Is there a life alert that calls family? Yes, and here's what you need to know.

According to the National Council on Aging, modern medical alert systems are increasingly designed with family connectivity in mind. This has led many to ask: Is there a life alert that calls family? The answer is yes, with many devices offering sophisticated features that go beyond simply dialing 911.

Quick Summary

Yes, many modern medical alert systems can be configured to call family members or designated caregivers directly, either before or in addition to contacting a professional monitoring center, offering peace of mind and customizable care options.

Key Points

• Family Connectivity: Many medical alert devices now have features to directly notify family members via apps or automated calls, providing more personalized support than traditional systems.

• Dedicated Apps: Caregiver-focused apps from providers like Medical Guardian allow family members to track activity, monitor battery life, and receive alerts directly on their smartphones.

• Monitored vs. Unmonitored: Choose between a professional 24/7 monitoring service with family alerts or a simpler, one-time purchase device that only calls pre-set family numbers, depending on the level of care needed.

• Layered Communication: Modern monitored systems can be configured to contact family members first for non-urgent matters, while still providing reliable professional monitoring for true emergencies.

• Enhanced Features: Options like GPS tracking for mobile users and automatic fall detection add significant value, ensuring a loved one's location and safety are known in a wider range of situations.

• Customizable Setup: Setting up these systems involves creating a contact list and communication preferences, ensuring the right people are alerted at the right time.

Understanding Your Options for Family Notification

For many families, having a medical alert system that directly contacts relatives in a non-emergency situation is a top priority. Unlike the traditional 'I've fallen and I can't get up' systems that only connect to a central monitoring station, today's technology offers a variety of ways to keep loved ones in the loop. These range from simple, unmonitored devices that dial a pre-set list of family numbers to professionally monitored systems with advanced caregiver apps.

The Rise of Modern, Family-Centric Systems

Modern medical alert providers have recognized the need for greater family involvement. They now offer features that allow for a layered response, where an alert can first go to a family member for a non-urgent issue, while still ensuring a professional response for a critical emergency. This level of customization gives both the user and their family peace of mind, knowing that the correct level of assistance will be dispatched based on the situation.

Dedicated Caregiver Apps

Many of the leading medical alert companies have developed companion apps for smartphones, specifically for family members and caregivers. These apps are a central hub for all safety information and communication. Key features often include:

• Real-time Alerts: Receive instant notifications when a loved one presses their help button.
• Activity Tracking: Monitor daily activity levels and get updates on button presses.
• GPS Location: For mobile devices, you can view the user's location history and current whereabouts, which is especially helpful for those with conditions like dementia.
• Account Management: Manage emergency contacts and medical information directly from your phone.

Unmonitored (Direct-to-Family) Devices

For those seeking a low-cost, contract-free solution, unmonitored medical alert devices offer a direct-to-family approach. These devices are typically a pendant with a button and a speaker/mic, and they require a landline or cellular service to work. When the button is pressed, the device cycles through a pre-programmed list of family phone numbers, playing a custom message until someone answers. The downside is that there is no professional backup if no family member is available to answer the call.

Comparison of System Types

Feature	Monitored System with Caregiver App	Unmonitored System (Direct-to-Family)
Cost	Monthly subscription required, plus potential equipment fees.	One-time purchase, no monthly fees.
Emergency Contact	24/7 professional monitoring center.	Calls pre-set family/friend numbers directly.
Best For	Seniors with complex health needs, or those living alone who need reliable, 24/7 coverage.	Seniors with a strong, available family support network who prefer contacting family first for non-emergencies.
Key Features	Includes fall detection, GPS, two-way communication, caregiver app, and more.	Basic direct call function, sometimes with voice message capability.
Reliability	Very high, with professional operators trained to handle emergencies.	Dependent on a family member being available and able to respond.

How to Choose the Right System

1. Assess the User's Needs: Does the person require 24/7 professional oversight, or is a system that calls family sufficient for their lifestyle? Consider their health conditions and independence level.
2. Evaluate Coverage: If the user is mobile, a system with GPS tracking is essential. If they primarily stay at home, an in-home system with sufficient range is necessary.
3. Consider the Cost: Factor in both the initial equipment cost and the ongoing monthly fees. Unmonitored systems are cheaper upfront but lack the reliability of professional help.
4. Review Features: Decide which features are most important. Is fall detection a must-have? Do you want to receive alerts on your smartphone? Not all systems offer every feature.
5. Test the Device: If possible, take advantage of trial periods to test the system in real-life scenarios. Ensure the call quality is clear and the response time is acceptable.

Setting Up a Family-Oriented Medical Alert

Setting up a medical alert system with family notification is a straightforward process. Here's a general guide:

1. Purchase the chosen device, whether it's a monitored system with an app or an unmonitored one.
2. For monitored systems, create an account with the provider and add your family members and caregivers to the 'Care Circle' or equivalent feature.
3. Program the contact list in the correct order of priority. Decide who gets contacted first in a non-emergency.
4. Download the companion app on all family members' smartphones and log in.
5. Test the system by pressing the button. Some systems have a non-emergency test button. Confirm that all family members receive the notifications as expected.

The Final Word

Finding a system that aligns with your family's specific needs is the ultimate goal. Whether you opt for a professionally monitored service that includes a caregiver app or a simpler, unmonitored device, the peace of mind that comes from knowing a loved one can reach you is invaluable. The extra layer of communication offered by modern medical alert systems is a significant step forward in senior safety.

An excellent source for more information on medical alert system features can be found on the National Council on Aging's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a medical alert system that calls family bypass 911?

Yes, some systems can be programmed to alert family members first for non-emergency situations, only involving 911 if a professional monitoring center deems it necessary or if family cannot be reached. Unmonitored devices bypass 911 entirely, relying solely on family contacts.

How do medical alert systems contact family?

Systems use a variety of methods, including companion apps that send push notifications, automated phone calls, or text messages to notify a designated "care circle" of an alert or status update.

Are unmonitored systems reliable for family contact?

Unmonitored systems can be reliable if a family member is always available to answer, but they lack the professional 24/7 backup of a monitored service. For true emergencies, a professionally monitored system offers greater safety and assurance.

What is a caregiver app, and how does it help?

A caregiver app is a tool offered by many medical alert providers that allows authorized family members to view a loved one's activity, get battery status updates, and see GPS location, providing ongoing peace of mind and connectivity.

Is fall detection available on devices that call family?

Yes, many modern medical alert systems offer optional fall detection, which can automatically trigger alerts to both monitoring centers and family contacts without the user having to press a button.

Do I need a smartphone to set up a medical alert that calls family?

While an older user may not need a smartphone, most systems that include a "care circle" feature and advanced alerts via an app require the family members or caregivers to have a compatible smartphone.

What's the difference between a monitored system and an unmonitored one that calls family?

A monitored system connects to a 24/7 professional response center that assesses the situation and dispatches help. An unmonitored one just calls or texts the family directly, without professional assessment, leaving the response entirely up to the family.

How can I ensure my loved one uses the system correctly?

It's important to practice with the system and explain its function clearly. Some devices offer voice prompts that guide the user, and regular test calls can help build confidence and ensure the equipment is working.