For families looking for a way to protect their loved ones at home or on the go, a medical alert systemA system that monitors the wearer's whereabouts and health status, providing automatic alerts to car... can provide greater peace of mind. Wearables such as fall detection wrist sensors, necklace-type lanyards, and other medical alert devices can provide 24/7 protection when paired with a mobile device or used on a stand-alone basis.
As they age, promoting senior mobility is more important than ever. The best medical alert systems are easy to use, have a long battery life, and are durable. Top companies include Medical Guardian, Apple, and Samsung devices that can be worn on the wrist.
The best devices have reliable emergency response systems with a specialized alert button and fall alert to call medical services. However, the price may not include monthly fees for monitoring depending on the system that you choose.
Medical Guardian's Freedom 2.0 fall detection system is packed in a sleek and stylish device. It has a very impressive 2-day battery life, making it a good option for a person who doesn't like charging their watch very often. It is also water-resistant, so there's nothing to worry about if it gets soaked in the rain or in the shower.
A major perk for this system is the voice messaging option that enables you to respond to texts with an audio clip, set an alarm, check the weather, and make calendar reminders to remind you to take your medication. This makes it a great choice for seniors looking for a watch that can do it all.
One of the best automatic fall detection devicesWearable technology that automatically detects falls, sending an alert to caregivers or emergency se... out there is the Lively Wearable2. It has a maximum of 4 months of battery life and is a relatively affordable option for seniors looking for affordable fall detection sensors. An ingenious feature is its ability to be worn around the neck on a lanyard, as well as on your wrist.
It also doubles up as a step tracker, provides daily health tips, and has a very discreet appearance for a loved one who is conscious of their appearance. To make the most of its features, it needs to be paired with a Lively app and smartphone. Like most models on the market, it provides basic water-resistance as well.
For an active senior who loves the water, the Apple Watch SE is one of the best medical alert-enabled options on the market today. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it a good companion to take on a swim. It has all the fitness tracking features you need, such as step counts, in addition to plenty of workouts like running, walking, yogaA mind and body practice with historical origins in ancient Indian philosophy, which includes physic..., cycling, and dance.
Aside from detecting falls, it is packed with rich features including the ability to detect irregular heartbeats, such as whether they are abnormally fast or slow. Compared to other Apple models, it is also on the more affordable side.
One of the latest models in Apple's lineup, the Apple Watch 6 also doubles up as a medical alert device. Unlike previous models, it also has blood oxygen detection features in addition to an ECG app. This makes it handy for seniors looking for more health features.
Like the Apple Watch SE, it also measures 368 by 448 pixels, making it over 30% larger compared to the Apple Watch 3. This makes it easier to navigate in terms of vision, and the always-on display is especially handy. Apple watches also don't charge a monthly cost for their fall detection systemsTechnologies embedded in devices like watches or home sensors that detect falls and automatically al..., which can make up for the higher price tag.
For older adults who are conscious about style, the BellPal detection device has a traditional watch face that can be worn at home or out. It doesn't look like a fall detector at all, but can be customized to send a life alert to family members or to professional care services, depending on the monthly fee you pay.
It comes in a variety of colors and materials, including steel, leather, and mineral glass. The range between the watch and smartphone is about 50 meters and it has a minimum battery life of 6 months, no charging required.
For Samsung or Android owners, older adults might appreciate the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. It can detect hard falls with its accelerometer and send customized SOS messages and your location to selected contacts. However, the website notes that the device is not intended for medical use or advice and is primarily used for fitness and wellness purposes.
Like its Apple counterpart, it doesn't charge any fees for monitoring, but might not be able to detect all kinds of falls. Instead, you can make use of its other useful features like blood oxygen level monitoring and sleep tracking.
Unlike most watch fall detection watches, the WellBe Smartwatch only needs to be registered with a smartphone or tablet once before it can be used. This makes it a good choice for less tech-savvy adults. Although the monthly fee is on the pricier end, it comes with reliable health answers, medication reminders, appointment reminders, and more.
To prevent accidental false alarms, it has a 7-second countdown to cancel accidental calls to a health service. The virtual health assistant is also a useful feature on the fall detection watch, along with the heart rate and the pedometer.
Monthly fees of medical alert systems cost anywhere from $19.95 to $49.95 on average. Keep in mind that this price does not include equipment costs. On average, medical alert systems range in price from $19.95 to $49.95 per month, plus equipment costs.
There is no right or wrong answer, and you can wear your medical alert bracelet on whichever wrist you prefer. After all, the medical staff themselves do not check a specific wrist first.
Medical alert systems are not tax-deductible, at least for the most part. The only exception is if your system specifically stores your medical information.
Medical alert systems utilize motion-sensing technology to detect when the wearer rapidly changes from a vertical posture to a horizontal one. Once the system detects a fall, it will then trigger an alarm for help regardless of whether the user is able to push the emergency button.
You can expect to pay around $10 per month for fall detection. That said, some medical alert system providers charge less — and some go as far as including fall detection as part of their basic subscription plan.
Depending on your budget and individual needs, the best medical alert device is unique to every person. Find a gadget that provides a risk-free trial period and one that promises high-quality levels of customer service in case you run into any issues or need to upgrade down the line.
To learn more about other senior medical alert systems and devices for your home, read more at Senior Strong today!
