Physical strength and balance decline when adults hit their 50s. This increases their risk of suffering injuries from bumps, trips, and falls. If these injuries aren’t treated promptly, they can result in serious complications and some can even be life-threatening.

Installing grab bars and rails at home or moving a loved one to an assisted living facility with around-the-clock care can help reduce the risk of injuries, but there’s no fail-proof method for fall prevention. When a fall occurs despite prevention efforts, many seniors turn to medical alert systems for help. The best medical alert systems notify health care workers and loved ones that an incident has occurred, allowing them to react quickly and provide emergency care.

Medical Alert Systems for Home or On-the-Go Use

Injuries can occur anywhere, so many medical alert systems include lightweight pendants for mobile seniors. Some medical alert necklaces only work in a senior’s home, while others are equipped with GPS for on-the-go tracking. When a senior unexpectedly falls or experiences another emergency, such as becoming stuck in a bathroom, they can press the necklace’s generously sized button for help.

Sometimes a senior may be unable to move or reach the button during a crisis, so many medical alert system necklaces are equipped with automatic fall detection. When a fall is detected, caretakers are notified about the incident, and emergency personnel is dispatched to help the injured senior. In situations like this, timely care may save a senior’s life.

Medical alert necklaces are essential accessories for many elderly adults, but choosing the best alert system can be tricky. Many seniors prefer the convenience and practicality of a water-resistant necklace because they can wear it in the shower or pool without damaging the device. Many injuries occur due to slippery surfaces, so choosing a water-resistant medical alert necklace offers protection when a senior may need it most.

We’ve put together detailed information about water-resistant medical alert system necklaces, including three of the best picks for elderly adults.

The 3 Best Medical Alert System Necklaces With Water-Resistant Designs

Alert1

Bilingual seniors can communicate easily and confidently with an Alert1 device. Customer care is available in 150 different languages, and each customer’s preferred language is stored in their file for quick access. Bilingual customer care agents are available around the clock.

Alert1 offers five devices for seniors, with monthly costs ranging from approximately $25 to $60 before special features are added. Three of the five units offer automatic fall detection, and all of the wearable pendants are water-resistant. Consider the Home Fall Detection in-home medical alert device if you need a necklace with a long battery life of up to 2 years.

Several of Alert1’s necklaces are sold with in-home units, but you can also purchase pendants on their own. Special features are available, including lockboxes, wall-mounted emergency buttons, and automatic medication dispenser and organizer systems.

LifeFone

LifeFone protects seniors from numerous situations. Like other pendants, it offers traditional fall protection, but it also protects seniors if they feel unsafe. Wearers can use the smartphone app as a virtual escort service, even if they don’t have their necklace or unit nearby. LifeFone is one of the only companies that offer this option.

Battery life is shorter for LifeFone products than those of competitors, but the company offers more services and features than many providers. There are four systems available, all of which connect seniors to 24-hour customer care representatives. Prices range from approximately $30 to $50 each month before extras are added. Choose the At-Home & On-the-Go GPS Voice-in-Necklace if you need a pendant that doesn’t require an in-home base.

RescueTouch

RescueTouch understands that some injuries don’t require emergency care. Elderly adults may feel more comfortable contacting friends or family members for help in certain situations, and they can do that with two-way devices from RescueTouch.

While there are six different communication plans available, RescueTouch offers just one device: a water-resistant pendant that costs around $100. Plans range from approximately $25 to $70 per month and can include 911 only services, family and friend notification, or a mix of services. Pendant wearers can add up to five loved ones to their personal call list, and these friends or family members can contact seniors directly rather than waiting for an emergency notification.

Why Should Seniors Consider a Medical Alert System Necklace?

Medical alert system necklaces often come with a two-part system that offers in-home protection as well as mobile coverage. The home unit typically plugs into the wall and connects to a landline or wireless internet, so it’s unlikely to lose service due to a drained battery. However, it isn’t mobile, so many elderly adults find it helpful to choose a unit that includes a medical alert system necklace.

Batteries in mobile units typically hold a charge for one to five days. A medical alert necklace may have fewer features than a home unit, but it gives seniors the freedom to explore their home and community. Medical alert system necklaces are also ideal for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s who may find it difficult to operate or locate an in-home unit.

Coverage for Mobile and Bed-Bound Seniors

GPS-enabled medical alert system necklaces provide protection for active seniors as they shop, dine, or exercise away from their homes. Seniors can press the necklace’s button for help if they become injured or need another form of assistance. Some medical alert systems even offer compassionate care for seniors who feel unsafe or lonely.

Elderly adults on bed rest may find it difficult to use a traditional in-home alert system. Medical alert necklaces are lightweight and comfortable, so seniors can rest peacefully knowing help is just a click away.

How to Find and Choose the Right Medical Alert Necklace

No seniors are immune to the risk of fall-related injuries, but some seniors are more injury-prone than others. When shopping for a medical alert pendant, consider the lifestyle of the wearer and any health conditions or concerns that may require special attention. For example, an active senior in good health may just need the basics when it comes to an alert system, while a loved one with dementia may need GPS tracking, prescription reminders, and automatic fall monitoring.

Medical alert necklaces are often sold with home units or mobile alert boxes, although some companies sell the pendants on their own. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $80 per month for a unit rental, plus additional fees for GPS tracking or advanced fall detection. The monthly rental price may be billed in quarterly or yearly installments and may not include Internet or landline service, insurance, or special features.

Plan Ahead for Potential Issues

If you think a medical necklace may become lost, stolen or damaged, it’s worth spending $5 or $10 extra per month for insurance to help offset the cost of obtaining a replacement unit. You may also want to consider a PIN-protected door lock at an additional fee for seniors unwilling or unable to open the door for medical professionals.

Many elderly adults are hesitant to give up their independence, even if they acknowledge their health is declining. Medical alert system necklaces promote self-sufficiency while connecting seniors to trained health care workers if an unexpected injury occurs. Explore the options above for yourself or that special senior in your life to find the right medical alert necklace for your budget.