Best GPS Medical Alert Bracelets

As adults age, they become more prone to developing serious injuries from falls. A senior visits the emergency room every 11 seconds for a fall-related injury, and every 19 seconds, an elderly adult develops fatal injuries from one. Older adults also have increased odds of experiencing a stroke, heart attack or dementia-related difficulties, so it’s important to monitor their actions and behaviors.

Unfortunately, family members can’t always keep an eye on their loved ones day and night, especially if they choose to age in place rather than in an assisted living community. Medical alert system bracelets ease the worries of caregivers as well as seniors by monitoring movements around the clock. Many medical alert systems have automatic fall detection, and you can also find bracelets with activity monitoring, medication reminders and GPS tracking.

Benefits of Medical Alert Bracelets with GPS

Mobile seniors may prefer medical alert bracelets with pinpoint location tracking because it offers more coverage than standard GPS tracking or cell service tracking. Pinpoint location combines GPS and cell service tracking with Wi-Fi hotspots, making it easy to know the exact location of your loved one at all times. If an injury or health-related emergency arises, medical professionals can quickly locate the bracelet’s wearer and administer prompt care. This is crucial for life-threatening falls and conditions such as strokes, as it’s vital that seniors receive stroke care within 3 hours if they want to reduce the severity of long-term symptoms.

Medical alert system bracelets can’t prevent injuries, but they can help reduce issues that stem from delayed care. They also help seniors feel more independent by giving them the confidence to explore their surroundings. However, choosing the right medical alert bracelet can be complicated since there are so many brands and features to explore. We’ve compiled a list of the best medical alert systems for mobile seniors, from golden-agers who enjoy neighborhood strolls to elderly adults prone to dementia-related wandering.

The 5 Best Medical Alert Bracelets with GPS

Bay Alarm Medical

For over 70 years, Bay Alarm Medical has been providing products and services for senior safety and health. The company operates three US-based call centers for emergency services, each location certified by The Monitoring Association and meeting UL standards. Bay Alarm Medical’s history and dedication to customer service make them a reliable choice for a medical alert bracelet and service.

The company’s SOS Smartwatch is their GPS-based medical alert bracelet. The bracelet comes with a convenient charging station that charges the device with up to 18 hours of power. No smartphone is required, and the bracelet connects to AT&T’s 4G LTE network. The bracelet features a large SOS button, 2-way communication, and a step tracker app with goal-setting options. An optional wristband extender is also available. Customers can enjoy a 30-day risk-free trial, returning the product for a full refund if needed.

Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch Cost and Features

Pros and Cons of Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch

Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian brings years of innovation and technology to the table. They offer a variety of senior protection products, including the MGMove medical alert bracelet. The company is recognized for superior customer service, having received a 5-diamond rating for its call centers. For those who want reliable customer service when an emergency arises, Medical Guardian is a great choice.

Medical Guardian’s GPS-based medical alert bracelet, the MGMove, is loaded with convenient features. Along with the tactile SOS button, the bracelet features a weather app, a step tracking app, and a social circle app. The social circle makes it easy for seniors to communicate quickly with a preset list of their loved ones. The bracelet can come with a regular or extra large wristband, and the entire bracelet is water resistant.

Medical Guardian’s MGMove Cost and Features

The annual plan offers a monthly discount, adding up to about $40 in annual savings. A $7.99/mo protection plan offers limited product replacement coverage due to damage.

Pros and Cons of Medical Guardian’s MGMove

Unaliwear

UnaliWear was born out of a desire of a woman to protect the health and safety of her mother. The company founder worked in the semiconductor industry for 30 years and, as she saw her mother aging, decided to use her expertise to develop a medical alert bracelet that provides all the features a senior could need to be safe and independent. 

The Kanega Watch features voice activation for easy app use and calling. The device is waterproof, making it safe to wear in the shower or while washing dishes. The fall detection system is a rare feature, alerting family or medical professionals when a potential fall has occurred. The one-time setup fee includes a white-glove onboarding call to set up an account and ensure the watch is fully functional.

Uniliwear’s Kanega Watch Cost and Features

Paying quarterly for service will result in a base cost of $299 for the watch and setup services. Paying annually will result in a cost of $199 instead.

Pros and Cons of Uniliwear’s Kanega Watch

LifeFone

LifeFone has been in business since 1976, providing seniors with medical alert bracelets and systems. The company has been recognized by the National Council on the Aging, the National Stroke Association, WebMD, and many other medical organizations. Their US-based customer service and high ratings from customers have led to an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

LifeFone’s On-The-Go Active is their GPA-based medical alert bracelet for seniors. With no cost for equipment or setup, LifeFone makes it very easy for customers to get started with their medical alert bracelet. The device has a 30-hour battery, a reminder app, and a sizable SOS button for emergencies. It’s also water resistant and comes with optional fall detection for an additional fee. The bracelet only has a 600-foot range from the home base, making it ideal for seniors who don’t plan to go too far on their own.

LifeFone’s On-The-Go Active Cost and Features

The service includes a home base as well as on-the-go coverage. The monthly cost can be reduced by signing up for quarterly or annual billing.

Pros and Cons of LifeFone’s On-The-Go Active

Why Choose a Medical Alert Bracelet with GPS tracking for Seniors?

Nearly all medical alert system bracelets offer some form of tracking, but several of them are limited to in-home or landline use. A bracelet with Wi-Fi or cellular tracking capabilities provides freedom and flexibility for your loved one. Seniors can shop, dine out with friends or even travel out of state knowing their movements are monitored by a dependable network.

GPS tracking also helps family members and medical professionals find a bracelet wearer’s exact location rather than searching a large apartment complex or assisted living facility. When a bracelet interacts with Wi-Fi hotspots, caregivers can quickly locate their loved one and administer appropriate help, even if a loved one isn’t at home.

How To Choose a Medical Alert Bracelet 

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a medical alert bracelet. Consider these things before making a purchase:

• Health History – Consider your senior’s health history when you shop for medical alert systems, and choose one geared toward their current ailments or conditions.
• Living Situation – It’s important to think about your senior’s living situation before choosing a medical alert bracelet. Seniors in an assisted living community may not need GPS tracking that goes far, but those who live alone may be perfect candidates for long-range tracking.
• Bracelet Preferences – Ask your senior for their input when it comes to bracelet style and feel. A senior who dislikes a certain bracelet due to the style or feeling may be hesitant to wear it regularly.

Technology Preferences – Some seniors may want a sophisticated medical alert bracelet with apps for step tracking or texting. Others may want a simple bracelet with just a clock and an SOS button. Talk to the senior in your life about what they are comfortable with in terms of technology.

Medical Alert Bracelet Fees and Add-Ons

When shopping for a medical alert system bracelet, keep in mind that many GPS-enabled trackers may require additional fees. In addition to buying or renting the device itself, you may need to pay for a monthly, quarterly or yearly service plan. Depending on which unit you choose, you may spend anywhere from $20 a month to more than $100 for services and features. Medical bracelet companies often provide customizable plans that let you add features such as fall protection, wall-mounted help buttons, medication reminders, and pinpoint location monitoring.

Consider a care protection plan if you are worried the medical bracelet may become lost or damaged. A protection plan often costs less than $10 per month, and many are available below $5. Some medical alert bracelet companies also offer monthly subscriptions to PIN-protected lockboxes for loved ones who can’t open their door during an emergency.

Take your time exploring different alert system options, and choose carefully. The right bracelet may save your loved one’s life.