Best Medical Alerts of 2022 – CNET [CNET]

View Article on CNET

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65. While most people know to call 911 in an emergency, that’s not always possible. If you fall in the bathroom or yard, you may not have your phone with you. That’s where medical alerts come in handy. 

Medical alerts are devices that allow you to call for emergency help using a button that’s always on your person, such as on a wristband or pendant. They’re useful for people who are especially vulnerable to falls or other medical emergencies. Not only do they offer caregivers and loved ones some much-needed peace of mind, but they can truly save lives. 

Medical alert systems have come a long way since that iconic Lifecall commercial in the 1980s (“I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!”). While all medical alert systems used to depend on landlines to work, many now use cellular data, offering more flexibility and accessibility. Modern medical alerts also offer additional features for those who want them, like medication reminders, fall detection, location tracking and fitness tracking.

With so many options out there, it’s more important than ever to find a medical alert system that can help you in an emergency, and the best medical alert option for you needs to suit you or your loved one’s individual needs based on medical conditions, budget and other factors. Using buyer reviews and expert guidance, we’ve curated this list of the best medical alerts for a range of needs.