Best Medical Alert Systems - 2019

Best Overall Value

A one-stop provider of medical alert solutions, with 24/7 monitoring center, and best-in-class customer service.

​1-800-799-6917

Overall Score: ​4.7 / 5

See Pricing

Best Customer Service

40+ years of reliable experience and the first service provider to have customer friendly service policies.

​1-866-249-2371

Overall Score: ​4.4 / 5

See Pricing

Most Chosen

Consistently ranked one of the top choices in the industry. Their systems use GPS, and can be set up for “geofencing” purposes.

​1-855-617-1826

Overall Score: ​ 4.3 /5

See Pricing

Countless surveys have found that one of the biggest fears seniors have is of falling or becoming very sick, and being unable to call for help. This concern is often shared by family members and friends, particularly if the person in question has a medical history that makes them highly vulnerable to medical emergencies.

These risks don't arise exclusively with age-related problems, however. For example, people with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's might easily wander off or otherwise become confused and need assistance. Even in younger people, illnesses such as Parkinson's and Epilepsy might suddenly leave some sufferers in need of urgent help.

Even if there is no obvious existing medical condition, medical alert systems can be reassuring for a large number of people. For example, statistics show that more than 91 million Americans are living with cardiovascular disease or the after-effects of a serious medical emergency such as a stroke.

But this is really just the tip of the iceberg. Ordinary trips, slips and falls may also require medical attention. And depending on the severity of injuries, they may leave someone unable to call for help when it’s needed most.

Medical Alert Systems operate on a very simple principle: they allow someone who is unable to move to call for help. While there are many types available, most involve pushing a button on a pendant or wristband that is being worn. In some cases, there may also be a box attached to a belt that can detect someone has fallen, even if they're unconscious.

In any of these scenarios, a wireless signal is sent to a device located in the home, which instructs it to make an SOS telephone call for help. Sometimes these calls go to the system provider, which is manned by a 24/7 call center. Other times, they are routed directly to 911.

Although basic versions of these systems have been around since the 1970s, today's products are incredibly sophisticated and offer a range of functionality, depending on needs and preferences. There are also more options than ever.

To help you sort through the options, we’ve put together our top picks for medical alert systems in 2019.

1. Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian is a PA-based provider with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau that takes a “family-first approach.” Unlike many other medical alert providers, they offer both home-based and travelling medical alert systems, which are easily carried and/or worn, as well as light and waterproof.

In addition to contacting emergency response teams in the area, the monitoring center can also place phone calls or send text messages to individuals on the person’s contact list in the case of an emergency.

While fall detection is only offered on certain plans, necklaces and wristbands will function for up to 1,300 feet away from the base station, which clocks in on the higher side in comparison to most competitors. The system requires a landline for the base and cellular service for the pendants and other devices.

It offers nationwide service both while in the home and away from it. Its mobile plan comes equipped with a GPS device and has an unlimited range.

Pricing starts at $29.95/month, and systems come standard with a dialogue feature so that users can converse with the call center through the base station if able.

Medical Guardian supports 200 languages. They require a 90-service agreement, but do not require a long-term contract. The company also offers a 30-day money back guarantee, and offers discounts for members of AARP, USAA and AAA.

2. LifeFone at Home

LifeFone is a veteran in the medical alert system space, and has been around since 1976. It has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

LifeFone offers a variety of options and add-ons from which customers can choose, providing an a la carte-like service. The At Home Landline package starts at $24.95 per month and provides a base unit with a 1,300-foot range and a 32-hour battery backup in case of a power outage. The At Home Cellular package starts at $30.95 per month and doesn’t require a landline in the home. The At Home and On-the-Go package is a combination of the two, and starts at $36.95 per month.

In addition to other packages, LifeFone offers ad-ons such as a daily check-in call ($19/month), medication reminders ($6/month) and location service ($9/month).

The variety of options are great for customers, but they can also get a little confusing, too. Customers can see all the wonderful options available to them, but will need to make sure they are subscribing to the right plan to get the features they want.

The At Home medical alert system has a signal range of up to 1,300 ft from the base unit with an enhanced 32-hour backup battery if you lose power. LifeFone offers waterproof pendants and speakerphone capability so you can answer incoming calls with the press of a button on the pendant, allowing you to talk to the other person through the base unit.

3. Bay Alarm Medical + GPS Medical Alert

Bay Alarm Medical has been in the business of saving lives for more than 70 years. The company has built its reputation over those years and is consistently ranked one of the top choices in the industry.

