Best Medical Alert Watches of 2024
Our team of medical alert experts reviewed and researched the industry’s leading medical alert watches and narrowed down the list to our top recommendations for 2024.
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
- Provides on-the-go medical alert notifications
- Easy “shake to wake” feature
- Location detection via GPS, Wi-Fi, and LTE
- Simple, straightforward design
- Step tracking for active seniors
- Built-in speaker and microphone
- Built-in fall detection
- Advanced features
- Talk and text capabilities
- Make calls and send texts
- Tracks steps, heart rate, sleep, and stress levels
- Durable design
Contents
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert, I know that older adults don’t always want to use medical alert systems. I’ve spoken with some seniors who feel self-conscious about wearing a button around their necks. Others don’t want to remember to wear an extra device. Fortunately, smartwatches with the best medical alert system technology can help address those issues. These watches have multiple safety functions to keep you protected, along with health and wellness features like step tracking and heart monitoring. From my experience with these watches, they’re more discreet and don’t scream, “Medical alert device!” Plus, most of us are used to wearing a watch, so it’s not something extra you have to throw on every day.
It’s also important to consider that many older adults like to stay physically active. A smartwatch lets seniors do these activities without getting in the way. Smartwatches can even give older adults the confidence and tools to stay active safely. If an injury occurs, help is just a button-press away.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at my experience with the best medical alert watches for seniors. I’ll cover factors such as pricing, usability, unique features, and any drawbacks to consider. I’ll also provide some useful tips to help you choose the right watch for your needs.
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Selected the Best Medical Alert Watches
My grandma testing out a medical alert smartwatch from Medical Guardian
After over 200 hours of research, hands-on product testing, and chats with customer service, our team narrowed down the list to our top medical alert watches. I evaluated each watch over a weeklong period, taking notes on ease of use, senior-friendly features, price and value, health features, quality of customer service, response times, and more.
I also recruited older adults like my mom and grandma to test out these watches whenever possible. Using their feedback and my personal experience helped create a well-rounded picture of each device.
Below are the most important criteria that each medical alert watch on our list had to meet:
- Medical alert features: The primary purpose of a medical alert watch is to keep you safe and protected at all times. The watches that made our list have at least one medical alert feature. Whether it’s a help button that contacts a 24/7 monitoring center during an emergency, the ability to call 911, or automatic fall detection, you’ll always be covered with our top picks. We also evaluated each watch’s response times. Receiving help as fast as possible is essential to preventing injuries and keeping you safe.
- Price range: We understand that one price does not fit all. Some users may want the latest and greatest features with the price tag to match, while other older adults need a budget-friendly option. You’ll find that the watches on our list cater to a variety of budgets. We only included watches that offer solid value for money.
- Battery life: There’s no point in wearing a watch if it’s going to die while you’re out and about! Every watch on our list had a battery life of at least 18 hours during testing. That means you can wear it for a full day without worrying about a dead battery during an emergency.
Best Medical Alert Watch Comparison
|
Medical Guardian MGMove
|
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
|
WellBe from HandsFree Health
|
Apple Watch Series 9
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4 | 4.0 | |
| Cost | $199.95 + $39.95 monthly fee | $159 + $34.95 monthly fee | $119.95 + $29.95 monthly fee | $399 + cellular plan fees | $249.99 + cellular plan fees |
| Max battery Life | One day | 18 hours | 32 hours | 36 hours | Two days |
| Water-resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fall detection capabilities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SOS contact | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
-
1. Medical Guardian MGMove - Best for active seniors
What we like most
- Provides on-the-go medical alert notifications
- Easy “shake to wake” feature
- Location detection via GPS, Wi-Fi, and LTE
Medical Guardian MGMoveOverview
Medical Guardian’s MGMove provides freedom for active seniors; whether you’re on a run, golfing, or doing yoga, this watch gives you medical alert protection. I found that it isn’t bulky like traditional systems. I also noticed that it’s smaller than the previous Medical Guardian alert watch I tested, the Freedom Guardian. The older model was a bit bulkier and less discreet, so I appreciate these improvements. MGMove is water-resistant (pretty standard with medical alert watches), so I could wear it in the shower. I really appreciate this protection in the shower, as many falls occur in the bathroom. 1
In my experience, the MGMove had a one-day battery life. It took around four hours to charge the watch to 100 percent. I could also set calendar reminders to stay on top of taking medication and appointments. The watch has a step tracker, so I could stay on top of my goal to hit 10,000 steps every day!
