8 Best Fall Detection Devices of 2024: Our Experts Tested and Reviewed

Our Reviews Team spent more than 2,500 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. During our process, we:

Read more about our medical alert systems review methodology.

More than one-fourth of Americans 65 and older experience a fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts About Falls. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html And whether it’s with or without injury, falls can carry a heavy quality of life impact. The best fall detection devices, such as Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, and others mentioned in this guide, can provide extra security for older adults who are at a high risk of falling.

Medical alert systems with fall detection use technology that senses when you fall and sends an immediate alert to get you help. Although you’ll have to pay $5–$10 more per month to add this feature to most fall alert systems, fall detection can give you and your loved ones added peace of mind and help you age in place longer.

Our Reviews Team researched and tested the best medical alert systems with fall detection to help you find the best device for your needs. See which companies made our list of the best fall detection devices.

We consider several different factors when judging each fall detection device, including;

Accurate fall detection: Any decent fall detection device should be able to accurately detect a fall with few false alarms.

False alarm cancellation: It should be simple to cancel a false alarm to avoid any potential inconvenience of accidentally setting off the device.

Monitoring response time: A quick response from the monitoring center is crucial when a fall is detected to improve the outcome for the individual.

Adjustable fit: The device should be adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit for various users, which is crucial for both comfort and usability.

You can be up to 1,300–1,400 feet away—or three to four football fields—from the at-home base station (a small device that links to the company’s monitoring center and connects to your fall detection necklace or bracelet), and the device will still register a fall and automatically contact the monitoring center.

Medical Guardian also has a competitive combination of features, performance, and value making it one of the best at-home and mobile fall detection systems on the market. It ties with LifeFone for the most connection types on this list (landline, AT&T, and Verizon cellular), its on-the-go devices have a high five-day battery life, and the brand has an overall fast response time of 1 to 25 seconds based on our testing. This may be why a majority (43%) of our survey respondents use Medical Guardian for their medical alert system. The second most popular system is Bay Alarm Medical (26%).

We had an excellent experience with Medical Guardian customer service. A representative helped us set up our MyGuardian app account and answered all our questions during our call.

Communication methods: Phone, email, or chat

Phone: Call 800-480-1357 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

Email: [email protected]

Chat: Chat availability on their website is the same as phone availability

Payment options: Check, credit card, or check by phone

Each Medical Guardian device had easy step-by-step setup instructions that involved us charging the device and placing a test call. We were able to complete the process with no issues. When we tested the Medical Guardian fall detection option, it successfully detected simulated falls from a standing position.

Automatic fall detection isn’t automatically included in the monitoring plans, but you can add it for $10 per month. Almost all Medical Guardian devices have optional fall detection—including the MGMove smartwatch, which was recently updated to include optional built-in fall detection.

The MGMini Lite is also a good option for a discreet fall detection device you can wear on your wrist. We were impressed that the MGMini Lite detected almost all of our test falls.

Check out our Medical Guardian vs. Medical Alert and Life Alert vs. Medical Guardian articles to compare these popular brands. Or, take a deeper dive with our Life Alert review.

Most other medical alert systems with fall detection come with equipment fees, as well as monthly fees for monitoring, but most of the medical alert devices offered by MobileHelp don’t include extra fees. Only one model includes a processing fee: the Classic at-home system ($49.95). This fee is waived when you purchase your system with the quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payment plan.

According to our August 2024 survey of 600 medical alert users, a large percentage of MobileHelp users (38.46%) said their fall detection devices never triggered a false alarm, which is remarkable considering our tests have shown them to be highly sensitive and capable of detecting slow and fast falls.

Because the majority of its products do not come with fees, MobileHelp receives our “Best for No Extra Fees” nod. Plus, the device variety is impressive.

We found the MobileHelp customer service phone number listed on our invoice. Our wait time was a little over five minutes and required us to click through a menu of options before reaching a representative. You can also use the live chat feature on the company website. We found the FAQs page to be helpful, and there are easily accessible user guides online to walk you through each model.

Read our full MobileHelp medical alert system review for more information.

From one of our survey respondents:

“My MobileHelp system detected that l had fallen and saved me.”