Bay Alarm offers three main packages – an In-Home, Mobile GPS, and In-Home Plus GPS Bundle. The In-Home package starts at an affordable $19.95 per month, with no long-term contract required. In fact, the service is that price whether you decide to pay month-to-month, quarterly or semi-annually.

Their systems use GPS, and can be set up for “geofencing” purposes. This is particularly important for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, since notifications can be sent to a designated person if the wearer of the device leaves a specific location. The range from the base to the wearable pendant is unlimited, which offers additional piece of mind.

The In-Home option comes with a base station with a 32-hour backup battery and a necklace button. The device is waterproof and has a range of 1,000 feet, with a lifetime warranty. A landline is required for this option, unless you select the cellular network option.

The Mobile option comes with a hand-held device that is about the size of a page and connects through a cellular connection. The device is water resistant, has an unlimited range and comes with a one-year warranty. It also provides a backup battery life of 72 hours, which makes it a great feature.

4. Mobile Help

Mobile Help, which also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, touts itself as the leading provider of solutions involving “M-PERS” (Mobile-Personal Emergency Response System) technology. The company offers coverage in all 50 states and is the industry’s first fully integrated medical alert system based on GSM/GPS technology.

System users can speak to the service provider through the base station, as well as the activator pendant and/or wristband. This allows for seamless two-way communication, regardless of where someone is located around the home in relation to the base station. Its devices offer a range of 1,000 feet from the base monitor while inside the home, and 600 feet from outside the home.

Mobile Help’s devices include a Samsung SmartWatch, pendants and wristbands, a home base unit and a mobile base unit – all of which offer two-way communication. Cellular serve through AT&T is used for mobile connectivity.

In addition to emergency notification, Mobile Help offers a variety of other health care features such as monitoring a person’s blood pressure and providing medication reminders.

Wristbands and pendants are waterproof and come standard with GPS tracking, which is helpful in situations where emergency personnel aren’t exactly sure where someone is.

Mobile Help’s base package is $20 per month. The Samsung SmartWatch package costs about $25 per month. Payments can be made quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Customers must sign a service agreement, but aren’t required to sign up for a long-term contract.​

5. ADT Health

ADT has been in business for 140 years and currently has more than 8 million customers. It’s important to note, however, that this includes both home security and medical alert systems. The company operates from roughly 200 locations throughout the United States and Canada, and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Out of all the providers on this list, ADT is the most well-known and recognized.

Unlike several other providers, ADT offers a dedicated medical alert system. It’s not just an afterthought of their home security systems.

ADT’s medical alert systems are available in three options, and features vary considerably depending on the equipment selected and desired functionality. It’s important to look closely at the details of each option, however, since ranges vary from the base station, there are a variety of different types of pendants available, and communication technologies differ.

Fall protection is available, and ADT’s devices also allow you to speak to the call center directly, rather than having to make your way to the base station for two-way comms. Panic pendants and other similar devices are also available.

Other bonuses include free equipment and activation, although it’s a DIY installation. No long-term contracts are involved, so it’s a true pay-as-you-go solution. Discounts are available for quarterly and annual contracts, and if you’re already a customer of ADT home security systems, you’ll qualify for a further discounts.​

6. Protect America

Quite a few home alarm systems providers try to “bolt on” some form of lackluster medical alert support to their offerings – and it’s sometimes not a happy marriage.

Fortunately, Protect America is not one of them. This provider offers a nice and powerful medical alert system as part of its overall protection. It started in Texas in 1992 and its accumulated experience shows.

The provider uses Alarm.com equipment and mobile app support for its medical monitoring system. Most of that comes with a lifetime warranty, though you don’t own it. Its medical pendants and wristbands come with a two-year warranty.

The solution can connect to emergency stations via cellular, broadband or landline network. The Life Safety options include smoke and carbon monoxide detection, disaster sensors, and a panic pendant that can also be worn as a wristwatch.

The panic button is easy to use, with just one red button on it. The casing of the button is water- and shock-resistant, and can handle temperatures from 0 degrees to 120 degrees.

When triggered, the panic button sends a message to the control panel, which then alerts the monitoring station. Protect America doesn’t specify the range on the panic button, just saying it needs to be “near” the control panel to work. Another nice feature is that the panic button sends hourly supervisory signals.

