Need an alert system for someone who rarely leaves their home or yard? We’ve tried out plenty of those. Want a device that wears like a smartwatch? We’ve tested those too, as you can see from our list above. Don’t want to fuss with multiple contraptions or new technology? Yep, we’ve seen products for these folks, as well.
Medical alert systems enable older adults to maintain their independence and age safely in place. If this is your first time learning about these devices, you will probably be amazed to see the variety of products for differing tastes and needs. To help you make sense of the variety, our buyer's guide to medical alert systems is a great resource.
FYI: Maybe you’ve heard these systems referred to as Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS). Different name; same around-the-clock protection for seniors.
A medical alert system operates either via landline connection or a cellular connection (head to our best cellular medical alert devices list for more info). Most companies that sell medical alert systems offer one or more of three types of systems: in-home, mobile, and hybrid. Of course, smartwatch alert systems are hybrid; they can be used at home and on-the-go, and they are powered via a cellular signal (no landline required).
The in-home system is especially important for seniors who live alone. This type of system usually includes a base unit that should be placed in a central location in the house. The base unit is like the central nervous system; everything else runs through it. It might feel a little weird at first, but if you end up choosing one of these, you will be talking to a response center associate through this box-like communicator.
Many systems include a help button that you or your loved one will wear around the neck or wrist. Some, but not all, systems also include help buttons that can be placed in different locations around the house, usually in spots that are high risk for falls such as the bottom of the staircase. If you or your loved one is wearing a smartwatch style alert system, you won’t have to worry about reaching a wall-mounted button, as help is right there on your wrist!
We think the mobile systems offer lots of value and peace of mind for seniors who are on the go. They come in various forms. Some are help buttons worn around the neck. Others are smartwatches, as noted, or help buttons that can be attached to a belt. And some are specifically made for cars.
Now, imagine that you are having a medical emergency, perhaps a fall or symptoms of a heart attack. You push a help button either on a button placed in your home or on your smartwatch. You often can communicate directly through this button. If the button does not include two-way talk, you can speak through the base unit.
A trained response center associate will respond to you, usually in 30 seconds or less, and ask you a few questions to assess the situation. If you are unable to speak, the associate will call 911 and your predetermined contacts. The response center also has your medical history and contact information on file, so they are able to quickly provide EMS important information.
Still not sure if this is something you want or need? Most companies offer a trial period of 30 days. And we definitely recommend having some sort of medical alert coverage as you or your loved one ages.
To find the system that’s right for you or your loved one, get the full rundown on how to choose a medical alert system. You’ll start by answering a few questions, and we’ll match you with a system that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Before selecting a medical alert smartwatch system, it is important to know what features are available. Here are some of the most important features of medical alert watches.
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Last Updated Jan 1, 2024
Searching for GPS tracking watches for adults or the elderly can be daunting for a caregiver. Do you get one with all the bells and whistles, or stick to the basics? Is it safe to use in any situation?
We’ve got your back—we’ve researched some of the best options available today so that you can find one that suits you and your loved one’s needs.
In this post, we’ll look at 7 top-notch GPS tracker watches, plus a ton of helpful information about what features should be considered when buying these devices.
Whether you’re caring for an elderly or disabled adult, read on to discover which GPS-tracking watch will help keep them safe and secure!
In a rush? Here’s a quick preview of the best tracking watches we reviewed:
As our loved ones age or face disabilities, we must find ways to help them maintain their independence while keeping them safe. A GPS-tracking watch can offer just that. Enhance your peace of mind with real-time location updates and notifications, effortlessly staying informed and reassured about the well-being of your loved ones. No need to worry about their whereabouts anymore.
GPS-tracking watches also offer peace of mind, as the wearer can quickly call for help with a single button press. The benefits of using a GPS tracking watch are endless; from providing a sense of security to allowing for independence, it’s a tool every caregiver should consider.
For those interested in sports and outdoor activities, there are specialized versions of these watches, such as GPS watches for running, golf GPS watches that cater to golfers, and solar GPS watches for long-distance hikers.
If your loved one is a child, see our post on the best GPS trackers for kids.
