Medical Alarm Pendants & Medical Alert Pendants, What’s the Difference?

There are a few ways to summon help in an emergency. The first and most effective is to use a medical alert pendant to contact a call center. Another strategy is to make a lot of noise, hopefully attracting the attention of a passerby. These different tactics illustrate the difference between a personal alarm system and a medical alert pendant. One requests more direct help, while the other relies on a person’s surroundings to attract medical attention. 

While medical alert pendants provide more efficient help, our potential customers may be considering a personal alarm instead. Here’s what you need to know about these two devices.

Personal Alarm	Medical Alert Pendant
Alarm Mechanism: Overwhelmingly, alarm pendants rely on a sharp, loud noise to attract attention in an emergency. In most cases, they do not connect the user to a call center. Some higher-end alarm systems can contact 911 directly. Typically, personal alarms do not have a call function, instead relying solely on the noise it produces to attract help.	Alert Mechanism: By contrast, medical alert pendants will contact a call center, which will connect you to emergency services, a friend, or a family member. This broadens the range of emergencies for which you can use the button. We know that not all accidents require a 911 call, and that nuance is only available with a medical alert pendant.
Cost: The simple function of most seniors’ alarm pendants means the product is often very affordable. In most cases, it will incur a one-time fee, or perhaps a small monthly payment.	Cost: Medical alert pendants incur a monthly fee to support the services provided, like access to a well-trained call center staff member. While this price is often higher than a personal alarm, the ability to contact the call center broadens the device’s range of potential uses.
Range of Applications: Personal alarms are usually only useful if a person is within earshot of the device. Unfortunately, most seniors experience emergencies while alone, typically within the home. A personal alarm will most likely not summon the help you need if you fall in your bathroom.	Range of Applications: An alert pendant can access help regardless of your location. Because these devices contact a call center, you don’t have to worry about your location in the case of an emergency. You will always be able to reach somebody when you push the button.

When it comes to an elderly alarm pendant versus a medical alert pendant, which is better for your family? We may be biased, but the services provided with a medical alert pendant are better suited to senior needs than a standard alarm pendant. Senior isolation is the most important factor.

Seniors in America are leading increasingly solitary lives. When seniors use personal alarms instead of medical alert pendants, they can typically only receive help from people who are in earshot of the device. With more seniors living in isolation, the chances of these devices reaching help are low. A medical alert pendant, by contrast, will contact help no matter where your accident takes place. For the safest possible option, invest in a medical alert pendant from Alert1.  

Alert1 provides a variety of safety alarm pendants designed to suit a range of senior lifestyles. From the cozy homebody to the adventurous outdoorsperson, products from Alert1 can make you feel safer, more secure, and better prepared for an emergency. No matter where your accident happens – be it in the home, in a parking lot, or while out for a walk – you can rest assured you’ll get the help you need with the push of a button.