These bundled packages can be a good money-saving option for households with more than one person:

Fall detection: Additional $11 per month on all of the above plans

Bay Alarm Medical is one of the oldest and most trusted names in medical alert systems for older adults. It was founded in 1946 and has reputable products and high customer reviews. Among the medical alert systems with fall alert devices we tested, Bay Alarm has the highest BBB rating (4.24 out of 5 stars) with 141 reviews.

But it’s the long battery life in the company’s fall detection necklace that makes Bay Alarm Medical stand out. The company states the batteries in wall buttons and necklaces should last five years, and the battery in the at-home fall detector device lasts up to two years.

Automatic fall detection costs $10 per month in addition to standard monitoring fees, plus a one-time $30 fall detection device cost.

Every time we called customer service, it took us less than a minute to reach a representative. A representative explained how to add emergency contacts and instructions for monitoring center staff to contact them in our online portal. We were pleased with the efficiency and helpfulness of each call with Bay Alarm Medical customer service.

Communication methods: Phone, email, or chat

Phone: Call 877-522-9633 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT

Email: [email protected]

Chat: Chat availability on their website is the same as phone availability

Payment options: Credit card, debit card, or check

In addition to the long battery life, Bay Alarm Medical also monitors and automatically replaces your batteries when they do get low.

We had no issues setting up our Bay Alarm Medical devices during testing. It was an easy “plug and play” installation that didn’t require us to activate the systems—they were ready and connected to the monitoring center as soon as we plugged them in. We found that the average response time for Bay Alarm Medical was 45+ seconds. Check out our Bay Alarm Medical versus LifeStation comparison for more information about these two medical alert system companies.

From one of our survey respondents:

“I feel safer at night when I sleep. I usually fall when I get up at night to go to the bathroom.”*

*You should only wear the wristband devices to bed, as the lanyard devices can pose a strangulation risk when worn to bed.

The UnaliWear Kanega Watch is one of the only medical alert systems with fall detection designed for your wrist. This specific fall detector technology, called RealFall, is specifically designed to activate for actual falls rather than other quick movements (like sitting down fast in a chair). The Kanega Watch also actively learns your movements to help improve accuracy and reduce false falls.

Since the Kanega Smartwatch doesn’t have an app or online portal, UnaliWear encourages users to contact the company over the phone for any maintenance issues or changes that need to be made to their accounts. We asked a few quick questions using the online chat, but most of our interactions were over the phone.

Communication methods: Phone, email, or chat

Phone: Call 888-343-1513 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. They are also available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT on Saturday and Sunday.

Email: [email protected]

Chat: Chat availability on their website is the same as phone availability

Payment options: Credit card, Diners Club, or JCB

“We are constantly updating our algorithm with real fall data,” said Richard Hirsch, chief marketing officer of UnaliWear. See the section, “How does fall detection work?” to learn more about necklace vs. wrist-based fall detection.

Fall detection is automatically included with the Kanega Watch and not charged as an extra monthly fee. The water-resistant watch is available in three accent colors and connects to a 24/7 monitoring center via Wi-Fi and Verizon cellular service.

This dual connection keeps your watch connected to the monitoring center at all times, so if you have poor cell reception or lose connectivity, your watch will still be able to connect with the monitoring center through your home WiFi.

Setting up our Kanega Watch did involve a lengthy call with customer service—it was not a “plug-and-play” process. Some users may like this step-by-step setup guided by a customer service representative, while others may rather do everything themselves through an online portal. During testing, we found that the average response time for the Kanega Watch was around 66 seconds. UnaliWear’s response times include an approximate 20-second delay, allowing wearers to cancel an alert if necessary.

When testing the Kanega Watch during our medical alert system testing summit, we liked how simple it was to insert and remove the batteries. There are no screws or small latches to open since the rechargeable batteries attach to the watchband, which may be helpful if you experience arthritis, dexterity issues, or reduced vision.

The Kanega includes four rechargeable batteries so you can swap the low batteries with fully charged ones without taking off your watch to charge it.

