If you’re thinking about a full home security system as well, check out these providers we recommend.
The Best Medical Alert Watches
Our take
The Freedom Guardian medical alert watch uses GPS, Wifi Positioning Systems and triangulation to determine your location, even if you’re unsure where you are. The watch also helps keep seniors healthy and active with medicine and appointment reminders. The Freedom Guardian also has calendar alerts to keep track of important dates and events. Other helpful features include text-to-speech messaging, low battery alerts and oversized icons.
Stand-out features include
- Automated reminders and calendar alerts
- Text-to-speech messaging
- Wifi Positioning Systems location tracking
Our take
The MobileHelp Smart is a sleek designed smartwatch filled with senior-friendly features. You’ll have an on-the-go help button, GPS location tracking and two-way audio to speak with monitoring specialists for help. The medical alert watch is powered by Samsung and has two days of battery life with a single charge. The Samsung Health app is included to let older adults set health goals and track activity. The app and watch also come with a heart rate monitor.
Stand-out features include
- Samsung Health app included
- GPS location tracking
- Two-way audio
Our take
With its stylish design and wide array of smart features, the Apple Watch is the most luxurious of the options. It features built-in emergency alert software and an advanced fall detection algorithm for immediate help if a hard fall is detected and if there’s no movement for one minute after the fall. The Apple Watch can also be used in a variety of ways, including making and receiving calls, tracking workouts, daily scheduling, and more.
Stand-out features include
- Offers a variety of health monitoring tools
- Full functionality of Apple Watch
- Best automatic fall detection
Our take
The Lively Wearable2 by GreatCall has up to four months of battery life with one charge. It’s designed to keep you active with a daily step count feature and daily health tips. The Lively Wearable2 is also equipped for GPS tracking, fall detection and to alert monitoring specialists for help. The medical alert watch can be worn as a watch or neck pendant.
Stand-out features include
- Long-lasting battery life
- Doubles as a neck pendant and watch
- Daily step count feature
Battery life | 2 days | 2 days | 18 hours | 4 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Water resistant | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ✔ | X | ✔ | ✔ | |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Medical Alert Watches vs. In-Home Medical Alert
Lifestyle and medical concerns are the biggest factors when deciding what type of medical alert is needed. Medical alert watches are great for people on-the-go. Some medical alert providers include caregiver features to track their location, see appointment reminders and get an instant alert if there’s an emergency. A medical alert watch may be best if your loved one spends more time running errands or enjoying hobbies outside of home.
If your loved one spends more time at home, they may enjoy an in-home medical alert with a wireless “Help” button. In-home systems may have limited range compared to medical alert watches so your equipment will need to be close enough to the base unit for help. On the other hand, medical alert watches use cellular connectivity to stay connected to the monitoring center.
Your loved one may need a medical alert watch and in-home system for safety and peace of mind no matter where they are. Most medical alert providers offer both in-home and on-the-go devices depending on your loved one’s preference and personal needs.
Have Greater Peace of Mind with a Medical Alert Watch
Medical alert watches allow you and your family to maintain peace of mind when you’re alone, whether it’s at home or somewhere else. Before choosing a medial alert watch, be sure to consider the factors and features above to ensure that you find a product that meets all your aesthetic and functional needs.
FAQs About Medical Alert Watches
Medical alert watches are designed to connect you with a live responder at the press of a button if you find yourself in a medical emergency, such as a fall or breathing problems. Unlike pendants or necklaces, watches are designed to be stylish and discrete. They also come with other features, such as fitness tracking, medication reminders, and weather updates.
Most medical alert watches are waterproof, allowing you to keep them on for your safety even if you’re in the shower. You should, however, check to make sure this feature is included.
Because some medical alert providers offer 24/7 emergency response, you may have to pay a subscription fee. With some watches, you may also have to pay a monthly fee for cellular service to ensure your location can be tracked when you leave home.
Most medical alert watches do not require phones as they come with cellular service and built-in two-way speakers. This allows you to communicate with a responder through the watch.