In today's smartwatch world, it's not uncommon to need a subscription in addition to the device and SIM card. Especially in emergencies, money shouldn't be a factor – but it definitely is. An emergency call watch for seniors without a subscription is certainly more in demand than monthly or annual subscription systems. The obligation to sign a contract with a provider in addition to the device is often a deterrent. This problem doesn't exist with the One Button Phone. It's an emergency call watch for seniors without a subscription, as it simply works via a mobile SIM card after purchase.
What is an emergency call watch?
The emergency call watch lives up to its name, as it's a watch that could save lives in an emergency. This includes monitoring vital signs and tracking location via GPS, but even more importantly, it features an SOS function. The One Button Phone allows you to save emergency numbers, which will then be called in the event of a hopefully never-to-be-needed emergency – even automatically in the case of a fall!
The watch is worn on the wrist like any other watch. It is a simple, elegant bracelet that nevertheless looks like a watch and has all its basic functions. In addition, however, it is a device specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors or people who generally require assistance.
Thanks to the practical one-button design of the One Button Phone, there are no technical problems or the hopeless situation of not being able to find the emergency call button in an emergency. Press one button and help is on its way – the system is unmistakable!
Why are there subscription models for emergency call watches?
Basically, there are four types of emergency call watches, including subscription models:
- Emergency watch with SIM card and subscription: This version includes an integrated SIM card for mobile network connectivity. It also connects to an emergency call center or app. The subscription covers mobile network costs, the emergency call center, and any necessary updates. This is likely the most expensive option.
- Emergency call watch with SIM card, but without a subscription: A good alternative to an emergency call watch with a SIM card and subscription is the One Button Phone. It also offers all the advantages of a SIM card, but doesn't require an additional subscription with a service. This eliminates the additional cost that would be associated with, for example, a connected home emergency call system. No subscription is required. Only the SIM card costs, which are also incurred with the subscription option mentioned above, need to be factored in.
- Emergency call watch without a SIM card, but with a subscription: In this version, the device connects to a smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. An additional subscription is required for extra features, such as cloud storage or location tracking. However, since the options are limited and it's a subscription-based system, this is not recommended.
- Emergency call watch without a SIM card or subscription: Here too, the connection only works via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but at least there are no ongoing costs. However, the device then only serves as an extension for a smartphone, which must always be carried along. Therefore, it is absolutely not a viable alternative, especially for seniors.
Looking at these four options, you'll quickly see why the One Button Phone is the best choice, especially for seniors. It's the second of the models presented here: an emergency call watch for seniors without a subscription, but with its own SIM card. This gives you complete flexibility, allowing you to use the included SIM card if needed, or even your own existing SIM card.
Aside from the generally very low basic fee that prepaid cards charge these days, no subscription is required. You also conclude the mobile phone contract yourself – this has nothing to do with One Button Phone or our company. Therefore, you enjoy absolute security and complete flexibility. You can decide for yourself which provider you want to use and which SIM card with which tariff you want to integrate.
If you wish to use the included SIM card, the cost for the mobile network is €5.99 per month. You won't usually find a home emergency call system this affordable, and you don't have to sign a two-year contract or worry about anything else. You also don't need to select a service or manage it yourself. Instead, the One Button Phone simply works via mobile network, so you can decide who gets contacted.
But isn't a home emergency call system actually better?
If you are now considering whether an emergency call watch for seniors with a subscription might be the better choice, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you really want to pay for the housekeeping services yourself?
- Do you or your relative want to wear such a conspicuous device on your wrist or as a necklace?
- In a potentially minor case (that is not a real emergency), would you really want to always call the care service, or could a family member help instead?
If you can answer all three questions with a clear "yes," then a home emergency call system with a subscription is certainly an option. However, if you want to remain flexible, we recommend opting for a subscription-free model instead.
Example calculation: Let's assume you choose a home emergency call system that incurs setup costs. These could be, for example, €80. Afterward, you pay a monthly usage fee, which in this example would be €25. Optional additional costs may also apply, such as key storage or a "I'm okay" button. For these, you would then have to budget for an additional €50 per month, for example.
In total, you will pay a one-time fee of €80 and a monthly fee of €75. Extrapolating this over ten years, the total cost comes to €9,000 plus €80 for setup (€9,080 total).