The $79.95 starting monthly price is nearly $40 more than other medical alert systems in this review, but the Kanega Watch includes fall detection, which is often an extra $10-$12 fee with other devices. If you pay annually ($779.40 yearly), you can save 20% on the usual monthly subscription fee with no contract and the ability to cancel anytime. There is also a one-time $299 equipment fee, which includes the watch, batteries, charger, and initial setup and activation.

Unlike other medical alert systems on our list that only offer fall detection with certain systems, Medical Alert lets you add fall detection to all of its plans. You can even get automatic fall detection with the on-the-go GPS medical alert system button.

Our experience with Medical Alert customer service varied. The representative who helped us purchase our medical alert system was friendly and helpful. They even gave us their direct extension if we had any other questions. A different customer service representative called us to clarify something with our account, but we were busy and unable to take the call. We told the representative this and asked if they could call us back later, but they immediately hung up on us.

Communication methods: Phone or email

Phone: Call 800-800-2537 every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET

Email: [email protected]

Payment options: Credit card or debit card

Read our full Medical Alert brand review for more information.

Medical Alert service starts at $27.95 per month for the Home Landline System, but if you pay for an annual subscription ($239.40), the cost drops to $19.95 per month. The Home Cellular System starts at $37.95 per month or $29.95 when paid annually ($359.40). The Mobile System starts at $47.95 per month, or $39.95 per month when paid annually ($479.40). Fall detection can be added to all three Medical Alert systems for an additional $10 per month ($120 annually).

The downside: Fall detection cannot be built into the on-the-go mobile system device; instead the fall detection comes in a separate necklace. This means you’ll have to carry both the medical alert button and the smaller fall detection necklace. The at-home systems use a stationary base unit paired with a fall detection necklace, while the mobile system acts as an on-the-go base unit that is paired with the fall detection necklace.

The mobile medical alert button can stay in your pocket or purse, while you should wear the fall detection necklace around your neck for accuracy. Although using two devices is not ideal, it may be worth it in exchange for the low monitoring fees.

At first, we couldn’t correctly pair the fall detection necklace with the at-home system because the user guide instructions were out of order. Besides this issue, the rest of the setup process was straightforward. We found the average response time for Medical Alert was 15–25 seconds.

ADT has a starting fee of $39.99 per month for its Medical Alert Plus system, and $41.99 per month for the On-the-Go system. Fall detection can be added to either system for an additional $11 per month. We like that ADT does not charge activation, processing, or equipment fees.

We used the online chat and phone options when speaking with ADT customer service representatives. The customer service phone number was very accessible: it was in large print on a sticker on the at-home base station. When we had a connection issue with one of our systems, we called customer service, and the representative figured out our issue quickly and efficiently.

Communication methods: Phone or chat

Phone: 800-238-2727 (sales and customer support)

Chat: Website chat support is available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, Fridays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET

Payment options: Credit card

ADT offers two medical alert systems with fall detection: Medical Alert Plus and On-the-Go.

Medical Alert Plus starts at $39.99 per month. You can save $60 by choosing an annual plan ($419.88 per year versus $479.88 per year). The On-the-Go system starts at $41.99 per month, or $443.88 when paid annually. Fall detection can be added to either system for an additional $11 per month. The least expensive system ADT offers, Medical Alert Basic ($31.99 per month), does not include an option for fall detection.

From one of our survey respondents:

“I think it is a wonderful device, especially when you start to have falls more often but you want to be more independent. It eases my loved ones’ minds and mine also.”

Setting up our ADT medical alert systems was fairly simple. After plugging in our at-home base station and charging the mobile system, we called ADT to confirm our account, test our connection to the monitoring center, and verify fall detection was activated.

The fall detection battery lasts 18 hours. Though this device isn’t guaranteed to detect all falls, when we tested ADT fall detection by dropping it from both a sitting and standing position, within 10 seconds the device gave a voice prompt: “Fall detected. Press and hold button to cancel.”

From one of our survey respondents:

“It has saved me when I couldn’t get up.”

To learn more, check out our ADT medical alert review. If you’re concerned about how to pay for your device, we have more information on medical alert systems cost.

The LifeFone medical alert system includes many features for those who are comfortable with technology. You can think of LifeFone as both a medical alert system with fall detection and an all-in-one home monitoring system. It includes several extra features not available from other companies on this list.

