Digital assistants are now firmly anchored in our daily 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 focused on AAL (Active and Assisted Living) and easy-to-use smart devices. Active and Assisted Living (AAL) systems, such as JAMES, help older adults with daily tasks, build confidence in new technologies, and can even save lives in emergencies. At the same time, they ease the caregiving routine for concerned family members and professional care organizations.
Emergency call watches are often called security watches or alarm bracelets. However, in most cases, these terms refer to similarly designed mobile devices with the same goal: to reliably protect users in their daily lives and summon help when needed.
Although many older adults already own a cell phone or smartphone, it is not always on hand and is often left at home when they go out. Consequently, a person in need of help is often unable to make a life-saving emergency call.
SOS watches offer a solution. New models are worn on the wrist and look like modern smartwatches. They are also comfortable to wear. Most watches have an emergency call button and precise GPS tracking. This means they provide excellent protection while you are on the go.
Many people share the desire to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Older people, in particular, feel a strong attachment to their own homes. In the past, it was common for several generations to live together. Along with parents and children, grandparents also lived under the same roof. However, demographic changes and a growing trend toward small apartments and single-person households have led to the breakdown of these traditional family structures. Currently, one in three people over the age of 65 lives alone.* This has led to an increased need for family members to care for their loved ones, as well as a demand for caregiving staff.
Everyone wants their older family members to lead a life characterized by safety, health, and a sense of community. However, freedom and independence must not be overlooked when fulfilling these key elements, especially since they play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of life older adults are accustomed to.
SMART WATCHES, which—in addition to their stylish appearance—have life-saving features like an emergency call button, a fall sensor, GPS, health apps, and so on, are crucial in this context.
Most emergency watches have at least one emergency button. In newer models, the button is often discreetly placed and easy to activate: simply press the red button for about three seconds to send an SOS (James S6 emergency watch). In addition to the alarm function, many models include GPS tracking systems that, in an emergency, locate the wearer's position and send this information via an app, SMS, or web portal to their relatives, an emergency call center, or a care organization. This allows authorized services to quickly find and rescue the person in question.
In addition to active help calls, some models also have inactivity sensors, which can prove to be a lifesaver, especially in the case of accidents or falls. Fall sensors detect unusual periods of inactivity in the wearer and automatically trigger an alarm in the event of prolonged immobility. This technology helps prevent nightmares like waiting for help for hours or a person being found too late. In addition to active help calls, some models also have passive, i.e., automatic, alarm signals.
Inactivity sensors prove to be a lifesaver in emergencies, especially in cases of accidents or falls. Fall sensors detect unusual periods of inactivity in the wearer and automatically activate an alarm in case of prolonged immobility. This technology helps prevent nightmares like waiting for help for hours or a person being found too late.
People with mild dementia, despite their condition, want to live in their own homes for as long as possible, while maintaining their usual freedoms. Emergency watches with integrated geofencing software allow those affected to maintain their normal daily routine. The wander protection feature safeguards people with dementia using an adjustable, invisible safety zone. For example, a movement zone with a radius of approximately 300 meters around the wearer's home is defined. If this zone is exceeded, the watch automatically sends an SOS, including the GPS location, to authorized caregivers.
Choosing the right emergency watch for you or your loved one isn't always that simple. Before making a decision, it's important to consider the user's individual needs:
What is their lifestyle? Do they live alone? Do they need the watch to be waterproof? Do they enjoy going for walks, are they at risk of falling, or are there already signs of wandering associated with dementia**?
Once you have clearly defined the future user's needs, it will be much easier for you to choose a model.
Click the link below for more information about the JAMES system or to browse the products from the JAMES emergency call watch range.
We wish you and your loved ones the best of luck with your decision and hope you stay safe.
* Study by Statistics Austria. Link to the study
** Definition of the term "wandering tendency": This term was previously called "elopement tendency" – because the affected individuals follow an internal urge and run away. However, it is now understood that patients do not simply want to "run away," but rather set out with a specific destination in mind.