Price: $99.95
Subscription: $39.99
GPS Technology: 4G LTE Cellular
Battery Life: 48 hours
Dimensions: 3.25 x 6.62 x 1.25 inches
Weight: 1.94 ounces
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Features & First Impressions:
The AngelSense Assistive Technology Watch comes packed with an array of features that make it an excellent choice for a GPS tracker watch for the elderly. The device offers real-time tracking, geofences, and an SOS button, delivering peace of mind for caregivers.
Its 4G LTE technology ensures accurate and fast location updates. Moreover, the watch has a 2-way auto-answer speakerphone, allowing for accessible communication in emergencies.
Despite being slightly higher in price, the watch’s reliability, functionality, and easy-to-use app make it worth the investment. It is one of the best solutions currently available.
Performance & Overall Experience:
The performance of the AngelSense Assistive Technology Watch is exceptional, with its real-time tracking feature proving to be highly accurate and reliable. The application boasts an intuitive interface that effortlessly guides users through various settings while alerts and notifications operate seamlessly without any glitches.
Overall, our experience with this GPS tracker watch has been positive, reinforcing its position as a top choice for those caring for elderly or special needs adults.
Tested Features:
Price: $59.00
Subscription: Requires phone subscription
GPS Technology: Bluetooth to Phone
Battery Life: 5 days
Dimensions: 1.37 x 1.63 x 0.43 inches
Weight: 3.98 ounces
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Features & First Impressions:
The CoCo Smartwatch is impressive with its robust health monitoring features tailored specifically for seniors. It measures heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels and serves as a medical reminder, ensuring that medications are never missed.
Its Personal Emergency System (PERS) is a standout feature, providing immediate access to help in an emergency. The watch’s geo-fencing capability offers peace of mind to family members, while it’s waterproof body and breathable band make for comfortable, everyday wear. The large font, simplified interface, and commendable 5-day battery life further underline its suitability for seniors.
Our first impression is that this watch is a thoughtfully designed, practical tool that prioritizes the health and safety of its users.
Performance & Overall Experience:
In terms of performance, the CoCo Smartwatch has shown remarkable consistency. The health metrics it provides are accurate and reliable, proving its utility as a 24/7 health monitor for seniors. The medication reminders were timely, and the emergency call feature responded promptly, which is critically important for the target user group.
Its waterproof nature and the breathable band held up well under continuous use, adding to the wearer’s comfort.
The geo-fencing function worked effectively, offering an additional safety measure. The senior-friendly interface was intuitive, and the large font greatly enhanced readability.
In our overall experience, the CoCo Smartwatch is a reliable, user-friendly, and highly functional GPS tracking device that meets the specific needs of seniors exceptionally well.
Tested Features:
Price: $89.99
Subscription: Check with your cellular provider
GPS Technology: 4G LTE Network
Battery Life: 2 days
Dimensions: 10.59 x 2.83 x 1.54 inches
Weight: 6.3 ounces
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Features & First Impressions:
Upon first interaction, the TEZILON 4G GPS watch impresses with its simple yet sleek design and lightweight construction. The touchscreen interface, boasting a clear 1.69-inch display, is intuitive and easy to navigate.
The watch’s waterproof feature adds a layer of durability, making it suitable for everyday wear, rain or shine.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the real-time tracking which, combined with the two-way phone call capability, provides an added layer of security and connectivity for the elderly. Including an SOS Emergency Alarm and an Electronic Fence Alarm (Geofence) reinforces the watch’s commitment to safety.
Overall, the TEZILON 4G GPS watch packs a punch in its compact design, combining functionality and reliability in an elegant package.
Performance & Overall Experience:
The performance of the TEZILON 4G GPS watch was remarkable in our testing. The real-time GPS tracking feature worked flawlessly, providing accurate location data and ensuring peace of mind. The two-way call feature was clear and reliable, fostering ease of communication.
The waterproof capability is held under various weather conditions, testing its high-end durability. Even the Geofence feature performed as promised, sending immediate alerts if the wearer ventured outside the defined safe area.
While the battery life was shorter than expected, it didn’t significantly impact the overall user experience.