Protect America also provides some interesting gadgets for medical alerts – such as a GPS tracker. The device is primarily used to track vehicles if they get stolen, but they could potentially also be used to track family members who are, for example, prone to wandering.

The system offers a basic landline-only security package, with no mobile app, for $19.99 per month, with a $19.95 activation fee and a $99 equipment fee. They also offer a $37.99 per-month that includes 10 sensors and a motion detector, and $42.99 that comes with 15 sensors and a motion detector. Medical pendants are not included with the basic setup, though, so you’d need to ask a sales agent about them.

7. Vivint

Vivint offer a sophisticated system that manages to bridge the gap between home security and medial alter requirements. It offers medical pendants and Vivint's wireless alarm control panel. It is far from being the cheapest system but is highly regarded.

Vivint’s system is sophisticated, and it all stems from its “SkyControl” seven-inch touchscreen panel. The system comes with medical pendants that can be worn, as well as a wireless alarm control panel that can serve different functions such as locking doors, calling emergency services or adjusting the lights in your home. The control panel allows two-way communication. When the panic button is pressed, the monitoring station contacts you directly to confirm whether you need police or medical help.

The Panic Pendant is temperature- and water-resistant, is compact, light and discreet. It can be worn as a necklace, belt, wristband or lanyard, and also can be attached to a wall or car visor. It also comes with an impressive 300-foot range around the control panel.

Vivint offers both contract and no-contract options. With no-contract, you purchase the equipment up front and pay for the security and medical monitoring you want on a month-to-month basis, with no early cancellation fees. The other option is to enter into a 42-60 month contract where you pay for equipment in monthly installments, but it comes with a 100% cancellation fee for whatever is left on the contract.

There are also two monitoring plans, one without video ($39.99/month) and one with video ($49.99/month). The medical pendants need to be purchased separately, at $34.99 each.

The company has technicians that install the system for you, at a cost of $49.99.

8. Frontpoint (Life Safety Facilities)

Frontpoint is essentially a home security system that uses elements of its technical infrastructure to deliver a medical alert system. The company has been operating in this space for 10 years, and has built a solid reputation during that time. It’s based on reliable GE equipment that’s widely available and easily replaced.

Frontpoint is a home security system that provides burglary prevention with professional monitoring. Life Safety is a feature of the home monitoring that comes integrated with all of its plans. With Frontpoint, you’ll be paying for a home security system and getting a medical alert system “free of charge.”

The system comes with a recessed panic button that can be worn as a pendant or wristband, which must be pressed for two seconds to activate. Once activated, the services provider will call to see what the emergency is. If they do not receive a response, they will initiate an agreed upon action as discussed when you purchase the system. The pendants are water - and shock -resistant.

Frontpoint’s security system comes with a touchscreen control panel that has a camera configured to take a photo of anyone triggering the system or trying to disarm it. It also permits two-way voice comms for verification of identity. The system is fully home automation and Alexa compatible.

The system itself is DIY installable, and is easy to do, and the equipment is both ergonomic and attractive.

The pricing proposition involves equipment purchase (e.g. the panic pendant is $39.99) plus a service sign-up fee. Prices start at $34.99 per month. One of the downfalls is that Frontpoint only offers one- and three-year contracts, and a cancellation fee applies.

9. Armorax

Armorax is a system based around what is essentially a home alarm and security infrastructure that’s supplied by 2GIG and Alarm.com.

Unlike many medical alarm providers on our list, equipment must be purchased upfront. The good news is the kit is compatible with the hardware of other suppliers. The kit itself comes with a three-year warranty, while panic buttons and key fobs fall under a two-year warranty since they are produced by an outside supplier.

If DIY isn’t your cup of tea, you can pay to have someone do the installation for you for $199. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re in any way unhappy with the service.

Armorax’s product is packaged alongside a wide range of home security options and is wireless, so it’s portable and easy to carry with you. Because of this, however, having good wireless service in your area is a must. If you’re prone to “dead zones,” this might not be the best option.

The wireless equipment has a 150-foot range indoors and 300 feet outside the home, which is on the lower side in comparison to others on this list. Activation is through a pendant wristband or key fob. What’s more, the panic button can be set to generate medical alerts only, which is helpful during medical crisis.

What you get for your money is touchscreen control panels with two-way voice comms plus a panic button pendant and key fob. The pendant is showerproof, and documentation states it’s waterproof down to one meter.

