What Is Fall Detection?
Simply put, fall detection refers to any type of technology that detects when a person falls and calls for help. In some cases, fall detection is a feature of wearable devices like smartwatches; however, more commonly, it is used by medical alert systems.
>> Further reading: What Is a Medical Alert System?
Ever since Life Alert’s commercials featured the famous line “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up,” medical alert systems have been associated with getting seniors help in the wake of a fall. And while Life Alert systems (ironically) are among the few that don’t support fall detection, the companies on this list have reliable fall detection that can protect your loved ones.
In this rundown of the best fall detection devices for seniors, we’ll take a closer look at six medical alert systems that provide the best fall detection. We’ve tested fall detection devices from more than 20 companies, and we’ve narrowed them down to six options that we’d trust to protect our loved ones.
Pro Tip: Not concerned with fall detection? Then read our guide to the best overall medical alert systems.
The Best Fall Detection Devices
- Bay Alarm Medical : Most Accurate Fall Detection
- Medical Guardian : Best Mobile Fall Detection
- MobileHelp : Most Affordable Systems
- LifeFone : Most Affordable Fall Detection
- UnaliWear Kanega Watch : Best Smartwatch Fall Detection
- Aloe Care Health : Wall-Mounted Fall Detection
How Does Automatic Fall Detection Work?
Through a combination of accelerometers, sensors, and algorithms, a fall detection device senses when a person falls down. In many cases, fall detection utilizes the same accelerometer technology that allows your smartphone to adjust the screen when you rotate the phone.
>> Read more: The Best Smartphones for Seniors
Once a device detects a fall, it automatically sends a signal to an urgent response call center, so even if a person is unable to press a help button, help will still be contacted.
Our Methodology
| Devices evaluated | 24 |
|---|---|
| Hours of research | 50 |
| Hours of product testing | 240 |
| Ranking criteria | 6 |
| Finalists chosen | 6 |
To choose the best fall detection devices, we tested two dozen devices from a variety of companies and evaluated them on the following criteria:
- Fall detection accuracy: For each fall detection device, we ran a series of 20 simulated falls and checked for accurate reporting. We also kept track of false alarms, that is, when a device detected a fall when none had occurred.
- Response time: The most accurate fall detection is worthless if a monitoring center can’t quickly answer the resulting call. This is why we timed how long it took each device to connect us to help.
- Pricing: Fall detection typically costs an extra $10 per month, so we looked for providers that charge no more. Several charge less or even include fall detection in their basic subscription packages.
- All-in-one device: Some companies build fall detection into their help button, while others require a separate button specifically for fall detection. Neither of these solutions is necessarily better than the other, but you’ll have to decide if you want the extra devices.
- No long-term contract: I take a stand against long-term contracts, and we recommend checking the terms and conditions for canceling your service before signing up for any service. The providers listed here don’t require lengthy agreements that have cancellation fees.
- Comfortable help button: If you don’t feel comfortable wearing your medical alert, you’re more likely not to wear it. As a result, this removes a key source of immediate help, so we looked for better devices that are lightweight and unobtrusive.
- Water resistance: The bathroom is a prime area for slips and falls, so we made sure all these fall detection buttons have some level of water resistance.
Fall Detection Device Comparison
| Falls detected (Out of 20) | Average response time | Starting cost (per month) | Fall detection cost (per month) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Alarm Medical | 19 | 16 seconds | $24.95 | $10 |
| Medical Guardian | 18 | 8 seconds | $29.95 | $10 |
| MobileHelp | 18 | 26 seconds | $19.95 | $11 |
| LifeFone | 17 | 25 seconds | $24.95 | $5 |
| Kanega Watch | 15 | 30 seconds | $69.95 | Included |
| Aloe Care Health | 16 | 19 seconds | $24.99 | Included |
Best Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection
1. Bay Alarm Medical - Most Accurate Fall Detection
4.8 / 5
View Packages
Call for best price:
855-675-0754
What We Like Most:
- Fall detection available on every system
- 95% of falls detected in our tests
- Systems from $24.95 per month
- No long-term contracts
855-675-0754
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Overview
Bay Alarm Medical alert systems are among our favorites overall, and the company’s fall detection performed exceptionally well in our tests. It was the only fall detection pendant not to trigger a false alarm when crouching or after dropping the device.
In our total of 20 test falls, our Bay Alarm Medical system detected 19 of them, making it the most accurate device we tried.
