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Canada's Top 3 Medical Alert Systems
Galaxy Medical Alert Systems, Life Assure, and Telus are top medical alert systems in Canada that offer wearable devices to alert a monitoring center in case of emergency. With varying features and pricing options, seniors and those with medical conditions have access to quick emergency assistance at the touch of a button.
#1
#1
- Best Overall
- Canadian-based Galaxy offers high-quality and affordable medical alert solutions for your protection giving you complete peace of mind while you’re at home or away.
#2
#2
- Canadian Call Centres
- Life Assure is a Canadian company committed to providing medical alert devices for seniors across the country.
#3
#3
- Best Big Brand
- Telus Health is a Canadian company best known for their phone and tv services. Having acquired Direct Alert in 2019 - they now have a combined 10+ years experience in the medical alert system industry.
Medical Alert System Guide
What is a Medical Alert System?
A medical alert system is designed to offer peace of mind for the family and loved ones of those who may experience medical emergencies in and out of the home. They have been designed to alert family and contact emergency personnel in the case of a medical emergency.
A medical alert system, or medical alert device, is a system designed to help older adults who need help with day-to-day tasks. It can help individuals age in place by helping them live independently for as long as possible. The modern medical alert system typically includes a button the person can wear around their neck or on their wrist that connects to a base station near their home. When the button is pressed, it sends a signal to the base station, which calls a company who will then call either family members or emergency services and help will be on its way.
Medical alert systems are a great option for seniors who have concerns about falling or other injury risks. These systems are designed to let family, friends and caregivers know in advance if you fall or become ill, so they can get help quickly. Medical alert systems are also a great way for seniors to stay safe, even when they’re not home. They’re there for an emergency and let you know if help is on the way.
Table of Contents
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Functionality
How Medical Alert Systems Work in Canada?
Medical alert systems work by triggering an alarm which will send a signal to monitoring systems. The call can go out to family, caregivers, and an emergency response base. The situation will be assessed and medical personnel can be dispatched if needed.
There are some medical alert systems that include wireless voice, data, and GPS technology. This allows for monitoring in real-time, location tracking, and quick emergency services when needed. Perfect for Canadians who are on the move often.
Medical alert systems have a button that can be pressed when help is needed. Pressing the button will send an alarm out to a 24-hour emergency call center. An operator will answer the call while being able to view the user’s medical history and a list of emergency contacts. The help button can be worn by the user either on the wrist or as a pendant. The buttons are usually waterproof so that they can even be worn in the shower.
GPS technology (Global Positioning System) allows the operator to find the location of the user. This provides added safety for the user who may be out of the home when assistance is required.
Some systems even come with automatic fall detection. The button can detect a fall and activate the emergency call.
In short:
Press The Call Button
Talk To The Operator
Help Is On The Way
In short:
- The user presses the pendant or emergency fall button
- Information is transmitted to the emergency call center
- An operator will set up 2-way communication to see if help is needed
- Depending on the need, an operator will contact a family member, caregiver, or emergency service
Categories
Types of Medical Alert Systems
There are four main types of medical alert systems.
Automatic Fall Detection Systems
A fall detection system is an add-on component for a mobile medical alert system or a home-based system. This add-on makes it possible to receive help even if the user is unable to press the help button. The fall detection system is usually worn on the wrist or on a pendant around the neck. It is equipped with sensors that will help to limit false detections.
Mobile Medical Alert Systems
With a mobile system, it is easier to get around in the community and know that you can still get help if you need it. A mobile system works without a base station and works anywhere there is cellular service available.
Mobile Medical Alert Systems Features:
- GPS tracking – This is useful if users frequently leave the home to do their errands or if they tend to wander away and get lost easily. Having GPS means that if someone is lost, he can contact the emergency response center and someone can be directed to the correct location.
- Built-in cell service – The built-in cell service can be used to contact the emergency monitoring center.