>With the One Button Phone, on the other hand, you would only have a one-time purchase. The 2024 model currently costs €279 (unless it's on special offer). There are no additional subscription costs. You only pay for the SIM card, which you can choose yourself. For example, you could budget €5 per month for this.
The costs are therefore significantly lower over ten years – at just €600. After ten years, you will have spent only €879 on this emergency call system, instead of €9,080. That's over 90 percent less compared to a traditional system with some additional services. Even if you didn't book any additional services at all and the subscription service were cheaper (for example, €15 per month), the monthly costs would still be three times higher than with a simple SIM card.
This way you can save yourself the subscription for the home emergency call service.
The example calculation should have illustrated how much money you can save by not using the widespread, but very expensive, home emergency call system. Of course, at first glance it seems like the best choice – but that's mainly because it's also promoted by health insurance companies.
Unfortunately, it's not covered by insurance. Health insurance generally doesn't cover the costs of a home emergency call system. Long-term care insurance is responsible for this, and you can only receive a subsidy if your care level is correspondingly high. However, planning ahead is important even if you don't yet have a care level rating.
Thanks to the One Button Phone, you thankfully don't have to forgo preventative care and can simply wear a watch that functions without a home emergency call system. Instead, you enter three numbers of your choice to be contacted in case of an emergency. These don't necessarily have to be your relatives – theoretically, they could also be caregivers, your doctor, or emergency services (112). Unlike a home emergency call system, however, you have complete control over what you configure and whom you want to contact.
In addition, the watch features a classic phone book, allowing you to make regular calls. This way, you can stay in touch with your loved ones at all times while also benefiting from the advantages of a comprehensive emergency watch.
Every minute can save lives.
The decision of whether seniors should wear a bracelet or watch for emergencies is often postponed. Perhaps you or your relative live in an apartment building with many neighbors and assume that someone would be nearby in an emergency. Or perhaps a smartphone is usually charged and lying on the table, so that should suffice.
Unfortunately, there are sometimes emergencies in life where this simply isn't enough. Your smartphone is far away, and neighbors don't hear anything. This is where the emergency bracelet comes in and can save lives, as there are many situations where every minute counts. If you lie on the ground for a long time and don't know how to attract attention, the consequences can be fatal.
heart attack
During a myocardial infarction, the heart muscle is no longer adequately supplied with oxygen. Without immediate treatment, parts of the heart muscle can be irreparably damaged. According to the German Resuscitation Council (GRC) , the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest without lasting damage decreases by approximately ten percent every minute. An emergency wristband with location tracking can immediately alert help and transmit the user's location, saving valuable time.
stroke
In a stroke, the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Leipzig University Hospital reports that up to 1.9 million nerve cells die every minute. Therefore, in the case of a stroke, the principle "time is brain" applies, meaning that the chance of a full recovery is higher the faster treatment begins. Being able to call for help with the One Button Phone at the first sign of a stroke, such as disorientation, paralysis, or sudden speech difficulties, could save your life.
Falls and injuries
A fall can generally result in serious injuries, including head injuries or hip fractures. Without help, these injuries can also be life-threatening. Many seniors are unable to get up or call for help after a fall. In contrast, the fall sensor in the One Button Phone automatically triggers an emergency call when a fall is detected – even if the person is unconscious and unable to press the button themselves.
Important: Not every health problem requires an emergency doctor. For this reason, some seniors consciously choose not to wear an emergency bracelet. With the One Button Phone, however, you can decide whether you want to make a real emergency call or simply a regular phone call. For example, if you experience a mild fainting spell, simply don't feel well, or have fallen without injuring yourself, you can directly notify and call your relatives – no matter where the phone is.
Shortness of breath or asthma attacks
Shortness of breath due to asthma, COPD, or allergic reactions can quickly become life-threatening. Without oxygen, fainting can occur within minutes. A manual emergency call via the One Button Phone on the wrist provides rapid assistance without the need to search for a telephone.
Hypoglycemia
If diabetics experience hypoglycemia, it can lead to confusion, unconsciousness, or seizures. In such cases, a rapid supply of glucose is life-saving. Family members can be notified immediately via the One Button Phone, ensuring that help arrives quickly.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is very insidious because the gas is odorless. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness can occur very quickly. An emergency call can therefore be triggered directly at the wrist before the affected person becomes incapacitated.
