June 16, 2022
Having a medical alert system can be a lifesaving option for you or your loved ones. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in adults 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury.
Having access to emergency medical care is oftentimes a matter of life and death, and understanding your options is vital.
When it comes to medical alert systems, you have the choice between a home-based medical alert system and an on-the-go, mobile system. The latter is a must for people who spend time outside of the house on a daily basis.
A traditional home-based system typically requires a receiver to be connected into a wall outlet and a landline phone jack. A mobile system uses a cellular network and can be used outside of the home. These mobile units can also be GPS-enabled, so that a person’s exact location can be detected in an emergency.
Check out our breakdown of the best providers on the market in 2026:
Why Medical Guardian is our top choice:
Medical Guardian offers both at-home and on-the-go protection with impressive fall detection technology. If a fall is detected (no matter where you are or what you're doing) and you’re unresponsive, emergency services are immediately dispatched without you needing to press a button. Their product also stands out with up to 120 hours of battery life and a home-based unit equipped with the longest signal range in the industry.
Why Mobile Help:
Mobile Help also stands out with some notable features for seniors at home and on the go. For example, the Mobile Help Connect app allows your loved ones to track your location at home or out and about. Mobile Help also offers waterproof devices that can go with you anywhere.
Why Medical Alert:
Medical Alert offers on-the-go protection for independent seniors along with state-of-the-art GPS technology. The button also comes in a sleek, steel gray color, so you feel more like you're wearing an accessory than a medical requirement.
Looking to compare more options? See our definitive ranking here.
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