When it comes to senior safety, wearable technology has marched ahead with rapid strides. Today’s wearable safety gadgets for seniors come embedded with features like health monitoring systems, fall detection, GPS tracking, and more. Moreover, these smart devices can be placed conveniently on the wrist, hung around the neck, or clipped on to clothes – a feature that renders these sleek devices practically invisible. This article is your ultimate guide to cherry-pick the most efficient, user-friendly, reasonably priced, and the best wearable safety gadgets for seniors in 2021.
Let’s start with the broader category of wearable safety devices: Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS). These are one of the most popular safety aids available for the elderly.
1. Medical Guardian:
The Medical Guardian is a high-rated wearable PERS on the market today. This device, when triggered either manually or through the automatic fall detection feature, sets off a quick series of actions – an alert is sent to the response center and the user’s emergency contacts. Between the conventional Landline system or an updated Cellular system, users can choose what they’re most comfortable with. Its water-resistant nature makes it perfect even for shower use.
2. Bay Alarm Medical:
This safety device combines the functionality of a PERS with the convenience of GPS-tracking. This means, apart from in-house help, the user can also receive assistance even when they’re out or at an unfamiliar location. A feature called the 4G LTE covers the user nationwide, providing them help wherever and whenever required. It is water-resistant and has commendable battery life.
The second category of wearable safety gadgets includes those designed for comprehensive health monitoring systems.
1. Fitbit Charge 4:
The Fitbit Charge 4 moves way beyond counting just steps and miles. Its robust health monitoring system measures heart rate, sleep pattern, skin temperature, and even levels of oxygen in blood – SpO2. With these features, the device acts as a digital health coach, prompting the user about irregularities or elevated heart rate.
2. Apple Watch Series 6:
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a perfect example of a comprehensive health monitoring system packaged in an elegant design. The watch alerts the user of any abnormal heart rhythms and even measures the user’s blood oxygen levels – a feature exclusive to this device. The built-in noise app alerts the wearer about the noise levels in their environment, protecting ears from the potentially harmful decibel levels.
The third category of wearable safety gadgets for seniors involves smart devices tailor-made for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
1. GPS SmartSole:
Designed for Alzheimer’s or Dementia patients, the GPS SmartSole is a wearable tracking device placed inside the shoe. Caretakers can track the user through a user-friendly smartphone app, receiving alerts if the patient leaves a designated safe zone.
2. PocketFinder+ Personal GPS Locator:
This device can be either worn as a wristband or can clip on to a belt or purse. The app allows caregivers to track the senior and also designates safe and danger zones. When the user enters or leaves these zones, the app instantly sends an alert.
While choosing a wearable safety gadget for seniors, it’s essential to consider the device’s size, user-friendliness, response time, accuracy, and battery life. The gadget should be comfortable to wear and easy to operate. The alarm or help button should be easily accessible and big enough for the senior to press. The longer the battery life, the lesser will be the frequency of charging.
After analyzing the features, pros, and cons of these devices, seniors, or their caregivers can opt for the device that best meets their needs. A medical alert system like the Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm Medical can be great for seniors living alone or those prone to falling. For those who are more fitness-oriented or tech-savvy, Fitbit Charge 4 and Apple Watch Series 6 can be a great choice as they provide advanced health monitoring features. For Alzheimer’s or Dementia patients, wearables like the GPS SmartSole or PocketFinder+ Personal GPS Locator can provide peace of mind to their caregivers.
Choosing the best wearable safety gadget for seniors isn’t just about ensuring safety. It’s also about providing these individuals with a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence to live their life on their terms. Although these gadgets are a great support system, they should be complemented with other safety measures at home and regular health check-ups to ensure overall well-being of the seniors. With the right wearable gadget, you provide your beloved seniors with a sense of freedom, security and dignity, all packaged into a neat little device.
