Medical Guardian Medical Alert System Review

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How Medical Guardian Compares to Other Top Medical Alert Systems

More than 200,000 customers trust Medical Guardian medical alert systems with the safety of their loved ones. By pairing high-quality devices with the newest, most innovative technology, Medical Guardian has earned top rankings for its products and services by multiple review sites. A voice-activated wall button, spoken device status reports, and a caregiver portal that shares the activity history and location of loved ones are just some of the premium features and accessories that Medical Guardian offers. In addition, Medical Guardian is also known for its low-cost in-home systems that easily out-perform its competitors. The Home 2.0 system features an impressive 1,400 foot range – the size of approximately 4 football fields – among the largest range of available medical alert systems.

As one of the only companies in the industry to offer a smartwatch-style device, Medical Guardian is an excellent choice for anyone who desires premium device options and top-of-the-line features and capabilities. With a clear, well-designed website and a quick quiz to help consumers determine which of its five systems they are best suited for, Medical Guardian makes the shopping and sign-up process an easy, stress-free experience.

Pros and Cons of Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems

Medical Guardian’s Plans

Classic Guardian

Pricing

The Classic Guardian costs $29.95 a month and may be paid for on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Those who choose the annual plan will save a few dollars a month; the monthly cost with this plan is $27.45. Fall detection may be added for $10 a month.

Device Information

The Classic Guardian is a standard in-home system that uses a landline to connect with the emergency monitoring center. Those who do not have a landline connection in their home cannot use this medical alert system. The Classic Guardian set-up includes a base station with a range of 1,300 feet, a 32-hour backup battery, and a water-resistant help button that may be worn as a wristband or pendant. Its devices pair with the MyGuardian customer care portal to allow communication within a user’s care network, organization of health and safety information, and management of account information. Location tracking is not available for this in-home system.   

Home 2.0

Pricing

The Home 2.0 system costs $34.95 a month on the monthly and quarterly plans. It is slightly less expensive on the annual plan with monthly costs of $32.04. Prices include 4G LTE connectivity and an AT&T or Verizon cellular network for on-demand access to a monitoring center. The Home 2.0 system requires a one-time equipment fee of $124.95, and fall detection is available for an additional $10 monthly fee.

Device Information

This in-home device uses a cellular connection instead of a landline to connect with Medical Guardian services, so users don’t need to have a landline connection in their home. The system includes a base station with a range of 1,400 feet, a 32-hour backup battery, and one wearable and water-resistant help button. While GPS location tracking is not an option for users of the Home 2.0 system, its devices sync with the MyGuardian web portal and mobile app to enable easy communication within a user’s care network, access to health and safety information, and more. 

Mini Guardian

Pricing

The Mini Guardian costs $39.95 a month when paid for on a monthly or quarterly basis, or $36.62 a month when paid for annually. The price includes 4G LTE cellular connectivity and location tracking; however, fall detection is an additional $10 a month. Mini Guardian users must also pay a one-time equipment fee of $124.95. 

Device Information

The Mini Guardian is a compact mobile device that features advanced functionality in a small package. Measuring at half the width and half the length of traditional medical alert systems, the Mini Guardian is an unobtrusive alternative for active seniors. The portable device uses a 4G cellular connection and advanced location tracking to provide continuous monitoring services with an unlimited range. The Mini Guardian is water- resistant, has a long battery life of up to 5 days, and is available in three different colors. 

Mobile 2.0

Pricing

This portable system costs $39.95 a month when paid for monthly or quarterly and $36.62 a month with an annual plan. Prices include a fast 4G LTE network and advanced GPS tracking. There is a one-time fee of $124.95 for the use of Mobile 2.0 equipment and the option to add fall detection for a $10 monthly fee. 

Device Information

Mobile 2.0 is a portable system that provides coverage on-the-go. It uses a fast 4G LTE network, works anywhere with a cellular connection, and comes equipped with advanced GPS location monitoring. Its monthly cost includes a base device that can easily clip to clothing and a help button that can be worn as a necklace or wristband. An accompanying charging cradle provides multi-day battery life, and devices last up to 5 days before they need to be recharged. Remarkably, the Mobile 2.0 device even provides protection while charging. It also connects with the MyGuardian web portal and mobile app, informing caregivers about user activity and location and helping them with account management. 

MGMove

Pricing

MGMove may be paid for on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. It costs $39.95 a month with all of the payment options except the annual plan, which costs $36.62 a month. 4G connectivity and a wireless cellular connection are included in the monthly cost, but MGMove users must also pay a one-time equipment fee of $199.95. Fall detection is not available for the MGMove smartwatch device.

Device Information

This smartwatch-style device offers many features beyond emergency monitoring and includes weather forecasting and step counting apps at no extra cost. However, add-ons such as medication or appointment reminders and voice-to-text SMS messaging require the purchase of a Social Circle Apps package for an additional $5 a month. As an all-in-one device, MGMove users can contact the emergency monitoring center directly by pressing down a side button or tapping the SOS icon on the watchface. This device also connects with the MyGuardian app to monitor users’ activity and location. Like most smartwatches, the MGMove requires daily charging, which takes between one and two hours.

