---
title: "What Is Medical alert system? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "A medical alert system is a device, often a wearable button, that lets a person call for help in an emergency. Some systems detect falls on their own. The..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/medical-alert-system/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Safety and home

# Medical alert system

A medical alert system is a device, often a wearable button, that lets a person call for help in an emergency. Some systems detect falls on their own. The call goes to a monitoring center, family or emergency services, depending on the plan.

## Why it matters for your family

The National Institute on Aging says emergency response systems let you push a button on a necklace or bracelet to call for help. They suit older adults who live alone or spend time alone. Limits matter. A person with dementia may forget to press the button, and a device left on a nightstand does nothing. Check how far the device works from the base unit, how it handles a power outage and what the monthly fee is. A common mistake is to treat the device as a replacement for people. Families may use both: the device for gaps and a caregiver for hands-on support. Ask the doctor about the right fit.

Source: [nia.nih.gov](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room)

[Read more: What is Home Care? How to Benefit from These Services?](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/family-resources/what-is-home-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**Fall prevention**Fall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fall-prevention/)
-   [**Aging in place**Aging in place means staying in your own home as you get older.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/aging-in-place/)
-   [**Smart home monitoring for seniors**Smart home monitoring for seniors uses sensors, cameras or connected devices to track activity at home and alert family or caregivers.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/smart-home-monitoring-for-seniors/)
-   [**Fall risk**Fall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fall-risk/)
-   [**Home safety assessment**A home safety assessment is a room-by-room check of a home for hazards that could cause falls or injuries.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/home-safety-assessment/)
-   [**Wandering**Wandering is when a person with dementia leaves a safe place or walks around without a clear purpose and may become lost.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/wandering/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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