Medical Guardian
Here at Medical Guardian, we've become an industry-leading provider of personal emergency response systems by using the most up-to-date technology for each of our products. We provide all of our customers with affordable and reliable medical alert service options to help them continue to live safe and independent lives at home. With a wide range of products and life safety consultants available to help tailor your service to your specific needs, we guarantee round-the-clock protection and help when you need it most.
BOTTOM LINE
Medical Guardian provides home and mobile medical alert systems to ensure safety anywhere. There’s no free trial period, but Medical Guardian prices are competitive, installation is easy and you can cancel anytime.
PROS
- Variety of options to fit any lifestyle
- Automatic fall detection available
- No long-term contract
CONS
- No free trial period
Top Medical Guardian Reviews We Found
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In fact, it has come in useful for me twice. When I called them, they sent an ambulance out immediately. I don’t think I was alone for more than five minutes. It saved my life… It gives me a lot of feelings of security and I would recommend it...
Read full reviewMy children… ordered a Medical Guardian for me and it goes around my neck. When I got it just about three months ago, I fell and I pushed the button. And all the worst things happened very quickly. I got help fast. I went into the hospital… But I'm safe now.
Read full reviewWhat is Medical Guardian?
Medical Guardian products can benefit older adults who spend most of their time alone. With services like activity monitoring and fall detection, Medical Guardian alert systems can also be a smart option for anyone with a critical medical condition, is hard of hearing, a fall risk or are recovering from a significant health event.
Medical Guardian offers six different service plans that can fit almost any lifestyle or budget, and system options include in-home and on-the-go portable devices. Fall detection can be included with any plan for an additional charge.
Although Medical Guardian doesn't offer a free trial period, there is no service cancellation fee, and customers receive full prorated refunds for unused time. Another plus for customers is the flexibility of Medical Guardian's monitoring agreements. Medical Guardian monitoring centers provide 24/7 emergency response. Automatic monthly tests ensure that two-way voice communication technology is always working.
At-Home Medical Guardian systems
Medical Guardian’s mobile systems all come with standard cellular connections and one-touch alert signals. On-The-Go Medical Guardian devices are portable, rechargeable, and have built-in GPS tracking.
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Medical Guardian’s Classic Guardian medical alert system is the least expensive in-home option. The package comes with a neck pendant or wristband medical alert help button and a two-way communication console with a 60-decibel base speaker. The wearable help button is waterproof, so it works in the shower or bath. The Classic Guardian system requires a landline to operate.
Power outage protection means the Medical Guardian Classic alert system will work up to 32-hours without electricity. Select between monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual payments. The annual plan is the best value and includes a free month of service, free second button, free lockbox, free ground shipping and free equipment for new customers.
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Medical Guardian’s best value for an in-home system is the Home Guardian. Home Guardian comes with a wearable medical alert button and base station. The wearable alert device can be worn on a neck pendant or wristband, and the base station has a 60-decibel speaker and a LED display screen that shows the date, time, temperature, signal strength and battery indicators. The wearable alert device can be worn on a neck pendant or wristband. Equipment is free with subscription.
Home Guardian uses a nationwide cellular network that wirelessly connects with the base station and wearable emergency button. Power outage protection has a 30-hour back-up battery. You also have the option to select monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual billing. Customers who choose annual billing get a discount rate, plus a free month of service, second button, lockbox and ground shipping at no extra cost.
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Family Guardian is Mobile Guardian’s most advanced home medical alert system. The Family Guardian system includes an 80-decibel base system for two-way communication, three in-home activity sensors, and a wearable emergency button. Select from a neck pendant or black wristband wearable alert devices — both waterproof and free with subscription.
Activity sensors combine the benefits of medical alert devices and activity monitoring through the Family Guardian app, letting caregivers remotely check on loved ones with their smartphones, tablets, and desktops or laptops. Power outage protection ensures the device will work up to 32 hours if the power goes out. Medical Guardian’s Family Guardian system uses cellular service, so no landline is required.