Fall Detection
All four of Bay Alarm Medical’s systems support fall detection. Its SOS Home system and the SOS All-in-One require an additional pendant. For integrated fall detection, both the SOS Mobile and SOS Smartwatch have fall detection built into the devices themselves. Across the board, we found that each of these systems performed exceptionally well, with only one test fall going undetected.
>> Read more: SOS Smartwatch Review
I particularly appreciated the SOS Mobile system. Although it’s only 2.7 inches by 1.3 inches, this device packs a speakerphone, a help button, and fall detection — no extra device required. It’s also rated IP67 in terms of water-resistance, and when we brought the device into the shower, it connected us to help with no hiccups.
Drawbacks
With fall detection this accurate, Bay Alarm Medical has few cons; however, we should note that none of its systems include fall detection. No matter which system you choose, fall detection will cost an additional $10 per month.
Even the SOS Mobile and SOS Smartwatch, which have built-in fall detection, require an additional $10 per month to activate the feature. If you’re looking for fall detection that’s cheaper or even free, then we’d recommend either the Kanega Watch or LifeFone.
>> Learn more about: Bay Alarm Medical Costs
Verdict
Bay Alarm Medical has some of our favorite medical alert systems, and every one of them is compatible with fall detection. While this service does cost an additional $10 per month (regardless of the system you choose), we found no other company that had fall detection as reliable as Bay Alarm Medical.
To learn more about this company, read our hands-on Bay Alarm Medical review.
Pros
- Highly accurate fall detection
- Water-resistant buttons
- Two-year battery life on the fall detection pendant
- Landline and cellular system options
Cons
- Additional pendant required for fall detection on some systems
2. Medical Guardian - Best Mobile Fall Detection
4.9 / 5
View Packages
Call for best price:
877-947-4512
What We Like Most:
- Fall detection available on most systems
- 90% of falls detected in our tests
- No long-term contracts required
- Water-resistant devices
877-947-4512
View Packages
Overview
Medical Guardian features one of the widest selections of at-home and mobile alert systems. No matter your needs, there is a Medical Guardian option to suit them. Best of all, its systems also support highly accurate fall detection.
Across all devices, Medical Guardian’s fall detection accurately detected 18 out of our 20 test falls.
Fall Detection
The majority of Medical Guardian’s systems support fall detection, and this feature costs an additional $10 per month.
Both home systems, MGHome Cellular and MGClassic, require an additional pendant to use fall detection, as does the Mobile 2.0 system. The MGMini and MGMini Lite have fall detection built in; meaning there was no additional pendant required to use the feature. That said, we still had to pay an additional $5 per month to use the feature.
In particular, we were most impressed by the MGMini. This device is incredibly small, roughly half the size of a deck of cards, and it had a speakerphone, a help button, a GPS, and fall detection. It is also water-resistant, and when we brought this system into the shower, it could still accurately detect our falls and call for help.
>> Read more: MGMini Review
Drawbacks
While Medical Guardian’s fall detection was accurate, one of its mobile systems, the Mobile 2.0, requires an additional pendant to activate the feature. This meant that we had to wear two pendants at once in order to have fall detection. It’s hard for us to imagine anyone wanting to do this, as it was somewhat uncomfortable.
Additionally, we were disappointed that the MGMove watch did not offer fall detection at all.
>> Learn more: Medical Guardian Costs
Verdict
Reliable, durable, and capable of detecting the vast majority of falls, Medical Guardian is one of our favorite options for fall detection devices. While its systems are slightly more expensive than average, starting at $29.95 per month, their reliability justifies the price tag.
To learn more about our experience with these systems, read our full Medical Guardian review.
Pros
- Mobile and in-home fall detection
- Devices with built-in fall detection
- Long battery life on mobile systems
- Water-resistant devices
Cons
- Prices start at $30 per month
3. MobileHelp - Most Affordable Systems
4.5 / 5
View Packages
Call for best price:
800-915-8738
What We Like Most:
- Systems from $20 per month
- 90% fall detection accuracy
- Fall detection built into mobile systems
- No long-term contracts
800-915-8738
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Overview
MobileHelp may charge $11 per month for fall detection (the highest charge on this list); however, this provider offers medical alert systems from $20 per month. Even with the slightly higher cost for fall detection, this makes it the most budget-friendly option on this list.
On top of this, MobileHelp’s fall detection devices detected 18 out of our 20 test falls, making them 90% accurate.
