Verizon Care Smart Watch Review
Looking for a simple yet effective way to help seniors stay connected with loved ones and caregivers? The Verizon Care Smart Watch delivers straightforward functionality in a wearable device that requires little technological expertise. After extensive testing, we think this smartwatch helps seniors achieve what matters most: communication, safety, and independence.
Our tests reveal how this affordable smartwatch can keep seniors connected and protected while giving caregivers valuable monitoring capabilities, all without the premium price of many medical alert watches. That said, read this review before buying the Verizon Care Smart Watch for yourself or a loved one, as there are potential downsides to consider.
Key Findings
- The Verizon Care Smart Watch limits contacts to just 10 trusted individuals, effectively eliminating spam and scam calls that frequently target seniors.
- The Care Smart Watch’s emergency button does not call a monitoring center or 911; instead, it contacts one or more preselected contacts.
- At $149.99 for the device and monthly plans starting at just $10 (for existing Verizon customers), it’s significantly more affordable than many competing medical alert systems.
>> Read More: The Best Medical Alert Systems With GPS
Did You Know: The Verizon Care Smart Watch is ideal for seniors with nearby family members or caregivers. But if you want a device with professional monitoring, check out our rundown of this year’s top-rated medical alert systems.
Why Trust Us?
Our team of caregivers, experts, and health care professionals has conducted over 5,000 hours of in-depth research and testing. The results helped us recommend the most reliable brands and devices. In this process, our team:
- Tested 50 medical alert devices from 15 different brands.
- Surveyed 1,250 seniors and caregivers on medical alert system usage.
- Consulted with nurses, EMTs, and caregivers who are experts at caring for older adults.
- Published dozens of videos that demonstrate our medical alert system testing.
- Evaluated verified customer reviews of medical alert companies from the Better Business Bureau.
- Continues to monitor developments in the world of medical alert systems and revise our findings accordingly.
How We Tested the Care Smart Watch
We evaluated the Verizon Care Smart Watch on the following criteria:
- Battery performance: We monitored battery life through various usage scenarios to affirm manufacturer claims.
- Ease of use: We assessed how intuitive the interface is for seniors, particularly those with limited tech experience or dexterity issues.
- Emergency response: We tested the one-touch emergency button to ensure a reliable connection to the designated emergency contacts.
- Call quality: We made numerous calls to test audio clarity and connection reliability in different environments.
- Water resistance: We tested the device under shower conditions to verify its waterproof claims.
- Activity tracking: We verified step-counting accuracy during daily activities.
- App integration: We thoroughly evaluated the Verizon Care Smart app from both the senior and caregiver perspectives.
Pro Tip: The Care Smart Watch works best for seniors with a consistent daily routine. We found that the medication reminders and scheduled alerts are particularly helpful for those who need regular medication management — an important consideration given that approximately 87 percent of adults 65 and older take at least one prescription medication.
Care Smart Watch Pros and Cons
Credit: Verizon
Care Smart Pros
- Limited contact list: The ability to restrict calls to just 10 preapproved contacts completely eliminates spam and scam calls.
- One-touch emergency calling: During our tests, we found the dedicated emergency button easy to activate, even for users with arthritis or limited dexterity.
- Excellent battery life: With two days of battery life, the Care Smart Watch outlasts many competitors, including the Apple Watch, which typically requires daily charging.
- Affordable price: At $149.99 for the device and plans starting at $10 monthly for existing Verizon customers, it’s more budget-friendly than most dedicated medical alert watches.
- GPS location tracking: In our testing, the ability for caregivers to monitor location in real time proved invaluable, especially for seniors who still drive or remain active outside the home.
- Boundary alerts: We found the geofencing feature particularly useful for caregivers of seniors with early-stage dementia, as it alerts when the wearer leaves predetermined safe zones.
>> Read More: The Best Smartwatches for Seniors
Care Smart Cons
- No professional monitoring: Unlike dedicated medical alert systems, the Care Smart Watch only contacts designated individuals rather than a 24/7 monitoring center.
- Limited cellular coverage: During tests in rural areas, we experienced occasional service gaps, which could be problematic for seniors who live or travel in remote locations.
- No fall detection: The absence of automatic fall detection, a feature found in many medical alert devices, could be a significant drawback for seniors at high risk for falls.
- Text messaging limitations: We found that the texting feature requires contacts to download the Care Smart app, which some family members may be reluctant to do.
>> Looking for smaller wearables? Read our list of the Best Medical Alert Bracelets.
Verizon Care Smart Watch Specs
| Watch cost (one-time charge) | $149.99 |
|---|---|
| Monthly plan costs | $10 (existing Verizon customers) or $15 |
| Battery life | 2 days |
| Water resistance | Yes (specific rating not provided) |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, WCDMA |
| Fall detection | Not available |
| Weight | 2.5 ounces |
| Display | AMOLED 1.3″ |
| Colors | Black or purple |
What Is the Care Smart Watch?