On-The-Go Medical Guardian systems
Medical Guardian’s mobile systems all come with standard cellular connections and one-touch alert signals. On-The-Go Medical Guardian devices are portable, rechargeable, and have built-in GPS tracking.
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Mobile Guardian is Medical Guardian’s most popular system. Mobile Guardian package comes with a standalone mobile medical alert device, choice of help button and a charging cradle. Users can contact emergency operators through the portable device’s two-way speaker up to 350 feet from the device. The portable device is rechargeable and has built-in GPS technology.
Select from monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual billing cycles. The annual plan comes with a slight discount, plus it includes a free month of service, free second button, free lockbox and free ground shipping.
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Active Guardian is Medical Guardian’s all-in-one mobile medical alert system. Active Guardian systems include a portable medical alert device that can be worn on an adjustable lanyard. The device also comes with built-in GPS and WiFi location technology so you can feel safe if in your home, yard and around town. The wearable device is waterproof and allows direct communication with an emergency operator.
You can choose monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual subscription types. Annual subscriptions come with a free month of service, free lockbox, free ground shipping and free equipment for new customers.
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Freedom Guardian is Medical Guardian’s newest medical alert device. Resembling a smartwatch, the Freedom Guardian features advanced location tracking, text to speech messaging, low-battery notifications, alerts, and reminders for daily tasks and weather forecasts.
Freedom Guardian is available in black or white and includes an adjustable wristband. Unlike Medical Guardian’s other medical alert system packages, Freedom Guardian costs $99 for the equipment. For monitoring service, you can select from multiple payment schedules, but the annual subscription type includes a free month of service, free lockbox and free ground shipping.
Medical Guardian cost comparison
Medical Guardian subscribers get a small discount for annual payments, plus other perks like free lockboxes and free ground shipping.
| Medical Guardian system | Monthly payment | Quarterly payment | Semi-annual payment | Annual payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Guardian | $29.95 | $89.85 | $179.70 | $329.45 |
| Home Guardian | $34.95 | $104.85 | $209.70 | $384.45 |
| Family Guardian | $79.95 | $239.85 | $479.70 | $879.45 |
| Mobile Guardian | $49.95 | $149.85 | $299.70 | $549.45 |
| Active Guardian | $39.95 | $119.85 | $239.70 | $439.45 |
| Freedom Guardian | $44.95 | $134.85 | $269.45 | $494.45 |
Medical Guardian Reviews
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I'm alone. My husband died. My children had to make sure I had safety. They ordered a Medical Guardian for me and it goes around my neck. When I got it just about three months ago, I fell and I pushed the button. And all the worst things happened very quickly. I got help fast. I went into the hospital. I broke my hip. But I'm safe now.
Lorraine, we're happy that we were able to be there for you in your time of need and that you were able to get help when you needed it. We hope that you are doing well in your recovery. Thanks for the review!
I was in the hospital for something that was very physically limiting and when they sent me home, it was with a household caregiver who stayed with me for a couple of weeks. At about the same time, this Medical Guardian came in through the mail and I love it. It has a range of 600 feet so I just use it around the house. But when I’m home is when I need it anyway because I’m alone. In fact, it has come in useful for me twice. When I called them, they sent an ambulance out immediately. I don’t think I was alone for more than five minutes. It saved my life. I used it for the second time recently. I kept falling and passing out so they came and got me through the Medical Guardian. It gives me a lot of feelings of security and I would recommend it. I use it at night too because I’m a little nervous about what might happen so it comes in very handy.
Jai, thank you for the review. We're happy to have been there for you when you needed assistance. We hope you are doing well after your most recent incident. Stay safe!
My niece bought a Medical Guardian device for me. It’s hanging around my neck. I’d had 25 falls in the yard and in the house, and any place I decide to turn around to the left, I was in danger of falling. I got a couple of really hard falls. The last one urged my niece to order the device. I have wooden floors over concrete, and I turned to the left after adjusting the television, and I hit the floor and banged up the whole right side of my face, head, shoulder and hip. I was paralyzed with pain for about a month. My niece decided it was time for a device that I could ring to get help in case I was here by myself when I fall and couldn’t get up. Ordinarily, I can manage to get up, or my grandson that lives with me comes and puts two hands under my armpits and hoists me to my feet. But I feel safe with my Medical Guardian device.
