The Best Medical Alert Systems for Men

As men age, their chances of experiencing an accidental fall or medical emergency in their home increase. Studies show that 80% of adults aged 65 and older are diagnosed with at least one significant medical condition, and 68% are diagnosed with two or more. Many families face challenging choices when it comes to helping a loved one live independently and age in place.

Medical alert systems are specifically designed to help seniors bridge the gap between potential emergencies and access to their personal support system and professional response teams. These systems can be as simple as a handheld device that detects a fall or alerts a monitoring service with the touch of a button, or a system that integrates devices and services through several points of contact for a full spectrum of safety and security.

Benefits of Medical Alert Systems for Men

Medical alert systems are particularly important for men as they age since there may be an increased chance they experience certain types of medical emergencies. Many personal or socioeconomic factors can play a role in men’s health issues. It can be more common for men to avoid regular health check-ups or inform their families of any ongoing medical needs. Men may also ignore symptoms or mild-to-moderate pain, which can lead to conditions worsening due to a lack of timely treatment.

The American Heart Association reports that men are more likely than women to have heart attacks, and they can happen earlier in life. When a person experiencing a cardiac event receives treatment quickly, they have a better chance of recovering, which is one reason many families consider medical alert systems for their loved ones.

Discreet and easy-to-use medical alert systems can often prove the best option for many seniors who may be worried about their privacy or the difficulty of using complicated devices. Others may prefer devices with high-tech features that look more like modern gadgets. We’ve carefully curated a list of the three best medical alert systems for men who may be looking for something they can tuck in their pocket, clip onto a belt or use in their home with ease and discretion.

The 3 Best Medical Alert Systems for Men

MobileHelp

This company offers packages designed to provide services that match a variety of needs. Men can choose the Classic for $19.95 per month, which pairs a base unit and wearable pendant for easy use in the home. Seniors who want more security while on the go can choose the mobile Solo unit for $37.95 per month, which has a two-way speaker and battery life of up to 24 hours when fully charged.

For just $4 more per month than the Solo, seniors can choose the Duo which combines both the Classic and Solo units into one package. Lockboxes are offered at no additional cost, and fall detection can be added for just $10 per month. MobileHelp also offers the option of a sleek smartwatch for men interested in a discreet look, although fall detection isn’t an available add-on. While the monthly subscription is only $24.95, customers must pay $349.95 for the device itself.

Men can schedule billing on a month-to-month basis or opt to pay quarterly, semiannually or annually, although a monthly subscription requires payment of a $49.95 one-time fee. MobileHelp doesn’t charge cancellation fees and offers customers a 30-day free trial period.

Life Alert

As a leader in the industry, Life Alert‘s name recognition can go a long way in helping a senior feel they have the best service a medical alert system can offer. Although the company has plenty of robust competition in the market these days, Life Alert’s long-standing reputation still places it at the top of the list of companies that offer durable devices and award-winning service.

Life Alert’s offers packages are priced in tiers starting with the in-home unit, which costs $49 per month. Seniors can add the bathroom unit and a mobile unit for an additional $19 per month each. One-time fees range from $95 to $198 depending on the number of units selected, and cover the cost of shipping, in-home installation and activation charges.

The equipment comes with a lifetime warranty, and the mobile device boasts a 10-year battery life with no need for charging. Life Alert also offers a smartphone app for easier account management and extra call center accessibility. The company’s services do require a 3-year contract, but certain qualifying circumstances may allow a subscriber to cancel before the end of the term.

Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm‘s five pricing models allow men to choose the most affordable option for their circumstances. The in-home unit for a landline connection costs $19.95 per month, while a cellular connection is available for an additional $10 per month. The water-resistant mobile device, which costs $29.95 per month, doesn’t require a base unit, and its fully charged battery lasts for 72 hours. Bay Alarm’s in-car device that offers crash detection and plugs into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter costs $29.95 per month as a stand-alone service, but only $20 extra per month when combined with another service.

For $10 more for month, fall detection can be added to any of Bay Alarm’s packages other than the car device, including a package that combines both the in-home and mobile systems for $59.95 per month. Additional wearable wristband and lanyard buttons cost an additional $1.95 per month each. The company also offers wall-mounted buttons for $2.95 per month individually, or $10 per month for four.

Bay Alarm Medical is one of the few companies that doesn’t charge extra fees for activation, equipment, installation or cancellation. Shipping costs are waived with a semi-annual subscription plan, and the company offers a full refund during the first 30 days, not including shipping costs.

When Should Men Choose a Medical Alert System?

There’s never a wrong time to choose a medical alert system since early notification of any health issue can prevent serious injuries or illnesses from occurring. Any concern about a senior’s safety while they’re alone or in a separate part of the home should be considered as a sign that it may be time to install a robust medical alert system.

A history of accidental falls or hospitalizations due to unattended medical emergencies indicate an urgent need for a system that can be used efficiently and effectively. Diagnosis of heart disease, diabetes or loss of vision can also motivate men or their loved ones to consider a medical alert system.

Lifestyle changes may also influence a senior’s decision, such as a recent move that makes it more difficult for loved ones to respond to their needs personally. Medical alert systems can also allow seniors to notify nearby family or caregivers if they need help in a non-emergency situation.

How To Choose The Best Medical Alert System for Men

To choose the best medical alert system, men and their caregivers should consider their urgent needs and those that pose a risk to their health or safety. If a senior experiences frequent falls, then choosing a service that offers automatic fall detection and lockboxes for EMS entry could prove to be life-saving features. GPS tracking requires stable cellular service, so those interested in a system with this feature should make sure it’s available where the senior lives.

Concerns about the costs associated with medical alert systems are common. Most companies address this issue by offering packaged deals at different price points so seniors can choose a basic set of services for enhanced safety without excessive expense. Subscribing to services on a semiannual or annual basis can also unlock special savings, such as a discounted rate or waived one-time fees.

Long-term contracts that don’t offer prorated refunds may not be the best choice for first-time subscribers. Choosing systems sold by companies with flexible and comprehensive return policies can provide men with options if they find that a particular system is confusing to use or doesn’t meet their needs.