Other situations
As if the list of potential situations where every minute counts weren't already long enough, there are many more. For example, on hot days, you might experience circulatory problems or unconsciousness due to dehydration or heatstroke. Every minute also counts in the case of epileptic seizures, as well as falls or other emergencies in the wilderness. GPS can even pinpoint your location directly, allowing you to receive immediate help.
Wouldn't a simple smartwatch suffice?
When it comes to emergency calls, many of you probably know that this can also be done with a regular smartwatch. These usually have a phone function, and depending on the manufacturer, even SOS functions are included. But would you, your parents, or your grandparents know immediately where to activate the emergency call?
Smartwatches are mostly used by a younger demographic who appreciate their many technical features. While some of these watches do have SOS functions, this is just a small part of their capabilities. The goal is to offer as many features as possible while being technically innovative and comprehensive.
The older target group, however, wants the exact opposite. They want things to be as simple as possible and, especially in an emergency, not to waste any precious seconds. If you or your relatives have to think about how to make an emergency call, it may already be too late.
The One Button Phone is therefore perfectly prepared for this situation! It was developed specifically for seniors and optimized to their particular needs. This means it features a practical one-button design, guaranteeing no misunderstandings when making an emergency call.
In addition, it offers many other features that can be important for seniors, but it isn't cluttered with unnecessary technical features. Quite the opposite: The One Button Phone focuses on what's essential – your life.
- SOS direct dialing via a single, prominent button
- automatic fall detection
- Telephone function
- GPS
- Measurement of vital signs (pulse and blood pressure)
- Alarm clock
- Pedometer
All of this is combined with a high-quality display, splash resistance, and an ultra-lightweight design. Overall, the One Button Phone isn't a conspicuous emergency wristband that looks like something for seniors. Not at all, because design is clearly a priority.
You benefit from the elegant design while still enjoying a focus on your specific needs. Your loved ones can also view further details and monitor your vital signs via an app. This allows you to fully concentrate on simply wearing the bracelet, while your loved ones take care of the rest of the technical aspects. You don't need a smartphone nearby. The One Button Phone has its own SIM card and therefore functions independently of a nearby mobile phone.
Prevention is better than cure!
An emergency call watch for seniors without a subscription not only offers the advantage of quickly summoning help in an emergency. The additional functions are also useful, transforming the one-button phone into a fully-fledged smartwatch – albeit with features tailored to seniors.
It's not always immediately advisable to install a home emergency call system and alert the entire care staff when you're not feeling well. This might also be why you haven't engaged a service yet. Perhaps you feel uncomfortable because you don't expect a real emergency, or because your problem is of a different nature. Sometimes we just feel a little unwell or need to talk. This is perfectly human and completely normal in every age group.
Loneliness is a particular issue for many older people. According to the Federal Statistical Office, one in five people in Germany lives alone. However, among those aged 65 and over, this figure rises to one in three. As a family member, you can therefore take preventative measures by fostering social connections.
Call your loved ones regularly and do things together. Involve your family in local groups or make video calls. However, as a relative, you don't always know when your loved one might need to talk. Perhaps they're sitting on the bathroom floor because they've had a minor fainting spell. It's not a big deal and not something to call emergency services for, but a familiar voice would be comforting.
This is where the One Button Phone comes in. It's attached directly to your wrist and worn like a normal watch. This allows you to make an emergency call or simply initiate a regular phone call. The One Button Phone offers a phone function with a phonebook. So, if you're not feeling well, you can easily call your loved ones – without having to get up or search for your phone.
The voice connection can be established directly via the small device on your wrist. This allows family members to know immediately if you are okay, and you can then ask someone to come and check on you. This way, you can take preventative measures and avoid having to try to get up on your own and, in the worst-case scenario, risk a fall. Therefore, prevention is better than cure!
Try the One Button Phone for 30 days
If you're convinced yourself, or want to order the One Button Phone for your parents or grandparents, you're taking no risk. You can simply test the emergency watch for 30 days and get your money back if you don't like it. The necessary SIM card is also included, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Simply order your One Button Phone and enjoy the one- to three-day delivery time, which is also free throughout Europe. It couldn't be more flexible!
