Alternatives to Apple Watch fall detection

The Apple Watch is one of the most well-known wearable tech options, offering features like heart rate monitoring, ECGs, and fall detection. While designed for health-conscious users, it's sometimes considered by older adults or their families as a safety solution.

But what are the alternatives to Apple Watch fall detection and how do the options like Taking Care’s personal alarms compare?

How does Apple Watch fall detection work?

The Apple Watch uses a combination of motion sensors and falls detection algorithms to detect a hard fall. If it senses that you’ve taken a significant tumble and you don’t move for about a minute afterwards, it will tap your wrist, sound an alarm and display an alert. If you don’t respond, it will attempt to contact emergency services and share your location.

While this is clever technology, smartwatches are not always the most practical choice for older adults. Daily charging, the need for a smartphone, and small touchscreens can make them less suitable for those who prefer simple solutions. Comfort and ease of use are also important considerations - and for some, a dedicated fall alarm may be the better fit.

Fall alarm pendants compared to Apple Watch fall detection

A human response 

One of the limitations of the Apple Watch is that it doesn’t connect you to a dedicated emergency support team. If it detects a fall and there’s no response, it contacts 999 or your local emergency number. While this may sound ideal in theory, in practice, it has several drawbacks:

• The user might not need an ambulance, just a hand getting up.
• Emergency services could be delayed or already dealing with other cases.
• There’s no one to talk to, reassure the user, or update family members.

Taking Care's fall alarms connect directly to a UK-based Emergency Resolution Team available 24/7. You’ll speak to real people, trained professionals who can quickly assess the situation and provide the right support with compassion and care.

Not reliant on family or emergency services to answer calls

Fall detection pendants can take the pressure off family members who may not always be available, especially during the night or while at work. Trained professionals are available 24-hours a day to assess the situation and provide the right support . They’ll involve emergency services or contact loved ones when it’s necessary - helping avoid unnecessary disruption while still ensuring help is always there when it’s needed.

Charging, compatibility and connectivity

Apple Watches typically need to be charged daily. That is fine for fitness tracking, but when safety is your priority, even one missed charge could put you at risk. Many users remove their watch at night, which is when falls, such as those that can happen during trips to the bathroom, are more likely.

The fall detection feature relies on either a paired iPhone nearby or a version of the watch with its own mobile plan. Without this connectivity, you won’t get the benefit of automatic emergency calls.

Taking Care’s personal alarms are designed for continuous use; they work without smartphones, don’t need daily charging, and many can even be worn in the shower - where falls also common.

Smartwatches aren’t always senior-friendly

While the Apple Watch offers many features, it can be difficult for older adults to use. The small screen, swiping interface, and complex technical setup can be frustrating. Poor eyesight, arthritis in the fingers and joint pain can make using a smartwatch difficult for some older adults.

Taking Care’s personal alarms are designed specifically with older and more vulnerable adults in mind. They’re simple, discreet and intuitive. There are no complex apps, no syncing, just straightforward support when it’s needed most. You don’t need to swipe and access a menu on a small watch display. Simply press the large emergency button when you need help.

Setting up a digital fall alarm is straightforward

When it comes to fall protection, simplicity and reliability matter, especially for older adults. Fall alarms are designed for ease of use: just plug in the base unit and charge the device, press the button for a quick test call, and it’s ready to go. No internet, no smartphone, and no complicated setup required. 

In comparison, the Apple Watch’s fall detection feature is more complex. It requires an iPhone, an Apple ID, and an internet connection. You’ll need to pair the watch with your phone, sign into your account, enable fall detection in the settings, and enter emergency contacts through the Health app.

While the Apple Watch offers many features, its setup can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with technology. For older adults or caregivers looking for a reliable, easy-to-use safety device, a digital fall alarm offers straightforward protection without the hassle.

Flexible pricing and lifetime warranty

Apple Watches cost over £200 to buy, with extras such as a charger, care plan, cellular coverage and straps costing more. You will also need a mobile network subscription to use it like a phone.

In contrast, Taking Care offers flexible subscription options with annual discounts, and a lifetime warranty on leased devices for added peace of mind.

If something goes wrong with your fall alarm, Taking Care will repair or replace it free of charge. The 30-day money back guarantee means you can try a fall alarm with confidence you can return the device if you are not satisfied with it. There are no long-term contracts either, so you can cancel at any time with no commitment.

How good is Apple Watch fall detection?

The Apple Watch can detect falls for elderly people, but it lacks the dedicated emergency resolution service that makes a real difference in an emergency. Taking Care’s fall alarms have real people at the end of the line who are trained to deal with emergencies, including falls and medical incidents.

They will have access to any medical information shared, as well as previous call history and a list of nominated contacts to call in an emergency. This information and experience can make all the difference in an emergency, ensuring the right help reaches you as quickly as possible. 

If you have a key safe fitted and are unable to get to the door, Taking Care can even share the code with the emergency services so they can reach you without delay and without forcing entry.

How good is Apple Watch fall detection compared to Taking Care’s personal alarms? It’s a helpful feature, but Taking Care’s alarms are designed for older adults with expert assistance. If you accidently trigger a false fall alarm, Taking Care’s team will answer and check you are OK before the call is sent unnecessarily to the emergency services. With regular test calls encouraged and a longer battery life, you can feel confident the fall detection service will work.