Can Apple Watch Serve as a Medical Alert

Life Warning and the Apple Watch both offering features that allow them to connect with emergency services getting you the help yous need if you've fallen or been injured. Although both are constructive, the Apple Sentinel was not designed to be a medical alert device. Information technology does offering certain features that brand it easy to utilize when an emergency occurs. Life Alert, however, is the leader when information technology comes to medical alert systems and is the all-time choice if you want true peace of heed.

Looking for the right medical alarm system for yourself or a loved one? If so, your search might lead you to the latest Apple Lookout. These smartwatches are sleek, unproblematic to apply, and chances are you already own and know how to use Apple products. Information technology seems similar the easy choice. But y'all should know that there is more than to a medical alert system than just calling for help in an emergency. Life Alert, a longtime leader in medical alert systems, is made specifically to telephone call for help in emergency situations.

When it comes to deciding on which option is all-time for your family unit—Life Alert or Apple Lookout—keep in listen that Apple Watch, though beautiful and functional, was not intended equally an emergency medical alert device. With that said, there are some nifty features offered by Apple that Life Alert but doesn't have. Don't worry, we're going to compare the features, along with pricing, client service, and much more. So keep reading to learn how Life Alert and Apple Sentinel stack up confronting each other.

Overview of Services

Life Alarm is a medical alert visitor that uses in-dwelling house and GPS-ready devices to monitor your loved one 24/vii (and has been doing and so for over 30 years!). On the other hand, Apple tree Watch is the new child on the block — information technology's a smart device that includes a monitoring app with automated fall detection that can alert emergency services if you're in demand of help.

• Life Alert requires a 3-twelvemonth contract
• Apple Lookout requires a cellular contract if yous desire to use all of its features
• If yous have the Apple Lookout app, you may not need to purchase an additional contract
• Life Warning offers h2o-resistant devices that can exist worn in the shower
• Life Alert connects you to a certified telephone call center instead of simply calling 911

Comparing The Similarities

When nosotros tested the devices, we didn't find many similarities between Life Alert and Apple Watch. Life Warning, a brand that is well-known for their commercial tagline "Aid, I've fallen and I can't get up!" has been working with seniors and their families for decades. And Apple tree Sentinel has only recently begun offering emergency alert-type services; otherwise, the smartwatch is an extensive device that's not made specifically for seniors and their needs.

That being said, they both offer wearables, including apps, and can contact emergency services should you need immediate help. With the touch of a button (or screen!), both Life Alert and Apple tree Scout can help in a fourth dimension of crisis and alert family and friends. Plus, they're both water-resistant and tin can be used in the shower or bathroom.

• Devices contact emergency services
• Help can be accessed with the affect of a push
• Mobile apps for improved user experience
• Waterproof wearables
• Well-established companies (Life Alert and Apple)

Former vs New, How Life Alert and Apple Watch Differ

You'll beginning to see more differences as we dig deeper into Life Alarm versus Apple Lookout. They are fundamentally different devices, with different systems and uses. If yous want to gift a smartwatch to your aging parent, and enjoy added emergency features similar automatic fall detection, then we think the Apple Watch is a good fit. But if y'all're looking for 24/seven professional person monitoring for a loved one who needs extra care when alone in their abode, Life Warning was specifically made for this purpose.

Apple tree Watch

Note that Apple Lookout does non offer any programs or service plans. A cellular plan must be purchased to access the smart device'due south mile-long list of features. And each cellular carrier has its own prices, specials, contracts, and fees.

All the while, Life Alert offers in-house plans and rates that include everything you need to get started, including service and equipment. In other words, recollect of Life Warning as a 1-stop-shop for an alert system; whereas the Apple Watch is a powerful tool that needs some configuring to get started.

Information technology's also important to call up that Apple Watch will but phone call emergency services or 911, while Life Alert will connect the senior with dispatchers who tin send emergency services, contact a family unit member, or only check-in to make certain all is well.

