Buying a Fall Alarm Watch
A fall alarm watch can alert friends and family members to the possibility of a fall, which could lead to a life-saving emergency call. Some smartwatches from Apple, Google, and Samsung can detect a hard fall or being immobile for about a minute and automatically call emergency services. While this is not a replacement for medical alert systems with pendants and bracelets, it can be a valuable option for some people who want to stay as independent as possible.
A device that can detect a fall can provide an extra layer of security for seniors and those with chronic conditions who may be at risk for a bad fall. A fall detector can be especially useful for those who are on four or more medications, or who sway a lot when standing. The chance of a fall doubles with every decade after age 65. A medical alert system is also an excellent choice for people who live alone or have caregivers who are not always available to help them get up after a fall.
Medical alert systems typically feature a pendant or bracelet that the user can press to call for help, as well as a base station with a button to contact a 24/7 monitoring center. When the user presses the help button on their monitor, a staff member will speak with them through the watch and send an ambulance or other assistance as needed. panic button to call police Some medical alert devices, such as the YourStride Smartwatch by Care Smart, can also detect a fall on their own and will automatically call the monitoring center for you.
When selecting a medical alert system with built-in fall detection, it's important to consider the manufacturer's track record for accuracy. Ideally, the product will have been tested in real-world conditions by customers to ensure it works as intended in different scenarios. Some manufacturers also offer free trials and money-back guarantees, which give users the opportunity to test the device before committing to a plan.
In addition to checking the company's track record for accuracy, it's also important to consider how the product is worn and how easy it is to use in a variety of situations. Look for a waterproof design that can be used in the shower or bath, a simple display that can be read even with impaired vision, and a long battery life that minimizes the number of times the device must be taken off to charge.
Lastly, it's also worth considering how the medical alert system will handle false alarms. Studies have found that the sensitivity of a fall detection device can vary depending on the direction of the fall and whether or not the wearer is moving (slapping their hand to the table, for example, would trigger a false alarm, but falling off a bicycle wouldn't). The best medical alert systems will avoid false alarms by using a combination of sensors including gyroscopes and accelerometers, and by limiting how quickly the watch can move after a hard fall.