The LifeFone customer service phone number was listed throughout our user guide and activation instructions, so we never had to search for the number when we had questions while setting up our medical alert systems. The representatives were knowledgeable and able to answer our questions during our calls. Only one instance involved multiple calls to resolve an issue—we didn’t receive an email code right away to set up the caregiver app.

Communication methods: Phone or email

Phone: Call 800-331-9198 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET

Email: [email protected]

Payment options: Credit card, debit card, or online bill pay

Read our full LifeFone medical alert review for more information.

LifeFone works as an all-in-one home monitoring system, with the following features included in all of its devices:

There are also additional features that come with extra costs. Caregivers or users can schedule a daily test ($6 per month) for the system that can be turned off with the push of a button. If the button isn’t pressed, the call center will contact you.

You can also schedule a daily check-in call ($19 per month), and a call center operator will call your phone just to make sure everything’s okay. In addition, there’s a caregiver app (free) to help you stay connected with loved ones. These types of extra features are valuable to medical alert system users. According to our survey, 40% of respondents said the biggest challenge with their medical alert system is that it doesn’t have enough special features.

LifeFone medical alert systems have a two-step setup process: Plug in (at-home base station) or charge the device (mobile systems and smartwatch), then contact the monitoring center and tell them you’re testing the device. We liked this straightforward setup.

The company’s devices have a long battery life, a range of 1,300 feet, and low-cost automatic fall detection. Monthly monitoring starts at $29 per month, and fall detection is $5 per month, about half of what other companies charge. We found the average response time for LifeFone was 1–25 seconds.

The HandsFree Health WellBe Emergency Alert system is featured in the WellBe Medical Alert Watch Round and WellBe Medical Alert necklace. The mobile emergency alert devices are accompanied by a monthly subscription that comes with several advanced features to keep you or your loved ones safe when on the go.

If you have questions as a first-time customer, it’s difficult to reach HandsFree Health customer support. The website doesn’t offer an online chat feature, but it does have built-in question-and-answer software to help you locate the answers you need.

Communication methods: Online form

Online form: Fill out the contact form prompt on the support page

Payment options: Credit card, Diners Club, or JCB

The T-Mobile 4G cellular technology built into the WellBe Medical Alert Watch Round and WellBe Medical Alert pendant includes GPS to send emergency services directly to your location, two-way communication to speak with the U.S.-based monitoring center right through the watch, and the WellBe Virtual Assistance app to stay connected to your health care information. Additionally, these advanced medical alert devices are water resistant, and the watch has a built-in heart rate monitor and a pedometer to track your steps.

WellBe fall detection technology was designed to detect only hard falls in order to limit the amount of false alarms and to improve the overall user experience. Once a hard fall triggers the detection system, your device will automatically initiate a call to connect you with emergency services.

Fall detection (also called automatic fall detection) uses sensors such as accelerometers, which detect motion, to identify when you fall and then send an alert to the medical alert company’s monitoring center that you need help.

According to our August 2024 survey of 600 medical alert users, 79% had experienced at least two falls in the last year, and 91% said at least one fall resulted in injury. Falls occurred most often in the shower, followed by the living room, kitchen, stairs, and bedroom.

Nearly every company includes a disclaimer on its website stating no device is 100% accurate, so many fall alert devices include a help button as well in case the device doesn’t record your fall.

Fall detection uses a wearable device (typically a necklace) to detect when the wearer falls and automatically sends help. While some medical alert smartwatches, including the UnaliWear Kanega Watch and Apple Watch, support fall detection, research from 2021 and 2023 shows fall detection worn around your neck is more accurate than fall detection worn around your wrist. [2]Javier González-Cañete, Francisco and Casilari, Eduardo. A Feasibility Study of the Use of Smartwatches in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. Sensors. March 23, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/6/2254 [3]Lee, Yongkuk, et al. Experimental Study: Deep Learning-Based Fall Monitoring among Older Adults with Skin-Wearable Electronics. Sensors. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/8/3983

Experts generally agree the best way to wear a fall detection device is as a necklace high on your chest and on top of your sternum for accuracy.

