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Medical alert watches are a new type of technology that can help you during an emergency. The watch sends an SOS signal to a team of trained professionals to help and assist you.
In today’s buying guide, we’ll review the best medical alert watches on the market. We’ll outline everything you need to know about these devices, from how they work to how they can benefit you.
What Is a Medical Alert Watch?
Medical alert watches are a smart device that can monitor people inside and outside of their homes. If you or a loved one suffer an accident, the watch will signal a professional medical team about the situation.
That signal will let them know that something has happened and you need help immediately. Once the signal is received, someone will rush towards your location to help you or take you to a hospital.
How Does a Medical Alert Watch Work?
Medical alert watches work by sending an SOS signal from your device to a receiver. The receiver is a company that provides a 24/7 support line for emergencies and accidents. When they receive the signal, they send a team to your location to assist you with anything you need.
Most medical alert watch companies require you to pay a monthly fee to unlock the 24/7 support line for emergencies. However, some devices do not ask for this subscription.
Pros and Cons of Medical Alert Watches
Medical alert watches are an essential tool for seniors and caregivers. These devices can be the difference between a minor visit to the hospital or an emergency. However, they have clear advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Cons
Best Medical Alert Watches
Best Medical Alert Watch (Overall): Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch Series 6 is one of Apple’s most modern and reliable medical alert watches on the market. This device has an accurate GPS and a dual-core processor that enables you to use it as a medical alert, fall detection device, or fitness tracker.
This outstanding watch is an excellent option for seniors because it is easy to use and highly comfortable. It also has an “always-on-retina” LED display that provides better readability. Additionally, this model offers excellent compatibility and connectivity with other Apple devices, thanks to its high-quality Bluetooth technology.
It is a water-resistant watch that you can use to download various apps like Spotify and voice assistants. If you link it to your iPhone, you can use it to receive and answer messages and incoming calls.
The main drawback of this model is that it only has compatibility with Apple devices, making it an unsuitable option if you own an Android phone. Also, it is a premium device that is more expensive than other items on this list.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this medical alert watch for: anyone looking for the best possible medical alert watch for seniors.
Best Apple Watch with Medical Alert: Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE is the best medical alert device for seniors, thanks to a powerful dual-core processor and a user-friendly design. This model allows you to use it as a medical alert, a fall detector, and even a fitness tracker. All you need to do is set it up to fit your medical needs.
It includes an accurate GPS that will send your exact location to a medical team if you have an emergency. This model also has a powerful in-built speaker that lets you listen to your music or receive incoming calls. Additionally, this device has 32 GB of memory that you can use to download apps, audiobooks, or music.
This highly comfortable device is waterproof and has excellent connectivity thanks to high-quality Bluetooth technology. It also includes a powerful retina display that is larger than most smartwatches from other brands.
The main drawback of this device is that it doesn’t offer the same number of features as the Apple Watch Series 6. It doesn’t include features like electrocardiogram (ECG) apps or blood oxygen sensors.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this medical alert watch for: anyone looking for a user-friendly Apple medical alert watch.
Best Samsung Medical Alert Watch: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
The Samsung Galaxy 3 is a high-quality smartwatch with many features and benefits. For instance, you can link this device to your smartphone and download a medical alert or fall detection app. That way, your watch will send an SOS signal to a team of professionals whenever there’s an emergency.
Its advanced health monitor lets you track your heart rate, sleep patterns, fitness goals, and overall well-being. The device also allows you to download and export your health data to a PDF file that you can use to help your physician during checkups.
This model also includes a powerful battery that will last a long time even when running the GPS in the background. Additionally, this watch has excellent durability, thanks to its military-grade resistance and waterproof design.
Its main drawback is that it doesn’t come with an in-built medical alert system, making it necessary to use it with a smartphone.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this medical alert watch for: anyone looking for a high-quality Samsung smartwatch with medical alert features.
Best Medical Alert Watch with GPS: Fitbit Sense Advanced
The Fitbit Sense Advanced is another medical alert watch option that you can also use as a GPS. This device has excellent app compatibility, allowing you to monitor your health during daily situations. For instance, it is a reliable and accurate stress manager and heart rate monitor.
This device has a powerful in-built GPS and a waterproof design that has excellent durability. Its Bluetooth technology provides solid connectivity and compatibility with smartphones like iPhones or Android models.
You can also use this fitness tracker as an electrocardiogram (ECG) as long as you live in selected countries. Additionally, this model has long-lasting battery life even when using apps in the background.
The main drawback of this device is that it can be inaccurate when reading your blood oxygen levels or skin temperature.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this medical alert watch for: anyone looking for a high-quality medical alert watch with a GPS.
Best Medical Alert Watch with Fall Detection: HandsFree Smartwatch
The HandsFree Smartwatch is a reliable medical alert watch for seniors. It is a user-friendly device explicitly designed to work as a medical alert device with fall detection technology. It is a relatively new model, but it does offer a reliable GPS and a powerful processor.
