Is there a medical alert that calls family?

According to the CDC, over 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, many requiring immediate assistance. This highlights a crucial need for reliable alert systems, and fortunately, many modern options answer the question: Is there a medical alert that calls family? The answer is a resounding yes, with devices that can notify designated family members directly or through a monitoring center.

Quick Summary

Yes, many medical alert devices can be configured to call family members directly or via a monitoring center, often alongside emergency services. Options include professionally monitored systems with caregiver apps and unmonitored devices that connect directly to pre-programmed contacts, sometimes without monthly fees.

Key Points

• Professionally monitored systems often include a family call tree: When an alert is triggered, a trained operator assesses the situation and can notify designated family members and friends according to a pre-defined protocol.

• Unmonitored systems can dial family directly: For those who prefer to avoid monthly fees, some devices automatically call a list of pre-programmed family contact numbers until someone answers.

• Caregiver apps provide enhanced connectivity: Many monitored services offer companion mobile apps that allow family members to track device location, view activity history, and receive real-time alerts.

• Unmonitored systems have limitations: The main risk is that if no family member answers the call, the user may not get the help they need, a gap that professional monitoring covers.

• Modern features extend beyond basic calling: Some systems offer advanced features like automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and health monitoring, all of which can inform and involve family caregivers.

Medical alert systems with professional family notifications

Most professionally monitored medical alert systems allow you to set up a "care circle" or emergency contact list, which includes family, friends, and neighbors. When you press your help button, a trained emergency operator will assess the situation and then follow the protocol you have established. This might mean contacting a family member before dispatching emergency services for less critical issues, or informing your family after EMS has been sent for a more serious event. This tiered approach ensures the right level of help is dispatched quickly.

Key features of professional systems with family notification often include:

• Caregiver app: Many companies, such as Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical, offer mobile apps that allow designated caregivers to stay informed. Through the app, family members can receive alerts about system usage, view location history for mobile devices, and be notified when an emergency call is placed.
• 24/7 monitoring: Trained agents are always available to respond, ensuring that even if a family member is unavailable, professional help is ready to act.
• GPS tracking: For on-the-go systems, GPS capabilities mean the monitoring center can pinpoint the user's location and share it with family and emergency responders.

Unmonitored medical alert systems that call family

For those who prefer a less formal safety net without monthly fees, several unmonitored medical alert systems can call family members directly. These devices store a list of pre-programmed phone numbers, and when the SOS button is pressed, the system cycles through the list until a contact answers.

How unmonitored systems work

• Dialing sequence: The device will automatically dial the first number in the contact list. If there's no answer, it will call the next number, and so on, until a connection is made.
• Two-way communication: Some models feature a two-way speaker, allowing the user to speak directly with the family member who answers.
• Text alerts: Some advanced unmonitored systems can send text message alerts to all designated contacts simultaneously, so everyone in the family call tree is notified immediately.

A key consideration for unmonitored systems is what happens if no one on the contact list answers. In a worst-case scenario, the user could be left without assistance, which is why some experts recommend a professionally monitored system for true emergencies.

Comparing Monitored vs. Unmonitored Medical Alerts for Family Contact

Choosing between a monitored and unmonitored system depends on your specific needs, budget, and desired level of security. The following table provides a quick comparison:

Feature	Professionally Monitored System	Unmonitored System (Family Contact)
Cost	Typically requires a monthly subscription fee.	One-time equipment purchase, no monthly fees.
Response	24/7 access to trained emergency operators.	Relies solely on family member availability to answer.
Backup Plan	If a contact is unavailable, the monitoring center dispatches emergency services.	No backup if family members are unreachable; risk of no response.
GPS Tracking	Available on most mobile systems to pinpoint location.	Less common, but available on some higher-end devices.
Caregiver Tools	Many include caregiver apps with tracking, alerts, and more.	Dependent on manual calls and user communication, less integration.
Best for	Individuals requiring maximum safety, active seniors, or those with complex medical needs.	Those with a reliable, always-available family contact network who want to avoid monthly costs.