Fall detection technology typically includes an accelerometer and other advanced sensors, such as barometers, to sense slight changes in speed, angle of descent, and air pressure to detect a fall, according to this 2021 systematic review. [4]Warrington, et al. Are Wearable Devices Effective for Preventing and Detecting Falls: an Umbrella Review. Found on the internet at https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-12169-7 The devices take the data from those sensors and plug the information into an algorithm to determine whether a fall actually occurred. If the device confirms a fall did occur, it contacts the company’s monitoring center to reach out to the medical alert user and notify contacts or send medical help if needed.

From our focus group:

“The quick response, once you mash the button or you detects the fall, it’s very quick. Just a few seconds before somebody comes on. And again, if you do it by accident, it’s easier to cancel it and let them know that, you know, you don’t need to help.”

To learn more about ambient sensors and monitoring centers, read about how medical alert systems work.

Fall alert systems come in two main categories: wearable sensors and ambient sensors. Fall detection wearable devices like pendant necklaces, watches, and wristband devices, and clip-on medical alerts use accelerometers to detect rapid downward movements that can indicate a fall. They often also include manual alert buttons. Because fall detection is not 100% accurate, our team recommends pressing the alert button when able to make sure the alert has gone through to the monitoring center.

Ambient home sensors use video cameras to monitor the user’s movement and detect falls. If a fall is transmitted to a monitoring center, a representative typically will call the user to check on them before notifying contacts or calling for emergency services, but this can depend on the user’s preferences and risk factors.

Wearables are typically more cost-effective and versatile than ambient sensors. The accuracy of wearable fall detection devices does depend on type and placement, though. Fall detection is most accurate when worn high up on the body—around chest level or higher—and least accurate when worn low on the body, such as on the wrist, but technology for wrist devices is rapidly improving. Read more about the best medical alert watches and wrist-worn monitors.

In addition to watches, medical bracelets are lightweight wearables that allow you to discreetly remain connected to your medical alert service at all times. The best medical alert bracelets have a range of 600-1400 feet from your base system. Pendants, or medical alert necklaces, are wearable buttons that resemble a charm on a necklace chain. Typically, these buttons have a range of 1,000-1,400 feet from your base system but there are also mobile options with unlimited range. Unfortunately, most medical alert bracelets and necklaces do not include fall detection. To learn more about these wearable devices, check out our comparison of the best medical alert necklaces.

Be aware that false positives can occur (when the device mistakenly detects a fall that hasn’t happened) if you drop your device or the device falls off a table.

This 2020 research survey found an average accuracy rate of 93% for fall detection devices, but numbers vary. [5]Ramachandran, Anita and Karuppiah, Anupama. A Survey on Recent Advances in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. BioMed Research International. May 30, 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/2167160 This 2017 study found an average accuracy rate of 80%, and this 2018 review of 22 different studies Broadley, et al. Methods for the Real-World Evaluation of Fall Detection Technology: A Scoping Review. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068511found that, in order to arrive at a standard accuracy rate of fall detection systems, more real-world research is needed. Generally, researchers agree it’s not 100% accurate, but very close. [6]Aziz, et al. Validation of Accuracy of SVM-Based Fall Detection System Using Real-World Fall and Non-Fall Datasets. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5498034 [7]Broadley, et al. Methods for the Real-World Evaluation of Fall Detection Technology: A Scoping Review. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068511

In the event of a false positive with your fall detection device, the company will reach out and verify whether you need assistance. Companies also encourage you to test your fall detection device monthly to ensure it’s still working. For step-by-step instructions on how to test a fall detection device (also known as a “drop test”), see this guidance from Medical Guardian.

According to our August 2024 survey of 600 medical alert users, people reported low incidents of false alarms triggered by the device’s automatic fall detection.

The cost of fall alert systems can vary widely, with monthly fees for services ranging from $19.95 to $159.95, not including the additional cost for fall detection. Typically, the fall detection feature adds an extra charge of about $10 per month​​​​​​​​.

Some fall alert systems offer all-in-one solutions, with fall detection already built into the medical alert monitor, and may include extras like a month of free service or free shipping with an annual monitoring subscription. Keep in mind, though, that automatic fall detection is generally not included in standard monitoring plans and needs to be added to the plan​​ by either asking your medical alert customer representative to add it or by adding it to your account settings.

