way communication.
- Nationwide wireless protection.
- Long-lasting battery.
Cons:
- It is heavier and oversized in size.
Details
Two-way Communication: With a built-in two-way speaker, this medical alert device lets the user talk freely to their loved ones or doctors in case of an emergency.
Battery: The rechargeable battery of this medical alert device lasts up to five days on a single charge. The long-lasting batteries mean no wastage of time infrequently changing the device.
Range: This medical alert system works with Verizon 4G LTE network, which offers nationwide coverage. The Verizon service comes included with the plan and needs no additional cost.
Convenience: The device comes with a lanyard to be worn as a pendant. The user also has the option to clip it with the help of a belt clip. The device is water-resistant and won’t get damaged if the user wears it in the shower.
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#4 We Send Help Medical Alert System
Features
- Two-way Communication: Score 9.5/10
- Battery: Score 8.5/10
- Range: Score 9/10
- Convenience: Score 8.5/10
- Overall Score: 8.8/10
Technical Specifications
- Network: AT&T
- GPS: GPS and Wi-Fi
- Water-resistant: Yes
- Battery: 2-3 days
- Fall detection: Optional
- Range: Within the network coverage area
Bottom Line
The We send help medical alert system offers professional 24/7 monitoring with nationwide GPS tracking.
Pros:
- Three months free monitoring service.
- Water-resistant.
- Users can wear it around the wrist or neck.
- Accurate location tracking.
Cons:
- The monitoring center service is not so good.
Details
Two-way Communication: It comes with a two-way voice feature that lets users talk with a monitoring agent when they press the help button. Communicating helps calm down the user in case of an emergency and better explain their issue to the operator.
Battery: The battery capacity of this device is low compared to others on my list. The battery lasts for about two or three days on a single charge which is still better than charging it every day.
Range: With AT&T network service, this device offers a nationwide range. The monitoring center can track the device if it is anywhere inside the network coverage area.
Convenience: Apart from wearing the device as a pendant around the neck or clipping it to the clothing, users can wear it as a wristband. Water won’t damage the water-resistant device if the users wear it inside a shower.
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#5 Medical Guardian Mini-Medical Alert System
Features
- Two-way Communication: Score 9/10
- Battery: Score 8/10
- Range: Score 8.5/10
- Convenience: Score 8.5/10
- Overall Score: 8.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Network: Verizon 4G LTE
- GPS: GPS, Wi-Fi, and triangulation location tracking
- Water-resistant: Showerproof
- Battery: 5 days
- Fall detection: Available for a monthly fee
- Range: Anywhere with a network
Bottom Line
The Medical guardian mini-medical alert system is more convenient to carry around with its compact size.
Pros:
- Faster cellular connection.
- It tracks location precisely.
- Extended battery life.
- Water-resistant.
Cons:
- Extra charge for fall detection feature.
Details
Two-way Communication: This medical alert system comes with a two-way communication feature that lets the user reach out to a monitoring center if they need any help. The monitoring center expert can send help or connect them to a loved one in an emergency.
Battery: The battery of this medical alert system has an extended life of up to five days on a single charge. The long-life battery doesn’t require frequent charging.
Range: It uses Verizon 4G LTE network to offer nationwide coverage. The user can be anywhere inside a network range, and the GPS would track them.
Convenience: With compact size, this medical alert system is the most convenient to wear or carry around all the time. The device is water-resistant and safe to wear even inside a shower.
#6 Home & Wellness Mini-Medical Alert System
Features
- Two-way Communication: Score 9/10
- Battery: Score 8/10
- Range: Score 8.5/10
- Convenience: Score 8/10
- Overall Score: 8.3/10
Technical Specifications
- Network: Verizon 4G LTE
- GPS: Yes
- Water-resistant: IP67 Rating
- Battery: 3-5 days
- Fall detection: Yes
- Range: Anywhere with a network
Bottom Line
The Home & Wellness mini-medical alert system offers better protection in contact with water with IP67 water-resistant rating.
Pros:
- Get help with a press of a button.
- Comes with a belt clip and lanyard.
- Water-resistant.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- No cons.
Details
Two-way Communication: This device lets the user talk to a professional emergency specialist with a built-in speaker and microphone. If the user wants to relay a message to their loved ones, they can do it.
Battery: The medical alert device comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three to five days on a single charge.
Range: This device comes with Verizon 4G LTE network, which lets the monitoring center locate it anywhere as long as it is in the network zone.
Convenience: The user can wear this device around their neck or clip it to their clothing. With an IP67 water resistance rating, the device is safe inside a shower or a bathtub. The user can conveniently carry this lightweight device around.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to track someone with Dementia?
Someone with Dementia loses their sense of familiar surroundings and may wander to unknown places. It is very risky to get lost or, worse, get into an accident or something. It is always best to make people with Dementia wear a tracking device.
The best way to track someone with Dementia would be to equip them with a medical alert system. The GPS on the system lets you know their precise location at any point of time.
What is the best medical alert system for seniors?
With the increase in older people living alone or away from families, there is an increased risk of them facing an accident. The market is full of medical alert systems for seniors, which lets them connect with their loved ones at the time of need or get some medical help in case of an emergency.
I have compiled some of the best medical alert systems for seniors that offer nationwide coverage as long as there is network connectivity. LifeStation medical alert system is the best medical alert system for seniors.
Does insurance pay for medical alert systems?
The majority of health insurance providers do not pay for medical alert systems. Some health insurance plans might cover a medical alert system, but you need to consult with them directly.
A long-term health insurance plan most of the time covers a medical alert system either wholly or partly.
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Final Thoughts
Caring for my father suffering from Alzheimer’s is the most important thing for me, but I also can’t leave my job. It is why I needed the best medical alert system for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia for my father.
My top favorite medical alert system for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia would be the LifeStation Mobile 4G LTE Medical Alert System - Life Alarm Device for Seniors. Nationwide GPS and WiFi Coverage. Includes 1 Free Month of 24/7 Emergency Monitoring.. It offers nationwide cellular coverage, making it easier to track people suffering from Dementia if they ever wander somewhere.
My second favorite is the Platinum Health thriivePRO™, Voted #1 Medical Alert System for Seniors. Instant, 1-Touch Emergency Help with GPS + Fall Detection. Mobile 4G LTE Certified on Verizon. Nationwide Coverage, which pinpoints the device’s accurate location using GPS Wi-Fi, and cellular triangulation. It offers a fall detection feature that lets you know in case the user sustains a fall.
The Medical Guardian On-The-Go Wearable Alarm and Panic Button for Elderly - Water-Resistant Emergency Button for Elderly, 24/7 Wireless Medical Alert Systems for Seniors, 4G LTE Cellular (White) would be the best option for a budget buy. It offers a five days battery backup and nationwide coverage. It also has a fall detection service that you can activate for a monthly fee.