- Fall detection – The unit can detect a fall and make an automatic call for help. This is useful if the user cannot reach the button or is unconscious and unable to call.
- Waterproof – This feature allows the device to be worn in the shower so that if a fall occurs, help can be sent.
All-in-One Mobile GPS System
An all-in-one system includes all the features you need in a medic alert system. It will have a lightweight help button that is easy to take off and put on. It is quick to charge and can be put on a docking station when it is not being used.
The user wears the help button that is used to connect them to an emergency operator who can send the appropriate assistance. The help button is also a speaker through which the user can speak in the instance that they can’t reach a phone.
This type of system will also have built-in GPS tracking so that the location of the user can be detected anywhere in Canada.
Home-Based Medical Alert System
A system built for use in the home will have a base with a 2-way speaker and microphone. It will also have a portable button to be worn by the user. Pressing the button will connect the user to the monitoring system.
The home-based system will only work within the range of the base. It can be used with a landline phone or with a cellular phone.
With the home-based system, you can usually add a fall detection button as well.
Recommended For
Who Needs a Medical Alert System?
A medical alert system is a great option for seniors who still want to maintain some independence. Loved ones can be assured that if anything were to happen, help could be on the way quickly.
The system is also great for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other memory loss. If the user wanders away and becomes lost or disoriented, he can be found with the help of GPS monitoring.
A medical alert system is also beneficial for those who are physically disabled and perhaps more prone to falls or other accidents – especially around the stairs and bathtubs. If you already have a stairlift or walk in bathtub, this would pair great together. It allows the user some autonomy with the reassurance that help can be reached quickly.
A Comparison Of The Best Medical Alert Systems In Canada For Seniors
Quick Links To Company Overviews
Reviews
Reviews of the Best Medical Alert Systems in Canada for Seniors
A medical alert system is an important device that helps senior citizens, who are living alone and are at a higher risk of having a medical emergency, to live independently. However, with so many options available on the market, it is hard to determine which one is the most efficient and effective. The following reviews about the best medical alert systems in Canada will help you make the right choice.
Bedford Medical Alert
Overview
This company offers several different systems for individual needs that will offer peace of mind for a loved one. They have a Home Freedom Device, Go Freedom Device, and Stay Safe Devices. All of these devices can connect the user to a monitoring center in case of an emergency. The cost per month is reasonable for a home medical alert system.
Pros
- Excellent value for landline
- Fast response times
- High quality mobile speaker
Cons
- Not many additional services
- Mobile service more expensive than the competition
Bell Medical Alert
Overview
Bell Canada offers an at-home system as well as a system for use outside of the home. Bell’s system offers immediate support to users who need medical attention. Bell acquired the system (formerly known as Alarmcare/Alarmforce) in 2018 and is one of the numerous services that Bell offers.
Pros
- Loudspeaker
- Crystal clear connection with the monitoring station
- Long battery life
- Comprehensive voice prompts
- Waterproof (On The Go System)
- Wireless connectivity (On The Go System)
- Extremely portable (On The Go System)
- Accessible emergency button (On The Go System)
Cons
- Require landlines to connect with the monitoring center
- Relatively short battery life (On The Go System)
Caretrak
Overview
Caretrak is a Canadian technology company aiming to reduce senior mortality rates by presenting its phenomenal tracking device. The company is owned by Evolution Wireless, but its products are distributed under the Caretrak brand name.
Caretrak specializes in personal emergency response services and the production of other products that combine to make living independently a quality, risk-free experience for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Pros
- Lightweight, wearable Alert pendant
- Requires no landline for connection
- Automatic fall detection
- Informs contacts via email or text
- Useful both indoors and outdoors
- It operates perfectly across Canada and the US.
- It comes with dedicated customer service.
Cons
- The pendant audio may be inaudible.
