If you have an elderly relative or if you’re getting older and still want to live independently, you’ve probably heard about medical alert systems, and you might be wondering about the difference between no-fee and monitored systems.

A no-fee system is an affordable way to get the help you need if something happens to you when you’re alone.

Why you might want to get one:

This system makes a phone call for you if you’re injured or have an emergency in your house and you can’t get to the phone. You wear a button on your wrist, clothing, or around your neck. That’s how you activate the device.

This kind of system can help people who might have falls, strokes, heart attacks, and more.

They work for two reasons.

First, you don’t need to be near a phone to be able to call for help.

Second, once you press the panic button, you don’t have to do anything more. This is good if you’re injured.

How does a no monthly-fee medical alert system work?

When you press the panic button, the system starts dialing the numbers (up to four) you programmed in when you set it up. When someone answers, the system announces that there’s an emergency.

They system then hangs up. Your friend or relative can then call you back after 30-60 seconds to find out what happened. You can use the speakerphone in the base unit to talk to them .

If no one answers the first call, the system calls the next person, and so on.

Many people set the final number called to be their local Emergency Medical Service, or 911.

Problems with no-fee medical alert devices:

The big problem with no fee medical alert systems is the risk that all of your contacts will be away from the phone.

If this is a worry, you can simply set the system up to dial 911 first, and only use it in emergencies where you want an ambulance to come.

Advantages of a medical alert system that has no monthly fee:

Cost is the biggest advantage. Monitored systems charge you $15 to $40 or more per month to have trained operators waiting to help you if there’s an emergency. This is good peace of mind, but it’s expensive.