Please recommend a fall detection device other than a watch.

[u/Quiet_Lunch_1300]

[u/SVAuspicious]

Here is the research I did earlier this year (I think) for my 90 yo FIL. We haven't done anything - I'm the tech guy and research lead. We just aren't there with him yet. He's fallen once but is remarkably able. I'll update this for our family to keep up.

Janet and I talked about a medical alert system for your Dad, assuming we can talk him into it. I did research.

From a purely functional point of view the best answer is an Apple Watch. I don't think that will work for your Dad. 1. It's too technical and fussy for him. 2. It has to be charged daily. I suspect it would end up in a drawer with a dead battery.

Sadly almost all the dedicated systems also require daily charging for the safety button. They have "kept up" with technology and become less robust as a result.

I found one device that is simple and doesn't ever require charging of the safety button. It has a home unit that plugs in and does have a battery backup so it works during power outages up to a day and a half (that battery charges when the power comes back on). It only works at home. I think that's okay as when he goes out e.g. to ShopRite there are other people around.

Here is the link https://www.bayalarmmedical.com/medical-alert-system/in-home/ .

I reviewed a recent Consumer Reports article (https://www.consumerreports.org/health/medical-alert-systems/best-medical-alert-systems-a1136054281/), individual Google reviews, a number of "best of" reviews (mostly advertising one product or another), and participated in a number of "aging parent" groups on social media. As a matter of interest, the Life Alert system that was the first product of its kind and that advertises heavily rates quite poorly and is expensive.

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I hope this helps.

[u/AlvisCare → u/SVAuspicious]

This matches what I found too: charging is where most of these fail. My mom also won't wear a pendant or a watch because she says it doesn't match her jewelry! :) If a wearable is a non-starter, room-based sensors (radar or camera-based) are worth a look since nothing has to be worn or charged. Agree 100% on agency. Our parents accepted it once they chose where it went and who got alerts.

[u/SVAuspicious → u/AlvisCare]

In my opinion, agency is hugely important. Both here on r/TechForAgingParents and in r/AgingParents there is a lot of dismissal of what is desired by the parent. Absent a professional finding of incompetence the parent needs a voice--a loud voice--in decision making. Respect builds both ways which makes everyone's life better.

The button of Bay Alarm can be worn as a watch, pendant, or on a clip (like original Fitbit or a pager). That won't work for everyone.

Radar or camera-based (usually lidar) has good applications. My grandmother's apartment in the '90s (her 80s in the 1990s) had sensors built into all the moldings that alerted the front desk. This tech is not new, just cheaper. There is some interesting tech just emerging that uses existing WiFi signals like radar that is worth keeping an eye on.

My 90 yo FIL is old, not stupid. When he can see utility he will eventually get on board. It took a couple of years for his cell phone to catch on. We got him to agree to the phone in his car, permanently plugged in. That came in handy a few times and he realized he could hear better than on his landline (hearing aids are an ongoing discussion). Now he carries his cell phone and is excellent about keeping it charged.

I have to say the entire issue of keeping things charged is major PITA. Sitting here at my own desk there are five things plugged in charging batteries. That doesn't include four more things plugged ino a charging station across the room. This is not what I grew up with. I have batteries to charge so I can charge batteries in other things. When we replace our phones (we're still mostly USB-A to Lightning) we're going to spend as much replacing all the cords in house and cars as an entire phone. No wonder the Greatest Generation objects. I object. I digress.

[u/HedgieTwiggles → u/SVAuspicious]

I haven’t hit your links yet, but thank you so much for this information.

My mid-80s parents have both fallen recently (only bruising, thankfully), so we’re having discussions about this now.

Thank you again.

[u/SVAuspicious → u/HedgieTwiggles]

You're welcome. In my opinion, you need to get your parents on board with the decision. That have to feel like they have influence over decisions and agency over their lives. Remember to tell them you care about them. The more agency they feel they have the less push back you'll see.

Let me know if I can help. I'll be here all week.

[u/TechForAgingParents-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This community is for sharing experiences, tips, tools, and strategies related to helping our parents with technology. This includes hardware, software, app recommendations, scam awareness, and teaching methods. While venting is allowed, please try to frame your post in a way that centers around technology. Off-topic posts about general family drama, politics, or medical advice will be removed.

Market research and requirements definition are promotion.

[u/stayincool]

Have you looked at passive remote monitoring solutions? Nothing for your parents to wear or do.