Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection Of 2025

To determine the best medical alert systems with fall detection of 2025, the Forbes Health editorial team evaluated 14 products from 13 noteworthy brands, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics including its range of use, battery life, ability to detect falls automatically and cost.

Each featured medical alert device also underwent internal testing for usability, ease of setup, emergency response speed and fall detection capability. Fall detection pendants’ tendency to detect false positives was evaluated through drops onto a hard floor and by testers plopping down with force onto a chair when worn. Genuine fall detection was measured through intentional falls onto an exercise mat. Seated slips from a chair were also performed to simulate falls from a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Devices that did not detect falls during our in-house testing were disqualified.

The results of these tests are factored into the methodology detailed below.

• User testing, including ease of setup scores, response time, false positives (out of 6 tests), fall test passes, slide test passes: 72%
• Initial equipment costs, base monthly subscription cost (without add-ons) and activation fees: 15%
• Maximum signal range of device(s) (in feet) and battery life (in hours): 5%
• If the wearable product includes GPS tracking: 3%
• Whether the plan includes extra alert buttons/devices: 3%
• Whether the device includes voice activation for emergencies: 2%

Automatic fall detection relies on technology that measures acceleration and movement, including miniature accelerometers and gyroscopes. The sensors in these devices aim to detect the sudden impacts and short instances of immobility,says Eve Pennie, M.D., a general practitioner and an epidemiologist at the Texas Department of State Health Services.

“Threshold-based algorithms remain common [meaning a simple rules-based method the device uses to decide whether a fall has occurred], but newer watches and pendants, such as Medical Guardian’s MGHome Cellular pendant, also incorporate deep-learning models trained on thousands of real and simulated falls,” adds Dr. Pennie. She explains that when a medical alert device’s algorithm detects that the wearer has fallen, the device connects to a dispatcher, either via a linked base or cellular radio, allowing the dispatcher to call for help if needed.

Are Fall Detection Devices Accurate?

While fall detection technology has largely improved over time, it’s still not perfect, notes Patricia C. Heyn, Ph.D., founding director of the Center for Optimal Aging at Marymount University, clinical associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member.

However, given that falls are the leading cause of injury in adults ages 65 and older, with 14 million older adults reporting falls each year, a medical alert system with fall detection could be worth considering^[1]Older Adult Falls Data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 1999–2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database. Accessed 9/18/2025. .

“Studies show that fall detection devices accuracy ranges from 80% to 95% depending on the device,” adds Dr. Heyn, noting that it can vary based on device type and where it’s worn on the body, the type of fall and other unique characteristics (such as a person’s gait pattern, height or body mass.

Indeed, Forbes Health in-house testing revealed three out of the 14 devices tested did not detect any falls.

“Nationwide monitored medical-alert subscriptions cost about $20 to $40 per month,” says Dr. Pennie. “Adding fall detection increases the bill by $10 to $12.” The service add-on charges ranging from $5.50 to $10 per month.

“Most companies lease hardware at no charge, although a few models, mainly smartwatches, carry activation or equipment fees of up to $200,” adds Dr. Pennie. Equipment fees for systems on this list range from $0 to $299. “Extras, such as caregiver apps or medication reminders, may add $5 to $10 more,” she adds.

Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection?

“Original Medicare parts A and B classify these products as personal safety equipment, so they do not reimburse the purchase or monitoring costs,” says Dr. Pennie. “Some Medicare Advantage plans, select Medicaid home- and community-based waivers and the occasional long-term-care or Medigap policy may subsidize the fee, so it is worth checking with the plan administrator before ordering.”

Dr. Pennie notes that the following individuals may benefit from using a medical alert system with fall detection:

• Older adults, especially those living independently
• Individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal disorders that impact balance
• Those recovering from surgery
• Anyone taking medications that may cause dizziness
• Caregivers seeking real-time confirmation that a family member is safe

“For anyone interested in purchasing medical alert devices with fall detection, we strongly recommend doing some research before making a decision,” says Dr. Heyn. “Understanding the variety of available devices and their features is essential to selecting one that best fits the user’s specific fall detection needs.”

When determining which medical alert system with fall detection could be right for you or a loved one, Charles Jordan, M.D., a Florida-based orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic trauma with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, suggests considering the following factors:

• Whether it offers 24/7 monitoring
• If it includes automatic fall detection
• Monthly costs and contracts associated with the device
• Battery life
• Customer support quality and consumer reviews

Dr. Heyn adds that one’s fall risk level, living environment, user ability and comfort with a device should be considered.

“Most importantly, whenever possible, test the device for fit, comfort and functionality before committing to a purchase,” urges Dr. Heyn. “A well-chosen system can provide peace of mind and an essential safety net—especially for older adults living alone or at higher risk of falls.”