What medical alert device did you choose?

I use my Garmin Fenix 6X Pro. It is great for tracking health and fitness, allows others I designate to track me on hikes, or bike rides and issues an alert to Emergency First Responders if I take a hard fall. It also has alerted me to a heart issue that got me to the ER and is now being addressed by a cardiologist. It’s pricey, but there’s no monthly fee.

i use my apple watch which i prefer to a necklace..down side, i do have to take it off for charging

I want to share my experience because I didn’t have a great time with those necklaces and bracelet types. I tried a couple; one with a simple pendant with a button, and the other was a bracelet that supposedly detected falls. Honestly, they just didn’t work for me and my mom.
She would often forget to wear them, or she’d take them off because they felt uncomfortable or got in the way. And with the fall detection one, we had a lot of false alarms, which were really frustrating. Also, one time she did fall, it didn’t trigger.

My mom doesn’t walk much, just to the bathroom and back, so she spends most of her time in her room. I needed something that suited that type of situation. I read about the JubileeTV box online and decided to give it a try.
The TV detection system tells me if she’s left her room and how long she’s been out. That way, if she’s out longer than usual, I know something might be off. There was this one time she fell in the hallway and couldn’t get up when I was out for groceries. I saw on my app that she wasn’t in the room for a while, and I rushed back to help her.

I also set up reminders for her meds, and I can call her directly on the TV whenever I need to, even if the TV is off.

It’s all super simple for her to use. She always had a lot of trouble with TV remotes, but this one has 6 buttons, so she doesn’t call me all the time to turn the volume up or change the channel. Sometimes she still forgets how to do something, so she calls me, and I can do it for her through my app. Very convenient option, if you still didn't find what suits you.

I purchased a Galaxy Watch 6. It does everything apple and Garmin does. I use android os so needed the Galaxy to use with my Samsung phone. I don't know how you can determine if the fall alert will work unless you fall!! I haven't tried to "fake it".

Your explanation that the device must fit the situation is hepful, I would like a device that suits my situation of living with a deaf man with nobody else nearby. I could not yell for help. I tried one of those necklace type buttons. It heated up on my chest and it called the Philippines if I pushed the button, not any local emergency response. Definitely not as advertised and super expensive. Ideas?

Apple Watch for me. I have GPS and cellular so if I don’t have my phone, I can still make and receive calls. 20 bucks more a month but while I occasionally might not have my phone, if I leave the house I always wear my watch.

Since yelling for help isn't an option, you might want to look into a "professionally monitored medical alert system" that connects to a monitoring centre, which can dispatch local emergency services for you.
Just make sure you look for features like fall detection and GPS tracking.

One thing that comes to mind is a wall-mounted button. You can place these in every room, and they have a large button that you can easily press for help. Some companies offer a base station with a powerful speaker and microphone that acts as the main hub. You get multiple wall buttons, and they are a one-time purchase and not very expensive. There is a monthly service fee, though.

If you can't pay the monthly fee, there are some unmonitored systems that you can put a few phone numbers in, like a relative's number or 911. When the button is pressed, it automatically calls or texts those numbers. The downside is, if those contacts don't answer, there is no backup plan.

One more thing to think about is vibrating alerts or visual cues, such as flashlight lights.
Hope I helped, but you need to do some research to find what suits your situation the best. I just gave you some ideas on where to start.

Your local md or hospital discharge planners may also have suggestions about what works for others in your area.

Thanks. I’ll have to think this over. The device I tried sounded fine. It just did not perform as advertised. I also have a panic button on my alarm system, but it goes to police, not medical services.

Good idea. They would know what works. Thanks.

I wonder if I really need a 911 device.. Sometimes I think I do and sometimes I don’t think I need one. Is there a list of criteria or is it just obvious when it is needed?