One wrong step and you've tripped on the carpet – something that didn't happen to you so often before? That's because sure-footedness decreases with age. Declining muscle strength and balance problems are part of the normal aging process, so seniors fall to the ground much more frequently, which in turn can lead to serious injuries.
Don't worry! This won't automatically make you dependent on care, nor will you have to move into a care facility immediately. Many seniors live independently in their own homes well into old age. If you also want to do this and feel as safe as possible, you should consider taking safety precautions.
In addition to an accessible apartment perfectly tailored to your needs, an emergency call watch with a fall sensor, like our One Button Phone, can also provide peace of mind in everyday life. If you fall and are unable to call for help yourself, this small electronic device on your wrist could even save your life!
Reasons for falls – why seniors fall so often
The normal aging process can lead to seniors becoming less steady on their feet than in their younger years. Muscles gradually weaken, and balance problems become more common.
Typical age-related illnesses such as type 2 diabetes or dementia can also cause seniors to lose their balance or even fall. Hypoglycemia can even lead to unconsciousness and thus to particularly serious falls, as there is then no way to break a fall.
Trip hazards in the home can also be a cause of falls. Living spaces that are as barrier-free and level as possible provide greater safety for the elderly.
What is meant by an emergency call watch with a fall sensor?
When people talk about an emergency watch with a fall sensor, they usually mean a smartwatch. Smartwatches are modern wristwatches that not only tell the time but also function like small computers. These compact devices are packed with sophisticated technology. Depending on the model, in addition to a fall sensor, they offer features such as a phone function, a pedometer, an alarm clock, and the ability to display emails and text messages.
However, there are also very simple wristbands with fall detection and an SOS button . These are equipped with a fall sensor and have an SOS function, but they are not actual watches. They neither display the time nor do they have an integrated alarm.
Regular smartwatch or one-button phone – which is better?
Smartwatches are now available from most major mobile phone manufacturers. Many are packed with features and even have fall sensors, but they are complicated to use. This wide range of functions often makes them an unsuitable option for seniors. Small screens and small text further complicate matters.
If you're not into all the tech stuff but still want the security of an emergency call watch with a fall sensor, the One Button Phone could be the ideal solution for you. Theoretically, it's also a smartwatch, but one specifically designed for seniors and their everyday needs. This is evident in the clearly visible button on the front, which is where the device gets its name. "One Button Phone" simply means "one-button phone." Yes, you heard right, this little watch is also a phone and can even replace your mobile phone.
Another significant advantage of the One Button Phone is the family app . One of your family members can easily install it on their smartphone and then set it up. They can also use the app to view your location and check your vital signs. The One Button Phone is therefore perfect if you want external support and want someone to always be keeping an eye on you.
An emergency call watch with fall sensor for a better quality of life
Regardless of why you fell, if you are injured and unable to get up, you need to be able to call for help. Even if you are still conscious, this can become an impossible task, as the phone is often in a completely different room. For this reason alone, an emergency watch with a fall sensor is indispensable! It automatically triggers an alarm in the event of a fall. Additionally, most models allow you to make an emergency call yourself, making them well-suited for other emergencies as well.
With our One Button Phone, you can save up to three emergency contacts and request help with the touch of a button. The fall sensor is also very reliable and its sensitivity can even be adjusted. Don't want it to trigger with every minor fall? No problem! Simply lower the sensitivity to the desired level. Conversely, if you want it to trigger whenever there's a jolt, simply select a high sensitivity setting.
If you have a history of falls and have developed a fear of falling, we highly recommend the One Button Phone. It can significantly improve your quality of life. You'll experience less anxiety in your daily life and won't need to be overly cautious in your own home. This small device may even allow you to remain in your own home longer, thus boosting your self-confidence.
How the emergency call watch can become a lifesaver
Let's consider the following scenario: You're home alone, settled in your favorite armchair with a good book. Suddenly, you remember you left your coffee in the kitchen. You hastily stand up. The quick, jerky movement causes you to lose your balance and fall to the floor. You hit your coffee table so awkwardly that you suffer a life-threatening head injury and immediately lose consciousness.
Here's what happens: Depending on the technology used, the emergency watch with a fall sensor registers the rapid movement followed by stillness, or it records an unusual movement pattern. If you don't prevent it, it sounds an alarm and calls your emergency contact. Now you might be wondering what happens if your emergency contact simply doesn't answer because they're unavailable? Don't worry! Some models offer a call cascade feature. This means that not just one, but several contacts are called in succession – until one of them answers. With the One Button Phone, you can specify up to three contacts.
Since you are unconscious, your emergency contact cannot speak to you. Therefore, you cannot tell them what happened or where you are. In this case, it is extremely useful if the emergency watch with fall sensor can determine and transmit your location. The One Button Phone is specifically equipped with GPS tracking for this purpose, and as soon as an emergency call is made, your location is sent to your emergency contact. Of course, this requires sufficient GPS reception.