» Related Reading: Workouts and exercises for seniors
Along with its health and safety features, the MGMove has a bright touch screen that displays the weather and time. It even has a “shake to wake” feature. This made it easy to shake my smartwatch into action without pressing any buttons. Another great feature is the texting option. I have to admit, the messaging features aren’t as advanced as texting via an Apple Watch; I could only respond to texts on the watch with a few pre programmed responses or a short audio clip. However, if you’re just looking for a quick, basic way to stay in touch without pulling out your cell phone, the MGMove smartwatch is a great option.
Options when you go to send a new message.
Pros About Medical Guardian MGMove
- Easy touchscreen navigation
- Advanced location detection that uses GPS, Wi-Fi and LTE
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Health features for active seniors
- Text-to-speech communication
- MyGuardian companion app for family and caregivers
- Sleek, discrete design
- One-day battery life
Cons About Medical Guardian MGMove
- More expensive than traditional medical alert systems
- No automatic fall detection available
- Can only text companion mobile app users
Pricing
This Medical Guardian system is on the pricier side compared to traditional medical alert systems. It costs $199.95, plus a monthly monitoring fee of $39.95. For comparison, traditional in-home medical alert systems start at around $20 per month, and they typically don’t have equipment fees. Still, this is less expensive than Medical Guardian’s last smartwatch model, the Freedom Guardian, which cost $249.95. I appreciate that they’ve come down in price!
FYI: You can pay annually to save up to 16 percent and score a free month of service, free lockbox, and free ground shipping.
You’ll also pay an additional monthly fee if you want to access premium features, like OnGuard Alerts. This feature automatically alerts selected contacts in the event of an emergency. I’m not a big fan of these extra fees for certain features. Still, if you want a medical alert watch that caters to the needs of seniors, the MGMove may be right for you. Plus, when you compare its equipment fee ($199.95) to other smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 9 ($399), it’s fairly inexpensive!
Senior-Friendly Features
I tested out the MGMove with my grandma to get her thoughts on the smartwatch. Fortunately, it passed the senior test with flying colors! Medical Guardian designed the MGMove to be easy to use, even for those who’ve never used a smartwatch. Thanks to the large display and easily identifiable icons, my grandma was able to check the weather, count her steps, and send a few texts without assistance.
» Also Check Out: The best smartwatches for seniors
We tested the emergency response feature together by pressing the red SOS button on the side of the watch. There’s also an SOS button on the touch screen. I like the various options to call for help. I held down the side button for five seconds and a countdown appeared on the screen. This gave me a few seconds to cancel the call if I pressed it accidentally. After the countdown, I was connected to a friendly agent in just four seconds. That means I was speaking to a real person 9 seconds after I pressed the button! The average response times for medical alert systems are anywhere from 15 to 45 seconds, so I was definitely impressed.
Pressing in the red SOS button on the side of the MGMove
My grandma really liked the text-to-voice feature, which is helpful for seniors who don’t want to squint to read small text. The only downside is that you have to pay $5 more per month just to send texts. Even then, you can only send basic responses or voice messages to those who have the MyGuardian app. This may get a little confusing for some, as it just adds another place to keep up with incoming and outgoing text messages. My grandma has been an Apple Watch user for a few years, so she was used to being able to text or call anyone straight from her watch. If you’re looking for something more advanced, you may want to check out the Apple Watch.
» Dive Deeper: 2024 MGMove review
Who Is the MGMove Best For?
