Pro Tip: Current promotion: Enter your email on HandsFree Health’s website to get 10% off your first order. (No minimum purchase required).
A newcomer in the world of medical alert systems, HandsFree Health offers two unique devices that can help your loved one keep track of their medications and overall health. What’s more, with the addition of their smartwatch, a user can obtain quick access to help in the event of an emergency.
Let’s take a closer look.
HandsFree Health Device Options
When it comes to actual device options, HandsFree Health keeps it pretty simple. Unlike other companies like Medical Guardian, which offer a plethora of systems, HandsFree Health offers two streamlined devices: an in-home smart speaker and a mobile smartwatch.
WellBe Smart Speaker is an in-home voice-activated smart healthcare assistant built on a HIPAA-compliant platform. Although it’s not exactly a medical alert system, this voice technology device has a number of features that allow users to set medication reminders, check upcoming doctor’s appointments, listen to music, check the weather, and even obtain medical information.
A central feature of WellBe is its access to a built-in healthcare database. For anyone who has questions regarding their medications, insurance, or even general health advice, you can simply ask WellBe and be provided with detailed and accurate answers.
For example, your WellBe is able to provide answers to questions such as Medicare Part A deductibles or whether your Medicare plan covers a chiropractor.
All of its features can be used simply through voice commands, making WellBe a great option for those who are intimidated by technology. The WellBe Smart Speaker costs $189.00 and is a great hands-free device that helps older adults ask important health questions, manage appointments, track blood pressure and glucose, and other daily tasks with ease.
FYI: For those who live with roommates or spouses, WellBe can recognize different voices and provide guidance based on specific health profiles.
The WellBe Smartwatch costs $119.95 with a monthly subscription of $29.95. It combines the safety of a medical alert system with the health tracking metrics of a modern smartwatch. Using a 4G cellular connection, this water-resistant smartwatch can connect you to HandsFree Health’s emergency monitoring service. Once contacted, a response agent can communicate through the watch’s microphone and speaker. The WellBe Smartwatch is also equipped with enhanced GPS features, and can also track a user’s heart rate and step counts.
Pro Tip: Shopping for smartwatches that are user-friendly and weather-resistant? Check out my article, Best Smartwatches for Seniors, for my best picks.
WellBe Medical Alert PLUS is essentially a combination of both WellBe and the WellBe Smartwatch. With a one-time equipment fee of $159.95 for the smartwatch and speaker, plus a monthly subscription payment of $54.95, this system is quite the deal.
With this package, you’ll have all of the features from each device, making it a great way to not only keep track of one’s health but also remain safe both in and out of your home. Other features include a heart rate and pedometer tracker, 24/7 emergency response, as well as access to music, weather, and more.
FYI: Bundle and save 45% off WellBe Medical Alert PLUS today.
HandsFree Health Pricing and Features
Equipment Cost
Monthly Subscription
Key Features
Ideal for
WellBe Smart Speaker
$189
Not required
Hands-free voice commands and phone calls
Reliable health advice
Medication and appointment reminders
Caregiver notifications
Medical insurance answers
Those who have in-home Wi-Fi and need a simple way to keep in touch and keep tabs on their medications and overall health.
WellBe Smartwatch
$119.95
$29.95
24/7 professional monitoring
Two-way talk
Shower-safe
1-day battery life
GPS capabilities
Pedometer and heart rate monitor
Active users who want a fully-functioning smartwatch with medical alert features.
WellBe Medical Alert Plus
$159.95
$54.95
Everything from the WellBe Smart Speaker and Smartwatch
Those who want a full suite of easy communication, health tracking features, and medical alert protection.
HandsFree Health Video Review
HandsFree Health Features
While both WellBe and the WellBe Smartwatch can be purchased separately, the fullest set of features will come from purchasing these devices as the paired WellBe Medical Alert Plus package.