The batteries should keep things going for four-six years, the highest on this list, but they are not replaceable.

Prices start at $34.95 a month for service.

10. Link Interactive

Like Lifeshield, Link Interactive is not a specific and dedicated medical alert service provider. It is a home security company that provides medical alert monitoring as part of its packages. It would probably be appropriately described as offering a “basic” medical alert system as part of its wider home security focus.

With Link Interactive, you must buy the equipment instead of leasing it. The downside is it forces customers to pay for the equipment upfront, although it is competitively priced ($22-$122). The upside is the equipment is yours to keep, allowing you to switch monitoring companies if you wish. The equipment comes with a two- to three-year warranty.

The customer will choose the components of the system that they need. For medical alerts, there is a wearable panic button and keychain remote available. The panic button comes with a number of accessories that allow you to wear it as a necklace cord, a wristband, a belt clip or in other ways with multi-functional clips. The panic button is water-resistant, so you can take a shower with it, and has a nice range of 350 feet around the base.

To activate the panic button, you have to hold the button in for five seconds, and it will initiate a help call through the system’s console. The button can be programmed to call for police or medical help and the system panel offers two-way dialogue.

Monitoring plans range from $29.99 to $40.99 per month. Plans cover 12-, 24- and 36-month time periods and early cancellation charges would apply in appropriate circumstances.

11. LiveWatch

LiveWatch offers DIY home security equipment and monitoring packages. This is another system that is primarily designed for home security, but offers limited medical emergency support for its customers.

The security system’s control panel comes with a built-in panic button that can be pushed to set off an audible or silent alarm. In addition, it also offers a pendant panic sensor that is water-resistant. While the company doesn’t specify how far it works away from the base console, it does say that it should work “just about anywhere.”

To activate the alarm, the panic button has to be pressed for two seconds. The battery should last up to five years, which is nice, but it is also bulky, resembling a plastic doorbell more than a panic button. It can be worn around your neck, on your belt or attached to a wall. There is an additional option of activating the panic button through the remote key fob, which is semi-waterproof and has a range of 500 feet around the control panel, which is a nice distance.

The system does offer two-way communication, which is a great feature, allowing customers to communicate directly with the monitoring company through control panel.

With the LiveWatch solution, you’ll purchase the equipment up front. The company offers a $599 package and a $699 package for equipment, but neither include the panic button or keyfob. Both will need to be requested and purchased separately.

Monthly plans start at $19.95 and go all the way up to $49.95. There is a one-time activation fee of $19.95, and you have to sign a one-year contract. However, you can cancel at any time with no early termination fee.

12. Nest Secure

Nest is a relatively new company to the security space. While it has been lauded for its innovation, it falls short in many areas as a medical alert system.

Their basic equipment looks modern and sleek. The Nest system overall is focused on using the latest technologies and trends in the industry to provide its services. While that’s good on some ends, it’s not great for medical alerts.

There is no available panic button or keychain remote, meaning someone needing assistance would need to make their way to the central systems console to press a button to activate the medical alert.

Theoretically, the Nest-Secure system it could be used by someone seeking medical assistance, however, it is not advised in the context of seeking a peace-of-mind type solution for senior citizens, those who are infirm or those with significant medical conditions. It doesn’t have an ease-of-use as a medical alert system.

Nest-Secure just doesn’t offer the necessary minimal requirement equipment to count as a serious contender for medical alert provision with professional monitoring services.

If you have a medical emergency, you’d need to:​

• Make your way to the base station to send a medical distress signal
• Respond to a phone call and confirm/discuss the nature of your emergency
• Or wait until the monitoring station service reaches your emergency contacts

In many situations, that might not be feasible.

The basic equipment is purchased up-front at around $499. Monitoring is $19.99 per month on a three-year contract or you can pay as you go for $29 per month.

13. Lifeshield Home Security

Lifeshield is a wireless-based solution system. As with several other medical alert providers, this company majors on home security with a limited degree of medical alert provision built in.

The company manufactures its own equipment. You’ll get a free lease on the basic equipment when you sign up, or you can buy the equipment but you’ll then get only a 12-month limited warranty.

The solution is wireless-based, which has the advantage of mobility, but it does necessitate a good cellular coverage location. When you sign up for Lifeshield’s services, the equipment you are provided with includes a control panel, fire and CO detectors, a keypad, a keychain remote, a wireless security tablet, one motion detector and door/window sensors.

