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.
Apple Watch Pros and Cons
Apple Watch Pros
Attractive Design: Like any Apple product, the Apple Watch has a sleek and sophisticated design that anyone would be happy to wear. Other medical alert smartwatches tend to be a bit clunky and awkward looking.
Media Features: The Apple Watch has just about any feature you could want from a smartphone. With it, you can send messages, make calls, and utilize a plethora of apps.
Fall Detection: With the Emergency SOS App, you can make use of automatic fall detection that will contact emergency responders in the event of an emergency.
Health Metrics: Through a variety of free and paid health tracking apps, your Apple Watch can keep track of your steps, heart rate, and even your sleep.
Apple Watch Cons
No Professional Monitoring: Although the Emergency SOS app can place distress calls, these will go directly to 911 as opposed to the professional response agents of a monitoring center.
No GPS Coordinates: Whereas traditional mobile medical alert systems will use GPS technology to report your location to a response agent, an Apple Watch places 911 calls like a cell phone, meaning that operators won’t be able to quickly trace your location.
Apple Watch Medical Alert Features
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.
Apple Watch Automatic Fall Detection
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.
Apple Watch Emergency Calls
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.
Apple Watch Health Tracking
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.
Apple Watch Free Health Apps
In addition to the health features built into each Apple Watch, there are also some great free apps that further the health tracking metrics.
Sleep++: By using this app, you can track your sleep patterns, phases, and overall quality. Just make sure your watch is charged before bed!
Map My Run: With this app, you can track the duration, distance, and steps of your run. It will also record your pace and heart rate. Don’t let the name fool you; this app works for walks or jogs as well as runs.
WebMD: In addition to WebMD’s widely known symptom checker, this app also allows you to set medication reminders, a great feature for those struggling to manage medications.
Apple Watch Medical Alert Cost
Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch Series 6
Cost
$199
$279
$339
Health Features
Heart rate notifications
Irregular rhythm notifications
Irregular rhythm notifications
SOS button
Voice calls
Heart rate notifications
Irregular rhythm notifications
SOS button
Voice calls
Fall notification
Heart rate notifications
Irregular rhythm notifications
SOS button
Voice calls
ECG app
Blood oxygen detection
How Apple Watch Stacks Up
When it comes to smartwatch medical alert systems, our favorite is the Medical Guardian’s MGMove. 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.
Amie has been writing about senior care products and services for the last decade. She is particularly passionate about new technologies that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Seeing her parents and grandparents age made Amie ask herself, “Would this be good enough for my loved ones?” In her spare time, Amie enjoys outdoor adventures and spontaneous road trips. Learn more about Amie here