With WellBe, you can receive detailed medical advice pertaining to insurance, medicine, overall health, and even general knowledge inquiries. To get this guidance, all you have to do is say, Okay WellBe, and your device will light up, ready to assist you.
Here are some examples of questions:
Okay WellBe, what is my Medicare Part A deductible?
Okay WellBe, what causes severe hearing loss?
Okay WellBe, where is the closest hospital?
Okay WellBe, do I have any medication reminders?
Okay WellBe, what is tomorrow’s weather forecast?
For questions related to health and wellness, WellBe will pull from an extensive database of medical information. For questions related to your personal health and metrics such as your blood pressure readings, WellBe relies on data entered by the user. This can be done through the WellBe Virtual Assistant app, available on both Apple and Android devices.
Smartphones and WellBe: While you don’t have to own a smartphone to use a HandsFree Health device, the user or a loved one should definitely have access to the app in order to take advantage of personalized health features.
WellBe Virtual Assistant App
The WellBe app serves as an invaluable companion to your WellBe. Through the app, you can enter personal information, add contacts, and keep track of a user’s essential medical information such as insurance, providers, pharmacies, and medications. While many features can be accomplished through voice commands, the app allows for another way to set reminders and notifications.
For example, if you want to add a new medication to your regiment, you simply navigate to the medications tab and click the Add button. From there, you’ll be presented with a search bar where you can find your specific drug –– prescription or over the counter. Once you select the medication, you’ll be asked to set reminders based on the frequency with which you need to administer it.
Through the WellBe App, you can also set reminders for tasks, medical appointments, and non-medical appointments –– all of which will automatically sync to your WellBe device. For caregivers and loved ones, the WellBe app will send them notifications regarding missed medications or appointments, ensuring that everyone can easily stay in the loop of caregiving.
WellBe Smartwatch Features
While the WellBe smart speaker is great for providing information and staying abreast of your medications, the WellBe Smartwatch is all about safety. Much like a traditional medical alert system, this smartwatch’s subscription gives you access to a professional monitoring center. When the emergency button is pressed, you will be immediately connected to a U.S.-based response agent, who will assess your situation and send appropriate help, whether this be to a loved one or an EMT.
What’s more, the WellBe Smartwatch has built-in GPS technology, meaning that response agents can determine your exact location from a call, a must-have for mobile systems. This watch also has a pedometer and a heart rate sensor. For those who need protection in the bathroom, it’s also rated IPX7 for water resistance, meaning you can take it into the shower without damaging it.
FYI: The WellBe Smartwatch does not have automatic fall detection, and users must press a button to contact monitoring personnel.
Returns and Warranties
All WellBe devices come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If within this period, you wish to return your devices, you can simply send them back to HandsFree Health and receive a full refund, provided the equipment is in its original condition. Unlike other medical alert companies that lease their equipment, HandsFree Health requires you to purchase their devices, meaning that you may keep the equipment, even if you cancel your subscription.
In terms of warranties, both the WellBe smart speaker and WellBe Smartwatch come with a one-year manufacturer warranty. During this year, HandsFree Health will repair or replace your devices that have stopped working due to manufacturer errors or defects.
Bottom Line
With its combination of a smartwatch and virtual health assistant, HandsFree Health offers a different take on your run-of-the-mill medical alert system. For those users in particular who don’t own a smartphone or other alert device, I think a WellBe system can be a great way to keep themselves healthy and safe, both in and out of their home.
For our full review of WellBe and the WellBe Smartwatch, check out our full HandsFree Health review.
Not all WellBe medical alert systems by HandsFree Health require a monthly subscription. For instance, the WellBe Virtual Health Assistant Smart Speaker doesn’t require a monthly subscription. It only requires a one-time fee of $189.
WellBe uses artificial-intelligence based technology that works with voice activation.
Written By
Ryan Molloy
Ryan has years of experience researching and testing products that help people successfully age in place. After years of working for various publications such as Boston Magazine and The Believer, he has found his home at The Senior List, writing about all things related to caregiving and senior healthcare.
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