The Verizon Care Smart Watch is a simplified smartwatch designed specifically with seniors in mind. Its streamlined interface makes it easy to access essential communication features without the complexity of standard smartwatches. Central to this watch is its companion app that allows caregivers to customize settings, manage contacts, set reminders, and monitor the wearer’s location.
Unlike traditional medical alert devices that can stigmatize wearers with their clinical appearance, the Care Smart Watch looks like a normal smartwatch, preserving the wearer’s dignity while providing crucial safety features. For many seniors, this balance between functionality and aesthetics makes it an appealing alternative to more clinical-looking medical alert pendants.
TIP: During our tests, we found that the Care Smart Watch’s GPS features would work particularly well for seniors with early-stage dementia. Location tracking features can significantly reduce caregiver stress related to wandering behaviors among the approximately 6.7 million Americans 65 and older who are living with Alzheimer’s.
>> Further Reading: The Best Voice-Activated Medical Alert Systems
Using My Care Smart Watch
After purchasing the Verizon Care Smart Watch, we received the device with straightforward setup instructions. The setup process was remarkably simple, which is helpful for seniors or caregivers who might not be tech-savvy.
Unboxing and Installation
Our Care Smart Watch package contained:
- 1 Care Smart Watch
- 1 pre-installed SIM card
- 1 Charging dock
- 1 Instruction manual
We started by placing the watch on the charging dock until fully charged, which took about two hours. During that time, we also downloaded the Verizon Care Smart app. The app guided us through the connection process and allowed us to customize settings and add emergency contacts.
It’s important to note that a caregiver will likely need to help set up the watch, as a smartphone is required for the initial configuration. During our testing, we found this initial setup took less than 15 minutes, significantly faster than many competing devices.
Design
The Care Smart features a round watch face with a 1.3-inch AMOLED display. The screen was bright and clear, although direct sunlight somewhat reduced visibility when we tested it outdoors. The touch screen was appropriately responsive and not too sensitive. We should note, however, that 1.3 inches is on the smaller side for smartwatches, and this could potentially pose issues for users with manual dexterity struggles.
The watch includes physical buttons for power and emergency functions. The dedicated emergency button was handy during our testing and provided quick access to help without navigating menus, which can be crucial during a medical emergency.
We also appreciated being able to choose between a buckle or clasp band, as it allows users to select the best option for their dexterity needs. The water-resistant design also proved reliable when we tested it under shower conditions, addressing a common scenario for falls among seniors.
>> Related: Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?
Caregiver Features
The Care Smart truly excels in caregiver-focused features, which are accessible through the Verizon Care Smart app. These include:
- Location tracking: Real-time GPS tracking allowed us to monitor the wearer’s location with impressive accuracy: within approximately 15 feet in our tests.
- Geofencing: We set up safe zones and received prompt alerts when the wearer entered or left designated areas, which is a feature we found particularly valuable for seniors prone to wandering.
- Two-way communication: The ability to call directly to the watch meant we could check in without requiring the wearer to operate a smartphone or locate a landline phone.
- Reminders: We set medication, appointment, and activity reminders that appeared directly on the watch. This could help seniors maintain their independence while staying on schedule.
- Activity monitoring: The watch tracks steps, providing basic but valuable health insights that caregivers can monitor remotely.
During our tests, we found that setting up reminders was particularly useful for medication management. For instance, we created daily medication reminders for various times throughout the day, and the watch reliably alerted at the designated times. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, medication management is a critical issue for seniors considering that 89 percent of adults 65 and older take prescription medications and 54 percent take four or more prescription drugs.
Although basic compared to dedicated fitness trackers, the activity-tracking feature provided useful insights into daily movement levels. This feature helps caregivers encourage appropriate physical activity for seniors, which, research has shown, can reduce fall risk by up to 24 percent.
Emergency Response Testing
The Care Smart Watch’s emergency features center around the dedicated one-touch emergency button. To test this feature, we conducted several simulated emergency scenarios.
When pressing and holding the emergency button, the watch called the designated emergency contact. During our tests, this connection was promptly established, and the experience felt similar to making a phone call. (Technically, that was what we were doing.)
Unlike some competing devices like the MGMove or systems from Bay Alarm Medical, the Care Smart Watch does not connect to a professional monitoring center. This means that seniors using this device should have reliable emergency contacts who live nearby and can respond promptly when needed.
A medical alert device, connected to a monitoring center, will coordinate a response for a user, whether this means contacting a loved one or emergency services.