I’d recommend the MGMove for:
- Active seniors
- Those who want a more discreet medical alert system
- Users who want a smartwatch designed for older adults
- Those who don’t need advanced smartwatch features like smartphone pairing or making calls to loved ones
If that sounds like you, check out our 2024 Medical Guardian review for more info!
-
2. Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch - Most user-friendly smartwatch
What we like most
- Simple, straightforward design
- Step tracking for active seniors
- Built-in speaker and microphone
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
Testing out Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch
Overview
While some seniors might be deterred from a smartwatch due to confusing, high-tech features, the SOS Smartwatch is simple and streamlined. I found that the watch’s design, features, and navigation are intuitive. They just make sense, regardless of your experience with smartwatches. There are no extra buttons, complex features, or companion mobile apps to confuse you. You can navigate the watch with the swipe of a finger, and large icons clearly display what each button does.
» Learn More: Bay Alarm Medical review
Similar to the MGMove, the SOS Smartwatch features step tracking and daily step goals, making it an excellent option for active seniors. That means you can stay protected on the go while monitoring your health with one simple device. The watch also has a built-in speaker, microphone, and GPS tracking. This way, the operator can locate and speak with you quickly during an emergency.
I noticed that the SOS Smartwatch and MGMove look nearly identical, and they had a lot of similar features. The only major differences were that the SOS Smartwatch doesn’t have a companion mobile app, you can’t send texts, and it’s a bit less expensive (more on pricing later). If you’re looking for a simpler, more affordable watch, I’d recommend the SOS Smartwatch over the MGMove.
Pros About Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
- Simple interface that’s ideal for seniors
- Loud speaker and microphone
- LTE connectivity
- No need to pair a smartphone
- Competitive device and plan pricing
- 24/7 US-based monitoring
- Built-in step tracker
- Lightweight, comfortable, and water-resistant design
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
- Fall detection is only available with higher-tier plans
- Limited advanced features
- No companion mobile app for caregivers
Senior-Friendly Features
While testing Bay Medical Alarm’s SOS Smartwatch with my grandma, I got positive feedback on just about every facet of the device. It has a comfortable and lightweight design, weighing in at just 1.3 ounces. For comparison, the Apple Watch Series 9 weighs 1.8 ounces and the MGMove weighs 2 ounces. I found that the watch also has a simple interface and loud microphone/speaker combo, perfect for those with hearing loss.
Adjusting the volume on Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch
That said, when you compare it to more advanced smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, it’s a bit short on features. This makes it a better choice for those who want a simple device that can tell time and call for help in an emergency. Since you don’t need to pair it with a smartphone, you can even go for a hike or a swim with all the emergency alert features you need on your wrist!
It’s also easy to reach Bay Alarm Medical’s urgent response team on the watch. Similar to the MGMove, all I had to do was hold down the red SOS button on the side of the watch for a few seconds. Then, I was connected to a helpful operator in about 10 seconds (around five seconds slower than Medical Guardian’s response time).
Pricing
The SOS Smartwatch has a one-time $159 equipment fee, making it around $40 cheaper than the MGMove. While there are a few less expensive smartwatches on the market (like Wellbe’s Medical Alert Watch), there are also much pricier ones; it’s a good middle-of-the-road option. Along with the upfront fee, Bay Alarm Medical’s cost for monitoring is $34.95 per month, which is very affordable for a system with GPS.
If you want extra features like fall detection or a bundled in-home system, you can upgrade to the Fall Detection Plan ($44.95 per month) or the 360-Degree Bundle ($59.95 per month). Having three plan options is great for seniors who want more flexibility with their plan and budget.
Who Is the SOS Smartwatch Best For?
