Is Medical Guardian the Right Medical Alert for You? Complete Review

Is Medical Guardian the Right Medical Alert System for You?

Having a medical alert system in place can provide seniors and their families with peace of mind. Knowing that help is just a button press away in case of a fall, injury or other medical emergency is reassuring. Medical Guardian is one of the biggest providers of medical alert systems, but is it the right choice for you?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take an in-depth look at Medical Guardian's medical alert systems. We'll cover how they work, the different options available, pricing and more. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to decide if Medical Guardian is the best medical alert system for your needs.

How Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems Work

Medical Guardian provides both in-home and mobile medical alert systems. Both types work in a similar way by connecting you to Medical Guardian's 24/7 monitoring center at the press of a button.

With an in-home system, you wear a lightweight waterproof help button as a pendant or wristband. When you need medical assistance, you simply press the button and it sends a signal to the base station connected to your phone line. This alerts the monitoring center, even if you can't speak.

A trained monitoring agent will speak to you through the base station console to assess the situation. They can contact emergency services on your behalf if needed. Family or friends can also be notified. In-home systems are ideal if you spend most of your time at home.

For frequent travelers, Medical Guardian also offers mobile medical alert systems. These work nationwide via AT&T or T-Mobile cellular networks. At the press of a button on your mobile help button, you'll be connected to the monitoring center wherever you are.

Medical Guardian Product Options

Medical Guardian offers three main medical alert systems to choose from:

Classic Guardian

The Classic Guardian is Medical Guardian's standard in-home medical alert system. It includes a base station, wearable help button, and access to emergency monitoring 24/7. You can choose between a wired phone connection or cellular. This system starts at $29.95 per month.

Active Guardian

Active Guardian is designed for more active seniors who want mobile monitoring outside the home. It combines an in-home system with a wearable mobile help button. The mobile button provides nationwide coverage via cellular networks. Active Guardian starts at $39.95 per month.

Freedom Guardian

The Freedom Guardian is Medical Guardian's standalone mobile medical alert system. There's no in-home base station - monitoring and connectivity are provided solely through the mobile pendant. This system starts at $44.95/month and works anywhere with cellular service.

All Medical Guardian systems provide access to 24/7 emergency monitoring, U.S.-based call centers and support for multiple languages. Various add-ons are also available like fall detection, medication reminders, activity tracking and more.

How Much Do Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems Cost?

Medical Guardian offers monthly plans for their medical alert systems. Exact pricing depends on the system you choose and other options added. Here is an overview of Medical Guardian pricing:

• Classic Guardian: Starts at $29.95/month for in-home landline system. Cellular upgrade is $10/month more.
• Active Guardian: Starts at $39.95/month
• Freedom Guardian: Starts at $44.95/month
• One-time activation fee: $45 to $125
• Fall detection: Additional $10/month
• Monthly service and shipping charges may also apply

There are no long-term contracts required. You can cancel your service at any time with 30 days notice. Medical Guardian offers some of the lowest standard pricing on the market.

They also have refurbished systems available at reduced monthly costs. These can help you save on startup fees while still getting a fully functional system.

Medical Guardian Fall Detection

One popular add-on for Medical Guardian systems is fall detection technology. This uses intelligent sensors to automatically detect falls and alert the monitoring center for you.

If a hard fall or sudden impact is detected, Medical Guardian's monitoring agents will call through your system speaker to check if you need help. They can dispatch emergency assistance even if you can't respond.

Fall detection provides an extra layer of protection and safety for seniors prone to falls. It's available for an additional $10/month with all Medical Guardian systems.

Medical Guardian Rating and Reviews

Medical Guardian is accredited by the Central Monitoring Association and has an excellent reputation. They hold a strong A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau based on thousands of customer reviews.

Positive feedback frequently praises Medical Guardian's fast emergency response times, quality equipment and helpful customer service. Many customers share stories of the systems saving their lives in emergencies.

Potential downsides are the higher costs for cellular systems versus competitors. Some isolated complaints about billing issues and technical problems also exist, as with any large company. But overall, most reviews are outstanding.

Medical Guardian Standout Features

Here are some key advantages that Medical Guardian offers:

• 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring center - Never outsourced overseas
• Fast emergency response times - Often under 30 seconds
• No long-term contracts - Cancel anytime
• Free shipping - No extra equipment fees
• Automatic fall detection - Available for all systems
• Refurbished systems - Provide lower cost options
• Nationwide coverage - Via cellular networks
• Waterproof help buttons - Wear in shower or bath

Is Medical Guardian Right for You?

Medical Guardian is one of the top medical alert systems out there. Their fast response times, quality equipment and great service make them a leading choice. However, there are a few factors to consider in deciding if they're the best fit for you personally:

• Budget - Prices are competitive but can be higher than some competitors.
• Monitoring needs - Classic Guardian best if mainly homebound. Active or Freedom better for active seniors.
• Existing systems - Won't integrate with other home systems like Alexa or Philips Lifeline.
• Health needs - Not a full telehealth replacement. Focus is emergency response.

Take some time to evaluate your specific needs and priorities. Compare Medical Guardian's offerings and prices to other top providers like GreatCall or Bay Alarm Medical. This will help you determine if Medical Guardian is the right choice for your medical alert system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Medical Guardian cost?

Medical Guardian systems start at $29.95 per month for Classic Guardian in-home system. Active Guardian is $39.95/month and Freedom Guardian mobile system is $44.95/month. Additional charges may apply like activation fee, cellular upgrade, fall detection, etc.

What happens if I press the Medical Guardian button?

Pressing your Medical Guardian help button connects you to their 24/7 monitoring center. A trained agent will speak through the console to assess your emergency and dispatch help or contact loved ones as needed.

Does Medical Guardian have GPS?

The mobile Active Guardian and Freedom Guardian systems use cellular networks to determine your location if you press the help button when away from home. Classic Guardian in-home system does not have GPS.

Can you wear Medical Guardian in the shower?

Yes, Medical Guardian help buttons are waterproof so you can wear them in the shower or bath. This ensures you have protection against falls in the bathroom.

Does Medical Guardian have fall detection?

Yes, Medical Guardian systems can be upgraded with automatic fall detection for an additional $10/month. This uses intelligent sensors to detect falls and will alert the monitoring center to dispatch help.

The Bottom Line

Medical Guardian is a top choice among medical alert systems for their fast response times, reliable monitoring, and range of product options. They make it easy to get help in an emergency whether you're home or on the go. Their systems provide peace of mind knowing you have access to help 24/7.

While one of the more expensive providers, they offer high-quality equipment, U.S.-based call monitoring, and no long contracts. For active seniors or anyone wanting robust protection inside and outside the home, Medical Guardian is hard to beat.

Compare your needs to their offerings to decide if Medical Guardian provides the right medical alert system for you. But their outstanding reputation and breadth of services make them a leading option to consider.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.