- The associated fees may be mildly expensive
Galaxy Medical Alert
Overview
Galaxy Medical Alert Systems have been providing independent living for seniors across North America for more than 25 years. The company believes that all seniors and individuals who are vulnerable should have the ability to enjoy the freedom of independent living. The use of a personal emergency response system can help individuals to achieve this goal. Galaxy Medical Alert takes the task of ensuring the safety and care of your loved one seriously. The company has certified operators who can assess emergency medical situations and take the appropriate action to provide help when needed. The company will recommend the system that is best for the given situation. Everyone has different needs and different ability levels and that will be assessed prior to the recommendation of a system that will work for you and your loved one.
Galaxy Medical Alert provides service and support in over 150 languages in order to serve clients of any ethnicity. With six different options for systems and available add-ons, you will be able to get a package that suits your needs. Options include the Home System, Home & Yard System, Fall Detection System, Cellular System, Mobile with Fall Detection System, and the Home and Away System with GPS.
Pros
- Provides emergency medical support in over 150 languages.
- Very small but easy-to-use buttons.
- Fall system also works with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
- Lots of great services and add-ons.
- affordable
- Works across all of the U.S. and Canada.
- CSAA 5-Star rated call centers.
Cons
- Some products have a small range while others have a very good range
- No medication tracking options
- No complete option for working or moving outside of the home.
Life Alert
Overview
Life Alert is an American medical alert company founded in 1987 that provides personal emergency response and home medical alert systems. This long-standing company has over 600 people ensuring they keep their dedicated customers protected 24/7.
Pros
- Audible speaker
- Relatively long range of 800 feet
- Instant connection to medical help 24/7
Cons
- Does not possess fall detection
- Range may not be shorter than advertised
Life Assure
Overview
Life Assure is a Canadian company committed to providing medical alert devices for seniors across the country. Their goal is to keep seniors safe while allowing them to live in their own homes, maintaining independence. They have state of the art technology at affordable prices.
Pros
- No long-term contract required
- Quick response
Cons
- weight and size of the unit is cumbersome
- Tech support is slow
- Service fees are high
LiveLife Alarms
Overview
LiveLife Alarms is popular amongst the public for their mobile alert device that summons help for individuals (primarily seniors) during an emergency or potentially dangerous situation. The gadget uses the 3G cellular network to communicate with the monitoring base and also call multiple emergency numbers (including 911) with the push of a button.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Wide network coverage
- Multiple emergency contacts (including 911)
- Long battery life of 5 days and a short charging time of 30 minutes
- Fall detection
- GPS tracking to deliver your location accurately
Cons
- It is relatively expensive
Medical Guardian
Overview
The Medical Guardian is a product that allows seniors to participate in all of their favorite activities with the knowledge that if they need support, help can be on the way immediately. The Medical Guardian has trained operators who can assist in an emergency. They can contact a friend or family member to support the senior in need, eliminating the need for the expense of calling paramedics to assist with a fall. The Medical Guardian offers many products from which to choose that will suit your lifestyle. They offer the Classic Guardian, Home Guardian, Family Guardian, Mobile Guardian, and the Active Guardian. These products suit the needs of seniors with varying abilities and independence levels. These products can offer a sense of security to seniors who are at home or on the go. Full review here.Pros
- No Long-Term Contracts
- Variety of Medical Alert Systems for Any Budget or Lifestyle
- Excellent Range (1,300 ft) for Classic In-Home System
- Sleek, Updated Hardware
- Smartwatch Option
- Water-Resistant Pendants
- Free Caregiver Platform
Cons
- Higher Monthly Fees Than Some Competitors
- Add-Ons Require Monthly Charges
Numactive Medical Alert Service
Overview
Numactive Medical Alert service is an established Canadian company located in London, Ontario that takes pride in the provision of medical alert systems for use both in-home and mobile and at very reasonable prices. Besides the provision of affordable medical devices, Numactive also provides exceptional customer service, including fall risk evaluations for new clients and conduction of daily testing of medical alert devices as a part of their service.