Your emergency contact can now inform the emergency services and send them to your address so you can receive the necessary medical treatment as quickly as possible. In this case, the One Button Phone would have saved your life. Of course, there are many other situations where it can be helpful. Not every fall is so dangerous that you have to fear for your life, but you might still need help!
When falls become life-threatening
Our example has already shown you that even a minor fall can quickly have life-threatening consequences. Severe fractures and heavily bleeding injuries can also be fatal – especially if they are not treated promptly. Heart attacks or strokes can also lead to falls and ultimately death. In these cases, it is essential that you receive immediate medical attention.
Don't take the risk; get yourself an emergency watch with a fall sensor early on. Don't wait until you've fallen for the first time—think about it now. There's no single age at which an SOS watch is useful for seniors . Our advice is definitely: put on an emergency watch with a fall sensor sooner rather than later.
How does a fall sensor actually work?
It's amazing that such a small device can register that you've fallen to the ground, isn't it? Behind it lies state-of-the-art technology, which can vary depending on the model. Two methods are typically used for fall detection .
Accelerometers and gyroscopes register your movements, while modern algorithms categorize the data recorded by the sensors and then determine whether a fall has occurred or not. The more sophisticated the technology, the more accurate the watches function and the fewer false alarms there are.
Usually, you can manually stop the emergency call. So, if you haven't actually fallen, or if nothing has happened to you and you can simply get up, you can prevent your emergency contact from being alarmed.
Prevention and reduction of the risk of falls – 3 tips for everyday life
Ideally, of course, you wouldn't fall at all. While the risk can't be completely eliminated, there are things you can do to be more sure-footed. Perhaps our three everyday tips will help.
1. Don't be ashamed – use aids
If you have a walking aid such as a cane or a rollator, you should use it at home whenever possible. While this may seem more cumbersome at first, it can prevent serious falls in many cases. There are even specially designed, narrow rollators for indoor use that fit easily through doorways.
You obviously can't use a rollator to navigate stairs, so you'll need to find another solution. If you're unsteady on your feet, a stairlift can ensure you can safely move between floors. Grab bars provide additional security. These can be installed, for example, in the shower, next to the toilet, or beside the bed, so you can pull yourself up or hold on to them when needed.
Many seniors find it difficult to admit that they are no longer as spry as they once were. Some are even ashamed and therefore forgo the aforementioned aids. Don't let such thoughts overwhelm you; instead, prioritize your health. And if you should happen to fall despite using walking aids and safety grips, the One Button Phone will reliably notify your emergency contact!
Tip: If you have an official care level rating, you may be able to have the necessary renovations to your home subsidized by your long-term care insurance provider.
2. Staying physically fit – exercise and preventative care
It's no secret that the body gradually deteriorates with age, and you not only lose strength but your nerves can also be affected. Unfortunately, according to current scientific understanding, this process cannot yet be stopped, but you can counteract it by exercising regularly. Stay fit by doing endurance training and strengthen your muscles with strength training. Coordination exercises are also a good idea.
Keep in mind that your unsteady gait could also stem from an underlying medical condition. Therefore, you shouldn't miss your regular check-ups with your doctor. If you suddenly notice a decline in your coordination and reaction time, or experience other physical symptoms, you can, of course, simply drop in for an appointment. Perhaps you already have an underlying medical condition. In that case, you should ensure that your medication is always optimally adjusted. Sometimes, the medication itself is the cause of an unsteady gait.
Incidentally, it could also be that your eyesight simply isn't as good anymore, which is why you fall over more often than before. So don't forget to get your eyes checked!
3. No power to the stumbling blocks – eliminate sources of danger
Finally, you should carefully inspect your home and look for potential hazards. Perhaps you could do this together with a family member who can then help you remove any tripping hazards. Slippery carpets, loose cables, and smooth carpeted steps are like ticking time bombs.
Even if nothing has happened yet, the day will inevitably come when you trip on your constantly slipping rug or fall down the stairs. Therefore, you should address this quickly to minimize the risk of a serious fall.
If, despite all your precautions, you do happen to fall, it's reassuring to know that an emergency watch with a fall sensor will sound an alarm. Thanks to its integrated SIM card, the One Button Phone also works when you're out and about, so you can feel safe even when you're not in your own senior-friendly home.
Freedom, after all, doesn't just mean staying in your own home as long as possible. It also means being able to live your life, meet up with friends, go shopping, or simply take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood.
Test the One Button Phone with fall sensor for 30 days
Have you been researching emergency watches with fall sensors and are overwhelmed by the sheer number of different models? Then write down the most important purchasing criteria for your specific situation, as the watch should suit your lifestyle and needs. Possible criteria could include:
- senior-friendly operation
- long battery life
- high wearing comfort
- Individually adjustable fall detection
- Emergency function with call cascade
- other health functions
- good value for money
The One Button Phone meets all these criteria. But what's even better is that you can test the device completely free of charge for 30 days. That's plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the fall sensor and the other functions. Ultimately, the choice is yours: Do you want to keep the One Button Phone and enjoy greater security and independence, or do you want to return it? If you choose the latter, you will, of course, receive a full refund.
