The 3 Best Medical Alert Systems for Couples

Medical alert systems are designed for independent aging—but don’t think that “independent” means “living alone.” Couples have just as much to benefit from the extra support of a medical alert system as senior singles do.

Unfortunately, shopping for the best medical alert system for couples can be misleading. One reason is that brands don’t always provide information about coverage for multiple seniors living under one roof. Or else, they may fail to mention that a single medical alert system does not always adequately cover two people. This may lead to a couple purchasing one MAS for their household, instead of the recommended two.

There are several reasons that couples shouldn’t rely on only one medical alert system. In addition to the fact that many medical alert system providers don’t actually offer dual coverage for a single medical alert system, sharing also severely limits its benefits. For example, if one partner goes out and the other stays at home, only one will be covered. To reap all the benefits of their medical alert system, a couple would have to stay at each other’s’ side 24/7—an unreasonable expectation for any senior who wants to truly maintain their independence.

In this article, we’ll help you understand why multiple medical alert systems or a medical alert system designed for couples is crucial for an older couple interested in aging in place. Keep reading to learn how to pick the best medical alert system for your lifestyle and get information about our recommended brands.

Why Should Couples Consider Getting Medical Alert Systems?

More and more of today’s seniors are “aging in place,” opting to spend their golden years at home. The obvious benefits of this trend are the comfort of a familiar environment and not having to pay the costly fees associated with assisted living facilities. The downside, though, is that they don’t have trained nurses and staff to turn to in case of emergency.

Medical alert systems make up for this lack of staff and provide necessary in-home support for seniors by connecting them to emergency operators and dispatching emergency medical services within seconds of an accident. While the benefit of single seniors using medical alert devices is clear, couples are not always so certain. They may think that having each other to rely on in case of an emergency is enough.

Romantic as it may be to rely on your partner to be your caretaker in old age, it also comes with many risks. Despite good intentions, there’s a strong chance your partner may not be able to react quickly or reliably in case of an emergency. Thankfully, some MAS providers have developed systems that make aging at home stress-free for couples. Some brands even offer dual coverage for a reduced fee, rather than require each partner to purchase a full-priced MAS.

What To Look For in a Medical Alert System

MAS vary in the features and coverage they offer, but the best medical alert system will have the following:

1. Partner pricing

Couples should keep an eye out for any mention of reduced pricing for dual coverage. If a brand doesn’t list special pricing options for seniors sharing a home, it’s safe to assume that each MAS only covers one person. In other words, partners are expected to purchase one each, which can add up to quite an expensive monthly fee!

2. Long Battery Life

The best medical alert system will last for days on end without recharging. For in-home medical alert systems, look for a base unit that comes with a long-lasting backup battery. For wearable on-the-go devices, look for ones that don’t need to be recharged too often.

3. Wide Range of Coverage

Does the in-home unit cover the full area of your home? When considering coverage ranges, be sure to include the backyard and driveway, one of the most common places for dangerous falls to occur.

4. Wireless connectivity

Wireless medical alert systems are powered by wireless mobile networks rather than by landlines, offering greater overall coverage. This is important for seniors who maintain an active lifestyle and those who drive. Wireless medical alert systems protect seniors anywhere the wireless network has coverage.

5. Automatic Fall Detection

This is the most important feature to prevent falls, which can seriously harm older adults and impede independence. The best medical alert system is one that automatically notices when a fall may have occurred and immediately contacts an emergency operator.

6. Caretaker Monitoring

This handy feature lets partners and other authorized loved ones keep an eye on the MAS wearer at all times. That way, they can keep up their self-sufficient lifestyle, with the confidence that someone will be there for them in case an emergency were to occur. Look for a medical alert system that offers monitoring via an easy-to-use smartphone application.

7. Wearability

One thing that holds some seniors back from purchasing a MAS is that they don’t want to be seen wearing an unsightly or embarrassing device. Look for a brand that offers sleek wearable devices that you can be proud to don day after day!

Our Favorite MAS For Couples

Here are a few brands that we recommend for their excellent coverage for an older couple aging in place.

LifeFone

The best medical alert system for cost-effectiveness comes from LifeFone, as spouses are protected for free with basic coverage, no matter which subscription plan you choose.

One Call Alert

One Call Alert offers the best medical alert system for comprehensive coverage. Their Mobile Double plan comes with two water-resistant mobile devices with GPS tracking and 24/7 monitoring. This is a great option for active couples who like to be out-and-about. With a mobile device per person, each person is protected no matter where they may be.

MobileHelp

The MobileHelp Duo plan protects two seniors for less than $5 more than the price of a Solo plan. It allows users to save the medical information of two people and set medication reminders. It offers an in-home base console and matching wearable device, as well as a mobile device. This way, partners have coverage, even when one is out and the other is at home.

Conclusion

Home safety for older couples who wish to age at home starts with a medical alert system designed to protect partners. LifeFone, One Call Alert, and MobileHelp are three brands that we recommend for their inclusive and budget-friendly coverage. Browse our site to compare these brands and decide which is the best medical alert system for your home!