What exactly is an emergency alarm watch, and how does it work?

Digital assistants are now firmly established in our everyday lives. However, these new technologies are enabling not only younger people, but also older generations, to enjoy a higher standard of living. The latter benefit from AAL (Active and Assisted Living)-focused software and user-friendly smart devices. Active and assisted living systems such as JAMES support older people with everyday tasks, build confidence in new technologies and can even save lives in an emergency. At the same time, they make the care routine easier for concerned relatives and professional care organisations.

Emergency call watches are often referred to as safety watches or alarm bracelets. In most cases, however, the term refers to similar types of portable devices designed for the same purpose: to provide reliable protection for the wearer in everyday life and to summon help when needed.

Although many older people already own a mobile phone or smartphone, they do not always have it to hand and often leave it at home when they go out. Consequently, someone in need of help is often unable to make the life-saving emergency call.

SOS watches offer the solution. The new models are worn on the wrist and look just like modern smartwatches. They are also very comfortable to wear. Most watches feature an emergency call button and precise GPS tracking. This means they provide excellent protection when you’re out and about.

Many people share the desire to be able to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Older people in particular feel a strong attachment to their homes. In the past, it was common for several generations to live together. Alongside the father, mother and children, the grandparents also lived under the same roof. However, demographic change and the growing trend towards small flats and single-person households led to the collapse of these traditional family structures. Currently, one in three people aged 65 and over lives alone.* This increases both the need for relatives to look after their loved ones and the demand for care staff.

Everyone wants their elderly family members to lead a life characterised by safety, good health and a sense of community. However, freedom and self-determination must not be overlooked when striving to achieve these core elements, particularly as they play an essential role in maintaining the quality of life to which older people are accustomed.

SMARTWATCHES, which, aside from their stylish design, feature life-saving functions such as an emergency call button, fall sensors, GPS, health apps and so on, are a key focus in this context.

Most emergency watches have at least one emergency button. In newer designs, this is often discreetly positioned and easy to activate: simply press the red button for around three seconds to send an SOS (JAMES S6 emergency watch). In addition to the alarm function, many models incorporate GPS tracking systems which, in an emergency, locate the wearer’s position and send it to their relatives, the emergency call centre or care organisation via an app, SMS or web portal. 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 to be lifesavers, particularly in the event of accidents or falls. The fall sensors detect unusual periods of inactivity in the wearer and automatically trigger an alarm if immobility persists for any length of time. This technology helps prevent nightmare scenarios such as waiting hours for help or the victim being found too late. In addition to active emergency calls, some models also feature passive, i.e. automatic, alarm signals.

Inactivity sensors prove to be lifesavers in emergencies, particularly in the event of accidents or falls. The fall sensors detect unusual periods of inactivity in the wearer and automatically trigger an alarm if they remain immobile for an extended period. This technology helps prevent nightmare scenarios such as having to wait hours for help or the victim being found too late.

People with mild dementia wish to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible, whilst retaining their usual freedoms. Emergency call watches with integrated Geofence software allow those affected to maintain their daily routine. The wander protection system safeguards people with dementia using an invisible safety zone that can be customised. For example, a movement zone of approximately 300 metres around the wearer’s home is defined. If this zone is crossed, the watch sends an automatic SOS message, including the GPS position, to authorised carers.

Figuring out which emergency alarm watch is right for you or your loved one is often not as easy as it seems. Before you make a decision, it is important to consider the individual needs of the person who will be wearing the watch:

What is his lifestyle like? Does he live alone? Does the watch need to be waterproof? Does he enjoy going for walks, is he at risk of falling, or are there already signs of wandering caused by dementia**?

Once you have a clear idea of the future wearer’s needs, it will be all the easier for you to decide on a model.

Click on the link below for more information about JAMES or to view the product overview of JAMES emergency call watches.

We wish you and your loved ones every success in making your decision and hope you stay safe.

* Study by Statistics Austria. Link to the study

** Definition of the term “tendency to wander off”: This tendency was previously referred to as a “tendency to run away” – as those affected follow an inner urge to run away. It is now understood, however, that patients do not simply “want to escape”, but set off with a specific destination in mind.