The Life Safety features of the system, however, are not as impressive. There is a panic button on the control panel and another one on the keychain remote, but the company does not provide a medical pendant or wristband. A person must either interact with the control panel or have the keychain remote on them to activate the medical alert. One other potential downfall is that you need to be no further than 30-50 feet away from the control panel to trigger the medical alarm.

Lifeshield offers a $20.99 per month offering, but that doesn’t come with the medical alert system. To get that function, you have to opt for the Security Advantage package, which is $24.99 per month.

The one nice feature is that all of the equipment will come preconfigured, and the installation is simple peel-and-stick adhesives and a mobile app with easy-to-understand instructions. A professional technician can also install the system for you for $99.99.​

14. Simplisafe

Simplisafe is very well-known as a provider of home security systems. In 2018, the company rolled out SimpliSafe 3, which includes a panic button that is configurable to activate specifically as a medical alert device.

The Simplisafe system comes with two options for medical alert monitoring – either through a mounted panic button or a key fob. The panic button needs to be mounted on the wall somewhere, but unfortunately cannot be worn. The key fob can be carried around with you, but only has a range of 50 feet from the base station.

The panic button can be configured to send an audible or silent alarm and can alert either medical, security or fire. One nice feature about the key fob is that you can program it to work only as a panic button by disabling the arm/disarm system features of it. This protects your home’s security in case the key fob is lost, stolen or misplaced.

The company manufactures its own kit which comes pre-configured and benefits from a one-three year warranty (subject to your equipment). If you wish, you could buy new or refurbished items at a discount and construct your own system. You’ll also get a 60-day money-back guarantee.

The pricing is built around the idea of budget costs. The equipment comes in pre-packaged bundles ranging from $374-$499 depending upon the components you require. The panic button costs $19.99 and the key fob $24.99. Monthly monitoring costs range from $14.99-$24.99, with mobile control available on just the higher-priced option. There are no fixed contracts.

Say you have an aging loved one who needs additional help getting around the house but isn’t necessarily ready to make the move to an assisted living facility. This might be a grandparent or even a parent. They’re still able to get around on their own and live independently to a degree, but maybe they’ve fallen once or twice, and you’re concerned about their safety when they're alone.

Understanding medical alert systems

Medical alert systems provide that protection and peace of mind for both you and them. However, there are quite a few things to know before making your purchase. You’ll discover several different system types on the market - and they’re not all created equal. This guide breaks down your options to help you better understand what’s available on the market and how these systems work so you're enabled to make an informed choice as to how you'll protect your loved one.

Uses and statistics

Medical alert systems are designed to provide additional safety for aging or infirm individuals living alone. They’re used by seniors, as well as by those with physical and/or mental health conditions that are not severe enough to warrant a supervised living arrangement, but there is still cause for concern over individual safety.

According to the National Council on Aging, up to one-fourth of Americans aged 65 and older will fall at least once per year. This equates to one senior being treated in an emergency room for a slip or fall-related accident every 11 seconds. A senior will die from a slip or fall every 19 minutes, and falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and non-fatal trauma in American seniors. Obviously, there is a significant need for improved safety, and medical alert systems provide exactly that.

Brief history

While you’re no doubt familiar with the concept of medical alert systems, chances are that you don’t know the specifics about them or how they’ve evolved over time. Today’s systems are very different from those of yesteryear and offer advanced functionality and features. The first medical alert systems actually debuted back in the 1970s as very simple devices. A person wore a pendant with a push-button around their neck, and in an emergency, they pushed the button to summon help. The pendant communicated with a base station tied into the home’s phone line and would send a signal to the monitoring company in an emergency. Many of the systems available today retain this style, but other options have also emerged.

System types and features

While medical alert systems were once very basic, today’s systems offer more advanced features. There are several different types on the market, as well as additional equipment that can be used to expand the protection offered by some systems. All systems include at least one remote device designed as a pendant to be worn around the neck or as a bracelet on the wrist. Some systems offer a remote device that can be attached to a belt, as well. All systems use a base. This is attached to the home’s landline and is responsible for connecting the senior to emergency help when the button on the pendant or bracelet is pushed.

