Wearable technology is more popular than ever for tracking fitness activities, playing music through Bluetooth headphones, checking the weather, and more. For seniors and those with serious health conditions, wearable technology also represents a safety net that can collect data and support them when they need it most.
Depending on your priorities, either a smartwatch or a senior safety watch could be a good choice. Here’s more on these devices and how to decide which is right for you: medical alert watch vs. smartwatch.
The main purpose of medical alert watches is to get emergency assistance when you need it. For example, medical alert watches may detect problems such as sudden changes in heart rate, falls, or changes in vital signs that require medical attention. So if you were to suddenly fall, a medical alert watch may notify a medical alert monitoring center, often through cellular data or over a home Wi-Fi network.
Depending on the kind of watch you have, the alert for help may not go out automatically. Some watches require users to confirm that they need assistance. If you don’t need assistance, you can turn off the alert. If you don’t respond, it will trigger the call to emergency services or emergency contact.
Medical alert watches typically have another way to seek support, called the SOS button. When you press the SOS button, your watch connects you with a trained operator or a preset emergency contact. Since these watches usually have built-in location tracking, your GPS will allow those responding to your call to see where you are so they can reach you more quickly.
A medical alert watch usually has an initial device fee plus a monthly fee. Some medical alert watches have no charge for the device.
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A smartwatch is designed with convenience in mind. Smartwatches are primarily used to accept calls and texts, but you can also stay connected to your favorite apps, track fitness activities, and connect to the internet. Some smartwatches connect directly to cellular networks for phone, texts, and Internet; others use your phone’s connection through Bluetooth as a bridge to the Internet.
Health and fitness tracking features may help you get support in an emergency, but that isn’t their primary function. For example, some watches have SOS support or incident detection but you may have to trigger the feature manually. Smartwatch manufacturers have also added more medical features as they became aware of the need. For example, depending on the mode, Apple Watches can now detect your heart rhythm and tell you when it’s abnormal. The latest Google Pixel Watch can alert when it detects no pulse during events like cardiac arrest.
The cost of a smartwatch will vary significantly based on the brand and its functionality. For example, Google Pixel Watch starts at around $349.99, Garmin Venu 2 Plus is around $249.99, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is around $799.
On top of that price, you may have additional fees, such as monthly cellular service fees. But if you pay for cellular service for your watch, then you can operate your watch’s features without using your phone’s Bluetooth. However, if you go with a watch on Wi-Fi only, you’ll only pay for the device and any additional costs for apps.
The right device for you depends on your priorities. If you want a wearable device solely to alert emergency services or an emergency contact and don’t want to worry about having your phone nearby or using apps, then a medical alert watch might be the right choice. If you like staying connected or using a fitness tracker to track your vital signs, a smartwatch may be best.
Both smartwatches and medical alert watches can be expensive up front. Medical alert watches tend to cost less for the device overall due to limited functionality, but require monthly service fees to monitor alerts. Smartwatches cost more because they do more, but if you rely on Bluetooth connection to your phone’s internet, you won’t have to pay for additional Internet connection.
As you make your choice, keep the cost and product features in mind to choose one that works best for you.
*Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical consultation or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
SmartMatch does not endorse or recommend any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned in this article. Reliance on any information provided in this blog post is solely at your own risk. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns or questions with your doctor before making any decisions about your health or treatment.