>> Read More: The Best Affordable Medical Alert Systems
Care Smart Watch Plans and Costs
The Verizon Care Smart Watch costs $149.99. You’ll also need service through Verizon, which costs $10 per month for a smartwatch line.
Compared to dedicated medical alert watches like the MGMove (which costs $199.95 for the device plus $42.95 monthly) or the Kanega Watch ($79.95 a month), the Care Smart Watch offers significant cost savings. However, it’s important to remember that these more expensive alternatives typically include professional monitoring services.
>> Further Reading: Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch Review
Returns and Warranties
The Care Smart Watch comes with Verizon’s standard return policy, allowing returns within 14 days of purchase. However, the device must be in like-new condition, and you may be responsible for restocking fees.
Verizon also offers device protection plans that can be added to your monthly bill, covering accidental damage, loss, and theft. We recommend discussing these options with a Verizon representative when purchasing, as specific terms may vary based on your location and account status.
To learn more about Verizon’s various plans, you might want to investigate their senior-specific offerings, which can provide additional value for older adults.
Care Smart Watch vs. Apple Watch
When comparing the Verizon Care Smart Watch to similar devices on the market, several key differences emerge that might influence your decision.
Care Smart Watch vs. Apple Watch
| Care Smart Watch | Apple Watch SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Device cost | $149.99 | $249 |
| Monthly cost | $10 | Varies by carrier |
| Battery life | 2 days | Up to 18 hours |
| Fall detection | No | Yes |
| Professional monitoring | No | No (unless using third-party apps) |
| Interface complexity | Low | High |
The Care Smart Watch offers a significantly lower price point and longer battery life than the Apple Watch, making it more accessible for budget-conscious seniors. However, the Apple Watch provides fall detection and more comprehensive health monitoring features.
We think that seniors with limited tech experience would prefer the Care Smart Watch’s simplified interface to the Apple Watch’s more complex system.
Care Smart Watch vs. Medical Guardian MGMove
| Care Smart Watch | MGMove | |
|---|---|---|
| Device cost | $149.99 | $199.95 |
| Monthly cost | $10 | $42.95 |
| Battery life | 2 days | Up to 24 hours |
| Fall detection | No | No |
| Professional monitoring | No | Yes |
| Water resistance | Waterproof | IP67 |
The Care Smart Watch is more affordable and offers better battery life than the MGMove. However, the MGMove connects to a professional monitoring center, which provides trained emergency response personnel rather than simply alerting family members.
For seniors with severe medical conditions who might need rapid professional assistance, the MGMove’s monitoring service could be worth the additional cost.
>> Read More: Medical Guardian Review
Choosing between these devices should depend on the specific needs of the senior:
- The Care Smart Watch is more affordable and user-friendly for active seniors who primarily need a way to connect with family or caregivers in emergencies.
- A device with professional monitoring could be worth the additional cost for seniors with severe medical conditions who might need rapid professional assistance.
- For those concerned about falls, the Apple Watch, which has fall detection capabilities, might be a better option.
>> Read More About: The Best Medical Alert Systems for Blind Users
Bottom Line
The Verizon Care Smart Watch offers an impressive balance of simplicity and functionality at a price significantly lower than most dedicated medical alert watches. Its exceptional battery life, location tracking features, and caregiver app make it a viable option for seniors seeking security without the stigma or complexity of traditional medical alert devices or mainstream smartwatches.
The main drawbacks — no fall detection and no professional monitoring — make this device less suited to seniors with high medical risks or those without reliable family members nearby who can respond in emergencies. However, for active, independent seniors who want a simple way to stay connected and give their loved ones peace of mind, the Care Smart Watch represents excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What cellular network does the Care Smart Watch use?
The Care Smart Watch operates on Verizon’s cellular network. Before purchasing, check Verizon’s coverage in your area to ensure reliable service.
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Can the watch be used without the app?
While the watch can make and receive calls without the app, many features require the Verizon Care Smart app, including location tracking, reminders, and emergency contact notifications.
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Is the Care Smart Watch suitable for seniors with dementia?
The Care Smart Watch can be helpful for seniors with early-stage dementia, particularly due to its location tracking and geofencing features. However, those with advanced dementia might struggle with the interface. For such cases, a dedicated medical alert system for dementia patients might be more appropriate.
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Does the Care Smart Watch work if I don't have Verizon phone service?
Yes, you can use the Care Smart Watch even if you don’t have other Verizon services, but you’ll need to purchase a smartwatch line, which is similar to purchasing a phone line.
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Can emergency services be contacted directly through the watch?
The watch does not directly contact 911 or emergency services. Instead, it notifies your designated emergency contacts, who can then call for help if needed. This differs from professionally monitored medical alert systems, which can dispatch emergency services directly.