In most systems, the base allows two-way voice communication between the fallen senior and the monitoring company. They should be tied into the home’s power system and use batteries in case of a power outage. The base should also send an automatic alert if the user is unable to speak. In addition to the ability to summon basic help via the push-button, other features available include the following:

Cellular Connectivity

This is useful for ensuring protection if the landline is down. This also allows the system to be used outside the home. For instance, it could be used when the senior is shopping or traveling. Note that cellular connectivity does require an additional charge.

GPS

This ties into a GPS chip in the pendant/bracelet, or a user’s smartphone and allows monitoring outside the home. GPS technology is also very helpful in monitoring the activities of individuals with mental health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Automatic Fall Detection

This feature is less common than others but provides an automatic notification to the monitoring company if the user falls and is unable to push the emergency help button. The monitoring company can verify the emergency with the individual, or in the case of no response, can automatically send help.

Range

This refers to the distance a user can travel from the base station and still be able to summon help with the push button on their bracelet or pendant. The minimum range is around 300 feet, but some systems can offer a range of up to 500 or 600 feet.

Mobile 911 Phone

Some systems provide a mobile 911 phone for an additional charge that will automatically call 911 in an emergency situation if the user is outside of the covered area or is traveling.

Smartphone Enabled

Some systems tie in with a user’s smartphone, allowing GPS tracking, fall detection, and 911 calling. In addition to the features above, some medical alert systems can be tied into sensors around the home which provide greater safety and protection for your loved one. For instance, some can be connected to carbon monoxide sensors or smoke detectors. Base stations can also detect temperature extremes (without a smoke detector) and send a notification to the monitoring company.

When should you consider a medical alert system?

Most medical alert systems are purchased for aging single parents or grandparents who live alone and are at risk for falling. However, some systems are purchased for aging married couples, as well as individuals with poor eyesight, or those with mental health conditions like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Really, these systems can benefit anyone who needs additional protection and fears that help will not be available in the case of an accident. A medical alert system may be a smart purchase for anyone who:

• Has fallen and may fall again, particularly if there is no help nearby.
• Is forgetful or has a dementia-related mental health condition.
• Lives alone and needs additional protection in the case of an accident.
• Is recovering from surgery at home and needs additional monitoring.
• Takes medications that cause dizziness.
• Has a disease like epilepsy or even diabetes and would benefit from additional protection.

Purchasing a medical alert system

You’ll find that purchasing a medical alert system might be easier said than done. Some can be found in brick-and-mortar stores, including drugstores. However, others are only available from the manufacturer and must be purchased online or by phone. Below, you’ll find website links to some of the most popular systems on the market:

• Rescue Alert
• Life Alert
• Phillips Lifeline
• LifeStation
• MobileHelp
• Medical Alert

Cost, effectiveness, and installation

The purchase of any medical alert system is dependent on several different factors. Obviously, the cost will be a significant concern, but you also need to consider the effectiveness of the specific system in question, as well as the need for installation. Cost is one of the most difficult criteria to pin down when it comes to medical alert systems, simply because it varies significantly from one system to another. There are also additional factors involved, such as whether or not the company charges a device fee or only a monthly service fee. Additional features and advanced functionality like automatic fall detection and GPS will also drive the price up.

For those on a limited budget, it might be best to consider a system that does not require a monthly fee. In this instance, the device itself might cost $300 or $400, but it’s a one-time charge. However, note that these types of systems do not come with monitoring. They are usually designed to be programmed to call one or more phone numbers when the user presses the emergency help button.

For 24-hour monitoring, you’ll pay a monthly fee. This can range from as low as $29 per month to $35 or even $40 depending on the company in question. You may also have to pay an additional monitoring fee for non-landline monitoring. For instance, Life Alert charges $50 per month for landline monitoring, but that cost rises to $60 per month if you want cellular connectivity. If you want GPS mobile functionality, the monthly monitoring fee rises to $70.

It’s also important to note that some companies only charge a monthly fee, while others will charge a device fee, as well as the monthly monitoring fee. For example, Life Alert only assesses a monthly monitoring fee. LifeStation, on the other hand, charges a monthly monitoring fee plus a device fee. However, that monthly monitoring fee is lower than Life Alert. Finally, you should understand that some companies charge additional fees, including the following:

Activation Fee

This is generally a smaller fee, but must be paid prior to the system being turned on. Many companies don't charge an activation fee, but some do, including Life Alert and Phillips Lifeline.

Cancellation Fee

Some companies charge a fee if you decide to cancel the monitoring plan. For instance, Rescue Alert charges up to $25 depending on the plan you choose. Other companies charge you the cost of the remainder of your contract (Life Alert, for instance).