In conclusion, our time testing the TEZILON 4G GPS watch was impressive and reassuring, securing its position as a top contender in best GPS tracking watches.
Tested Features:
Price: $65.00
Subscription: $19.99 – $39.99 per month
GPS Technology: Cellular Network
Battery Life: 12 hours
Dimensions: 3.82 x 3.27 x 2.76 inches
Weight: 5.3 ounces
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Features & First Impressions:
The Seculife SOS GPS Smartwatch has an array of outstanding features, such as SOS 2-Way calling and real-time tracking, catering specifically to the needs of seniors and those with unique requirements. The smartwatch boasts a user-friendly mobile app with push notifications, SMS, and EMAIL, ensuring constant communication and immediate emergency alerts. It also offers geofencing and historical location data, providing peace of mind for caregivers.
Upon initial evaluation, the device impresses with its robust build and simple interface. The 1.3″ screen is clear and easy to interact with, and the device’s lightweight design ensures comfortable wear. The lifetime device warranty is a bonus, underscoring the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability and reliability.
Performance & Overall Experience:
The performance of the Seculife SOS GPS Smartwatch is commendable. The SOS and GPS tracker functionalities work reliably, ensuring timely emergency response and accurate location tracking. The speakerphone quality is appreciable, permitting lucid two-way communication. The mobile app offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, allowing effortless navigation through its various features. The only minor drawback is the relatively short battery life, necessitating frequent charging.
Considering the GPS tracking watches overall performance and its potential to enhance the safety and well-being of seniors and adults with special needs, it undeniably proves itself as a valuable investment.
Tested Features:
Price: $99.95
Subscription: $39.99
GPS Technology: 4G LTE Cellular
Battery Life: 48 hours
Dimensions: 3.25 x 6.62 x 1.25 inches
Weight: 1.94 ounces
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Features & First Impressions:
The Smart Med Alert Smartwatch is a wearable lifeline designed for GPS tracking the elderly. At first glance, its sleek design and lightweight make it comfortable and straightforward. This GPS tracker has a 1.37-inch screen size and is surprisingly clear and easy to read.
Beyond aesthetics, it’s packed with critical features such as a built-in fall detector, an automatic alert system to the authorities, and heart rate and blood pressure monitoring.
Additional features such as a pedometer encourage an active lifestyle, while the Geofence technology offers an extra layer of security. Temperature measurement is another promising feature.
Our first impression is that it’s an affordable and reliable medical device for seniors. The introductory one-month subscription free of charge sets this watch apart from other options on the market.
Performance & Overall Experience:
The performance of the Smart Med Alert Smartwatch was remarkable during our testing phase. The device responded swiftly and accurately to our commands, and the immediate emergency response feature worked flawlessly.
The health monitoring was precise; heart rate and blood pressure readings were consistent with those of professional medical devices. The Geofence feature and the fall detection system added a sense of security, making it a reliable companion for seniors.
Despite the subscription cost, the peace of mind and the comprehensive features it offers make it an investment worth considering. The Smart Med Alert Smartwatch truly shines as an essential aid for the elderly, fostering independence while ensuring safety.
Tested Features:
Price: $269.00
Subscription: Requires iPhone with data plan
Tracking Technology: Cellular + WiFi + GPS
Battery Life: 18 Hours
Weight: 1.13 ounces
Dimensions: 11.65 x 2.99 x 1.35 inches
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Features & First Impressions:
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) has been designed with a host of features that make it an appealing choice for adults needing a reliable GPS tracker. Its 32GB storage capacity facilitates the use of various location-tracking apps, while its lightweight design and durable 18-hour battery life ensure comfort and convenience throughout the day.
Be sure to get the Cellular version, as it will allow you to track the watch using Find My.
You can find an excellent condition referb. one for half the price of new, Check Latest Price.
Despite its attractive features, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) may pose a challenge for seniors, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Although simplified by the ‘Family Setup’ option, the setup process still necessitates an iPhone – a requirement that could be problematic. Furthermore, the complexity of its interface could potentially be overwhelming for individuals struggling with cognitive impairment.
