Personal emergency pendant heads for retirement

The SOS Mobile Watch is designed as a possible alternative to the 500,000 personal emergency pendants currently in use in Australia. Developed and released by Australian healthcare technology company mCareWatch earlier this year, the device is an all-in-one stand-alone smartwatch, mobile phone, location finder and personal emergency alarm designed to assist the elderly, disabled or those with health concerns. It’s also waterproof so it can be worn in the shower.

The emergency pendants are similar to a necklace or bracelet and are equipped with a button that’s pressed when assistance is required. The issue is the usage of these devices is confined to a limited area such as the home. The SOS Mobile Watch is different - there are no restrictions for the wearer, allowing them to go about their daily lives as normal. Once the SOS button on the watch is pressed it automatically dials three carers’ or family members’ phone numbers which have been pre-set and a built-in microphone and speaker allows hand-free calls. The emergency calls from the watch can also be answered by a 24/7 monitoring service if family or carers are living interstate or overseas.

“If the wearer should ever be in an emergency situation they can activate the SOS button and speak to their carers for help, anywhere, at any time. They can retain their freedom and independence whether they’re socialising, gardening outside or shopping and give loved ones and carers peace of mind,” mCareWatch founder Peter Apostolopoulos says.

Another difference is the level of support mCareWatch provides for the carers of the wearer. The watch includes a free download of the carer’s mobile app for up to five people and access to the carer’s web portal. The app and web portal allows the carer to communicate directly with their loved one and gives them the ability to locate where they are. They can also set up reminder alarms for medicine and doctor’s appointments,

Bankstown City Aged Care executive manager Julia Learson recently gifted the SOS Mobile Watch to all of its new residents at its Donington Gardens Facility.

“My concern when we were building our new retirement village for independent living was the need to provide security for the residents but I was reluctant to use the old-fashioned traditional emergency pendants. I was looking for something similar but a personal emergency alarm that would offer real independence and mobility. I found that with the SOS Mobile Watch which gives independence to the wearer and peace of mind to the carers,” she says.

For further information, visit www.mcarewatch.com.au.