Pros
- Canadian company with monitoring centres in Canada
- Built-in 2-way voice communication
- A 4G LTE cellular network coverage of the whole North America (US and Canada)
- Extensive battery life of 4 days aided by verbal low-battery notifications
- The most up-to-date call technology and cutting edge Wi-Fi-aided GPS location services
- Waterproof products available
- Built-in automatic fall detection system
Cons
- Small range of products
- No medication tracking options or mobile app options
Philips Lifeline
Overview
Philips Lifeline offers a full line of products to suit the needs of users. The line of products helps users to maintain a level of independence they would not otherwise have. Seniors or people with chronic illness are able to maintain an active lifestyle that help is only the push of a button away.
Pros
- Waterproof Help Buttons
- No Long-Term Contracts
- Automatic Fall Detection
- Personalized Response Plans
- Responsive Monitoring Center
- All-In-One Mobile Pendant
- Long-Lasting Batteries
Cons
- Activation Fees for Most Systems
- Costly Automatic Fall Detection
- No Activity Tracking or Smart Features
Pulse Alert
Overview
PulseAlert is a veteran-owned Canadian medical alert service provider that is committed to the Restoration of independence for older Canadians one medical alert system at a time.
PulseAlert was founded by Todd Griffiths who after the loss of his father due to what (as he was later told) a fall that he would have survived if he had access to fast medical intervention. As a result of that one experience, Todd started PulseAlert to ensure that no one has to go through the same things that he did.
Pros
- GPS and WiFi connectivity
- Clear Two-way audio communication.
- 24/7 access to the emergency monitoring center
- Base station with a wearable help button
- Water resistance
- Cellular connectivity
- Automatic fall detection
Cons
- If the help button is not worn, it could easily be lost due to its small size.
- Only the help button is water-resistant. The base station is not.
Red Dot Alerts
Overview
Red Dot Alerts was formerly known as Bruyère Helpline Personal Alert Solutions, a name that has been highly associated with the exemplary provision of top-notch senior medical care since 1986. Red Dot personal alert solutions is a Canadian-owned, medical alert system provider with over 30 years of history of providing quality care. At Red Dot, your safety is the exclusive focus.
Pros
- Real-time, two-way voice communication
- 36-hour battery life
- Location sensors that automatically send texts to your relatives immediately you leave a pre-established safe zone (On The Go)
- Water resistance
- Automatic fall detection
- GPS, Cellular and WiFi coverage
Cons
- Short battery life at only 36 hours
SecurMEDIC
Overview
SecurMEDIC is a Canadian medical alert systems provider, founded in 2009, with its headquarters located in Vancouver. The company currently possesses six interconnected monitoring stations that help monitor over 200,000 of its customers 24/7. Additionally, these six centers are certified by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
Pros
- Waterproof Help Buttons
- No Long-Term Contracts
- Automatic Fall Detection
- Personalized Response Plans
- Responsive Monitoring Center
- All-In-One Mobile Pendant
- Long-Lasting Batteries
Cons
- Doesn’t have sensors to detect a heavy fall
SafeGuard
Overview
With several systems to choose from, SafeGuard has medical alert systems, monitoring services, and proactive health management solutions that continue to provide the opportunity for seniors and vulnerable individuals to enjoy the activities of daily living and to maintain an independent lifestyle while staying safe at home and beyond the home.
Pros
- Waterproof pendant
- No contract
- Take it with you
Cons
- No fall detection
- No live chat
Telus Health LivingWell Companion / Direct Alert
Overview
Direct Alert (acquired by Telus Health in 2019), a Canadian company, has been providing customers with comprehensive medical alert systems for over ten years. They offer personalized customer care so that you can choose a medical alert system that will best suit your needs. It is not a one size fits all; the staff are dedicated to making sure that you have the unit you need for your peace of mind. Choosing Direct Alert means choosing a Canadian owned and operated business that allows seniors to stay in their home and feel like they have the protection they need if an emergency should arise.
