Top 6 Medical Alert Pendants for Seniors

As loved ones get older, helping them maintain their independence can become challenging. Thankfully, each year more assistive devices for seniors become available that can go a long way in keeping your loved one safe and in the comfort of their own home.

When it comes to new gadgets for seniors, one of the most important categories is health, including both monitoring devices and technology that can alert local authorities in case of an emergency.

One of the most valuable of these devices is the medical alert pendant.

If you're in the market for a new medical alert pendant for a senior loved one in your life, you might be wondering what options are out there. If you aren't sure where to start, there's no need to worry: we've put together a comprehensive list of the top medical alert systems available.

This guide will compare features, pricing, and benefits of each medical alert pendant to help you make an informed decision for your senior's safety and independence.

What Are Medical Alert Pendants?

Medical alert pendants are wearable devices that allow seniors to call for emergency assistance with the press of a button. These life-saving devices connect to monitoring centers that can dispatch help 24/7, providing peace of mind for both seniors and their families.

How Much Do Medical Alert Pendants Cost?

When it comes to pricing, most medical alert pendants come with a monthly subscription cost that varies depending on the service, and a one-time hardware purchase at the start of membership.

Below, we'll compare prices between 6 popular options of medical alert pendants.

How to Choose the Right Medical Alert Pendant

When selecting a medical alert pendant for your senior loved one, consider these factors:

• Range and mobility needs: Determine if you need home-only or on-the-go protection

• Water resistance: Full waterproofing is preferable for shower safety

• Battery life: Longer battery life means less frequent charging, which may be more convenient for seniors

• Fall detection: This critical feature can help save lives when seniors are unable to press the button

• Monitoring center quality: Look for fast response times and well-trained staff

• Contract terms: Avoid long-term commitments if possible

• Additional fees: Watch for hidden equipment, activation, or cancellation charges

Our 6 Top Choices for Senior Medical Alert Pendants Available in 2025

1. Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian has established itself as a leader in the medical alert industry with several reliable pendant options. Their Mini Guardian pendant stands out for its compact design while maintaining impressive functionality.

Key Features Include:

• Hourly GPS location updates covered by 4G LTE services

• Battery life of up to 5 days between charges

• Water-resistant construction suitable for shower use

• 24/7 US-based monitoring with fast response time

• Fall detection capability available as add-on feature

Pricing: Monthly monitoring starts around $39.95

Best for: Active seniors who need reliable protection both at home and while out and about in the community.

2. Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm Medical offers strong in-home coverage with their SOS All-in-One product line, including a lightweight, wearable SOS pendant. The pendant connects to a base station powered by AT&T LTE, allowing seniors to move freely throughout their homes.

Key Features Include:

• Long Battery Life: Battery lasts up to 72 hours per charge

• Water Resistant: Device can withstand most wet environments beside being submerged

• Auto Fall Detection (Optional Add-on): Automatically connect to a 24/7 monitoring station without even having to push the button

• Simple one-button activation design

Pricing: Competitive pricing starting at $34.95 per month

Best for: Budget-conscious seniors who spend most of their time at home and need extensive in-home coverage.

3. Aloe Care Health

Aloe Care Health represents the next generation of medical alert pendants, combining traditional emergency response with smart home features. Their newest Mobile Companion 2 offers on the go safety for seniors, powered by 4G LTE connection, and remote capabilities for caregivers.

Key Features Include:

• Voice-activated features for hands-free emergencies

• Fall detection with adjustable sensitivity settings

• Two way conversation capabilities between emergency response and caregiver

• Access to a secure family app with real-time updates

• Live Locator to find your loved one in real-time

• Temperature and air quality monitoring

• Access to 24/7 emergency response

• Find My Device lost device capability

Pricing: Mid-range pricing starting around $44.99 monthly

Best for: Seniors looking for a modern, streamlined technology with additional preventative features beyond emergency response and for families looking for remote monitoring options via the mobile app.

4. Lifeline

Philips Lifeline, one of the oldest names in medical alert systems, offers reliable pendants with their HomeSafe with AutoAlert system. Their major advantage is time-tested fall detection technology, including mobile alert pendant options including On the Go and the On the Go Mini.

