An emergency call button on your mobile phone can provide greater safety for seniors, both at home and elsewhere. If you get lost, can't find your keys, or are injured, simply press the button and you'll be connected to your emergency contact. Alternatively, you can also call emergency services directly.

This solution, however, requires you to familiarize yourself with a smartphone or mobile phone at an advanced age. If you'd prefer not to do this, another option might be more suitable. We'll present various options and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of emergency call bracelets, smartwatches, and other systems.

A good example is the One Button Phone. This is an emergency watch that you can conveniently wear on your wrist. It also works on the go and impresses with practical functions and intuitive operation.

Emergency call button on your mobile phone – for greater safety

Smartphones and feature phones specifically designed for seniors often have a prominent emergency call button on the back. This can be pressed when needed, without any further action required. Depending on your previous settings, the phone will then dial 112 or a designated emergency contact.

The major advantage of this emergency call solution is that it can be used even outside your home. After all, you can take your mobile phone or smartphone with you everywhere. For the emergency call to work, it simply needs to be charged and have sufficient mobile network coverage.

Senior-friendly smartphones and mobile phones are designed to meet the needs of older adults. They have fewer features and are therefore less overwhelming than many standard devices. They also feature larger buttons and icons. If you feel confident enough, you can also use a regular smartphone for emergency calls. We will now present two options.

Use the classic emergency call function

Standard smartphones don't have an emergency button on the back. However, this doesn't mean you have to unlock the screen and then type in the emergency number or search for your emergency contact in your phonebook in stressful situations. Instead, you can use the standard emergency call functions.

On modern smartphones, you can make an emergency call by repeatedly pressing one of the side buttons. Sometimes you may need to press and hold several buttons for a short time. On Android, you can activate or deactivate this function in the settings. You can also specify who should be called. On an iPhone, you can adjust these settings in the Health app.

A countdown usually starts after you press the emergency call button. If you let it run out, the emergency call will actually be placed. In case it was a mistake, you can stop it again.

The standard emergency call functions of modern smartphones are only an option if you are familiar with the devices and how to use them. Even if a relative sets up the smartphone for you, that's usually not enough. The devices require regular updates. Furthermore, you can accidentally change settings and thereby deactivate important functions.

Install an emergency app on your smartphone

If you're not comfortable with the built-in emergency function on your smartphone, you can also opt to install an emergency call app. Echo112, for example, is a good choice. This app is especially useful for travelers, as it always suggests the appropriate emergency number, even abroad. You don't have to dial the number yourself; you simply tap it in the app. The app also transmits your location to emergency services. For nationwide emergency calls within Germany, the nora emergency call app is a good option.

Emergency apps can be useful if you're comfortable using a smartphone. Keep in mind, however, that making an emergency call requires several steps. First, you need to unlock the screen and then open the app. Only then can you call for help. To make the process quicker, you should place the emergency app directly on your smartphone's home screen.

Emergency call bracelets or emergency call necklaces

An emergency button on a mobile phone can be a real help in dangerous situations and accidents. However, if you slip in the bathroom and your phone is on the nightstand in your bedroom, it won't do you any good. For many seniors, emergency call bracelets and necklaces are therefore a better solution. They are worn directly on the body and are thus always within easy reach. However, there are significant differences between the various types of mobile emergency call buttons.

In combination with a home emergency call service

In Germany, numerous aid organizations offer a so-called home emergency call service. This can be used, for example, by senior citizens, but also by other people in need of care.

For a monthly fee, customers are provided with a device that allows them to make an emergency call at any time. This call is answered by an on-call service. The staff on duty then take care of resolving the problem. This service isn't limited to medical emergencies. Even if you've locked yourself out, you can contact the home emergency call service.

You will typically receive a base station that connects to your telephone line and power supply. This establishes a connection to the emergency call center. Emergency call buttons are also often offered, which you can wear on your arm or around your neck. It's also possible to attach a button next to your bed or in the bathroom.

If you always have the emergency call button with you, you can make an emergency call anytime, from anywhere in your house. It's important that the bracelet or necklace can establish a connection to the base station. Unlike the emergency button on a mobile phone, these devices are therefore useless outside your own home. However, they can increase your safety at home.

Sometimes a mobile emergency button with GPS functionality is also offered. This allows you to request help even when you're out and about. The emergency call center can also see your location.