This option can track various aspects of your daily life, like your heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. The company also provides a 24/7 support line that you can contact during an emergency. However, that support line and other features require you to pay a monthly subscription.
You can also use this device to make calls or receive information on what to do in an emergency. The main drawback of this device is that it doesn’t have the best durability or many extra features.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this medical alert watch for: anyone looking for a reliable medical alert watch with a fall detection system.
Best Waterproof Medical Alert Watch: Garmin Instinct
The Garmin Instinct is a powerful smartwatch that you can easily connect to your smartphone. This connectivity allows you to use it as a fitness tracker and medical alert as long as you download the app.
Some of the watch’s best features are its accurate GPS and powerful processor. Medical alert devices require precise location technology because that’s how the medical team can find you. Additionally, this device can also track medical information like your heart rate and sleep habits.
It is a high-quality option that you can use even while swimming or in the shower. This model is also comfortable, highly durable, and compatible with Android devices and iPhones.
The main drawback of this device is that it only provides a medical alert feature if you download it and link it to your smartphone. However, its accurate GPS and fast processor make it a reliable choice.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this medical alert watch for: anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality medical alert watch.
Best Medical Alert Watch for Diabetes: Apple Watch Series 5
The Apple Watch Series 5 is an excellent option if you want a medical alert watch for people with diabetes. It is a high-quality model that works as a fitness tracker, fall detector, and reminder to take your medications. It also includes an accurate GPS that will send your exact location to an emergency team when needed.
This device has excellent app compatibility and allows you to connect it to your iPhone or other Apple devices easily. It is also a waterproof model that you can use while swimming or in the shower.
Its “Alway-on-retina” display is larger than other smartwatches, giving you the best possible readability. You can also use it as a blood oxygen sensor and as an accurate electrocardiogram (ECG).
The main drawback of this device is that it is more expensive than most items on this list. Also, it only has good phone compatibility with Apple devices, making it unsuitable if you own an Android phone.
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Cons
We recommend this medical alert watch for: anyone looking for a high-quality medical alert watch for people with diabetes.
Best Medical Alert Watch Without a Monthly Service Plan: MyNotifi Advantage
The MyNotifi Advantage is a fall detector device that can work as a medical alert and doesn’t require a monthly fee or subscription. This comfortable watch sends an SOS alert to family or friends whenever you fall or suffer an emergency. Then, they can contact an emergency team to help and assist you.
It doesn’t require monthly payments, and all it needs to function is a link to a smartphone. This model will work anywhere you go in the United States, thanks to a powerful processor and an accurate GPS.
This one-time-payment device doesn’t require a landline or a press button to send the emergency signal. It is also a lightweight and compact option that provides excellent durability and resistance.
Its main drawback is that it does not send the SOS signal directly to a team of professionals, delaying the necessary help.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this medical alert watch for: anyone looking for a wearable medical alert device that doesn’t require a monthly subscription.
Best Medical Alert Watch App: Mobile Alert by LifeFone
The Mobile Alert by LifeFone is one of the best medical alert apps you’ll be able to find. It is an easy-to-use and responsive application that you can use to get the necessary help during an emergency, regardless of where it happens. All you need to do is have the app on your phone and send an SOS signal.
It is a top-rated app that sends you personalized reminders and notifications of what to do during an emergency, which is necessary if you find yourself alone. You only need to provide the team with the information they need, like allergies or medications you take.
This lightweight app will only use 100MB of your phone’s battery. However, the constant use of the GPS in the background can decrease your battery life, meaning you’ll need to charge your phone constantly if you choose this app.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this medical alert app for: anyone looking for the best medical alert app for Android.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Medical Alert Watch
Major Brands of Medical Alert Watches
There aren’t many brands that focus on manufacturing or designing smart medical alert watches. However, most smartwatch brands offer models with medical alert features.
These are some of the most prominent medical alert watch manufacturers:
Price Range of Medical Alert Watches
A medical alert watch is a smartwatch that can cost 100 USD if you want a basic model. If you want a complete device with more features, you’ll be spending between 150 USD and 250 USD.
Premium smartwatches with medical alert features can cost up to 500 USD or more, depending on the brand and the features it offers. Additionally, you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee.
What to Look for in a Medical Alert Watch?
Here are the main aspects to consider when buying a medical alert watch:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 6 is an excellent medical alert watch that also provides plenty of extra features. It allows you to use it as a fall detector, fitness tracker, or a basic smartwatch. It also includes an ECG app, blood oxygenation sensors, a heart rate monitor, and a powerful processor.
Overall, consider buying a user-friendly and comfortable medical alert watch. These devices need to be reliable and easy to use, especially if you buy one for a senior. Also, keep an eye on the monthly fee as they can make the price a lot higher.
Sources:
Medical Alert Systems - Understanding How They Work | MobileHelp
Emerging wearable technology applications in gastroenterology: A review of the literature
Increasing Patient Engagement Through the Use of Wearable Technology
The usefulness and actual use of wearable devices among the elderly population
A Medical Alert Watch with Fall Detection