Monitored vs. Unmonitored Medical Alert Systems

Keeping our loved ones safe is very important, especially for seniors with health issues. Medical alert systems are helpful tools as falls are the top cause of injuries for aging adults. They provide quick help with just the push of a button.

When looking for a medical alert system, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a monitored system or an unmonitored one. This choice will affect how your loved one gets help in an emergency.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of monitored and unmonitored alert systems and how to make the best choice for your family.

- What are Monitored Medical Alert Systems?

- What are Unmonitored Medical Alert Systems?

- Monitored vs. Unmonitored Medical Alert Devices

- Monitored vs. Unmonitored Medical Alert Systems FAQs

Monitored Medical Alert Systems

Monitored medical alert systems are essential for your loved one's safety and well-being. Mom and Dad can even wear them on a pendant or wristband for more convenience and security. Once pressed, monitored medical alert systems connect directly to an emergency response center. The trained responders there assess the situation and send help right away.

Most monitored medical alert systems let you speak directly with the operator. This means the responder asks questions to determine whether you are in danger. They can then send help immediately if needed. Mobile connectivity can also send notifications about your family member's status.

Unmonitored Medical Alert Systems

Unmonitored medical alert systems, such as a smartwatch or smartphone, do not involve a dedicated response center. When you press the button on the device, the system dials a preset number — typically 911 or a loved one. Every time the alert activates, the system follows the same protocol. It will send the same message, whether a minor incident or a severe medical emergency.

When non-monitored medical alert systems make a preprogrammed call, they can connect with the senior in one of two ways. Some devices connect to whoever answers the call first. Others play a recorded message to whoever answers the call. The message will let family members know the alert is from their automated system.

Monitored vs. Unmonitored Medical Alert Devices

Understanding the differences and pros and cons of monitored medical alert systems and unmonitored systems is critical. Your choice of medical alert system can determine how quickly and efficiently help can reach you or your loved one in an emergency.

Emergency Protocol

One of the biggest pros of monitored medical alert systems is immediate and reliable help. In an emergency, they connect directly to a professional monitoring center. The trained operators will assess your situation and send support right away. If the situation isn't as urgent, they can still let your contacts know. 

An unmonitored medical alert system depends on whether your contacts respond in an emergency. You might have a button to press that lets family or caregivers know, but there is no help from a professional monitoring service.

Personalization

While a smartwatch or phone can call 911, these devices do not have the same personalized information as monitored systems. Monitored medical alert devices save your family member's personalized information. This includes medical conditions, names, emergency contacts and more, for increased safety.

Say you have a parent with heart issues who falls while gardening and presses the emergency button on their device. The response center will quickly connect them, assess their situation and dispatch an ambulance. They also notify you or whoever is on the notification list. Thanks to personalized information, your loved one gets help, and you know that they are in good hands.

Tracking Capabilities

Monitored systems offer a range of features, like GPS tracking. GPS helps operators pinpoint your family member's locations in real time. In an emergency, whether at home or on the go, you can feel confident that help is on the way to their precise location.

In contrast, one of the biggest cons of unmonitored medical alert systems is a lack of GPS tracking. Their message may only alert people to their home location, even if your loved one is out of the house.

Features

Some monitored systems offer advanced features like:

• Heart rate monitor
• Pedometer
• Fall detection technology

These features can cater to an active lifestyle. They let family members monitor their health while keeping up with fitness. You can also add fall detection, which lets responders know when sensors identify a fall.

Style

Some consider stylish options one of the pros of unmonitored medical alert systems. In recent years, many monitored systems have become sleek and modern. Elegant options, such as wristwatches, easily integrate into everyday life. With their chic design, you can feel confident and stylish while wearing them.

Monitored vs. Unmonitored Medical Alert Systems FAQs

We often receive the following questions about medical alert systems:

What Happens When the Button Is Pressed on a Monitored vs. Unmonitored System?

Pressing the emergency button on your monitored device connects you to a professional response center. Operators can then dispatch emergency services if needed. They'll also stay in touch until help arrives, making sure you or your loved one receives the support you need.

Pressing the emergency button on an unmonitored system sends alerts to your designated contacts. Your contacts can then act based on the alert, such as coming to you or calling emergency services.

Are Monitored Devices Worth the Monthly Fees Compared to Unmonitored Devices?

Yes, monitored medical alert systems are generally worth the monthly fee. They give you peace of mind knowing trained professionals are available to help 24/7. Other features, like GPS tracking and fall detection, make these systems even safer. They are valuable for keeping loved ones safe.

While unmonitored systems may have lower upfront costs, they rely on family and friends to respond. This can delay getting help when it’s most needed. Added safety and immediate responses from monitored systems often justify the monthly fee.

Do Unmonitored Systems Promote Similar Safety Levels as Monitored Systems?

Unmonitored medical alert systems do not provide the same level of safety as monitored systems. These systems depend on family members or friends to respond quickly during emergencies. In contrast, monitored systems connect directly to trained professionals. Operators quickly assess the situation and immediately send help.

With unmonitored systems, the person in trouble might have to wait for someone to respond, which can be dangerous in emergencies. Unmonitored systems also lack personalized information stored in monitored systems. This information is vital for emergency responders.

Our Monitored Systems

At Medical Care Alert, we offer a range of monitored medical alert systems. These include mobile systems, home devices and smart watches. They can serve as a vital safety net, ensuring prompt help when needed:

• Smart Watch for Seniors: Our Smart Watch prioritizes safety by monitoring location, heart rate and steps. In emergencies, press a button and speak into the watch for help.
• HOME & AWAY FLEX Cellular Medical Alert System: This system ensures help is always close with GPS and optional fall detection. Mom or Dad can speak into the water-resistant GPS pendant and receive help at their location.
• HOME System: The HOME System offers extensive coverage within the home. It features shower-safe buttons and a range of up to 1,000 feet. With the optional AutoFALL pendant, Mom or Dad can call for help without needing a cell phone or Wi-Fi.

Contact Medical Care Alert About Our Monitored Systems

Caring for an aging family member can be scary, especially if they live alone or are at fall risk. You need reassurance, and Medical Care Alert brings that to the table. Our monitored medical alert devices can give you peace of mind, keeping you updated on your loved one's health while maintaining their independence.

Our emergency operators are based in the U.S. and trained in medical dispatching. If we send help, we call and send texts to notify family — keeping you updated every step of the way.

For help choosing the right monitored device for your family, contact us today!