Top Benefits of Health Watches for Seniors and Caregivers

Our modern world is constantly advancing, and love it or hate it, technology can offer us safety, security and advantages we would never have dreamed of in the past. Devices like smartwatches are becoming an invaluable tool for older or more vulnerable individuals, and there are numerous benefits of health watches for seniors.

These wearable devices are the ultimate design in helping seniors maintain their independence and provide them with a safety net should they need one. Health watches not only give the wearer peace of mind that help is at hand in the case of an emergency but will also provide loved ones and carers with the security that their loved one is safe and well.

Many of these watches have a specific alert button that can be used to call for help, and some will have an automatic fall detection built in that will alert emergency contacts or services if a fall is detected. These tools are vital if the person you love or care for has dementia or Alzheimer’s, and even if they are just older and living alone a fall can happen at any time and a speedy response can be vital for a positive outcome.

Key Features When Choosing Senior Health Watches

When deciding which smartwatch will offer the most benefits, there are several key features to consider, as well as a little knowledge about the wearer. Smartwatches can be extremely complicated and do way more things than an elderly person may even be able to comprehend.

The chances are they probably won’t want to be paying bills or sending emails on their smartwatch, so prioritise one that is easy to use and operate. Somebody who is not completely au fait with technology may get easily frustrated with a complicated device and probably not wear the watch at all.

Everybody’s eyesight deteriorates as they get older, so make sure the smartwatch you choose has a larger screen with clear, bold text so that it is easy to read. Dexterity – the skill of performing tasks, especially with the hands – also declines with age, so having a clear and accessible interface, or even a smartwatch with voice activation will help to give the wearer confidence in using the device.

None of us like wearing anything that is uncomfortable, so look for models that are ergonomically designed, lightweight and suitable for daily use. Having a device that is waterproof is crucial if you are worried about a senior having falls, as baths and showers are wet, slippery environments where accidents frequently occur.

Benefits of Health Watches for Seniors

Health watches not only provide safety features like fall detection and SOS buttons, but they can also keep track of activities, monitor health and create reminders.

• Real Time Health Monitoring: Watches can continuously monitor vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels (SpO2) and sleep patterns. This can help manage chronic conditions better and help detect any irregularities or changes early on.
  

• Reminders: Watches can be set up for medication and appointment reminders, ensuring that any medications and treatment plans are adhered to.

• Promoting a Healthier Lifestyle: By tracking step counts, distances travelled, and calories burned, these watches encourage the wearer to continue with physical activity. Some even give gentle reminders to keep moving, reducing the risk of further decline.

• GPS Tracking: Built-in GPS ensures that the user can be quickly located in the event of an emergency, which is particularly beneficial for those who have a tendency to wander off, or even forget where they live.

• Independence and Connectivity: Staying connected with loved ones through calls and texts from their wrist helps combat loneliness and social isolation, and smartwatches give seniors the confidence to live in their own homes for longer, knowing help is available at the touch of a button.
  

Benefits of Health Watches for Caregivers

• Reassurance: Having peace of mind knowing that your loved one has access to immediate help should they need it, and continuous health monitoring, is one of the biggest advantages for caregivers when they can’t be physically there themselves.

• More Freedom: Caring for a loved one is exhausting, and nobody can do it 24/7. Being able to access health data and real-time location through apps means you can keep track of your loved one’s overall health and well-being. This technology reduces the need for constant surveillance from caregiver, reduces stress and allows them to allocate their time and attention more efficiently.

• Cost and Health Effective: Proactive monitoring and early detection of health issues or falls can help to avoid costly medical emergencies and increase the chances of a better outcome.

If you’re exploring alarm options for a loved one, our guide on the benefits of personal alarms for your elderly loved ones covers what to consider.

Smartwatches Make Smart Health

The benefits for seniors wearing health watches far outweighs the arguments for not wearing them, for both the user and the caregiver, so it is important to choose one that is comfortable to wear and easy to use. Our SureSafeGo smartwatches are specifically designed for the elderly and tick all the necessary boxes. With SOS and fall detection, it’s completely waterproof and has 4GX technology that will work anywhere with mobile signal, these watches are smart, stylish and simple to use.

Ready to give yourself or a loved one the safety and independence they deserve? The SureSafeGO PLUS 4GX SmartWatch combines automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and two-way communication in a comfortable, everyday design.

Browse our full range or call our Independent Living Consultants on 1300 739 991 for a free, no-obligation assessment of which alarm is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a health watch for an elderly person?
Look for automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, an SOS button with two-way communication, heart rate monitoring, a water-resistant rating for shower safety, long battery life, and a comfortable, lightweight design. The screen should be large enough to read easily, and the interface should be simple to navigate. Our SureSafeGO PLUS 4GX SmartWatch includes all of these features in a discreet, everyday design.

Can a health watch detect falls automatically?
Yes. The SureSafeGO PLUS 4GX SmartWatch includes automatic fall detection. The watch senses a sudden change in height followed by a period of no movement and automatically sends an SMS with the wearer’s GPS location to up to five emergency contacts. It then calls each contact in sequence until someone answers, allowing two-way communication through the watch. This works even if the wearer is unable to press the SOS button.

Are health watches for seniors covered by the NDIS or Home Care Packages?
Personal alarm devices, including health watches, may be eligible for funding through the NDIS (as Assistive Technology) or through Home Care Packages. SureSafe is a registered NDIS provider and can help with the funding process. The new Support at Home Program also lists personal alarms as a prescribed item.

How does a health watch help caregivers?
Health watches give caregivers remote access to their loved one’s location via GPS, automatic alerts if a fall or medical emergency occurs, and the ability to request the wearer’s location at any time by sending a text message. This reduces the need for constant physical supervision, lowers stress, and helps ensure faster emergency response.

Do health watches work outside the home?
Yes. SureSafe health watches are fully mobile and use the Telstra 4GX network, which covers approximately 99% of the Australian population. They work anywhere with a mobile signal, whether at home, at the shops, on walks, or while travelling. There is no landline required. Learn more about our full range of personal alarms.