>> Read more: MobileHelp Costs
Fall Detection
Fall detection is available on every MobileHelp system, including both its in-home and mobile options. Unfortunately, most MobileHelp systems require an additional pendant in order to take advantage of fall detection.
The one exception to this would be the MobileHelp Micro. Similar to the MGMini, this small device has a built-in GPS, speakerphone, and help button, as well as the option to activate its built-in fall detection. In our tests, this device performed particularly well, save for one false alarm.
>> Check out: The Best GPS Medical Alert Systems
Drawbacks
The $11 fall detection charge aside, the biggest drawback to MobileHelp would have to be its lack of integrated fall detection. Unless you purchase the Micro system (which we’d highly recommend), you’ll have to wear an additional pendant in order to use fall detection.
Verdict
With its combination of systems for both in and out of the home, MobileHelp has a device to suit just about any user. MobileHelp’s devices start at $19.95 per month, making these among the most affordable we’ve tested.
To learn more about MobileHelp, read my full MobileHelp review.
Pros
- Low monthly rates
- Waterproof help buttons
- Accurate fall detection
- No long-term contracts required
Cons
- Extra pendants required for fall detection
4. LifeFone - Most Affordable Fall Detection
4.2 / 5
View Packages
Call for best price:
844-996-2846
What We Like Most:
- $5 per month for fall detection
- Quick emergency response times
- Water-resistant devices
- Accurate fall detection
844-996-2846
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Overview
At $5 per month, LifeFone offers the most affordable fall detection on this list. Additionally, every one of its systems, both home and mobile, supports fall detection.
In our tests, Lifefone’s fall detection caught 17 out of our 20 test falls. While this is not as accurate as some of the other companies on this list, it’s still pretty solid.
>> Learn more about: LifeFone Costs
Fall Detection
Every single LifeFone system supports fall detection. Its home systems require an additional pendant for fall detection, while the mobile systems all have fall detection built in. Even its medical alert watch, the Safe Watch, has built-in fall detection. In our tests, we were particularly impressed by this device, which could also track my heart rate.
We’d also recommend LifeFone’s VIP X. This incredibly small device detected a majority of our test falls, and it was light enough to comfortably wear all day. Its rechargeable battery also lasted five days on a single charge.
>> Keep reading: The Best Medical Alert Watches
Drawbacks
With LifeFone, there aren’t many negatives. Its devices are fairly priced, and they work as advertised. The one downside would have to be their response times, which, while respectable, are not the fastest on this list. While LifeFone agents answered our test calls in an average of 25 seconds, this is not quite as fast as systems from Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm Medical.
Verdict
LifeFone provides reliable, high-quality equipment with lots of options, good customer service, and competitive pricing. Whatever you need from your fall detection medical alert system, LifeFone has a system for you.
To learn more about the company, read my hands-on review of LifeFone.
Pros
- Most affordable fall detection
- All-in-one fall detection option
- No long-term contracts
- Price-lock guarantee
Cons
- Slightly slower response times
5. UnaliWear Kanega Watch - Best Smartwatch Fall Detection
3.8 / 5
View Packages
What We Like Most:
- Long-lasting battery life
- Voice-activated emergency calls
- Accurate fall detection
- Water-resistance
View Packages
Overview
A newcomer in the world of medical alert systems, UnaliWear has recently gained popularity for its medical alert watch, the Kanega Watch. Unlike most medical alert watches, the Kanega Watch has built-in fall detection, and it also has a unique battery, which allowed us to charge it without having to remove it.
On top of all this, in our 20 test falls with the Kanega Watch, it detected 15 of them, beating out many other smartwatches’ fall detection capabilities.
Fall Detection
Fall detection is built into the Kanega Watch, and unlike other companies on this list, UnaliWear does not charge an extra fee to use fall detection. That said, the Kanega Watch does cost nearly $70 per month.
Drawbacks
Price would have to be the biggest drawback of the Kanega Watch. This device costs a one-time $299, followed by a monthly charge of $69.95 per month. Yes, we could have gotten reduced rates if we paid for an annual subscription, but we did not want to pay $918 up front.
Verdict
While the cost is higher than any other fall detection device on this list, the Kanega Watch works well. If budget is not much of a concern, then we’d recommend this device.
To learn more about this device, read my full review of the Kanega Watch.
