Medical Guardian
![]() |
|
||
Philips Lifeline
![]() |
|
|
|
Medical Alert
![]() |
|
||
Bay Alarm Medical
![]() |
|
||
Comfort Keepers
![]() |
|
|
|
Woodfin
![]() |
|
|
|
Senior Safety
![]() |
|
|
Medical alert brands vary significantly, as do their available devices and features. When choosing a medical alert system, consider how different options fit with your lifestyle:
Other features worth considering include multilingual response centers, optional protection plans, and integrated home security and senior care services.
Once you know what features and options you want, choose a company that has a good reputation and offers what you’re looking for. Some monitoring centers have professional certifications, which indicates a commitment to industry standards.
In Richmond, medical alert equipment usually costs less than $200, but many customers also have to pay around $100 to set up their systems. Home-based, landline-dependent medical alert systems are the least expensive, while monitored, GPS-enabled mobile devices cost significantly more.
Medical alert system monitoring costs $19 per month to $45 per month, and optional fall detection adds another $10 to that bill. While most medical alert companies don’t require contracts, they do typically offer a free month of service when you pay annually. Discounts are commonly available for members of AARP and other senior organizations, too.
Are medical alert systems tax deductible in Virginia?
According to the IRS, some expenses related to medical alert systems are deductible, but not the systems themselves. Since tax laws change frequently, talk to a tax professional to see what you can claim when the time comes.
Do medical alert systems interfere with pacemakers?
Medical alert systems do not typically interfere with pacemakers, but it’s best to speak to your doctor about your specific device and the types of technology that can interact with it. The manufacturer of your pacemaker can also provide helpful information.
Does a Life Alert system require internet?
No, Life Alert can work over a landline or using 4G LTE cellular technology.
What Richmond financial assistance programs help fund medical alert systems?
Contact Senior Connections for information on financial assistance. Many Richmond medical alert providers offer discounts to AARP, AMAC and USAA members, too.
Medical Guardian |
||
Medical Guardian offers monitored in-home and GPS-enabled medical alert systems with no contracts. This company offers waterproof, wearable devices that have signal ranges up to 1,300 feet and battery lives up to 120 hours. Prices start at around $30 per month and include guaranteed replacements, plus optional protection plans and fall detection. Medical Guardian’s monitoring centers are completely U.S.-based. |
![]() |
Learn More |
Philips Lifeline |
||
Philips Lifeline offers home-based and mobile medical alert systems and monitoring centers with multilingual support. Each system includes a 30-day return policy and access to a mobile app for caregivers. Richmond customers can add automatic fall detection, too. Philips Lifeline requires a one-time activation fee of $50 or $99.95, and monitoring costs range from $29.95 to $49.95 per month. |
![]() |
|
Medical Alert |
||
Medical Alert provides at-home and mobile medical alert systems that include wearable devices, a mobile app, a 30-day risk-free trial and optional fall detection. Medical Alert offers multilingual support through its monitoring centers. Prices start at $19.95 per month and can be paid in annual or semiannual increments for a discount. |
![]() |
Learn More |
Bay Alarm Medical |
||
Bay Alarm Medical offers three types of medical alert systems: in-home, on-the-go and in-the car. These plans can be purchased individually or bundled for comprehensive protection. Packages start at $19.95 per month and include a 30-day trial. The company’s waterproof devices have a range of up to 1,000 feet and a battery life of up to five years. |
![]() |
Learn More |
Comfort Keepers |
||
Comfort Keepers offers both medical alert systems and comprehensive senior care services. The company provides wearable devices that are waterproof and have a range of up to 1,000 feet. Richmond customers can add fall detection to their plans, too. Monitored medical alert systems start at $19.95 per month. Comfort Keepers is a national company with a local office at 10833 Ridgefield Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. |
![]() |
|
Woodfin |
||
Woodfin offers an at-home medical alert pendant as a part of its home security system. It determines prices after a consultation, but costs range between $46.99 and $57.99 per month. The pendant works up to 100 feet around the home and features plug-in installation; hands-free, instant two-way communication; and automatic medication reminders. Call or visit Woodfin’s main office for more information at 1823 N. Hamilton St., Richmond, VA 23230. |
![]() |
|
Senior Safety |
||
Senior Safety offers Virginia residents in-home and GPS-equipped medical alert systems. Prices start at $19 per month and include a 30-day money-back guarantee plus annual and quarterly payment plans. Units are either landline or cellular compatible and have ranges up to 1,000 feet. The company’s portable help buttons are wearable and waterproof, and fall detection technology is available. Senior Safety offers multilingual monitoring services. |
![]() |