• A cellular plan is required to admission Apple tree Scout emergency alert features
• Apple Sentry includes automated fall detection, Life Alarm does not offer this equally an choice
• Apple tree Sentinel tin can only contact emergency services or 911
• Life Alert was designed to be a medical alarm organization for seniors, while it's only one feature of the Apple Scout
• Life Alert owns and operates U.Southward.-based Monitoring Centers and so help can be summoned 24/7 at the push of a button
• Apple innovates some of the best devices and technology we've ever seen

Standout Features of Life Warning and Apple Watch

When it comes to features, pitting Apple tree Sentry against Life Alert seems almost unfair. Evidently, Apple Sentinel has more applications—that'southward what it was designed for. It has a compass, fettle app, text messaging, and y'all can listen to music or call a friend (among thousands of other uses). Simply when viewing information technology as a medical alert device, we recall these bells and whistles are pretty useless. That said, nosotros're large fans of the health-related apps like the pedometer and center monitor, which are swell for seniors.

On the other hand, Life Alert won't let your parents text their friends, or play their favorite Beatles album (ahem, Assistance!). But that won't matter if you lot're just looking for 24/7 monitoring by a pioneer in the medical alert field. Life Alert devices connect to emergency dispatchers with the touch of a push. And your loved one won't have to worry about finding the right app in an emergency or while under duress. There'due south only one push button, and all they demand to do is press it, that'south it!

Winner: Tie!

Ease Of Installation

Medical alarm systems are meant to exist like shooting fish in a barrel to set up and easy to utilize. And so you lot'll want to keep in mind that Apple Picket is not a plug-and-play device. Sure it can be prepare fairly easily with the help of a family member (or at the Apple store or with your cellular carrier). Just information technology'southward more involved to become started when compared to Life Alarm. Tech-savvy seniors won't have a problem, but others shouldn't exist surprised if they need a piddling extra help.

By comparison, Life Alert is actually pretty vague near their installation procedure. They merely state "professional installation is bachelor" on their website. So behave in mind that boosted fees for professional installation can cost a minimum of $95 — and information technology may be required. This is disappointing to us, as very few alarm companies require an installation fee these days. And when they do, information technology'south typically less than $l.

Winner: Apple Watch

Comparing Equipment

When it comes to equipment, Life Alert and Apple Picket are nighttime-and-twenty-four hours unlike. Life Alarm offers equipment for every use you might need—an in-home unit, a shower push button, a GPS wearable, and even a phone app that can connect you correct to dispatchers. Which selection is best for you lot depends entirely on your needs and lifestyle. With the Apple Watch, all of these are combined into ane wearable device that's sleeker and then much meliorate looking to wear, even if it's more difficult to use at first.

Life Alert Pendants

It's worth mentioning again that Life Alert'southward equipment is not outfitted with automatic autumn detection, and so the push must be pressed to contact emergency dispatchers. On the other manus, automated autumn detection is congenital right into the Apple Watch, which is a very skilful thing. Fifty-fifty though it's not ever 100% accurate, autumn detection saves lives.

Comparing the equipment offered by Life Alert and Apple Watch is similar comparing apples to oranges (no pun intended). But if we're looking for neat technology, elegant hardware, and an intuitive operating arrangement, Apple hands takes the cake here.

Winner: Apple tree Watch

Everyday Utilize – Which is More Intuitive

While Apple Lookout and Life Alert vary dramatically in most categories, they perform very similar bones functions, which is to connect yous or your loved one with emergency services. Life Alert can be at-the-ready in the groundwork for when information technology'southward needed most, whereas the Apple Scout is a multi-tasking device that can do a footling bit of everything all the time. You tin can use it consistently throughout the day for everything from checking your calendar to listening to your favorite music, and more.

So… which one is easier to utilize and more intuitive? Life Alert of form. All you take to do is press a button and assistance is on-the-line. In fact, if you lot or your crumbling parent is averse to new technology, we'd recommend steering clear of the Apple tree Sentinel. Fifty-fifty though it'southward completely intuitive and easy to use, it does take a slightly steeper learning curve when compared to Life Alert.

Now, if you don't mind riding the learning curve (information technology's really not so bad), the Apple Lookout man was made to exist stylish, highly-functional, and fun to wear. Instead of a clunky block around your neck, the Apple Watch makes quite the fashion statement. It tin can as well be dressed up with different straps and hardware to match your outfit or personal style. And it's discreet, and then there'southward the bonus of non having to wear a medical alarm system.