Pros
- Built-in fall detection
- Comfortable
- Long battery life
- Water-resistant
Cons
- High costs
6. Aloe Care Health - Wall-Mounted Fall Detection
4.4 / 5
What We Like Most:
- No wearables required for fall detection
- Advanced caregiver features
- 16 out of 20 falls detected
- Systems from $25 per month
Overview
Aloe Care Health devices take a different approach to fall detection. In addition to its Mobile Companion, which features built-in fall detection, the company offers a fall detection button that can be mounted to your bathroom wall. By digitally mapping your bathroom’s layout, it can accurately detect when you fall. The system can also use voice commands in the event of a false alarm.
While this does mean that their fall detection is available only in the chosen room, in our experience it worked accurately, catching 16 of 20 simulated falls.
Fall Detection
For its in-home systems, Aloe Care Health utilizes a unique wall-mounted fall detection system. Both of its mobile systems, however, have built-in fall detection. Regardless of the system you choose, fall detection comes at no extra cost.
>> Read more about: Aloe Care Health Costs
Drawbacks
Every Aloe Care Health system requires an upfront charge for equipment. These range from $99 to $249.
Verdict
With its multipronged approach to fall detection, Aloe Care Health offers reliable fall safety both in the home and on the go. This, combined with its handy voice commands, makes the company one of the best options for fall detection.
To learn more about Aloe Care Health, read my full Aloe Care Health review.
Pros
- All-in-one mobile fall detection
- Wall-mounted in-home fall detection
- Useful app for caregivers
- Water-resistant fall detection
- No long-term contracts
Cons
- High upfront equipment costs
How Fall Detection Works
Fall detection devices employ a combination of sophisticated sensors and algorithms to detect and respond to a sudden fall or significant changes in a person's movement patterns. These devices typically incorporate accelerometers, gyroscopes, and sometimes barometric pressure sensors to continuously monitor the user's movements and orientation.
Accelerometers measure changes in velocity, allowing the device to detect sudden downward acceleration associated with a fall. Gyroscopes provide information about the device's orientation and angular velocity, helping differentiate between normal activities and a fall. Barometric pressure sensors may be used to detect changes in altitude, aiding in the identification of falls.
The device's algorithm analyzes the data from these sensors in real-time, looking for patterns indicative of a fall. When a potential fall is detected, the device triggers an alert, which can take the form of notifications to caregivers or emergency services. Some advanced fall detection devices also allow for user confirmation to prevent false alarms, ensuring a more accurate response.
Overall, the combination of sensor technologies and intelligent algorithms enables fall detection devices to swiftly recognize and respond to potential falls, providing timely assistance and enhancing the safety of seniors and individuals at risk of falling.
Fall Detection and False Alarms
One concern we hear frequently regarding fall detection is that the pendants can send out false alarms.
Full transparency: This is a genuine issue. No fall detection system is perfect, and from time to time, the sensors may mistake an ordinary movement — such as bending forward or getting into bed — for a fall and send out an alarm. If it happens, however, you can simply press the button on your base station or pendant to contact the call center and let the agent know there’s no problem.
On the flip side, most systems are set not to send out an alarm if they detect movement after a fall. This is to prevent false signals. The system assumes if you can move, then you can press your alarm. It’s a good idea to press your help button after a fall to make sure help is coming.
Fall detection systems aren’t perfect, but we firmly believe they are worth the investment —especially for older adults who are particularly at risk of falls, such as people with balance issues, unsteadiness on their feet, or a history of falls.
It’s far better to risk the occasional false alarm than be left without a way to get help after a fall. Medical alert companies are well aware of the potential for false alarms, so they’re prepared for them when they do happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is fall detection?
Fall detection uses accelerometers and other motion technology to detect whether you’ve experienced a fall. From there, it will alert an emergency monitoring center.
- Is there a device that detects a fall?
Yes. Some medical alert systems have built-in fall detection functions, while other systems offer an optional fall detection pendant add-on.
- Which is the best fall detection system?
There are many different medical alert systems that offer the best fall detection features. We’d recommend looking into Bay Alarm Medical or Medical Guardian.
- Do smartphones have fall detection?
Yes. Some of the newer smartphones may have fall detection capabilities. Some smartphones, like the Galaxy Watch 3, have a built-in accelerometer feature to detect falls and send alerts.
- Can an iPhone tell if you fall?
Yes. According to Apple, falls are automatically recorded in the Health app on your iPhone. You can also check fall history by opening the app on your iPhone.
- Do Fitbits detect falls?
Fitbits do not currently have a fall detection feature.
