Medical Guardian Review

Our First Peek at the MGMini

The MGMini is a second-generation model. Among the recent improvements that Medical Guardian made is a smaller, lighter size. In fact, the MGMini weighs only 1.7 ounces. Yet as you will discover, this tiny medical alert packs a lot of punch.

In addition to the GPS mobile device — the heart of the system – the package comes with a charging cradle and cord, a belt clip, and a lanyard. There’s also a complete manual that explains how to use the system.

Unboxing Medical Guardian

Just to really get a sense of the system, we also ordered some add-on devices: a lock box and an emergency wall button.

The lock box is to store an extra key in with the code stored at the Medical Guardian response center. That runs $2.99 per month. You’re not really paying for the box itself — a similar one picked up from the hardware store would only run you about $20 — but for the service of being able to swiftly provide the code to EMTs that might need to enter the home.

We ordered the wireless wall button for $2.99 per month to place at the bottom of our basement stairs. A voice-activated wall button is also available for $4.99 per month.

Medical Guardian Equipment

Note that the wall button syncs with the and has a 500-foot range from the mobile unit. If regularly wearing the MGMini or help button, the wall button isn’t absolutely necessary, but we understand some seniors will appreciate the extra layer of protection.

Now that it’s all on the table, we were ready to check out the main attraction – our MGMini alert system.

Getting to Know Medical Guardian

We opened our box, keen to play with our new device and check out how it works. We were a little disappointed to be stopped in our tracks–the MGMini needs to be charged for three hours before first use!

Oh well, it gave us time to look out our windows and check out a big January storm roll in and dump loads of snow on our front porch, driveway, and sidewalk. It dawned on us that it’s the perfect time to consider safety devices for seniors.

Why? Because the winter months in colder-weather climates are among the most dangerous times for older adults. Ice and snow can make for slippery surfaces, and a quarter of all falls occur on a person’s property but outside of their home. Additionally, keeping up with snow shoveling and other outdoor chores during these months can be especially strenuous on a senior’s system. That’s why using a wearable device like Medical Guardian (preferably with fall detection) even for a short walk down the driveway for the mail can be life saving.

We returned once our three hours were up to discover our MGMini fully charged. One nice feature of this system is that it’s easy for seniors to know whether the equipment is charged or not. While the Mini is charging in its cradle, it displays a continuous red light. Once it’s charged, the light goes off. That’s easy to remember.

Keeping track of the Mini’s charge while you’re wearing it is just as easy. The red light on the bottom of the device begins to blink when it has about an hour’s worth of charge left. If that’s not enough warning, you also get a voice prompt when the Mini’s power gets dangerously low. These are nice little touches.

Charging MGMini

In addition to the red indicator light on the cradle, a red light on the bottom of the mobile device blinks when the battery is low. If you get a case of the “blinks” while you’re out and about, know that you have about one hour of power remaining. Finally, a voice prompt will warn you when the battery is dangerously low.

MGMini Closeup

With the battery fully charged, we turned next to testing the system. Again, Medical Guardian designs all its devices to be user-friendly so seniors don’t get overwhelmed. There are two buttons on the side of the Mini. One of these is the Test button. Hold it down for two seconds, and a voice prompt lets you know you’re in testing mode. Once you’re in testing mode, you can press the other button, the gray Emergency button. A test signal is sent to the emergency response center, verifying the device is working.

Pretty straightforward, and it took us less than two minutes to test the device. And don’t worry: you can find a copy of these same instructions in the MGMini instruction manual.

With a preliminary test complete, the time had come to wear the MGMini as we headed outside to shovel snow, our least favorite pastime.

Medical Guardian’s Unique Features

Medical Guardian offers three unique on-the-go medical alert systems:

• The MGMove: a sporty smart watch that doubles as a medical alert device
• The MGMini: A small rectangular device with a help button built in the middle, designed to be worn on a lanyard
•  The MGMini Lite: A slightly smaller version of the MGMini that’s affixed to a strap so it looks like a watch at first glance

All three of these devices come with essentially the same features, including Voice Assist, two-way talk, a step-counting feature, and available add-on fall detection. In addition, they’re all water resistant.