I’d recommend Bay Alarm Medical’s watch for:
- Active seniors who want to track their steps
- Those who want a simple smartwatch
- Budget-conscious older adults
-
3. WellBe from HandsFree Health
What we like most
- Medical alert features
- Medication and appointment reminders
- Tracks heart rate and steps
WellBe from HandsFree Health
Testing out the Wellbe Medical Alert Watch
Overview
The WellBe Medical Alert Watch from HandsFree Health made our list because it offers a lot more than just medical alert protection. The watch helps older adults stay healthy by monitoring heart rate and steps. Plus, when used with the company’s Smart Speaker, WellBe can help keep track of your medications, appointments, health insurance benefits, and more! The watch has two-way communication, so you can chat with a trained operator straight from the device in an emergency.
I was also impressed with WellBe’s commitment to privacy. The company keeps users’ health information safe on a HIPAA-compliant platform. This means you don’t have to worry about your medical information being shared.
Pros About WellBe from HandsFree Health
- Budget-friendly device and plan
- Two-way emergency communication
- Heart monitoring and step tracker
- Add-ons for health support and reminders
- Long battery life
- 4G LTE connectivity
- Sleek, modern design
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- GPS location tracking
- Simple companion app
Cons About WellBe from HandsFree Health
- Fall detection costs extra
- No option for hands-free calling
Senior-Friendly Features
The Wellbe Medical Alert Watch’s sleek design distinguishes it from more “obvious” medical alert watches, like the MGMove. In fact, the Wellbe Medical Alert Watch looks and feels a lot like the Apple Watch Series 9 at a fraction of the price. I found that its high-resolution LCD screen is very clear and responsive. My grandma liked that she could stay protected with a device that has the same look and feel as a smartwatch for “younger folks.”
The Wellbe Medical Alert Watch has a strong lithium battery that lasted up to 32 hours during testing. It also has a stellar companion app that makes it easy to manage settings from your phone. I could set reminders, input information about my health, and adjust the settings from the mobile app.
View your schedule in the WellBe app
I will say, I have a pretty small wrist, and the watch felt a little large and bulky. Nonetheless, the Wellbe Medical Alert Watch is a great fit for seniors who are a bit more tech-savvy and want a budget-friendly, modern-looking device.
Pricing
The Medical Alert Watch costs $119.95, plus WellBe’s subscription fee of $29.95 per month. For comparison, WellBe’s equipment fee is around $40 cheaper than Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Watch, and monthly rates are slightly less expensive, too. However, if you want fall detection, you’ll need to upgrade to a different model, which costs an extra $30 upfront and an additional $10 per month. For reference, $10 a month for fall detection is pretty standard amongst medical alert providers.
» Related Reading: Best medical alert systems with fall detection
Who Is the Wellbe Medical Alert Watch Best For?
The WellBe watch is my pick for:
- Seniors who want a watch that can monitor heart health
- Those who are interested in purchasing a WellBe Smart Speaker
- Users who want a more discreet alert watch
-
4. Apple Watch Series 9 - Best high-tech features
What we like most
- Built-in fall detection
- Advanced features
- Talk and text capabilities
Apple Watch Series 9Overview
My mom using her Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is the most famous smartwatch on the market, hands down. In fact, it’s a staple in my family. My mom, grandma, aunt, sister, and cousins all own an Apple Watch! Despite not calling itself a medical alert device, the Apple Watch has built-in fall detection at no extra cost on several models. This is pretty rare, as traditional medical alert watches charge an additional monthly fee for fall detection. I’m a big fan of cutting out extra fees like this. Fall detection is automatically switched on for those who register their date of birth when signing up and are over the age of 65. You can also turn the feature on or off in the watch’s settings.
FYI: The Apple Watch can last up to 36 hours when in low-power mode. Just keep in mind that some features may not work or could take longer with this feature enabled.
In case of a fall, the watch will sound an alarm and send you an alert. If you don’t respond right away, it will automatically call emergency services. The watch will also send a message to your emergency contacts to let them know that a fall occurred. When traveling abroad, the Apple Watch will even connect you to international emergency responders, a feature that’s not available with the Wellbe Medical Alert Watch or most other US-based medical alert watches. That makes it an excellent option for seniors who love to travel.