Key Features Include:

• Two-Way Voice Communication that allows users to speak directly with a trained Care Specialist through the pendant

• Advanced GPS technology

• Fall detection

• A fully-waterproof pendant, wearable in the bath or shower

• Battery-life of up to 4 days on a single charge

• Access to trained monitoring center professionals

Pricing: Monthly costs start around $39.95

Best for: Seniors with mobility issues or fall risks who are looking for a time-tested, reliable fall detection technology solution.

5. LifeFone

LifeFone offers versatile pendant options with their At-Home & On-the-Go pendant care systems that provide comprehensive coverage for active seniors. Options include lightweight pendants, belt attachments, a modern wearable watch system, and more.

Key Features Include:

• Optional caregiver app with location tracking features

• Free spouse coverage with the Inclusion of a second wrist band at no additional cost

• Water-resistant design and impressive battery life

• Uses Verizon or AT&T 4G LTE cellular networks, ensuring reliable nationwide coverage

• Locate the wearer using advanced GPS and wifi technologies

• Optional Fall Detection for added safety by automatically notifying emergency services.

• 100% lifetime warranty

Pricing: Monthly pricing starts around $45.95

Best for: Active seniors who travel frequently and may want fast, reliable, and comprehensive coverage with minimal charging needs.

6. GetSafe

GetSafe takes a unique approach with their voice-activated wall button that offers a hands-free solution for seniors who may not want to carry a pendant on them or may be forgetful. Users can yell out for assistance to be connected with emergency services.

Key Features Include:

• Voice-activated emergency calling ("Call 911")

• No need to wear device 24/7 with wall buttons throughout home

• Traditional pendant option included as backup

• Caregiver notifications via text/email

Pricing: Monthly monitoring starts around $29.50

Best for: Seniors who have trouble carrying traditional pendants or frequently forget to put them on.

How They Compare: Overview of Key Features & Price

The Perfect Pairing: Medical Alert Pendants and JubileeTV

While medical alert pendants address emergency safety concerns, combining them with a JubileeTV creates a comprehensive solution for senior wellbeing and quality of life. JubileeTV is specifically designed for seniors, simplifying their TV experience with added features that can complement medical alert systems.

Key Features Include:

• JubileeTV offers simplified video calling to help seniors stay connected with family

• Schedule their favorite TV shows and entertainment options ahead of time to eliminate complicated TV learning curves

• Use a built-in Reminders feature to schedule daily medication reminders for seniors who may need an extra nudge to stay on top of their routine

• Family members can remotely share photos and videos, reducing social isolation

• Weather alerts and important information keep seniors informed

Combined with a medical alert pendant, JubileeTV and medical alert pendants can provide better emergency protection and daily life enhancement for aging loved ones.

Best for: Creating a complete senior care ecosystem that addresses both safety concerns and quality of life factors, especially for seniors experiencing isolation or cognitive decline.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Alert Pendants

Are medical alert pendants covered by Medicare?

Original Medicare typically doesn't typically cover medical alert systems. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer partial coverage as an added benefit.

How long do medical alert pendant batteries last?

Battery life varies by brand, ranging from less than 24 hours to several days. Mobile pendants with GPS capabilities typically have a shorter battery life than home-based systems.

Do I need a landline for a medical alert pendant?

Many modern systems work with cellular networks, eliminating the need for a landline. However, some in-home systems still offer landline options, which may be more reliable in areas with poor cellular coverage.

Are medical alert pendants waterproof?

Most pendants are water-resistant, allowing for shower use. Check the specific details of any device you're considering if water exposure is a concern.

Our Verdict: Choose the Option that's Best for You

Medical alert pendants provide crucial safety and independence for seniors. By carefully evaluating the features, costs, and benefits of each brand's unique products, you can find the perfect solution to meet your loved one's unique needs. Most companies offer free trials or money-back guarantees, allowing you to test a system before making a long-term commitment.

Remember, the "best" pendant depends on the senior's specific lifestyle, health conditions, and support network. By considering your loved one's specific needs, you can choose the medical pendant that's best for their lifestyle and can provide some extra peace of mind for those times when you aren't able to be there in person.