It’s a little difficult to getting used to having a string around my neck because I’ve never been able to wear necklaces comfortably. I’m a former nurse and it took me years to get reconciled with the fact I had to wear a wristwatch. But I was always conscious of that, at first, hanging on me. I’m not having trouble with this alert device. It’s a soft cord. It’s not metal. It’s not glass. So, I’m doing okay.
Not long ago, I checked it to make sure it’s working first and talked to an agent. But then, a week before last week, I was putting clothes in the washing machine and had pulled a sweatshirt over my head and threw it in the washing machine, and without my knowing it, I threw the device in the washing machine also. It went through all the cycles of the washing machine. I was scared to death I had ruined the device. So, I called my son and said, “What do you think I should do?” He said, “Just punch the button and see if it works.” It works. It went through every cycle of my washing machine in warm water, and it still works great. I knew it was supposed to be semi-waterproof, but I didn’t know you could run one through all the cycles of the washing machine, and it still would work, but it does. I’m satisfied with it. It’s stood up to what it claimed that it was waterproof. It didn’t say it was washing machine-proof, so that’s a plus.
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I used to be a hunter and spend a lot of time in the woods. And then I would fall for no reason and in order to get up, I had to find a tree that was close by, which is easy in the woods of course so it didn't take too much. I never said anything to my kids about it. But then one of the girls that hunted with us saw me falling, and she told my son.
My daughter is the one that worries the most. Like if I was going downstairs, she would hold my hand or my belt. When I went to the doctors, she went to all of the appointments because she says that I don't listen to what the doctor says. It's not a big deal. But the kids notice that I mix them up. I had to do a test. My daughter takes care of all my meds and takes care of me. She told the surgeon what was happening. And then, he said, "That's not something you want to fool around with. That's in your brain." He and then his associate talked me into getting a stent put into my head. And they explained what it is and that I had too much pressure in the brain and my spinal cord wasn't able to handle all of the liquids. So, they had to bypass it. I had the surgery, and it worked out fine. It's going pretty good.
One time, I was home alone and I was looking for a magnifying glass that I knew I had near my sofa, and I figured it must have fallen behind it. So, I laid on the rug and I looked underneath the sofa, but I could not see it. But when I tried to get up, I couldn't lift my head. I couldn't move. So, I said, "Oh, I got a phone right over there." I usually try to carry a cell phone with me. I was in the house and it's handy. I just took the cell phone and said I would call my eldest son. He's the closest. His office is five minutes up the road. I would have him come help me up.
In the meantime, the gentleman from Medical Guardian that I talked to on the phone was very nice. The people are nice to do business with. It was the first time I actually heard the alarm going off so I didn't know what it would sound like. But I was down, and all of a sudden somebody said, "Joseph, are you all right?" I just told her I was laying down and I couldn't get up. She wanted to know if I needed any help, and I said no because I have four children all within five minutes of me. My eldest son came in, turned around and got behind me. I couldn't sit up. I couldn't move my head. So, he reached underneath my armpits and picked me up. And as soon as I was standing, I was fine.
My husband was hospitalized for 17 days. When he came out of the hospital, he was not able to walk very well anymore so he was a severe fall risk. It was very important for us to have the device because I had to work. At that time, I was away from home. Even though I work part-time, we still needed it. It gave me a sense of security knowing that he was able to call for help when I was gone. I made sure he always had his bracelet on. It doesn’t seem to bother him unless he had it on too long like overnight, or if he forgot to take it off and then it could get a little itchy under there. But most of the time, we just put it on when I leave the house. He had to use it a couple times when he fell so it does what it says it’s going to do, and it has been very reliable.
