The Best Medical Alert Watches for Seniors

A medical alert watch provides peace of mind and allows older adults to maintain independence as they age in place. These wearable devices can alert medical services and trusted contacts immediately in the event of an emergency, like a fall or a cardiac event. 

In this article, we’ll explore the key features of medical alert watches, how they differ from regular smartwatches, the most popular brands, and Medicare coverage.

How do medical alert watches work?

Medical alert watches offer immediate assistance in the event of a medical emergency. Most have a wide range of features to detect health-related issues, such as falls, sudden heart rate changes, or other vital signs that may require urgent attention. Many medical alert watches are connected to a medical alert monitoring center through Wi-Fi or cellular data networks. 

Some watches automatically alert monitoring centers when the wearer seems to be in distress or it detects a fall. Others send a confirmation message to the wearer asking them to confirm whether or not they need assistance. If the wearer doesn’t confirm the message, they are automatically connected to the monitoring center.

If your watch doesn’t have this feature, or if you have it deactivated, most watches have an emergency SOS button. Pushing this button sends an alert and connects you to a trained operator who can assess the situation and dispatch help from emergency services or a family member. You can set up your emergency contacts ahead of time to determine which trusted contacts will receive your emergency help notification.

Many medical alert watches have built-in location tracking, allowing family members, caregivers, or first responders to see the GPS location of the wearer in real time.  

What’s the difference between a smartwatch and a medical alert watch?

While medical alert watches and smartwatches share similar technologies, it’s important for older adults to invest in a watch that has all the safety and health features they need. 

Purpose

• Smartwatch: Smartwatches are primarily designed for convenience, connectivity, notifications, and fitness tracking. Some smartwatches have health-tracking features but they are not specifically intended to address medical emergencies. 

• Medical alert watch: The primary reason for wearing this type of watch is to receive immediate emergency assistance when needed. These watches mainly focus on safety features, including fall detection, GPS tracking, and emergency calling. 

Connectivity 

• Smartwatch: Most smartwatches are connected to the wearer’s phone, bringing their attention to notifications and connecting them to friends and family through texts and calls. Direct connection to medical emergency operators is not typically included. 

• Medical alert watch: Most medical alert watches are connected 24/7 to emergency monitoring centers (generally for a monthly fee). 

Design and usability

• Smartwatch: Since they’re more of a fashion statement, smartwatches usually have a more versatile design that can be customized. Many have touch screens, app integration, and additional features like music streaming, GPS navigation, and messaging. 

• Medical alert watch: These watches put more of an emphasis on ease of use with simple buttons, larger displays, and louder speakers. 

What are the top medical alert smartwatches for older adults?

The best medical alert watch depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Apple Watch (with fall detection): Apple watches offer many features, on top of their communication and connectivity features. Certain models offer fall detection and emergency SOS alerts. Check for the fall detection feature before using it as a medical alert device. To fully utilize its features, the watch should be paired with an iPhone.

• Medical Guardian MGMove: The MGMove is a simply designed medical alert watch that comes equipped with fall detection, 24/7 monitoring, and GPS tracking. The interface is easy to use and read and can be programmed for event and medication reminders. The basic plan does not require a smartphone connection, but if the wearer upgrades to include the Social Circle Apps, they’ll need to connect it to a smartphone app.

• Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch: The SOS Smartwatch provides safety features such as an SOS button and optional automatic fall detection. It does not need to be connected to a smartphone and has an uncluttered interface that’s easy to navigate.

• WellBe from Hands-Free Health: The WellBe watch has optional fall detection, 2-way communication, GPS tracking, a heart rate monitor, a pedometer, and is IPX8 water resistant. With an upgraded package, wearers can also enjoy music, news, audiobooks, and a virtual assistant. 

Keep in mind that all of these watches have an upfront cost, as well as a monthly monitoring service fee that typically ranges from $15 to $40.

8 Features to look for in a medical alert watch

Choosing the right medical alert watch comes down to features, comfort, and usability. Keep in mind that many medical alert watches come with a monthly fee that keeps the wearer connected to emergency call centers.

Here are some of the most important features to consider when making your selection:

1. Fall detection

Medical alert watches come with automatic fall detection. This feature uses sensors to detect falls and triggers an alert to emergency services or family members. Fall detection and notifications are especially important because if the wearer is injured upon falling, they may not be able to press a button. 

2. Health monitoring 

If the wearer has any chronic conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory issues, having a watch that tracks their heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels can be extremely helpful. 

3. GPS tracking

In the case of an emergency, you may not be able to share your condition and location with an emergency responder or family member. GPS tracking allows them to see your exact location, even if you’re unable to communicate. 

4. Emergency response

Not all medical watches have the emergency response feature. Be sure the watch you choose is a medical alert watch and has the ability to easily connect the wearer to a response center in the case of an emergency.

5. Easy-to-access help button

While trying on the watch for comfort, also ensure the help button is easily accessible.

6. Water resistance

Not having to worry about taking off the watch while you swim, wash dishes, or get caught in the rain makes life much easier, especially since falls are more likely to happen on slippery surfaces. 

7. Long battery life

A reliable battery life allows the user to wear the watch throughout the entire day (or longer) without needing to charge it. 

8. Easy-to-use interface

Simplicity is key. Simple functions with an easy-to-read display are ideal during emergency situations. 

A few other features you may want to look for include:

• The option to use cellular service so you don’t need to worry about being connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.

• A comfortable wristband so you don’t mind wearing it all day.

• Cellphone connectivity so you can view health data on a larger screen and control settings from your phone.

• A pedometer to track your daily steps.

• The ability to send text messages from the watch.

• The warranty in case it breaks or malfunctions.

• Customer support, in case you need help setting it up and adjusting settings and features.

Will Medicare pay for a medical alert watch?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover medical alert watches. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer some benefits and coverage for these devices, but medical alert watches are generally an out-of-pocket expense for most adults. 

It’s always worth asking your insurance provider if they offer assistance or reimbursement for medical alert devices. You can also check local state programs that may help older adults with limited resources cover the cost of preventative medical devices and services.