The evolution of family-centric medical alerts

With the advancement of technology, medical alert systems have become more sophisticated in how they involve families. Modern solutions, like those from Aloe Care Health, integrate voice-activated hubs and mobile companions to create a holistic network of support. These systems can monitor air quality and motion, and provide a secure app where family caregivers can stay updated on the user's well-being and receive alerts. This moves beyond a simple emergency call to a comprehensive caregiving tool.

Furthermore, many family-oriented systems are now available in more discreet forms, such as smartwatches. These devices often include heart rate monitors, step tracking, and other features that make them feel like a modern piece of technology, rather than a stigmatizing medical device. The added functionality encourages consistent wear, which is crucial for ensuring the user is protected at all times.

How to choose the right system for your family

When making a decision, consider the following factors:

1. Response reliability: Is it more important to have a professional backup or to rely solely on family? For many, the peace of mind that a monitored service provides is worth the monthly fee.
2. User independence: For active seniors who are often away from home, a mobile, professionally monitored system with GPS is the best option. For those who are less active and always have a family member available, an unmonitored system might suffice.
3. Features: Consider what features are most important. Is automatic fall detection necessary? Do family members want to use a caregiver app to receive updates? Devices with more advanced features, like fall detection and GPS, will typically be more expensive.
4. Budget: Assess the cost. Unmonitored systems avoid monthly fees, while monitored systems require a recurring expense. The cost difference is often the primary factor in this choice.

Conclusion

Yes, there are medical alert systems designed specifically to call family members. These systems fall into two main categories: professionally monitored services with integrated caregiver apps and unmonitored systems that dial family contacts directly. While unmonitored devices offer a budget-friendly option with no monthly fees, they rely on the immediate availability of family members. For maximum security, particularly in true emergencies or when family might be unreachable, professionally monitored systems that include family notification offer a more reliable and comprehensive solution. Evaluating the needs of the user, the reliability of the family network, and the desired features will help you choose the best system to ensure continuous care and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a medical alert system call a family member?

A medical alert system can call a family member in one of two ways. For monitored systems, a trained operator receives the alert, assesses the situation, and then notifies family members from a pre-determined contact list. For unmonitored systems, the device automatically dials a series of pre-programmed phone numbers directly until a call is answered.

Are there medical alert systems that alert family members only, without calling 911?

Yes, both monitored and unmonitored systems can be set up to prioritize calling family members over emergency services. For non-critical events, a monitored system can follow instructions to contact your family first. Unmonitored systems, by default, will only call the personal contacts you've programmed into the device.

What happens if a family member doesn't answer the medical alert call?

If an unmonitored medical alert system is used, and a family member doesn't answer, the call may proceed to the next contact on the list, or if the list is exhausted, no help is dispatched. In contrast, a professionally monitored system ensures that if a family contact cannot be reached, a trained operator will dispatch emergency services as a reliable backup.

Do I need a landline for a medical alert that calls family?

No, many modern medical alert systems that call family members are cellular-based, meaning they operate on a mobile network and do not require a landline. On-the-go devices and some in-home units use cellular connectivity for communication.

What is a caregiver app and how does it relate to family alerts?

A caregiver app is a mobile application offered by many medical alert companies that provides caregivers with updates and information about the user. Family members can use the app to receive real-time alerts when the help button is pressed, track the user's location with GPS, and check battery status.

Is fall detection available on medical alert systems that call family?

Yes, many advanced medical alert systems that call family members also offer automatic fall detection. This feature uses sensors to detect if a fall has occurred and automatically triggers an alert, which can be sent to a professional monitoring center or designated family contacts.

Is an unmonitored system that calls family a good alternative to a monitored one?

An unmonitored system can be a good, cost-effective option if you have a highly reliable network of family and friends who are always available. However, it is not recommended as a substitute for professional monitoring in a medical emergency, as there is a risk of no response if all contacts are unavailable.