Which Mobile Medical Alert Systems Have the Longest Battery Life
As baby boomers reach retirement age and seniors come closer to becoming the largest age bracket for the first time ever, medical alert systems are also becoming more popular than ever. Medical alert systems provide the tools needed to help seniors continue living full, active, and independent lives. With increasing technological innovations, medical alert systems are smarter and more convenient than ever. But for the most part, they all run on electricity, and with batteries that need to be recharged.
With any electronic device, battery life can be a concern, and this is no different for medical alert systems. Many systems require daily charging, which can be tedious, inconvenient, or easily forgotten. Users could find themselves having a dead device in the event of an emergency. The need to charge their device could also discourage a user from wearing it when they should be.
Mobile Medical Alert System Features and Battery Life
There are many features to consider in a mobile medical alert system, including fall-detection, volume control, GPS, cellular networks, and more – all of which can affect a device’s battery life.
The device’s size and the price of the system are also related to the battery life. Smaller devices are typically more expensive due to convenience, but also have smaller batteries that don’t last long. Larger systems usually have larger batteries, but some users may not find them as comfortable to wear.
Mobile medical alert systems need to be recharged in their charging cradles. Some devices require a daily charge, while others recharge every few days. Some users may even find themselves charging multiple times per day if their device has poor battery life. An indicator light that changes colors will alert a user when the battery is low and in need of recharging.
With these factors in mind, a user must decide how important battery life is to their situation. A device’s battery life affects how much time is spent charging, and how much mobile freedom a user has.
Considering the importance of a device’s battery, it’s a good idea to compare medical alert system reviews to determine which device has the best battery life. That said, while manufacturers offer their stated rating for battery charge duration, they also typically recommend daily charging – best practice would be to develop a routine that charges your devices within safe periods. Here are some of the top medical alert system brands and their stated battery life.
Lifeline
Lifeline rates its On the Go mobile device as having a maximum of “up to 4 days” – and also recommends daily charging. As mentioned, daily charging makes sense as a routine worth developing. As devices become ever more feature-rich, they also drain power.
Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical’s medical alert system is best known for its reliable and affordable technology. Its mobile device’s battery life is among the longest available up to 6 days per charge for the SOS Mobile. As mentioned, the smaller the device, the lower the battery life, and the SOS Micro is rated at up to 36 hours.
Despite offering one of the best battery life devices on the market, Bay Alarm’s monthly fee is among the lowest. Users should be aware that selecting a good battery life for more reliable service does not have to come at an added cost.
MobileHelp
MobileHelp’s medical alert system features a 24-hour battery life that is only prolonged by toggling the device on standby mode. However, it’s a possibility that some features or functionality may be limited in standby mode. Users should consider whether they are comfortable potentially giving up functionality to extend the battery life.
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian’s standard medical alert device has a battery life of just 24 hours. Users wanting a longer battery life must pay a higher monthly cost for an improved unit that has a battery life of up to five days. If the more expensive unit has unnecessary features or isn’t generally a right fit for the user, it may be an undue expense in exchange for battery life.
Mobile medical alert devices can be overwhelming to shop for, but knowing what features to look for can make the experience less daunting. While there is no single best medical alert system on the market, comparing products and reading reviews can help you find the best medical alert system for your unique situation.
Battery life should always be a major consideration when looking for a medical alert system. A longer battery life may spell a more reliable device and a greater source of security for most users, and could be a life-changing factor in an emergency. That said, cell connection and additional features such as fall detection all take more electricity – the benefit is worth developing the routine of daily charging.
