As we age, the risk of a medical emergency or a fall inevitably increases. Having a medical alert system can help you receive medical help quickly and can be a lifesaver. This is especially important for those of us who are alone, or for those who are physically challenged or face memory loss which prevents them from summoning help when it is most needed.
What is a Medical Alert System?
A medical alert system triggers a call to a response center in case of an emergency. Alert systems are also known as medical emergency response systems (MERS) or personal emergency response systems (PERS). Alert systems range from a basic, wearable device with a push button or fall detection service to a more sophisticated health monitor or fall monitor on an iPhone. A 2022 article on the AARP website offers a useful description of the range of options available to help you choose what services best suit your needs. Several service providers offer a wearable button device with a monthly subscription plan you may want to check out. Here are two that have received good reviews:
The AARP article does not describe the health monitoring and medical alert services now available on smartphones. More recent iPhones (Series 5 or later, and SE or Ultra series) have fall detection service and Emergency SOS service built into the phone. Fall detection automatically turns on if you indicate you are 55 years or older during setup or when you input your age in the Health app. You can also get help during an emergency with an Android phone (Android 12 or later) to send an Emergency SOS.
Things to Consider:
The Apple Watch sends a message to your selected emergency contacts when you push the Emergency SOS button. If the watch detects a hard fall (personal fall or car crash), and you’re unresponsive, it will automatically call 911 and send a message to your emergency contacts. However, in case of a soft fall or other medical emergency, fall detection isn’t activated. Your Apple Watch and iPhone can still make an SOS call to emergency services or a caregiver if you fall or are immobile, but it won’t be automatic.
The Android phone SOS feature can call for help or send your location with your emergency contacts but you have to initiate the SOS call. Some of the steps require you to touch the screen multiple times, or touch and hold the red circle for 3 seconds to start the emergency call. activate the Emergency SOS feature and share your location.
Act now to avoid regrets later but choose what you think works best for you.
- If you purchase an Apple Watch, get a model with health monitoring and fall detection and ensure it is set up properly with your emergency contacts.
- If you use an Android phone, upload your emergency information on the Personal Safety app and activate the Emergency SOS feature.
- If you opt for a subscription plan, ask for a complete price breakdown. Some features, like fall detection, may cost more. Do not enter into a long-term contract. Look for a full money-back guarantee, or at least a free trial period. Always select a plan that allows you to cancel at any time with no penalties.