They also all come with access to MyGuardian’s new customer care portal. You can pull up this portal on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone. It allows you to configure your device, manage your billing, and update your emergency contacts.

The only real difference between these three is that as a smartwatch the MGMove offers more functionality, including the ability to receive messages and alerts. In addition, at just $150, the Mini Lite is some $50 cheaper than the MGMove and Mini. However, right now, Medical Guardian has both the MGMove and Mini on sale for up to 50 percent off. That deal includes free shipping and a free lockbox.

MG Mini Light

Finally, you may be curious about the range of the devices. Because the MGMini uses a 4G cellular system, you can travel anywhere with it you please. The wearable button (with or without fall detection) will connect with the MGMini anywhere within a 500-foot radius of it. This might come in handy if you’re outside gardening in the backyard, or talking to a neighbor in the drive. Because the MGMini is so easily portable, using it in conjunction with the wearable button while traveling would also be a breeze.

Overall, we love the flexibility this system provides!

Medical Guardian Response Time

One way that Medical Guardian demonstrates their competence is through the multiple certifications of their emergency response center. Medical Guardian is FM Approved, UL listed, and certified by the Electronic Security Association. Most importantly, they have a TMA Five Diamond certification, the gold standard of certifications in the medical alert system industry.

While Medical Guardian’s many accolades help to build confidence, we did find some inconsistencies during actual testing. During our first two tests, they responded within 33 and 45 seconds respectively, which is a pretty good response time. However, when we did a couple more test calls, they both came in over a minute and 45 seconds.

A lot of factors can affect response times, like the device’s connection, its distance to the base unit, and even the amount of help calls the response center is handling at the time. We’re glad that fast response times are doable with Medical Guardian, but a little bit more consistency would be highly appreciated.

Have a look at this short video we made of a live Medical Guardian help call in action to get a better idea of the response time:

Medical Guardian Pricing

A Payment Plan with Lots of Options

Determining the price of your Medical Guardian medical alert system can be somewhat complicated, but the good news is that you’ll have several options to choose from. To simplify things, we’ll walk you through each step of the ordering process.

It begins with choosing one of five main products: there are two at-home devices (MGClassic and MGHome Cellular), and three mobile devices (MGMini, MGMini Lite, and MGMove).

We chose the MGMini, as you know, which allowed us three different payment types: monthly, quarterly, and yearly. As with other products, the annual option saves the most money in the long run. Plus it comes with freebies like free shipping and a complimentary lockbox device.

MGMini Necklace

For those able to swing such a large upfront cost, go for it, but if you’re not sure if it is worth it, here are the benefits. On their website, Medical Guardian says that the cost of paying monthly or quarterly is $44.95 per month, while paying annually is $41.20 per month. Let’s do the math. If paying annually, you will save over $3 per month or $36 per year. Plus with free shipping, this amounts to a free month of service.

Still not sure? Take into account a few items that come gratis with the annual payment: a lockbox, a second help button, and free shipping. As you can see, Medical Guardian offers lots of bells and whistles because they want you to pay for the system annually. Whether or not this is the best option is up to you.

Medical Guardian

But honestly, we don’t think paying nearly $500 upfront is a wise move for most folks — so we’d sooner recommend getting on Medical Guardian’s monthly plan. Here’s the latest on Medical Guardian’s equipment and prices.

Medical Guardian Mobile Alert System Prices

Compared to other medical alert companies, Medical Guardian is a good value. Some brands just aren’t feasible for seniors on a fixed income. For instance, while researching Life Alert prices and monthly fees, we found that their systems aren’t very affordable, and the contract terms are pretty strict. You can read more in our Life Alert review.

One final note on pricing — Medical Guardian runs specials throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on their website.