Moreover, the Apple Watch has a health category that let me monitor my heart rate, oxygen levels, activity levels, and sleep patterns. That makes it the most advanced watch on our list! I noticed that these features kept me motivated and encouraged me to get active. My mom feels the same way. She’s a longtime Apple Watch user, and she really enjoys these extra health features. We use her watch whenever we go on a hike or take a walk together. It makes it fun to track our progress!
Turning on fall detection on my Mom’s Apple Watch
All in all, the Apple Watch is ideal for tech-savvy seniors who enjoy being active. As with any Apple product, there are many features to discover that go beyond the health aspects. If you’re very technology-averse or you don’t want a watch that’s too complicated, I’d recommend looking into something simpler, like the SOS Smartwatch. On the other hand, if you want all the latest and greatest features, the Apple Watch Series 9 is an excellent choice.
Pros About Apple Watch Series 9
- Built-in fall detection at no extra charge
- High-tech, advanced features
- Superior design
- Variety of health and lifestyle features
- Talk and text capabilities
- Pairs easily with iPhones
- Customizable wristbands and accessories
- Can be used at home and on the go
Cons About Apple Watch Series 9
- Might be too complicated for seniors who struggle with technology
- No professional monitoring center
- Expensive equipment fee
- Battery life in all-day mode is not great
Senior-Friendly Features
My grandma has been an iPhone and Apple Watch user for years, so she has no problem navigating the Apple Watch. She also loves the added protection of automatic fall detection. However, seniors who aren’t Apple users may feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the apps and features. When my mom first bought her Apple Watch, she was worried about clicking the wrong thing. She often didn’t know how to access features like heart rate or oxygen level monitoring without assistance. The Apple Watch isn’t the most senior-friendly watch on this list, especially if you don’t feel comfortable using new tech. However, if you’re an iPhone user or you’re comfortable with advanced devices, the Apple Watch Series 9 has many great features that you won’t get with most other medical alert watches.
» Learn About: The best iPhones for seniors
It’s also important to consider that the Apple Watch Series 9 isn’t a medical alert watch in the traditional sense — it’s actually an advanced smartwatch that has emergency alert features. If you’re looking for a dedicated emergency alert device, you might prefer the SOS Smartwatch, MGMove, or another watch that will connect you to a dedicated professional monitoring center.
Pricing
There are several Apple Watch models to choose from, and you can often find older or refurbished models on sale. The Apple Watch Series 9 currently costs $399. You’ll also pay a monthly fee for a cellular plan if you want to use your watch when you don’t have Wi-Fi, or if you don’t have an iPhone. These plans can vary in price by cellular provider, but they typically cost $10 per month. With the Apple Watch’s many features, this is a very affordable monthly price. While you’ll be paying a few hundred dollars more upfront compared to other smartwatches, the monthly fees are much lower than they are for traditional medical alert systems.
Who Is the Apple Watch Series 9 Best For?
I’d recommend the Apple Watch for:
- Active seniors who want the latest smartwatch features
- Those who don’t want a traditional medical alert device
- Users looking for advanced talk and text capabilities
- Older adults who are familiar with Apple products
-
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 - Best for visually impaired seniors
What we like most
- Make calls and send texts
- Tracks steps, heart rate, sleep, and stress levels
- Durable design
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. Source: Samsung
Overview
An estimated one million Americans are registered as blind, a figure that’s set to double by 2050.2 So, when using a medical alert watch, poor eyesight could potentially exclude many older adults. This is where the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6’s 33-millimeter screen really shines; it can produce up to 2,000 nits of brightness — that’s a lot! For reference, the Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphone, known for its very bright screen, has a maximum brightness level of 1,750 nits.3 The large screen and brightness level of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 are ideal features for seniors with visual impairment.
