Fall detection watch or medical alert system? Which one is right for you or your loved one?
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and it's essential to have a device that can quickly alert for help in an emergency. Two of the most popular options for fall detection devices are fall detection watches and medical alert systems. Both devices are designed to provide a sense of security and peace of mind for older adults and their loved ones, but they work in different ways and offer various features.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at fall detection watches and medical alert systems, their features and benefits, and compare them to help you decide which is suitable for you or your loved one.
Fall Detection Watches
A fall detection watch is a wearable device worn on the wrist designed to detect falls and alert help in an emergency. These watches use a combination of sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, to see a fall and automatically send an alert to a pre-programmed emergency contact or emergency services.
Some watches also include GPS tracking, which can help emergency responders locate the person needing assistance.
The main features of fall detection watches include:
- Automatic fall detection: These watches can automatically detect when a fall has occurred and send an alert for help.
- GPS tracking: Some fall detection watches include GPS tracking, which can help emergency responders locate the person needing assistance.
- Emergency call button: Many fall detection watches have an emergency call button that you can press to send an alert for help manually.
- Two-way communication: Some watches also have a two-way communication feature, allowing the user to speak with the emergency contact or emergency services.
The advantages of fall detection watches include:
- Convenience: These watches can be worn all day, providing constant protection and peace of mind.
- Independence: Fall detection watches can give older adults a sense of freedom, as they can continue to live their daily lives without constant monitoring.
- Discreet: Fall detection watches are often designed to look like regular watches, making them less intrusive and less likely to be noticed.
- Customisable alerts: Some watches also allow the user to customise the emergency contacts and set up different alerts for different types of emergencies.
Fall detection watches are an excellent option for older adults who want to maintain their independence but still have peace of mind knowing that help is available in an emergency.
Medical Alert Systems
A medical alert system is a device that typically includes a wearable pendant or wristband with a call button and a base station that connects to a monitoring centre. The wearable device often referred to as a "help button", allows the user to call for help with the simple press of a button.
When you press the button, it sends a signal to the base station, which then sends an alert to a monitoring centre. The monitoring centre will then contact the user to determine if assistance is needed and, if necessary, contact the appropriate emergency services.
The main features of medical alert systems include
- Wearable pendant or wristband: The device is worn on the user's person, usually around the neck or wrist, with a button that you can press to call for help.
- Base station: The base station connects to a monitoring centre and sends an alert when the help button is pressed.
- Monitoring centre: The monitoring centre receives the alert from the base station and contacts the user to determine if assistance is needed.
- 24/7 monitoring: Medical alert systems provide constant monitoring and immediate response in an emergency.
The advantages of medical alert systems include
- Constant monitoring: Medical alert systems provide ongoing monitoring, giving peace of mind to older adults and their loved ones.
- Immediate response: In case of an emergency, the monitoring centre will immediately contact the user and, if necessary, contact emergency services.
- Customisable plans: Many medical alert systems offer different plans with different features and monitoring options, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Mobile options: Some medical alert systems have mobile options that allow the user to carry the device outside the home, providing protection wherever they go.
Overall, medical alert systems are an excellent option for older adults who want constant monitoring and an immediate response in an emergency. They are also ideal for older adults with chronic health conditions or those who live alone and enjoy the added security of constant monitoring.
Comparison of Fall Detection Watches and Medical Alert Systems
Both fall detection watches and medical alert systems are designed to provide a sense of security and peace of mind for older adults and their loved ones in case of an emergency. However, they have critical differences regarding features, benefits, and appropriateness for specific situations.
What type of help do these alarms give?
When comparing the features of fall detection watches and medical alert systems, it's important to note that they focus on detecting falls and sending an alert for help. In contrast, medical alert systems are focused on providing constant monitoring and immediate response in an emergency.
What are the main features?
Fall detection watches typically include automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and an emergency call button. In contrast, medical alert systems usually have a wearable pendant or wristband with a call button and a base station that connects to a monitoring centre.
What are the main benefits?
The benefits of fall detection watches include convenience and independence, as they can be worn all day and provide protection without constant monitoring. The benefits of medical alert systems include continuous monitoring and immediate response, which can give peace of mind to older adults and their loved ones.
Who are the people these alarms help?
Fall detection watches may be more suitable for active older adults who want to maintain their independence but still have peace of mind knowing that help is available in an emergency.
Medical alert systems may be more appropriate for older adults with chronic health conditions or those who live alone and want the added security of constant monitoring. It's also important to note that for older adults with limited mobility, a medical alert system with a mobile option may be more appropriate as it allows them to carry the device with them outside of the home.
Ultimately, choosing between a fall detection watch and a medical alert system will depend on the individual's needs and preferences. It's essential to consider each option's features, benefits, and potential limitations and choose the one that best fits the individual's lifestyle and personal needs.
Conclusion
Fall detection watches and medical alert systems are designed to provide a sense of security and peace of mind for older adults and their loved ones in an emergency. Both devices have their own set of features, benefits, and limitations.
It's essential to do proper research and consider all options before deciding. Always consult a physician or healthcare professional before making any decisions. And it's also important to remember that these devices are not a replacement for proper care and attention but rather an added layer of protection in an emergency.
The CPR Guardian Personal Alarm Watch with Fall Detection is an easy-to-use standalone mobile phone watch with an integrated SIM card. It's a personal alarm that contacts family. They can view the location and well-being of the wearer remotely by using the Guardian mobile APP for Android and iOS. Carers can call the fall detection watch just like a mobile phone. Please contact us if you need assistance.