Performance & Overall Experience:
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) delivers robust features and an excellent user experience. Its 32GB storage capacity is generous, allowing for the installation of various tracking apps and safety features. The watch’s lightweight design ensures comfort during prolonged use. Its battery life will last the day, running for up to 18 hours, supporting tracking and other app functions throughout the day. The Family Setup feature is particularly notable, facilitating the setup process and enabling the use of the watch without an iPhone.
In terms of the overall experience, the multitude of features and superior functionality of the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) outshines the complexity of its interface, establishing it as an impressive GPS tracker for adults.
Tested Features:
Price: $99.00
Subscription: $36.99/mo
GPS Technology: AT&T 4G LTE Network
Battery Life: 36 hours
Dimensions: 2.74 x 1.71 x 0.7 inches
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Features & First Impressions:
The ADT Medical Alert Mobile with GPS is a compact and lightweight device designed specifically for the active lifestyle. As soon as you unbox the ADT Mobile device, you are immediately struck by its sleek design and minimal dimensions, making it unobtrusive for everyday wear. This device is more than just its aesthetics, though. Equipped with AT&T 4G LTE Network for GPS tracking, it provides real-time location information for enhanced safety, ensuring that help is always reachable, whether you are home or away. With lower 36-hour battery life, it will need frequent charging.
Our initial impression? It’s a fusion of style, convenience, and safety – a reliable companion for those always on the move.
Performance & Overall Experience:
The performance of the ADT pendant, when utilized as a watch band, was impressive and reassuring. The lightweight compactness of the device made it comfortable to wear throughout the day without causing any hindrance to our active routine.
It offered precise GPS tracking and swift emergency support, reinforcing safety at every turn. However, the need for frequent recharging was a minor inconvenience, demanding the user’s attention more often than anticipated. The subscription cost is on the higher side, but considering the 24/7 monitoring and peace of mind it offers, we found it to be a worthy investment.
Overall, our experience with the ADT Medical Alert Mobile with GPS was significantly positive, enhancing our daily life with an added layer of security.
Tested Features:
Choosing the right GPS-tracking watch can seem overwhelming, but keeping a few critical factors in mind can simplify the process. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
By taking these factors into consideration, you can make a well-informed decision when buying a GPS-tracking watch specifically designed for senior individuals and adults with special needs.
Using a GPS-tracker watch is straightforward. Understanding how the watch works and its additional features, such as fall detection, is essential. We recommend setting up the device with a caregiver and going through all the settings before gifting it to an elderly or disabled person.
Caregivers should set up boundaries within the app to receive notifications when the watch wearer leaves a specific area. Additionally, you should know how your preferred watch communicates with its app and plan accordingly.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is protected and well-monitored with their GPS tracker watch. The safety and security of your loved one are ensured, providing reassurance and comfort.
The best way to track your elderly parent’s location is to purchase a GPS-tracking watch. This device provides real-time tracking and notifications when the wearer leaves a specific area making it easy to keep tabs on their whereabouts without intruding too much on their independence.
For elderly parents with dementia, a GPS-tracking watch with fall detection and emergency response features can provide an extra layer of protection. The automatic alert system lets caregivers know when the wearer falls or needs help so that they can take appropriate action.
Most GPS-tracking watches come with their own companion app that allows caregivers to track their elderly parent’s location and receive notifications. Caregivers can also set up boundaries in the app to get alerts when the wearer leaves a specific area.
GPS-tracking watches have fundamentally transformed how we care for our loved ones, particularly older or special needs adults. Their wide range of features—ranging from real-time location updates to emergency alert buttons—offers a level of safety and security that is unparalleled.
Moreover, these devices offer a sense of reassurance, not just for the wearers but also for their caregivers. Gone are the days of constant worry about your loved one wandering off unsupervised. With a GPS-tracker watch, you can grant them the independence they desire while ensuring their safety.
Within the realm of caregiving, the significance and serenity these devices bring cannot be overstated. Undoubtedly, the best GPS trackers in smartwatches have become indispensable tools in today’s world.
Need to track something else? See our post on the Best GPS Trackers of 2024