» You Might Like: Best Samsung phones for seniors
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers far more than just a big, bright screen. From the settings menu, I could easily access accessibility features for vision, hearing, and text-to-speech functionality. I could use the built-in voice assistant to read aloud the current time, notifications, my text messages, and on-screen menu items. This feature is very useful for those who have difficulty seeing small icons or text on a smartwatch. As an added bonus, the Galaxy Watch 6 has a zoom feature that can be enabled in the settings and activated by triple-tapping anywhere on the screen. If that weren’t enough, this watch even has a setting to tell you the time via vibrations! I found this quite unique.
» Learn More: Smartphone apps and resources for people with vision loss
Like the Apple Watch Series 9, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has built-in fall detection. This watch doesn’t contact emergency services by default. Instead, it will automatically text your preselected emergency contacts if it detects a hard fall and you don’t respond for 10 seconds. I set multiple emergency contacts and had the Galaxy Watch 6 automatically share my location and send a text asking for help. Even if you don’t fall, you can still contact emergency services manually by swiping right on the SOS icon.
Pros About Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
- Built-in fall detection
- Emergency service SOS feature
- Large, bright screen
- Voice assistant
- Heart rate tracking
- Simple design
- Talk and text capabilities
- Long battery life
Cons About Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
- No dedicated emergency response center
- Fall detection depends on emergency contacts
- Vision accessibility features have a learning curve
Senior-Friendly Features
During testing, I felt that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 was easier to use than the Apple Watch Series 9. This was partly because the watch features a back button, a power button, a rotating bezel for menu navigation, and a standard touch screen. I had very few issues selecting different apps, checking out the health monitoring features, or sending and receiving texts.
However, getting used to the vision accessibility features was a bit more complicated. Once they were enabled, I struggled to get the swiping right. I sometimes couldn’t understand the voice assistant’s speech, as it can read through menu items very quickly at times. The Galaxy Watch 6 is still pretty easy to use for an advanced smartwatch. Just keep in mind that its features for those with hearing or vision loss come with a learning curve.
Pricing
While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is an advanced smartwatch like the Apple Watch Series 9, it’s significantly cheaper at just $249.99. This means that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is more expensive than traditional medical alert watches, particularly the Wellbe Medical Alert Watch, but more affordable than comparable “high-end” smartwatches. However, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, which comes in sizes as large as 47 millimeters, costs anywhere between $339.99 and $369.99. I appreciate these options for various budgets.
Who Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Best For?
- Seniors who are accustomed to Android devices
- Older adults who want an advanced smartwatch that doubles as a medical alert device
- Older adults with vision loss who require enhanced accessibility features
What Is a Medical Alert Watch?
In the last few decades, watches have evolved from simple timepieces to multiuse gadgets. Along with telling time, they can provide invaluable information about your health and help you stay protected during a medical emergency.
Many top medical alert companies have branded these devices as “medical alert watches.” Medical alert watch features vary from model to model. Some of the most common features include GPS technology, emergency help buttons, step or vitals tracking, fall detection, and the ability to communicate with others through the watch. Some watches, such as the Apple Watch Series 9 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, also double as handy communication tools. You can even sync them with your smartphone. That’s always convenient! Despite all the fancy-schmancy features, the primary goal of a medical alert watch is to ensure your safety and well-being.
Do I Need a Medical Alert Watch?
The medical alert device industry is set to be worth $9.6 billion by 2025.4 Given all the features available, like fall detection, 24/7 monitoring, GPS, and caregiver tracking, it’s no surprise that they have become so popular. Plus, medical alert watches provided added peace of mind for users and their loved ones. So, is a medical alert watch right for you?
Regardless of age, all of us can be susceptible to health problems. Medical alert watches are beneficial for those with existing health conditions, especially those who want to remain active as they age. Wearing a medical alert watch can offer you more independence, and can give you the confidence to go about your regular activities knowing you can call for help with a simple press of a button.
