Last Updated on March 5, 2021
Mobile medical alert smartwatches with GPS are an update of older Life Alert or neck SOS button systems for the elderly. Are you a senior citizen looking forward to protecting yourself, an elderly loved one or a family member with a severe medical condition? A medical alert smartwatch can offer you peace of mind knowing that emergency response is only a click of a button away.
What is a Medical Alert Smartwatch?
A mobile medical alert smartwatch is a smartwatch fitted with either a physical emergency help button or virtual help button, or both. By pressing the help button, the watch user will be quickly connected to an emergency monitoring center. The smartwatch facilitates quick emergency response in case something unexpected happens.
As a technologically advanced mobile alert device, a medical alert smartwatch typically comes with GPS geo-location tracking. This feature enables the monitoring operator to readily know where to send help in case of emergencies.
Since these are smartwatches, they will be able to tell the time and have productivity apps loaded. Depending on what the smartwatch model offers, the included apps could allow users to monitor one’s health, encourage fitness or receive appointment reminders.
Why Medical Alert Smartwatches?
Medical alarm systems like Life Alert have been in use for several years now. Traditional personal emergency response systems use pendant technology that work with a separate speaker box placed anywhere at home. Life Alert has been very successful in propagating the emergency neck button concept through their “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!®” advertising. Newer neck pendants will also work out of the home, providing both mobile and GPS coverage.
Traditional medical alert systems have their fair share of benefits and continue to be frequently bought and used. However, they present a number of disadvantages. Traditional systems are tethered to an in-home speaker box unit, which means monitoring access is out of reach when seniors are out of their homes.
A newer alternative is mobile GPS medical alert systems work that work everywhere there are good cellular signals. These on-the-go systems include a portable speaker unit or have a speaker and microphone fitted into a necklace pendant. They present the advantage of working everywhere (ie. no ranges restrictions). However, some people still do not like wearing a necklace pendant.
There are also medical alert phones, which are phones with emergency buttons that can be pressed to call an emergency call center. However, they may be less handy than a necklace pendant or a watch. For instance, in the event of a slip or sudden illness, the elderly may find it hard to locate their cell phone, let alone operate it.
A medical alert button embedded within a smartwatch is inconspicuous, sleek and convenient. All you need is a stable cell phone signals in the area for an emergency call to be connected.
Medical alert smartwatches are also easy to operate, and they come with more advanced features. Their simplicity of operation makes them easy-to-use even for older adults who are not tech savvy. The integrated GPS system will detect the watch wearer’s location, making it easy to know where to send emergency help to.
If you are looking for a stylish yet practical mobile medical alert smartwatch, below are the best options to consider.
Freedom Guardian Medical Alert Smartwatch
Just as the name suggests, Freedom Guardian offers the elderly the freedom to live more independently. Freedom Guardian was introduced by Medical Guardian, a renowned and brand in the emergency response systems industry.
This watch is suitable for the elderly, sick people and athletes who are looking for ready access to emergency help. It has large icons and features easy scrolling to minimize the struggle when it comes to requesting medical help during emergency situations.
Freedom Guardian comes in a simple yet sleek design that is suitable for both genders. The features are easy to navigate which adds to its simplicity ease of use. Information displayed on its analogue face includes time, date and day of the week. This device is available in two colors: black and white. Below are some notable features included in the Freedom Guardian Medical Alert System.
Easy Connectivity – Freedom Guardian works both in and out of the home. It makes emergency calls using AT&T’s cellular wireless network. The watch comes with a pre-installed 3G SIM that requires no separate cell phone subscription. Emergency operators communicate with users using a microphone and speaker fitted right on the watch.
Convenient Emergency Button Access – With the Freedom Guardian, you can initiate the emergency calls in two ways: pressing and holding the red button on the side for 3 seconds or clicking the help button icon on the clock face. The red emergency button stands out and is useful during emergency situations. Customers hold it down for 3 seconds to place an emergency call to the monitoring center.
GPS Tracking – When it comes to a matter of life and death, GPS tracking enables the emergency team to locate you within the shortest time possible. The incorporated geo-location monitoring also helps to minimize the scope of the search area when trying to find the customer who has called for help
Reminders and Alerts (Premium feature) – Customers and caregivers can customize reminder and alert to remind yourself or your loved ones to take their medication or go for an appointment. This is an add-on premium feature.
Text-to-Speech (Premium feature) – The Text-to-Speech feature readily converts texts to audio and vice versa. Any customer who is visually impaired can greatly benefit from having text messages received vocalized. The output speakers are also highly audible. Read full review >>
Click here to read the full Freedom Guardian Medical Alert Smartwatch Review
MobileHelp Medical Alert Smartwatch
MobileHelp offers another medical alert smartwatch option known as the MobileHelp Smart. This is a modified Samsung Gear S3 Frontier smartwatch that comes with a medical alert button feature. Externally, it has the same look and feel of the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier. There are a lot of seniors who stay away from wearing a typical Life Alert pendant due to the image it invokes. They may still like the functionality of a medical alarm system, so having With the MobileHelp smartwatch makes a wonderful option.
The MobileHelp Smart looks and feels like a well-designed high quality smartwatch. It’s more than a watch – one can wear the MobileHelp smartwatch anywhere to guarantee 24/7 monitoring. This device does not need to be paired with a smartphone to work – it works in a standalone manner.
Samsung Health App – This MobileHelp Smart comes loaded with the Samsung fitness-monitoring app. This watch comes with a sensor and technology to monitor your blood rate, calories burned and steps walked to help users accomplish their fitness goals. You can customize the app using your age, weight, temperature and height.
Cellular Connectivity – MobileHelp uses a 4G AT&T connection to route emergency calls to the relevant response team. Does it have Bluetooth connectivity? No, you need no Bluetooth connection. It only requires a good cellular network. Customers will not incur any mobile phone subscription fees since the cellular connection charges are included with the monthly monitoring costs.
Durable Build – This watch has been described as being military-grade in durability. It is tough and can withstand rain, dust and extreme weather. It has a higher level of water resistance than most medical alert devices on the market.
Power Notifications – The MobileHelp smartwatch notifies the users when the battery is low, so they know that it’s time to get it recharged. It uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which when fully charged can last up to two days.
GPS Tracking – Similar to the Freedom Guardian medical alert smartwatch, MobileHelp smartwatch also uses GPS to pinpoint precisely where the user is located.
Other valuable features found in this device include weather forecast app and test button. Read full review >>
Click here to read the full MobileHelp Medical Alert Smartwatch Review
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch
Bay Alarm Medical has also introduced its own version of a medical alert smartwatch. To learn more about their SOS Smartwatch, check out this review.
In summary, if you are looking for a convenient mobile medical alert to protect you or your senior loved ones, then a mobile medical alert smartwatch with GPS is worth looking into. Take time to read the reviews above and consider whether a device like this will be a good fit for your or your loved one’s needs.
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