Winner: Life Alarm

Response Times – Which is Faster

The promise with whatever alert arrangement is that you lot'll be able to reach help immediately if (or when!) an emergency occurs. With Apple Scout, there'due south a direct call to 911—which is your only option—and response times are virtually instantaneous. Just Life Alert is a bit different. Their dispatchers can contact friends or family, talk users through medical emergencies and other crises, or transport emergency services directly to your home.

When testing the Life Alert help push button, we experienced twenty-2nd response times on boilerplate. This is really faster than most medical warning companies in the manufacture. Then Life Alert makes great marks when it comes to response times. Certain, 911 is faster to get on the line (commonly inside a few seconds), but Life Alert is far more than flexible, and pretty quick, too!

Winner: Necktie!

Comparing Emergency Connections

While each device offers a different style to reach emergency services, you are able to quickly and effectively go the help y'all demand with either Apple Watch or Life Alert. Note that Life Alert owns and operates its ain monitoring centers all within the U.S., and they are Five Diamond certified with the International Central Station Alarm Association. Also, their devices apply either a landline or cellular connexion.

Apple tree Spotter tin can also contact your friends and family in combination with your Medical ID and saved emergency contacts. Who you want to alert and what information you wish to disembalm to them can exist pre-set in your Apple tree Sentinel medical app. Only keep in listen that since Apple Sentinel only calls 911, their service really can't be used in the event of a nonemergency.

Winner: Life Alert

Customer Service – Which is Better

Apple is known for having accommodating great customer service and a stellar warranty if you choose to encompass your device with Apple Care when yous purchase it. Repairs can as well be fabricated chop-chop and efficiently at your local store (with an date!), or later a quick telephone call to customer service. With that said, Life Alert is known for its great service, too. They're an Accredited Business with the BBB with an A+ Rating, and they get positive user reviews online.

Winner: Tie!

Pricing & Contracts – Life Alert vs Apple Lookout

Deciding which pricing program is better, Life Alert versus Apple Watch, comes down to private needs, cellular plans, discounts, and add together-ons. The Apple Sentry Series five tin cost between $399 and $799 for the device alone (not inexpensive!). This doesn't include the cellular service that'due south needed for a fully-functional device. Depending on the carrier yous choose, it's possible to become a disbelieve on the device or fifty-fifty pause up the cost into smaller installments.

While most cellular plans require a 2-year contract, Life Alert requires a three-twelvemonth contract. Their 36-calendar month "membership" ranges between $69.90 to $89.85 per month depending on the device(s) you purchase and add together-ons you choose. Additionally, there's a $198 erstwhile membership fee. Unfortunately, Life Alert'southward pricing is non bachelor on the visitor's website, but a quick phone call with client service can help you lot find the plan you need.

Keep in mind that Life Alert is by far one of the most expensive medical warning companies nosotros've used. And we rarely (if e'er!) are required to pay for a membership fee, so we don't beloved that Life Alert requires one. But remember, this is ane of the almost trusted and reliable brands in the manufacture. So we come across the high price every bit somewhat of a trade-off — information technology'due south expensive, merely it's not necessarily a bargain-breaker.

Winner: Apple Spotter

Our Verdict: Apple Watch vs Life Alert

Both Life Alert and Apple Watch offer high-quality devices with a reliable connection to emergency services. But the option that'due south best for y'all really depends on your lifestyle and the level of care y'all or your loved one needs. Nosotros're really fractional to the Apple Watch for looks and functionality. But when it comes to a dedicated medical alarm arrangement, we think Life Alert is the better choice.

Folks who might benefit from having 911 ready at the bear upon of a tiny screen, while nevertheless enjoying useful features, fun games, and other apps, volition really like the Apple Watch. On the other hand, seniors who demand more specialized care, more comprehensive monitoring, and other senior-related services volition really value the reliability and industry expertise that comes with Life Alert'southward medical alert system.

	WINNER
Brand	Life Alert	Apple Watch
Starting Price	$69.ninety per calendar month + Installation Fee + Membership Fee	Toll of scout and/or monthly cellular service
Installation	Professional installation	DIY
Minimum Contract Length	Three years	Length of cellular service contract
Connection	Emergency Monitoring Centre	911 Simply

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Source: https://www.safehome.org/compare/life-alert-vs-apple-watch/

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