If you’re concerned about how to pay for your medical alert system, you can find more information in our guide to free medical alert systems.

Medical alert systems, including fall detection, are generally not covered by most insurance plans. Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover these costs, but Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, might cover some of the expenses. The coverage can vary, so it’s a good idea to call your insurance provider to find out what is covered and what the requirements are for coverage. Coverage is more likely to be approved if an attending doctor has prescribed medical alert monitoring.

Private insurance plans may offer some coverage options. Contact your plan provider to see if you’re covered for the cost of a medical alert system​.

Learn more about medical alert system coverage.

Fall detection is generally an additional monthly fee to a medical alert system. You can expect to pay an additional $11 per month. If you’re looking to save money on fall detection, start with an affordable medical alert system like MobileHelp or Medical Alert, which both begin at $19.95 per month. LifeFone isn’t much more, with a starting monthly rate of $24.95 and fall detection for just $5 more on most systems.

In our survey, automatic fall detection was the most popular special feature our respondents wanted in a medical alert system. Fall alert systems can prevent negative consequences like dehydration, hypothermia, and pressure sores if someone falls and is lying on the ground for a long time.

All medical alert systems have a button to press in the event of a fall or other emergency. But if you’re not close to the button when you fall, you may not be able to get to it. That’s why fall detection is so important.

“Impairments in vision, hearing, and balance can make an older person more vulnerable to falls than others,” said Liron Sinvani, MD, director of the hospitalist service at Northwell Health and associate professor of medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in the New York City area. “Those who have conditions such as osteoarthritis or dizziness, or take multiple medications, also have a greater risk of falling.”

To gauge your risk of falling and get tips on how to prevent falls, use NCOA’s Falls Free CheckUp. And for guidance on how caregivers can discuss falls prevention, use NCOA’s Falls Prevention Conversation Guide for Caregivers.

Below are some of the most important considerations to account for when deciding which fall alert system is best for your or your care recipient’s needs.

The device’s ability to accurately detect real falls while minimizing false alerts is a central concern. Look for monitoring devices that use multiple sensors and have published clinical studies validating their accuracy across diverse fall scenarios, such as from a chair as compared to a standing position. Devices that combine accelerometers with other sensors, like gyrometers, tend to offer higher fall detection accuracy.

Fall detection devices can sometimes trigger false alarms due to their high sensitivity. Although this sensitivity can lead to accidental activations, one of our focus group members mentioned that the alarms going off at incorrect times was not a big issue as they were easy to cancel.

Faster detection of a fall event and emergency transmission to contacts or first responders allows for earlier intervention. Prioritize devices that have the best record of quickly connecting with a monitoring center—ideally within 30 seconds or less.

Consider both indoor and outdoor use cases. Devices that rely on stationary home bases have limited range, while wearables with GPS allow location tracking and emergency detection on-the-go. Evaluate the user’s activity levels and falls risks when deciding on range needs.

The device should be lightweight, comfortable, and easy to operate by the user. Aesthetically subtle and fashionable devices like wristband devices and jewelry snap-ons for pendant necklaces are more user-friendly since they blend in with the user’s everyday wear.

Waterproof medical alert devices are also more practical and offer greater protection in high-risk areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Being able to wear the device in the shower is very important, as this is where many falls happen. A long battery life that minimizes the time needed to take the monitor off to recharge, and reminder alerts that help users in their day-to-day activities, like medication and appointment reminders, also can help boost compliance.

Intuitive, user-friendly interfaces are especially important for the cognitively impaired. Look for clear, simple displays with customizable text size options. Audible guidance and alerts should also be available.

Discussing the need for a fall alert system with a loved one can be difficult, so we suggest having a thorough understanding of how these devices work before approaching the subject. When you’re ready to discuss fall detection, it’s important to note the purpose of these devices is to promote safety and independence. Using a fall detection device can empower your care recipient to continue enjoying activities without worrying about getting help if they fall.

Discussing medical alert systems and fall detection can be a positive conversation when approaching it from a well-informed, thoughtful perspective.

Fall detection devices can also contribute to independence, a key feature highlighted by many in our focus group.

