Stepping Out in Style: Medical Alert Watches Are Changing the Game for Seniors
As technology continues to advance, so do the ways that it can enhance, enrich, and extend our lives. One area where this is becoming ever more apparent is in the medical alerts field. With the introduction of medical alert smartwatches, people are discovering new possibilities opening up for themselves all the time.
Medical alert watches are smart devices that combine the convenience and attractiveness of a wristwatch with the life-saving service of a medical alert system. Aside from the obvious connection to medical aid, they come with important features like mobile GPS, fitness tracking, heart rate monitors, and EKG.
Who Are Medical Alert Watches Best For?
While they can be worn by anyone, medical alert watches are ideally suited for two main use cases:
- The elderly
Senior citizens have to deal with a lot of frustrations in their day-to-day life, including limited physical mobility, discomfort, and loneliness. But a medical alert watch can alleviate at least some of these problems. These smartwatches allow seniors the ability to get out, go places, and do things without the fear of getting lost or being injured and left helpless.
With a medical alert watch, an elderly person can immediately get help in case they need it, either because they’ve fallen and can’t get up, are injured in some other way, or have become disoriented and can’t find their way home.
Using this smart device, seniors can now maintain a level of independence that gives them a new lease on life. They can go shopping, run errands, and go to local senior centers. The added social aspect of having the ability to visit friends, relatives, or other seniors also significantly contributes to their overall morale, staving off loneliness.
The benefit of using a smartwatch, as opposed to a more standard pendant medical alert, is in the aesthetics. While some seniors may require assistance from time to time, many of them still want to hold on to their independence...and dignity. For them, this means not having a “babysitting tool” strapped to their body at all times. A smartwatch medical alert sensor is more discreet, stylish, and functional, providing the peace of mind relatives need without robbing those in the golden age of their much-deserved respect.
And when something looks more attractive, even stubborn seniors will be more likely to wear these important medical devices.
- People with a serious medical condition or disabilities
In addition to the elderly, anyone with a serious medical condition or disability of some sort can also benefit from a medical alert watch. If someone has a sudden attack that renders them immobile or severely limits their mobility, a smartwatch allows them to instantaneously call for help. They can then get the medical treatment they need right away. This is true for anyone and becomes even more relevant when you're dealing with children.
What Should I look Out For When Buying Medical Alert Watches?
Medical alert watches are the newest branch of medical alert wearable equipment. They're an even more discreet form of protection than the pendants and wristbands that many seniors are already using today. If you're in the market for a new medical alert system, this is a good one to consider. Look for some of these features to get the most out of your money:
- Stylish design to encourage wearing
- WiFi connection
- Easy to use format
- Loud alert siren
- Long battery life
- Additional features like activity tracker and heart monitor
- Fall detection
- GPS location services
The Best Medical Alerts Services for 2020
Be independent and safe at the same time with a reliable medical alert watch. Not sure which brand to choose? There are just a handful of these products on the market to choose from at this time, so that helps narrow things down significantly. Let's take a look at the top-performing services to see which is the right one to give you the security and convenience you deserve going into 2020.
Medical Guardian
Pros
- 2-way communication
- Medication reminders
- WiFi-enabled GPS
Cons
- No fall detection feature
- Monthly pricing plans aren’t very competitive
Medical Guardian is the creator of medical alert devices and systems. Launching in 2013, the company earned a place on Inc. Magazine's 5000 fastest growing companies four years in a row. Today, Medical Guardian is one of the strongest medical alert services in the country.
Medical Guardian was one of the first companies to release a medical alert watch called the Freedom Guardian, and it is still one of the best options you can find. With a trendy design, easy to use interface, and adjustable watchband, the Freedom Guardian is definitely something that any senior would be happy to have on their wrist. This medical alert watch also comes with convenient medication reminders. So, anyone who needs to be will always be aware. This is helpful for both seniors or persons with medical conditions who require daily medications.
The Freedom Guardian also comes with both functional benefits and smartwatch features. Things like large icons and low battery notification make the watch easier for seniors to use. At the same time, the GPS and WiFi location tracking gives family members the reassurance that their loved ones can be found at all times of the night or day. And in case you were wondering, the Freedom Guardian is significantly less expensive than other options.
MobileHelp Smart
Pros
- Sleek, stylish design
- Lots of additional smartwatch features
- Loud alert siren when help is needed
Cons
- Expensive upfront costs
- Have to charge it on a regular basis
Partnering with Samsung, MobileHelp designed the Smart to mimic the stylish face and band of the Gear S3 Frontier. This medical alert watch is easy to use and comes with various smartwatch features in addition to the medical alert functionality. In fact, the MobileHelp Smart has a lot more smartwatch-type functions than others of its ilk, including weather alerts, activity tracking, and of course, GPS location tracking. But unlike other smartwatches, the MobileHelp Smart does not need an additional smartphone or app to pair with it.
Mimicking the Samsung design, this watch is trendy and stylish, so no one will mind wearing it. As far as medical alerts go, the MobileHelp Smart has a loud alert sound when you press the Help button. This is connected to an emergency call center that’s available 24/7. The MobileHelp Smart costs more upfront to purchase the device, but the monthly plans are dramatically less expensive than competitors.
Medical Alert
Pros
- Affordable alternative to alert watches
- Dedicated medical alert technology
- Long battery life
Cons
- Not a smartwatch
- No automatic testing
Medical Alert is another medical alert service provider. It doesn't have a dedicated smartwatch, but it has something very close. The Medical Alert alert system comes with an interchangeable neck or wristband. The watchband is so similar to the other products, it's worth considering. For one thing, with the Medical Alert system, you're getting a dedicated medical alert device. That means the entire functionality of it is geared towards keeping you safe. And with a lightweight, stylish design, you can't even tell the difference between this and other medical alert watches.
Medical Alert systems have some important features like GPS location services, fall detection, and long battery life. What's more, this device is significantly less expensive than any of the smartwatch options available.
Smartwatch Apps
There's also one other option you might want to consider. Apple has also put out an Emergency SOS application that you can download onto your Apple Watch. It offers fall detection and an emergency response system by pressing a button. While the app is impressive for what it is, there's still a lot of limitations to overcome. If you're looking for a full service, dedicated medical alert watch, you'd do better to opt for a product that is exclusively devoted to maintaining your health and independence. As of right now, Medical Guardian and Mobile Help are your best options.
Last Updated September 2020
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