Also keep in mind that Medical Guardian offers at-home systems. Those start at $37.95 per month, and you can add additional equipment to tailor your package to your needs. That might include the equipment below.

Medical Guardian At-Home Equipment Breakdown

Medical Guardian Add-Ons & Upgrades

The Medical Guardian payment structure focuses on a single big-ticket item rather than selling “packages,” which is the structure many other medical alert companies use. Then, Medical Guardian allows you to fill in the gaps as needed with add-ons, accessories, and upgrades.

It reminds us a little of fast casual eateries in the restaurant industry. You pick the main course, like a sandwich or a burrito, and then customize the rest of your meal based on your own preferences.

Medical Guardian add-ons include:

• Fall Detection
  If you only choose one extra, this is the one we’d recommend. At $10 per month, we think this investment is well worth it. Fall detection can save a life.
• Additional Necklace/Wristband
  At only $2.99 per month, this add-on is perfect for a spouse or other older family member.
• Lock Box
  If you did not opt for an annual payment plan, you can still purchase a lock box. The lock box is a way to store a house key securely outside of your home in case EMTs need to quickly gain access. The cost is an additional $2.99 per month.
• Wall-Mounted or Voice-Activated Wall-Mounted Button
  Both buttons wirelessly connect with the monitoring center, giving you or your loved one an extra layer of protection. The standard button costs an additional $2.99 per month. The voice-activated wall button costs an additional $5.00 per month.
• On Guard Alerts
  During an emergency, response time and solid communication are essential. These notifications enable the user and their care circle to get real-time text and email notifications as the emergency unfolds. The monthly fee is an additional $2.99 per month.
• Protection Plan
  Power surges and extreme weather could damage or destroy your MGMini. The Protection Plan replaces the device in the case of these situations as well as loss or theft. The plan costs an additional $6.99 per month.
• Alert 911
  This one-button speaker box enables the user to connect directly with a 911 operator. The cost is $9.99 per month.
• Step-Up Feature
  Available with MGMove, this service enables you to talk with loved ones and schedule reminders. It costs $5 per month.

Don’t like picking and choosing and just want one simplified plan? Look into our Bay Alarm Medical review or our review of Medical Care Alert. Both of these companies make it somewhat easier to find what you’re looking for.

The History Behind Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian’s CEO Geoff Gross knows first hand the stress of ensuring an older loved one’s safety. His grandmother fell several times, and his family realized that she needed help at home.

This personal experience with his own family member inspired Gross to start Medical Guardian. He started the company in his small apartment, interviewing seniors to understand what they really needed–and wanted–when it came to medical alert systems. His main takeaway was that they wanted to live safely, but also fully. His motto of “customers above all else” became a driving force of the company, and why it’s so successful.

Our Final Thoughts on MGMini

Medical Guardian is our favorite alert system for several reasons. We love simplicity, and we know that many older adults do, too. That’s why we were so impressed with the MGMini. It eliminates the need for a larger base unit, and it still offers 24/7 emergency coverage at-home and on-the-go.

It also offers lots of flexibility. Some individuals may prefer to wear their MGMini all day while they’re in and out, replacing it with a help button at night while the main device is charging. Others may want to keep their MGMini charging station near the door, wearing the device when out and replacing it with the lighter help button at home. You see, the options abound!

MGMini Closeup

Like any system, there is give and take. The main drawback that we see with the MGMini is that it lacks fall detection. In other words, it’s not all-in-one solution. Sure, it’s possible to carry the MGMini in your pocket or purse while wearing a fall detection button around your neck… we’re just not sure it’s practical.

And let’s be honest, falls happen, especially for seniors with a recent history of falling.3 With this in mind, we recommend also looking into Medical Guardian’s Mini Guardian alert system, which is an all-in-one device.

The great thing about Medical Guardian is that they offer a multitude of options knowing that we all have individual preferences and needs. Regardless of what your needs are, Medical Guardian likely has a medical alert system that’s a good fit for your budget and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions