As a precaution against medical emergencies, many older adults who face high health risks use a medical alert system that can be worn around their neck or body, such as the Medical Guardian Active Guardian, to keep their health at ease. When you press a button on the device, either clip it to your belt or hang it from your wrist, you will be able to get help right away.
Find out what the Medical Guardian Active Guardian can do for you.
An easy-to-use solution for powerful protection
Ensure complete safety with 4G LTE, GPS tracking, WiFi, the battery life is as long as advertised, and fall detection that works anywhere.
Pros
- Modern design with white and gray tones
- There are no extra buttons on this app, making it super easy to use
- The Medical Guardian alert dispatchers responded quickly when called for help
Cons
- You have to wear it around your neck since it's clunky.
- There's a high chance it'll get misplaced or forgotten.
- You will need to recharge it every few days for it to work.
How It Works
As a medical alert device, the Active Guardian is designed to assist active people who are experiencing health challenges that may increase their risk of falling, fainting, or needing medical assistance as a result of their health challenges. With its small size, it is perfect for wearing around the neck or clipped at the waist or belt of your clothing.
In the event that you require assistance, flick a button, which will connect you to an AT&T-based Medical Guardian alert monitoring center. You are asked if you need help by the dispatcher on the device using a small but powerful two-way speaker. GPS connectivity is built into the device; in case of an emergency, dispatchers will contact 911 in an emergency, directing the authorities precisely where you are.
How to Set Up
Ordering the device can be done via telephone or online. Call us or use the live chat feature on our website to get in touch with a representative. There is a small box containing clear instructions, including the device, the charger, and the belt clip. You can use it right away after plugging it in and placing it in the refrigerator.
Suitable applications
It's designed for those without a computer when they're out and about, which means it connects to cellular towers, which offer a wide range of functions. A city, a shopping mall, and a beach were all places in which the device was tested. Within 10 seconds, dispatchers connected through the device's two-way speaker and spoke clearly with the user.
The downside
Calling for help from a location without mobile service cannot be done. The GPS tracking function can provide information about your location, but it may not always be accurate. GPS doesn't identify your exact location, so you'll have to tell the dispatcher where you are.
Detection of falls
In addition to standard features like automatic fall detection, the device can also be upgraded for $10 per month. The device will alert a dispatcher immediately if it detects a fall (using the internal accelerometer). Fall injuries are among the most common causes of injury in older adults, according to the U.S. Health Labor and Human Services.
The user simulated falling on a weekend night to test this functionality. Immediately, an automated voice entered the device to inform the user that a fall had been detected, and a live dispatcher asked if the user required assistance. In response to the user's statement that he did not need help, she questioned him one more time, confirmed his name, and disconnected the phone.
During the initial set-up period for his Medical Guardian alert account, the dispatcher would have called the user's cell phone number if he had not responded after falling. It would have been immediately dispatched to 911 if the user didn't answer that call, so rescuers could communicate with the user's location. This function does not detect all falls, as detailed in the instruction sheet. It turned out that the device did not register when the user simulated two falls.
It's an advantage if you don't need help after a fall. An accidental drop once led to a voice notification that a fall had been detected. As soon as the dispatcher canceled the call, the user immediately pressed the phone button once (the instructions specified that the call must be canceled within 12 seconds) and went about his business.
Ease of Use
There is no problem using the Active Guardian device. An emergency button is located on its surface. In dark rooms, the button can be found easily with the blue light flashing every 5 seconds.
The device needs to be recharged every few days, which can be potentially problematic for people who already find it hard to remember to charge their phones and other gadgets. Nevertheless, when the battery gets low, a voice alert sounds, and a red light blinks.
Connectivity to emergency services in real-time
It has a good level of connectivity. An automated dispatcher responded about ten seconds apart after users pressed the help button on weekdays, afternoons, and weekends.
Suitable for wearing
Users find the Active Guardian's lanyard a bit clunky and not exactly fashionable when worn around their neck. By using the accompanying clip, they were able to put it in the waistband so that it was easily accessible but not obvious.
This device is limited to wearables if the user remembers to wear them. To use it, you must wear it daily or when leaving the house, which can be challenging for forgetful individuals. The same applies to most mobile medical alert devices.
Cost
A free month of service and a lockbox are included with the Medical Guardian Alert Active Guardian, which has a monthly cost of $44.95. You are able to store your keys to your home or apartment safely in this lockbox, which provides emergency response personnel with a code that they can use in lieu of damaging your door to prevent them from forcing themselves into your residence.
It is important that you read the cancellation policy carefully. To cancel your subscription, please contact Medical Guardian. All equipment must be returned before cancellations are final.
Other Medical Guardian Alert Options
A variety of medical alert systems are available at Medical Guardian to suit the needs of most people. For those who live close to home, Home Guardian comes with a standalone device atop counters or tables that contain an emergency button that allows you to reach for medical assistance in the event that you are in need. Another base station is the Classic Guardian, which connects with a home landline and includes a wristband and an emergency button that goes with your phone, coupled with a necklace.
With the Mini Guardian, you can clip it onto your belt or waistband and keep track of your health when you're constantly on the go. This larger version is designed to fit easily into a purse or pocket and is one of the portable options.
Conclusion
Even though it isn’t foolproof, the Active Guardian can’t function in the absence of a cell phone. Although the automatic fall detection system can’t catch every fall, the Active Guardian has a quick response time and is easy to use. It can provide fast emergency medical attention in many situations, according to users. In addition to dispatching, Medical Guardian Alert offers a variety of services. Moreover, there are times when you need to talk to someone or connect quickly with family or friends, and we understand that not every situation is an emergency. Using Guardian non-emergency services is possible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