Contracts

Most companies require that you sign a contract when you purchase the system. Some are as short as 90 days, but others are as long as 36 months. Life Alert’s contract is a minimum of 36 months and is only voided if the user dies or enters an assisted living facility. LifeStation requires a 30-day minimum contract, and Medical Alert requires a 90-day minimum contract.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of a particular medical alert system comes down to several different factors. One of those is the range of the base unit. Obviously, a system with a range of only 300 feet will be less effective than one with a range of 600 feet. However, if the user doesn’t usually go very far from the base station, that might not be a concern.

Another consideration here is user error. The single most common reason for medical alert systems to fail in providing protection is the user not wearing the pendant or bracelet. Obviously, if the pendant is on a nightstand while the user is in the shower, it cannot provide protection. Likewise, if the power goes out and the user hasn’t changed the batteries in the base station, then the system will not operate.

Installation

Installing most systems is very simple. It requires nothing more than finding a central location in the home for the base station and then connecting it to the landline and the power (and installing batteries in case of a power outage). Most systems come with the pendant or bracelet preprogrammed to communicate with the base station, as well. However, if you purchase a system with additional peripherals, such as smoke detectors or carbon monoxide sensors, additional steps will be required. In some instances, you might require professional installation.

Further reading

Medical alert systems can be highly beneficial, providing vital protection for seniors living on their own, and others who might be at risk for injury in an accident around the home. However, there is a great deal to know about these systems prior to making a purchase decision. You can find further information about important features and functionality, use case scenarios and more at the following sources:

• AARP – Medical Alert Devices to the Rescue
• Consumer Reports – What to Look for in a Medical Alert System
• AARP – How to Choose a Medical Alert System

The home security camera market is teeming with all kinds of options and features, which makes the process of choosing the right one a bit overwhelming. This buyer’s guide will help make the research and purchase process much easier by cutting through the manufacturer jargon and providing relevant information for the everyday consumer - regardless of technical background. Readers of this guide should feel more equipped and confident when choosing a home security camera.

Brief history

The first home security video system was created by Marie Van Brittan Brown in 1969. She patented a system of cameras which could look through one of four peepholes and then transmit the video to a remote monitor.

As advances in technology provided smaller cameras with higher resolution, the “Nanny Cam” was introduced in 1992. It allowed parents to discreetly monitor their children and child care staff.

IP cameras (or internet protocol cameras) debuted in 1996. Instead of transmitting images to a monitor, IP cameras sent their videos to computer networks and the internet.

.

What home security cameras do

The primary function of a home security camera is to capture video of what’s happening in its field of view to be watched in real-time or later. In recent years, technology has made it so security footage can be monitored online. These cameras can be placed within the interior and/or the exterior of a home. Home security cameras act as a second pair of eyes when the homeowner or other family members aren’t home. Whether it’s to check on the babysitter, children, a pet, or the overall safety of the house, they give peace of mind and assurance that a residence is safe.

Security cameras and surveillance (CTTV) cameras

Security cameras and surveillance cameras may be used interchangeably, but there are significant differences between the two. Security cameras actively monitor a home (usually through motion detection) and then send alerts via text/email to the homeowner and/or law enforcement about suspicious or unexpected events. Surveillance cameras or closed-caption TVs (CCTVs) do not scrutinize the videos found in their field of view. They provide a passive live feed that's recorded for later viewing or monitored by someone such as a security guard.

Home security and crime

The FBI reported that in 2015, there were over 1.5 million burglaries, with 71.5 percent occurring on residential properties. These crimes were expensive, costing the average victim over $2,300 or an estimated $3.6 billion in property losses.With those statistics in mind, home security cameras are a crime deterrent. When criminals scope out a home to burglarize or invade, the very presence of a security camera can discourage intruders from trying to break in. Even still, the more determined and experienced burglars can disarm or block visible security cameras, so the installation of both visible and hidden security cameras can strengthen the security of a home.

Common types of home security cameras

Generally speaking, there are two types of home security cameras: indoor and outdoor. The key difference between indoor and outdoor cameras is that outdoor cameras were created to withstand the outdoor elements of temperature fluctuations, precipitation, the wind, and dirt. Besides indoor and outdoor home security cameras, there are other ones that serve different purposes (see below). Usually, most allow for monitoring while one is outside of the home with either a mobile app or web browser.

