Digital assistants are now firmly embedded in our everyday lives. However, these new technologies enable not only younger people but also older generations to enjoy a higher standard of living. The latter benefit from software designed for AAL (Active and Assisted Living), as well as from user-friendly smart devices. Active-and-Assisted-Living systems (AAL) such as JAMES support older people in everyday tasks, strengthen their confidence in new technologies, and can even save lives in emergencies. At the same time, they make care easier for concerned relatives and professional care facilities.
Emergency watches are often referred to as safety watches or alarm bands. In most cases, however, these terms refer to similarly designed mobile devices with the same purpose: to reliably protect users in their daily lives and call for help when needed.
Although many older people already own a mobile phone or smartphone, it is not always within reach and is often left at home when they are out and about. As a result, a person in need of assistance is often unable to place a potentially life-saving emergency call.
SOS watches provide a solution here. The new models are worn on the wrist and look like modern smartwatches. They are also comfortable to wear. Most watches feature an emergency call button and precise GPS tracking. This provides excellent protection even when away from home.
Many people share the wish to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Older people in particular feel strongly attached to their homes. In the past, it was common for several generations to live under one roof. Alongside parents and children, grandparents also lived under one roof. However, demographic changes and the increasing trend toward small apartments and single-person households have led to the decline of these traditional family structures. At present, one in three people over the age of 65 lives alone.* This has led to relatives increasingly having to care for their loved ones themselves and to a rise in demand for care staff.
Everyone wants their older family members to lead a life shaped by safety, health, and a sense of community. However, freedom and independence must not be overlooked, especially since they play a decisive role in maintaining the quality of life to which older people are accustomed.
SMARTWATCHES, which - in addition to their elegant appearance - also offer life-saving functions such as an emergency call button, a fall sensor, GPS, health apps, and so on, are of crucial importance in this context.
Most emergency watches are equipped with at least one emergency call button. In newer models, the button is often discreetly positioned and easy to operate: it is sufficient to press the red button for about three seconds to send an SOS (JAMES emergency watch S6). In addition to the alarm function, many models feature GPS tracking systems that can determine the wearer’s location in an emergency and send this information via an app, by SMS, or through a web portal to relatives, an emergency call centre, or a care facility. This enables authorised helpers to quickly locate and rescue the person concerned.
In addition to active emergency calls, some models also feature inactivity sensors, which can prove life-saving, particularly in the event of accidents or falls. Fall sensors detect unusual periods of inactivity on the wearer and automatically trigger an alarm if there is prolonged immobility. This technology helps prevent nightmares such as waiting hours for help or being rescued too late. In addition to active emergency calls, some models also feature passive, i.e. automatic, alarm signals.
Inactivity sensors prove to be life-savers in emergencies, especially in the event of accidents or falls. Fall sensors detect unusual periods of inactivity on the wearer and automatically trigger an alarm if there is prolonged immobility. This technology helps prevent nightmares such as waiting hours for help or the late discovery of a person.
People with mild dementia want to live in their own homes for as long as possible despite their condition and retain their familiar freedoms. Emergency watches with integrated geofencing software enable those affected to maintain their normal daily routine. The anti-wandering protection safeguards people with dementia using an adjustable, invisible safety zone. For example, a movement zone with a radius of around 300 metres is defined around the wearer’s apartment. If this zone is exceeded, the watch automatically sends an SOS with GPS location data to authorised carers.
Choosing the right emergency watch for you or your relatives is often not entirely straightforward. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the user’s individual needs:
What is their lifestyle like? Do they live alone? Does the watch need to be waterproof? Does the person enjoy going for walks, is there a risk of falling, or are there already signs of dementia-related tendencies to wander off**?
Once you have clearly defined the needs of the future user, it will be much easier for you to select a model.
Click the link below to learn more about the JAMES system or to discover the range of JAMES emergency watches.
We wish you and your relatives every success in your decision and hope that you stay safe.
* Study by Statistics Austria. Link to the study
** Definition of the term “dementia-related tendency to wander off”: This term was formerly referred to as “tendency to wander off” - as the people concerned follow an inner urge and wander off. It is now known, however, that patients do not simply want to “run away”, but are setting out with a specific destination in mind.