From our focus group:

“I’m glad I have it. I’m glad I can afford it and I’m, it has, it’s kept me from having to, in any way change my lifestyle. I still go out and I go to exercise classes and I work here from home and, and all of that.”

Combined with a medical alert system, fall detection can provide an important second layer of protection. You will have peace of mind knowing help is on the way even if you don’t push the help button.

If you’re looking for the best fall detection devices, we recommend Medical Guardian for its long device range, MobileHelp if you’d like a simple device with no extra fees and a fast response time, and Bay Alarm Medical for the best devices and longest battery life.

Consider ADT Health and LifeFone for the best extra features. We recommend Medical Alert for the lowest price, and the UnaliWear Kanega Watch if you’re interested in a smartwatch with fall detection.

We do not recommend Life Alert because it doesn’t offer fall detection and has other major drawbacks, like a three-year contract, high fees, and pushy sales tactics.

Going with any of these companies can give you more confidence to go out on your own and do the things you enjoy. It also can assure your friends and loved ones that you have access to help when they can’t be there.

Medical alert systems with fall detection may partially be covered with Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, but Medicare Part A and Part B do not offer coverage. For more information, check out our article on if medical alert systems are covered by insurance. Reach out to your insurance provider to check your eligibility and coverage requirements.

You should make sure your device has “automatic” fall detection. Otherwise, it’s the same as a standard help button you press when you have an emergency.

A waterproof fall detection device is a good idea, since falls frequently happen in the bath or shower. All devices on this list are either waterproof or water-resistant. Waterproof means the device is airtight and can withstand water no matter how long it’s submerged. Water-resistant means it can withstand water to a certain degree, but not entirely.

The device should be comfortable, easy to wear, and suit your personal style. If your fall detection device is clunky or unattractive, you may not wear it regularly.

Different systems use different technology, and this can affect accuracy. The best fall detection devices use several tools that can tell the difference between a fall and a normal movement.

Research has shown medical alert bracelets and watches aren’t as accurate at detecting falls as necklaces. [2] Javier González-Cañete, Francisco and Casilari, Eduardo. A Feasibility Study of the Use of Smartwatches in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. Sensors. March 23, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/6/2254 [3]Lee, Yongkuk, et al. Experimental Study: Deep Learning-Based Fall Monitoring among Older Adults with Skin-Wearable Electronics. Sensors. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/8/3983 This is because normal arm movements can trigger a false alarm. Although you can buy fall detection devices that fit in your pocket, the extra layer of fabric can prevent the device from sensing a fall.

Falls are the leading cause of serious injury among older adults, according to the CDC. [8]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older Adult Falls Data. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data/index.html It’s worth considering a fall detection system if you have a medical condition or live alone.

Even if you have a medical alert system at home, it may not provide protection if you’re unable to reach the base station or wall-mounted help button after a fall.

The best medical alert systems with fall detection include Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical, Medical Alert, ADT Health, LifeFone, and the UnaliWear Kanega Watch. But the best for you will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.

Yes, some smartphones have fall detection built into the device. But most often, it’s connected to a smartwatch and found in a health app. You’ll need to activate the settings on your watch or phone to ensure fall detection is enabled.

All devices from Medical Alert have the option to add fall detection. Fall detection is automatically included with the UnaliWear Kanega Watch. Not all devices have the option for Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, ADT Health, and LifeFone, but a majority do have the option to add fall detection.

The best wearable device for fall detection depends on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. While our top pick is Medical Guardian for its fall detection technology, fast response time, and cost-effective options, it’s important to consider factors such as comfort, ease of use, on-the-go capabilities, and more. Different devices will suit different people. This is why taking your time to compare various products and ask questions is essential for finding the ideal fall alert device for you.

While there may be companies selling wearable fall detection options with no monthly fees, we haven’t found any that we would recommend as reliable. We caution against purchasing any fall-detection devices that promise free services or seem questionable in any way. Given that this is a device needed for emergencies, it’s best to invest in a trusted and proven product, even if it does come with monthly fees.

Most medical alert and fall detection devices work without Wi-Fi, but some specialized systems, like Medical Guardian and HandsFree Health, use Wi-Fi.

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