Pros
- Easy installation guided by experts
- Several units and add-on options
Cons
- Limited warranty
- High equipment fees
- Additional fees
Tunstall
Overview
Tunstall is a world leader in remote care and safety monitoring. With more than 50 years in the business, they continue to develop innovative telehealthcare solutions and provide service in 40 countries. Tunstall came to Canada in the early ‘90s offering a selection of emergency response solutions for seniors.
Pros
- Attractive, sleek design is non-clinical and unobtrusive
- Audio messages available in 3 languages to announce call progress and status messages
- Illuminated help button to be easily located at night
- Convenient cancel button in case help button is accidentally pressed
Cons
- Prices can greatly vary
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the best medical alert system in Canada?
Currently our top rated company is Galaxy Medical Alert. They have no long term contracts, a good pricing structure and a great customer response time.
But this may not be the best company for you. It depends on what features you are prioritizing – whether that be fall detection, price, ease of use, or something else. We’ve reviewed over 15 Canadian medical alert systems and rated each one to help you pick the best medical alert company in Canada for your needs.
What is a medical alert system?
A medical alert system is a device or system that enables a person to quickly and easily call for help in the event of a medical emergency. The device can be worn as a pendant/necklace or watch, and is typically equipped with a button that can be pressed to summon assistance. Medical alert systems are often used by seniors or people with chronic medical conditions, but they can be beneficial for anyone who wants to have a reliable way to call for help in the event of an emergency.
How does a medical alert system work?
Medical alert systems work by connecting the user to a monitoring center via a base unit or wearable device. When the button on the device is pressed, it sends a signal to the base unit, which then initiates a call to the monitoring center. The monitoring center is staffed by trained professionals who can assess the situation and dispatch appropriate help, such as contacting emergency services or a designated caregiver.
Who can benefit from using a medical alert system?
Medical alert systems can be beneficial for anyone who wants to have a reliable way to call for help in the event of an emergency. They are particularly useful for seniors or people with chronic medical conditions who may be at a higher risk of falls or other medical emergencies. Medical alert systems can also be useful for people who live alone or have mobility issues, as they provide a way to quickly and easily summon help in the event of an emergency.
Are medical alert systems only for seniors?
While medical alert systems are often marketed towards seniors, they can be beneficial for anyone who wants to have a reliable way to call for help in the event of an emergency. Medical alert systems are not just for seniors, and can be used by people of any age.
Can medical alert systems be used outside of the home?
Medical alert systems can be used both inside and outside of the home. Many wearable devices, such as pendants or watches, are equipped with GPS tracking, which allows the user to be located and assisted even when they are outside of the home. Some medical alert systems also offer mobile options, such as a device that can be carried in a pocket or purse.
How accurate are fall detection sensors in medical alert systems?
The accuracy of fall detection sensors in medical alert systems can vary. Some systems have high accuracy rates and are able to reliably detect falls, while others may have lower accuracy rates. It’s important to research different medical alert systems and their fall detection capabilities to find one that meets your needs.
Do medical alert systems require a landline phone?
Not necessarily. While some medical alert systems do require a landline phone, others are designed to work with a cell phone or broadband connection. It’s important to consider your phone situation when choosing a medical alert system to ensure that it will work for you.
Are medical alert systems covered by insurance?
It depends on your insurance plan. Some insurance plans cover medical alert systems, while others do not. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if a medical alert system is covered under your plan.
What is the cost of a medical alert system?
The cost of a medical alert system can vary depending on the type of system and the features it offers. Basic systems may cost as little as $30 per month, while more advanced systems with additional features such as fall detection or GPS tracking may cost $40-50. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare different medical alert systems to find one that fits your budget and meets your needs.
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Comments
2 thoughts on “The Best Medical Alert Systems in Canada for Seniors 2023”
Please advise which system would work best inside/outside (including fall detection) the home if parties have no smartphones
Most systems would work with landlines.