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August 30, 2021
In addition to traditional medical alert devices, several companies are creating new ways for people to keep safe both in and outside their homes. There are voice-activated medical alerts, Bluetooth medical alerts, and even in-car emergency response systems as with Bay Alarm Medical. One of the most exciting of these innovations is the medical alert smartwatch.
Medical alert smartwatches come in many shapes and sizes, and while Apple is not known for creating this type of technology, their new Apple watch has an impressive array of health and safety features. But will it replace a traditional medical alert system?
FYI: Not to be confused with a medical alert bracelet, a medical alert smartwatch possesses additional features beyond emergency calls.
You’re probably already familiar with the features of an Apple Watch. In addition to providing you with the time, it can also make calls, send messages, and perform just about any function of a smartphone for seniors, apart from taking photos.
Additionally, an Apple Watch has some unique features, allowing it to straddle the line between medical alert systems and smartphones.
Standard to nearly all medical alert systems, automatic fall detection allows a device to place a distress call without a user having to press a series of buttons. Since it’s possible for a fall to incapacitate a user, this feature can be life-saving.
To activate this feature, you’ll want to use the Apple Watch Health app. If you should fall while wearing your watch, it will automatically make a distress noise and call 911. Additionally, it will send messages to anyone who you’ve added to your emergency contact list, informing them that a fall has occurred.
FYI: An Apple Watch will automatically activate fall detection for users aged 65 and older.
Since an Apple Watch can function similarly to a cell phone, you can also use it to make traditional phone calls. With the built-in voice assistant, you can also place hands-free calls to any of your contacts.
Additionally, you can hold down the watch’s side button for a few seconds. This will also trigger a 911 call.
Built into the latest Apple Watches is a suite of health tracking apps. The Health app automatically notifies you in the event of an abnormally low or high heart rate. It can even check for signs of irregular rhythms in your heartbeat.
There’s also an ECG app for users who experience symptoms of rapid or skipped heartbeats. With this app, you can capture an ECG reading and bring it in to share with your doctor. There’s also a Medical ID app, which allows you to list important information such as allergies, conditions, and current medications. This is visible to first responders without them requiring your password.
In addition to the health features built into each Apple Watch, there are also some great free apps that further the health tracking metrics.
| Apple Watch Series 3 | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Series 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $199 | $279 | $339 |
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When it comes to smartwatch medical alert systems, our favorite is the Medical Guardian’s Freedom Guardian. This is due to the option of 24/7 professional monitoring and its durable design. With that said, the Freedom Guardian costs $99 and requires monthly monitoring costs of $44.95. So after one year of use, you’ll have paid more for the Freedom Guardian.
Apple is known for making devices that are durable, stylish, and spilling over with functionality, and the Apple Watch is no exception. With that said, it falls a little bit short on the features that make a watch a bona fide medical alert system. It would be ideal for a user not prone to falls or getting lost but one who nevertheless wants to keep better track of their health.
Finally, if you’re looking for a standalone medical alert system, take a look at my picks for best medical alert systems of 2022.