Plus, medical alert watches are a lot less clunky and obvious than traditional medical alert systems. So if you’re looking for protection that doesn’t cramp your style, an alert watch is a great choice! The health features, including step tracking and vital monitoring, can help you stay active and on track for fitness goals, which are oh-so-important as we age. If you’re worried about your health or just want reassurance that you can access medical assistance if you need it, a medical alert watch is a great investment.
A Buyer’s Guide to Purchasing a Medical Alert Watch
With the medical alert watch market expanding at a record pace, there are various models to choose from. Some can even show text messages and remind you of appointments, or help you stay connected with loved ones. You should prioritize health and safety features, but here are a few other things to look for when buying a medical alert watch.
Automatic Fall Detection
Sadly, an older adult dies from a fall every 20 minutes.5 So, it’s important that the watch you choose can detect a fall, especially if you’re prone to them. The watch should link to a specific contact, 911, or an emergency monitoring center. Keep in mind that not all medical alert watches come with automatic fall detection. If you’re more prone to falls due to chronic health conditions, mobility issues, or even just the layout of your house, we’d recommend considering a watch with built-in fall detection.
GPS and Cellular Technology
For your watch to work properly at home and on the go, it needs built-in GPS and cellular technology. During an emergency, you’ll be able to call for help no matter your location. Even if you don’t know where you are, help can be sent straight to you.
It’s also a useful feature for family members and caregivers who want to check in and see where you are. This is particularly important for active seniors who exercise and take trips away from their homes.
Battery Life
The one downside of a digital watch versus a traditional one is that the battery life will be far shorter. Look for a watch that’s easy to charge and has a solid battery life. Or, consider a watch that allows you to disable unnecessary features to conserve battery life. The last thing you want is to be walking around with a dead watch. I’d recommend a watch that holds a charge for at least a full day (18 to 24 hours). That way, you can charge your watch every night before bed. Getting into a daily charging routine will make it easier to remember.
Water-Resistant Design
Medical alert watches are usually waterproof or water-resistant, which offers peace of mind while showering, as bathrooms pose a major slipping hazard for seniors. This is also great for active seniors who swim or those who spend a lot of time outside in rainy areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Alert Watches
-
Are medical alert watches complicated to use?
Depending on your technical ability, everyone will have a different definition of what’s complicated. However, if the complexity is something you are concerned about, opt for a simplistic model such as the QMedic device. Additionally, most medical alert watches will have video tutorials and a helpline if you run into a problem.
-
I’m worried about my elderly parents. Should I buy them a medical alert watch?
Absolutely, and the good thing about a medical alert watch is that they come in so many different styles. While a medical alert watch can’t prevent a fall or medical emergency, it will ensure help arrives promptly. So, if you are worried about your parents or any other elderly family member, it’s worth getting them one.
-
Is it better to wear a medical alert watch or a lanyard?
It depends on how you intend to use it. A watch is worn on the wrist so it looks a lot sleeker, but it might not be as practical to wear in the shower as a lanyard would be. If you are stuck trying to decide, the Lively Wearable2 offers the best of both worlds with both a lanyard and wristwatch option.
-
Who will be alerted if I have a fall?
Every medical alert watch operates differently. However, the majority are linked to a 24/7 monitoring center or 911. Sometimes medical alert watches are also linked to caregivers, family members, or specific helplines. For example, Lively offers many different services over the phone that can even help you with a flat tire, in addition to medical emergencies.
National Institutes of Health. (2016). Visual impairment, blindness cases in U.S. expected to double by 2050.
Tom’s Guide, Samsung Galaxy S23 Review. (2023). I’m testing the Galaxy S23 — and the display blows everything else away.
Research and Markets. (2021). Medical Alert Systems Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis by Offering, System Type, Connection Type (Wired, Wireless), Technology, Distribution Channel(Pharmacies, Online Sales, Hypermarkets), Application and Geography – Global Forecast to 2026.
Centers for Disease Control. (2017). Every 20 minutes an older adult dies from a fall in the United States.
NIH. (2014). Circumstances and outcomes of falls among high risk community-dwelling older adults.