One problem that we had right at the beginning was I did not see anything in the set-up instructions that said we had to call Medical Guardian to set it up. We had to call in and give them more information. A lot of information was taken when I ordered the product. And then when we got it, we plugged it in and we ran through the operating instructions. But they needed to include in there, “You must call when you first set this up.” What happened was, he fell and it didn’t work because we haven’t called in. It’s really important that they need to add that in those instructions when you first open it up. I went back and checked the instructions, and it’s not in there. It needs to be in red or something, “You must call in,” otherwise even though it seems like it’s working, all the lights are working and everything, but it’s not. You’re not connected and Medical Guardian doesn’t know who you are.
I voiced my concerns to them when we realized it wasn’t setup. It’s really important that people knew that, especially when you’re getting this, you have someone who is impaired, in one way or another so you’re doing this for their safety and probably they’re coming out of the hospital or whatever, their mind is deteriorating. You can be under a lot of stress and worries and upset. It’s really important for Medical Guardian to really stress that. That’s just the only thing that really bothers me and that needs to be changed. It’s a very good product, it’s reasonably priced and it does work, but they just need to include those instructions.
When I googled the devices, I saw that one had a better rate. I called and I liked what they had to say. So that's the one I went with. We were given both the wrist band and the necklace. He chose the wristband and it was easy to use the device and set up everything. You had to follow the directions which were very user-friendly. The only issue that we have is that we have a two-story house and the bedrooms are upstairs. I moved the box that would be alerted if there was an emergency to a center hall table. But even with that, if my husband fell upstairs, he'd have to yell pretty loudly and if he's knocked unconscious, obviously he can't. But Medical Guardian assured me that they would call out twice and if they would not get a response, they would automatically send the police, the fire truck and the ambulance – the whole gang would apparently come.
But I also believe that that's true of all the devices, that it works within a certain radius but it doesn't pick up the sound. We kept testing it and testing it. We moved it from place to place but the rep couldn't really make out what we were saying from upstairs in the bedroom. But we figured the center hall was the most logical place. We had to keep it centrally located. I set this up because I'm still working and my husband would be home alone and he is handicapped. So we set this up with that in mind. We had a home health aid coming in at a time but it was not for the entire day. Nonetheless, I felt very confident and secure knowing that he was in good hands whether it'd be because of the home health aid or if he was alone that if something were to happen, we have the additional security of the Medical Guardian.
Initially, when I was setting it up, I had an issue trying to reach someone. I thought it wasn’t a good first impression but they more than made up for it. They apologized profusely. I had paid for the whole year and they actually gave me three additional months because they knew that it was a serious situation. They got right on it and told me what they were going to do so that would never happen again.
My daughter decided I get the device. I suffered a blackout and it happened as I was walking through the door from the garage to the kitchen. And when I collapsed, I hit my head on the top of a tile countertop. That was a year ago and I still am not completely recovered. I'm dizzy. I cannot get up and down the stairs without assistance. I suffered a subdural hematoma. It's one of those crazy accidents that only happen once in a million times that you've gone to a doorway. We tested the device around the 1st of the month. My daughter checks it when she comes out. She comes out every three to four weeks. She's an RN so she's aware of all of these things and she said, "Okay, works just fine."
The only objection I have is that the strap on the device that you wear around your wrist is horrible. I would like to know if Medical Guardian has a different band that I can purchase from them to replace. I don't know whether my arms are too thin. It's just horrible. It slides around or it falls. It’s not going to be a problem for somebody who has heavy arms because it won't slide down over their hand. But I’ve had it slide down over my hand several times. One time, I lost it and had to look all over. I found it under a sheet on the bed and when I was making the bed, it slid off and it was under the sheet. So, you can tell how loose it was.
I have been looking for something I can buy and put on that watch instead of the strap that's on it. We get all these catalogs now because there's no in-store shopping. And a couple of them have a strap that goes in the two slots on the watch. And they have them available in catalogs but I am not able to drive. I walk with a cane so it's inconvenient in many ways. But I'm concerned that this watch could slide off and you'd never know. It would be gone.
I live in a gated community and they've been notified up at the gate, so Medical Guardian has all the information in the event that I would need assistance. I have the lock on the door and I have the security people here. I am very grateful for all of the assistance but I don't want to lose the equipment that makes all these things possible. I would strongly recommend that Medical Guardian look at the problem with the medallion or whatever they call it, sliding back and forth. But other than that, I've had no need to use the services.
