People of all ages and abilities can be prone to falling. It can leave the person who's fallen extremely hurt or unable to get up and call for help, which can be life-threatening. For some well-needed peace of mind for you and your loved ones, here are the absolute best fall detection devices that are incredibly light, easy to use, and affordable.
At least 30 per cent of people over 65 fall over at least once a year, and that percentage is even higher with people over 80 - which is at least 50 per cent. The chances of having an awful fall are so high, so having at least some defence against a fall is going to give you the peace of mind you've been looking for.
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What is a fall detection device?
Fall detection devices are alarms that automatically sound if the wearer happens to fall over. Modern fall detection alarms also have call features, allowing emergency contacts to be called, or even the emergency services if it's severe. From GPS tracking to heart monitors, there are tons of features that offer a little peace of mind for everyone.
How does a fall detection device work?
Using a type of low-power radio wave technology, the fall detector measures your acceleration and movements. If the movement is particularly quick, it'll trigger an alarm that can be cancelled, but after a period of time, it will contact emergency numbers saved on the device.
Best fall detection devices
Fall detection device specifications:
Battery life: 40 hours with constant use
Weight: 30.3 g
Additional features: Blood pressure monitor, ECG monitor, sleep tracker, steps tracker, call and message
Pros / cons:
Pros:
Affordable
Loaded with tons of features
Many options for health and well-being tracking
Cons:
Expensive
A little over-complicated for an elderly person
Overview:
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a fantastic, affordable way to keep your loved ones from harm in an easy and lightweight way. If a fall happens, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 triggers an alarm that the user can cancel if activated by mistake. If the alarm isn't cancelled within 30 seconds it triggers an SOS call, contacting the saved number on the device via mobile.
Our only suggestion with the device is to spend some time setting it up for your elderly or disabled relatives who may have difficulty operating the smartwatch to save some hassle.
Customer review: "Especially good for me as measures my BP plus the fall protection is great as will call help in an emergency. These are the features I use as unable to work out so just assume other features work as well."
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Fall detection device specifications:
Battery life: 18 hours (with constant use)
Weight: 42.3 g
Additional features: Blood oxygen tracking, fast processor, call/message, braided wrist strap, fast charging, larger screen
Pros / cons:
Pros:
Fantastically simple to use
Comfortable strap
Incredibly durable
Cons:
Expensive
Battery life is fairly weak
Overview:
The Apple Watch Series 7 is a terrific, lightweight and easy-to-use smartwatch that looks and feels fantastic. Its big display, bright lights and ultra-fast load times ensure that your loved ones are safe should an accident ever happen. Its also got some great call features, and health and well-being tracking.
If the wearer falls down, the Apple Watch triggers an alarm for 30 seconds, after which it calls your emergency contact or emergency services immediately.
Customer review: "It has intelligent sensors that can work out that you are doing a workout so it will record it. Fall alerts that are handy for individuals who have poor mobility, Apple Pay, send texts, listen to music, answer calls when the phone is nearby, what’s not to like"
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www.personalalarmwatch.com
Fall detection device specifications:
Battery life: Minimum of two days
Weight: 49 g
Additional features: Time, date, daily step counter, heart rate sensor, blood pressure monitor
Pros / cons:
Pros:
Easy to use
Discrete
24/7 service
Cons:
Monthly charge subscription service
Overview:
If you're not looking for anything complicated, just a simple, honest fall detection alarm, then you can't do much better than the Personal Alarm Watch. If the wearer happens to fall, simply hold the watch button down for three seconds and you will be put in contact with the alarm monitoring team (which operates 24/7). At that point, they can contact your family or the emergency services to help.
This is easily the best option for peace of mind, as you're not so reliant on Wi-Fi or whether or not you answer the phone at the time, so you can feel certain that your loved ones will be safe and sound.
Customer review: "I think it is great, easy to wear and so comfortable. It certainly gives you the confidence to travel and know you are safe."
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Fall detection device specifications:
Battery life: One year
Weight: 40 g
Additional features: Online dashboard, 'I'm OK' feature, data features, fallback call response
Pros / cons:
Pros:
Simple and effective
Fantastic battery life
No monthly subscription
Cons:
Expensive
Overview:
Another great option for those simply looking for fall detection, this fantastic lightweight smartwatch wristband is the perfect companion for your elderly or disabled relatives. With a battery life of an entire year, rest assured they will remain safe and sound.
With just a simple squeeze on the sides of the watch, Acticheck will alert your emergency contact number, or the emergency services if they can't be reached. Simple, fantastic, and no subscription services are required.
Customer review: " This covers all of the potential concerns, as the alarm should go off by itself should she fall, she doesn’t need to keep her mobile phone on her. I can also check on the recorded band activity (movement) via my mobile, which is a reassuring bonus."
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Fall detection device specifications:
Battery life: 48 hours
Weight: 160 g
Additional features: GPS locator, phone calls, SOS button, HR monitor, temperature, view wearer's route history
Pros / cons:
Pros:
Fantastic GPS tracking
A ton of other well-being monitors for assurance
Light and unobtrusive
Simple for the wearer and guardian
Cons:
Expensive
Not as many features as other fall-detection devices
Overview:
Yet another fantastic, well-known fall detection alarm company, CPR Guardian strive for absolute peace of mind for both the wearer and guardian. With GPS location tracking, two-way calling systems, route tracking and more, the CPR Guardian III is a fantastic all-in-one solution to any concerns you have about your loved ones.
If you're still not satisfied, you can pick yourself up a 24/7 monitoring package with CPR Guardian's Gold Service Plan. This plan allows for up to five emergency contacts, unlimited calls and one well-being call per month in addition to many more features.
Customer review: "I bought this for my elderly mother as she was starting to worry about falling and no one being around to know. One day I had just arrived at a friend's when the watch called me. Mum had fallen and couldn't get up. I managed to get there whilst calling an ambulance on the way and she was taken to the hospital. It had been a serious fall and if it had not contacted me she would not have gotten to the hospital without further complications. To me, it is worth its weight in gold."
How do I use fall detection on my Apple Watch?
To turn on fall detection, simply open the Settings app on the watch, next go to SOS - Fall Detection and simply turn Fall Detection on, it's that easy.
How do I use fall detection on my Samsung Watch 4?
To set up fall detection, simply open the Wear app, tap on SOS, next turn on 'Detect falls' and proceed to add any emergency contacts for SOS calls.
Can a fall trigger dementia?
There are some studies that suggest a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can trigger cognitive decline and later lead to dementia many years after a particularly bad fall.
Do Fitbits have fall detection?
As of now, no Fitbits have any form of fall detection, SOS or emergency features.