Additional services for even greater security

In addition to the classic emergency call function activated by pressing a button, a home emergency call service often offers further services that can be added on. The more of these services are used, the higher the monthly fee. Typical additional services include:

• Key deposit: The provider keeps a spare key for you and can open the door if needed. This also allows emergency services to access your apartment in an emergency without having to break down the door.
• Smoke detectors: It is often possible to install additional smoke detectors. When you leave, the control center will also be alerted.
• Fall sensors: Sometimes emergency call wristbands are equipped with sensors that detect falls and trigger an alarm in the emergency center.
• Activity monitoring: Another service is the so-called activity monitoring. This requires you to press a button once a day to confirm that you are feeling well. If you fail to do so, the center will attempt to contact you and, if necessary, send someone to your home.

The disadvantages of the emergency button from the home emergency call service

An emergency bracelet or necklace from a home emergency call service is a good alternative to the emergency button on a mobile phone, especially for use at home. Due to the many different features and ease of use, this option is particularly suitable for seniors. However, it also has some disadvantages:

• The monthly costs add up over time. You might not even use the service for extended periods, but you'll still have to pay for it.
• The emergency call system can usually only be used within one's own house or apartment. It would therefore need to be supplemented by an emergency button on a mobile phone.
• Many seniors feel that such a solution would make them lose their independence. An emergency button on their mobile phone might seem less like an intrusion into their privacy.

If you don't want to pay monthly fees, you should opt for a private solution and, for example, choose the One Button Phone! This smartwatch for seniors sends an emergency call at the touch of a button or in case of a fall, so you can finally feel safe again.

Private solution using a smartphone

It's also possible to connect an emergency call button to your mobile phone. This is also worn on the wrist or around the neck. Unlike devices from a home emergency call service, however, this is a private solution. The emergency call button can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, for example. Pressing the button then sends an emergency call. For this to work, you need to install a suitable app on your smartphone.

The disadvantages of a private emergency button for your mobile phone

Just like the emergency bracelet from the home emergency call service, a private emergency button on a mobile phone has a number of advantages, but also some disadvantages:

• If you connect a separate emergency button to your mobile phone, you are dependent on the smartphone. It must always be with you in order for the emergency call to be sent.
• The operation and setup can be complicated. You may need help from a family member.
• You have to handle two devices and ensure that both always have sufficient battery power or are equipped with a full battery.

There are also emergency buttons with their own SIM card. These can be used on the go when you don't have your smartphone with you. The same applies to smartwatches, which we will discuss in more detail below.

Smartwatches with emergency call function

Smartwatch means "intelligent watch" in German. These small devices can do many of the same things as a smartphone, but are more compact and lighter. They are also worn directly on the body, which can be very practical in an emergency. Here we have listed the advantages clearly for you.

• A smartwatch can do far more than just make an emergency call. It often includes additional features such as a pedometer , fall detection, and vital sign monitoring. Making regular phone calls and sending messages are also typically part of its functionality.
• Many models function independently of a smartphone. They are equipped with a SIM card and use the mobile network to send the emergency call. A base station, as required for a home emergency call system, is also unnecessary.
• Smartwatches are truly mobile, as they can also be used outside the home.
• These small devices are lightweight and therefore barely noticeable. Consequently, they are easy to take with you and always readily available when needed. You don't have to fumble for your smartphone in your pocket or search for your landline phone in the house.

However, even a smartwatch can be overwhelming for seniors. The numerous apps and the way it's operated are often too much for older people. A smartwatch with limited functions and simple controls is therefore a better choice for many seniors. How about our One Button Phone, for example? It was designed specifically for older people!

A special smartwatch for seniors

The One Button Phone is a senior-friendly device that boasts exceptionally simple operation. All essential functions can be controlled with just one button. Thanks to the family app, you can even entrust the setup to a family member who is more familiar with smartphones. Once setup is complete, you can use the One Button Phone independently, allowing you to maintain a degree of independence. Your loved ones will also breathe a sigh of relief knowing you now have a working emergency button! Experience the advantages of our device for yourself and discover its many different functions.

• Emergency call: Pressing the emergency call button sends an emergency call to your first contact person. If they do not answer, the second and then a third contact will be called.
• Fall detection: The risk of falls increases with age. They can not only lead to unpleasant injuries, but also cause you to lose consciousness. The One Button Phone detects when you fall and automatically sends an emergency call.
• GPS tracking : When you make an emergency call, your location will also be transmitted. Additionally, your family members can check your location via the family app.
• Health features: Despite its simple operation, the One Button Phone is a true all-rounder, complemented by health features such as a pedometer and vital signs monitoring. Check your blood pressure and pulse at any time and quickly detect any deviations!
• Time and alarm: Naturally, the One Button Phone can also display the time. If you wish, you can even set an alarm.

Would you like to try the device without obligation? Then simply order the One Button Phone and take advantage of the 30-day trial period. Afterwards, you decide whether to keep the device or return it for a refund. So you don't have to buy the One Button Phone sight unseen; you can take your time and experience its fantastic features firsthand!