Our resident wears her Medical Guardian pendant and it goes off at times and they contact us to go check on her. The service is very quick. It's within three minutes, normally, and it goes smoothly. Also, they're very professional. They even hold the line until we send someone to the room to check on the resident, which is not necessary, but they go the extra mile and say to hold on. It's very beneficial for our resident and for me. I’m the receptionist at the front desk, so I just radio the resident aide to go check on her. It’s a nice service.
Okay, perhaps as far as handling medical emergencies the product might work just fine, but canceling this service has been an ongoing nightmare. About 6 months ago I "cancelled" this service. I got it for my 70 year old mother who doesn't really need it. It was a rash decision and she told me to just go ahead and cancel, so I did. Or at least I thought I did. After a month I got a warning that it hasn't been paid. I figured it must have been a mistake, then I was bombarded with emails and voice messages. Okay, something is wrong. I call them and they tell me that I need to return the equipment to properly close the account. I told them that I live on the other coast, and with covid 19 I don't want my elderly mother standing in the line at the post office. Is there a way around this. Nope. Okay, so what do I do? Keep paying.
Fine, my mother's health is important. "Can you convert it to monthly billing?" "Sure!" Nope! I got billed for a full year. I call to complain, they refund 11 months. Okay, next month comes along, I get emails and calls again. Mind you, they have all of my credit card information which hasn't changed. They keep sending warnings as if they were my landlord and I haven't paid my bills. Just charge me! So I have to call them back, tell them to charge me, then they charge me for a year again, then I have to call them to refund 11 months.
This scenario has repeated for the first 3 months. It's beyond frustrating. Not only do I keep paying for service that is unplugged and laying in the box, I have to waste a good half an hour every month because their billing department is a mess. I finally ordered prepaid shipping boxes from USPS and I hope I will get rid of them once and for all. Still waiting for boxes, two weeks now. As people we accept that. We understand covid 19 affects everything. Too bad that Medical Guardian gives zero **.
I fell and I couldn’t remember anything. I moved home by myself so my granddaughter got me a medical alert device I could wear and then I could call. I wear it all the time here at the house. I feel comfortable wearing it. All I have to do is tell them to call my son. And if I fall or lay here and I can’t get to the phone, it would call the ambulance by itself if I don’t answer so the ambulance would come first. I feel more at peace but I think my time is about up with them. It's got one of the lights off the machine.
Previously, Judith who is in my care had a different medical alert device. She thought she wasn't gonna use it and so she turned it in. After she did that, she decided she would use one so we tried another company. We went with Medical Guardian and so far she has been wearing the device around her neck without complaints.
The Medical Guardian device was for my husband, and he has since passed away. Since I now live alone, I decided to keep it for myself to have something on hand just in case. It’s like a backup for me. I’m not having any health issues now, but it’s a comfort to me to not be alone here in the house at night. I have the device that’s plugged in here in the house. If I go somewhere, I can take that with me. I can take that with me in the car. I have the one thing that goes around my neck and the one that I could wear on my wrist which is the reason we got that it because we thought my husband might have rather had something that looked like a watch. Once we got it all set up, it was easy to set up to contact them. It had to ring a few times before they answered it, and I think it is because I’m out in the country. Our cell service is pretty good, but from time to time, there might be a glitch.
Medical Guardian monitoring services
When you press the medical alert button, you are instantly connected to the medical monitoring center staffed with emergency call operators 24/7. The center has access to your medical history and can get you the necessary help you need, from sending an ambulance for crisis care to contacting the people you know for help in a non-emergency situation. If Medical Guardian cannot confirm your safety after the alert system is activated, the operators quickly dispatch emergency medical services to your exact location.
Medical Guardian monitoring centers are FM Approved and UL Listed, which means their emergency dispatch services meet specific safety and reliability standards. Medical Guardian monitoring centers also hold TMA Five Diamond certifications for operator training and ESA Security certifications for providing excellent emergency services.