IP Cameras

These connect to the internet via Ethernet cables or through WiFi. Video can be viewed locally on a computer or sent to a cloud-based application or database.

Wireless Cameras

Although this can be a synonymous term with IP cameras, wireless cameras can send video and audio over a radio band through a wireless receiver (analog) or digitally.

Pan-and-Tilt or Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cameras

Unlike fixed cameras, which have a stationary lens and show the video of a fixed area, pan-and-tilt cameras show different parts of a room or place. Many come with zoom features, with optical being a more optimal choice (vs. digital zoom) since that allows for the resolution to remain the same. These types of home security cameras are ideal for large rooms or areas.

Doorbell Cameras/Video Doorbells

Fairly new to the home security market are doorbell cameras, which show who's at the door. These cameras send video and notifications to the cloud when no one is present. Not only can video and images be sent, but audio can also be sent and received so homeowners can talk to visitors in real-time.

Dome Cameras

More often used in businesses, dome cameras are a type of surveillance mounted on the ceiling for a bird’s eye view and monitor hard-to-reach places. There are indoor and outdoor versions, as well as infrared night-vision and vandal-proof versions.

Desirable features to consider in home security cameras

With the countless features and options for home security cameras, there are a few general things to consider that will make having a home security camera helpful and not burdensome.

Resolution

The current standard video resolution is 1080p, and although 4K resolution is a newer innovation that can be found in televisions, it has not yet crossed over into the home security video market. A higher megapixel count will improve the digital zoom of a home security camera. Although optical zoom has better picture quality, it isn’t as common as digital zoom.

Field of View

Not only does the video quality matter, but so does how wide a home security camera can see, or the field of view. The range of what wide-angle lenses can view is from 100 to 180 degrees. If a larger space is being monitored, a lens with a wider field of view will be needed.

Placement

Where a home security camera is placed -- indoors or outdoors, small or large area -- will depend on the type of camera chosen. Some cameras are more discreet than others, yet some cameras, such as outdoor surveillance cameras, might mean to be seen as a way to deter theft.

Ease of Installation and Use

How easy or difficult it is to install a home security camera depends on where the camera will be placed as well as its connectivity— whether wired or wireless. Professional installation might be a better option, depending on the camera, the number of cameras, and home security needs. One’s technical comfort level is also a factor. The mobile app or web browser interface should be considered as they can be complicated or straightforward and user-friendly.

Connections: Internet, Bluetooth, and More

Most home security cameras are IP cameras that utilize WiFi connections. Some also add Bluetooth to aid in setup while others use networks to connect and interact with other devices. Most cameras have a mobile app for a cellphone or tablet, and/or a web portal to receive video and alerts.

Cloud-Based Video Storage

Though some home security cameras have onboard storage capabilities, such as a microSD card slot, most send video footage to a cloud-based database. Storage amounts will vary, as well as how long video can be stored.

Motion Detection

A home security camera equipped with motion detection can alert homeowners of anything suspiciously or unexpected found in its field of view.

Sound

Some home security cameras contain a microphone for sound recordings. They can also come with a speaker and act as a video intercom. This is more common with doorbell cameras or video doorbells.

Night Vision

Since criminals typically operate under the cover of darkness, having a home security camera with night vision can greatly aid in viewing events that happen in low levels of light or no light at all.

Costs of home security cameras

Home security cameras can vary widely in pricing, depending on the kind of camera, its features, and additional subscription services. Many home security cameras are a part of a package, which can come with multiple cameras as well as startup and monthly fees. Pricing can also depend on whether a homeowner chooses to install a system or a professional company. The size of the area monitored will also impact pricing. The following are general pricing guidelines and ranges. Prices are per item.

IP cameras Low-range: $30-50; Mid-range: $75-$250; High-end: $300-$1,000

CCTV kits (self-install) Low-range: $200-400; Mid-range: $500-$100; High-end: $1,000-$1,800

Separate home security components Cameras: $50-$250; Concealed cameras: $200-$400; DVRs: $250-$1,000+; Monitors: $100 to $4,500; Cables $15-$50

Security company design and installation (CCTV) Basic: $1,000 to $2000; High-end: $2,000 to $9,000.

Home security cameras can offer peace of mind when homeowners are away from home. They can also provide a defense against terrorist activity as shown in the video below from the FBI. With a large variety to choose from, homeowners can find a home security camera system that fits their needs and budgets.