Starting Costs and Contracts

Medical Guardian customers (with the exception of Classic Guardian users) have to pay one-time equipment fees ranging from around $125 to $200. In addition to this, no devices qualify for free shipping unless customers pay for an annual plan. Customers who choose monthly or quarterly plans will have to pay $12.50 for ground shipping.

There are no cancellation fees, and long-term contracts are not required. Users may cancel their service at any time, and will receive a prorated refund for any prepaid months.

Monitoring

Medical Guardian devices are monitored by a 100% U.S.-based center with a triple-redundant backup system, which means that it can sustain its own power in worst case scenario situations and callers will never be without assistance. The center is Factory Mutual Approved and certified by the Underwriters’ Laboratory. It also holds The Monitoring Association’s Five-Diamond Certification, and is a member of the Electronic Security Association.

All operators undergo a strict screening process and an in-depth training program. They are trained to dispatch both emergency and non-emergency services, depending on the situation. Medical Guardian users can have contact information for up to four people, referred to as the Care Circle, on file for the monitoring center operators to call during non-emergencies.

Caregiver Tools and Extra Features

Activity and Location Tracking

The Care Circle contacts of mobile device users can find their loved one’s location on a map with the MyGuardian web portal or mobile app. This is not an option with in-home systems, as they are not equipped with GPS location tracking. When available, this feature may be especially useful for seniors with memory impairment who are at risk of getting lost.

MyGuardian Companion Mobile App

This app is available for both Apple and Android devices and accessible by Care Circle contacts. In addition to activity monitoring and location tracking of those with mobile devices, this app allows the Care Circle contacts of users with any device to check billing and make payments or manage account information, such as updating caregivers. All of these features may also be accessed via a computer desktop.

Optional Devices

Wall-Mounted Button

Wall-mounted buttons are designed to provide an extra layer of protection in the home. They function as an extra help button, and will signal the emergency monitoring center when pressed. Wall-mounted buttons are water-resistant and may be particularly useful in high-risk areas such as the bathroom. Medical Guardian users can add wall-mounted buttons to their plan for $2.99 a month per button.

Voice Activated Wall Button

These buttons are also designed for extra in-home protection, and may be placed anywhere in the home that users see fit. Unlike the wall-mounted buttons, these buttons do not actually need to be pressed to trigger a call to the emergency monitoring center. Users simply say the activating phrase, “help me,” twice in a row, and a call will go through to the center. Voice Activated Wall Buttons may be added to users’ monthly plan for $4.99 a month per button.  

Lockbox

Lockboxes eliminate the need for emergency personnel to break down one’s door during an emergency. Users can store a key in their lockbox and provide the code to Medical Guardian, who will then provide the code with emergency services when they are sent to a user’s home. Lockboxes can be added to a user’s plan for $2.99 a month, and annual customers receive a lockbox free of charge.

Optional Safety and Maintenance Add-Ons

OnGuard Alerts

For $2.99 a month, Guardian Enhanced Emergency Notifications will send texts and/or emails to Care Circle members about loved ones during emergency situations.

Alert 911

This one-button speaker box allows users to communicate with the 911 operator of the closest emergency response center. Compatible with any cell network and covering the entire U.S. and Canada, this button is superior to a phone and doesn’t charge for air-time or require charging. Available for $9.99 a month.

MG Protection Plan

For $6.99 a month, Medical Guardian customers can receive added protection that includes technical support and equipment repairs. Under this plan, up to 1 base unit and 2 buttons are replaceable per 12 month period, as long as damage occurred under certain conditions. 

To get a free quote from Medical Guardian, click here.

Who Should Consider Medical Guardian

Active Seniors

Medical Guardian’s offerings include three different mobile devices. This gives active seniors more flexibility and freedom when it comes to choosing a medical alert device that meets their needs. Medical Guardian customers who want protection on-the-go can choose between the traditional Mobile 2.0, the small, compact Mini Guardian, and the smartwatch-style MGMove with enhanced features.

Seniors Who Are Prone to Falls or Other Accidents

Medical Guardian also has options better suited for less active seniors, particularly those who are prone to falls or other injuries that may occur in the home. Almost all of its devices can be upgraded to include automatic fall detection, providing an extra layer of security in the event of an emergency. The voice-activated wall-buttons also allow users to contact the monitoring center during emergencies when they may be unable to physically press their personal help button.

Caregivers

All of Medical Guardian’s devices connect with the free MyGuardian app. This app allows Care Circle members to monitor their loved one’s location and activity history as long as they are using one of the three mobile medical alert systems. It also enables caregiver communication, billing management, and account viewing and updating for Care Circle members of those with either mobile or in-home devices. With the addition of Enhanced Notifications for $2.99 a month, Care Circle members can also receive real-time notifications if their loved one calls the emergency monitoring center and there is an emergency situation. 

Medical Guardian Compared with the Top Medical Alert Systems

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