Compare Medical Guardian features
With home and mobile medical alert systems, Medical Guardian has many options to choose when it comes to your safety and well-being. Wearable emergency pendants for in-home and on-the-go use can also be equipped with automatic fall detection technology and more.
| Classic Guardian | Home Guardian | Family Guardian | Mobile Guardian | Active Guardian | |
| GPS | |||||
| WiFi enabled | |||||
| Activity sensors | |||||
| Cellular connection |
| Classic Guardian | ||||
| Home Guardian | ||||
| Family Guardian | ||||
| Mobile Guardian | ||||
| Active Guardian |
Medical Guardian products and services
Medical Guardian plans can be upgraded to include in-home safety sensors to monitor activity, fall alert detection, voice-activated wall buttons and the Family Guardian app. The app allows family members or caretakers to monitor a loved one's health and activity levels.
- Fall detection: Medical Guardian fall detection can be added to any plan for an addition $10 per month. Fall alert pendants automatically detect when the wearer falls and signals for help without the need to press a button. Please note, fall detection devices do not detect 100% of all falls.
- Lockbox: Lockboxes come free with annual subscription plans or added to any plan. With a lockbox, emergency responders can gain access to your home without causing any damage to doorways.
- Neck pendant: Water-resistant medical alert pendants can be added Medical Guardian medical alert system for added protection. They include adjustable lanyards and have depth ranges between 600 and 1,300 feet.
- Wrist button: Similar to a watch, the water-resistance help button is worn around your wrist. Wrist buttons come standard with some packages or can be purchased separately.
- Mounted wall button: Mounted wall buttons can be strategically placed throughout high-risk areas in your home. Wall buttons have a range of coverage up to 2,000 feet and wirelessly connect to Medical Guardian monitoring center.
- Car charger: Medical Guardian car charges are a convenient way to ensure the battery never gets low while traveling. The car charger comes standard with the Mobile Guardian plan.
- Protection plan: Medical Guardian’s protection plan guarantees medical alert systems’ expenses if a device is ever lost, stolen or damaged.
Medical Guardian FAQ
- Do I have to sign a contract to get a Medical Guardian medical alert system?
- No, you do not have to sign any contracts to get a Medical Guardian medical alert system.
- What is Medical Guardian’s return policy?
- It doesn't cost anything to cancel service, and this can be done by calling Medical Guardian customer service. Medical Guardian’s return policy states any equipment provided by Medical Guardian must be returned to the company. Any remaining time left in the service plan period is refunded in up to 30 days. Some Medical Guardian complaints reference restocking fees that can apply.
- Does it cost extra to add my spouse to Medical Guardian monitoring service?
- Multiple people can be protected if the monitoring service has more than one medical help button. A second medical alert necklace or wristband is monitored for free when purchased with a Classic Guardian or Home Guardian plan.
- Where are Medical Guardian monitoring centers located?
- Medical Guardian monitoring centers are located in the United States, and monitoring services are available in all 50 states.
- Do Medical Guardian emergency response services require a landline?
- The Classic Guardian device plan is the only service that requires a landline. All other Medical Guardian service plans do not require a landline.
- Does Medical Guardian offer a warranty on medical alert devices?
- The Medical Guardian warranty protects any equipment provided by the company if it is defective or if the battery needs to be replaced. An optional protection plan can be purchased to cover the cost for needed repairs and replacements resulting from loss or theft.
- Does Medical Guardian offer a free trial period?
- Medical Guardian does not offer a free trial period.
Do we recommend Medical Guardian?
Yes. Investing in a Medical Guardian medical alert system lets you live life on your terms with an extra layer of security. Medical Guardian alert reviews indicate that in-home medical alert systems and on-the-go alert devices are reliable. Plus, the monitoring center has all of the top certifications, and Medical Guardian offers plenty of additional services and products to customize your system to your needs.
Medical Guardian Company Information
- Social media:
- Company Name:
- Medical Guardian
- Year Founded:
- 2005
- Address:
- 1818 Market St., Suite 1200
- City:
- Philadelphia
- State/Province:
- PA
- Postal Code:
- 19103
- Country:
- United States
- Phone:
- 800-863-6980
- Website:
- www.medicalguardian.com