I know there have been a few threads on this, but I want to be more specific. I would like to know what model folks found most useful for a medical alert device (specifically for falls).
I love my watch, but I simply use it for heart rate and how many steps, you know, the usual health app. My mother recently fell and then fibbed about it, so at this point, I feel like we need to be a bit more attentive, especially since she is refusing a walker. Thoughts? Advice?

The Series 10 is the latest Apple Watch. Series 9 is plenty good for fall detection.

As for fall reporting – Within each series there are models that connect directly to cellular service for a 911 call. And others that require a cell phone within Bluetooth range to make that 911 call.

Does your mom have an iPhone?

Yes, she does, so does my dad. They are older versions, though, if that matters.

Note: This was/is an AT&T "thing"
When I was shopping for a new iPhone they were out
BUT salesman offered me an apple watch 10 for $47 but it had cellular which added $7 to my monthly bill.
Having independence from my cell sometimes is convenient. MIGHT be worth it IF you're AT&T.

Hm, I am, and I believe they are, too, but I’ll have to check- thanks guys for the tips.. keep em coming

There is some mis-information in this thread. My service is on the Verizon network, not AT&T, and my Watch does not have a cell service plan. It's a Series 5. Fall Detection and calling work just fine.

EVERY Apple Watch, starting with Series 4, has the Fall Detection feature. You do NOT need a Watch with a cell service plan; the Watch will place its call through the paired iPhone. It calls 911, and it can be set to also call any number(s) that are designated as Emergency Contact in the directory on the iPhone.

If you look at the "Support" page on the Apple website, you will see a chat facility and a phone number, either of which you can use to contact an Apple sales advisor, who will be able to give you all the facts and details that you need to know, in order to select the product that is correct for your needs. Once you know which model(s) will suit you, scroll to the bottom of any page on the Apple website, and you will find a link for Apple refurbished products. You'll save around 15%, and get a Watch that is every bit as good as a new retail one. If you're eligible for a Military / Veteran discount, you can stack another 10% or so, for a total saving of at least 25%.

My personal opinion is any watch that is being used for fall protection should have cell service on board, not just linked to the phone as blue tooth has limited range and phones can be left behind accidentally or on purpose. In most cases, you will likely be close enough to your phone to access it but there is always the slim chance it is not nearby. My cell provider offers linking a device to the phone number for $10 per month which is quite reasonable, much less than the pendant services cost. There are both Apple and Android watches with cell capability.
I did have an issue with my watch not being able to make calls but I got it repaired and now check it every several days to verify it is still working properly.

Thanks for any and all info provided thus far. I genuinely appreciate your experiences with these watches.

An interesting thought just occurred to me.

You can make a 911 call from your mobile phone even if you haven’t purchased carrier service for it.

Consequently, I suspect that a cellular-capable Apple Watch with no purchased carrier service will make a 911 call if it detects your fall.

Check with Apple to be sure, but I’d bet that I’m right. I doubt that it would notify your spouse or other emergency contacts though.

quote:

Originally posted by bettysnephew:

My personal opinion is any watch that is being used for fall protection should have cell service on board, not just linked to the phone as blue tooth has limited range

With watches that do not have direct cell service, is a bluetooth link between phone and watch definitely required? I was under the impression that iPhone and Apple Watch can be linked either by bluetooth or wifi. Is this correct?

Wife’s Series 5 cellar detected a fall and she was able to decline the 911 call as she was okay.

According to ChatGPT all Apple Watches from series 4 have this benefit.

A medical alert for sleep apnea is available on latest technology.

I had a real fall a couple of weeks ago, and sure enough my Apple Watch asked me if I was OK. If I had broken something I would have accepted a 911 call, but I was able to walk another 4 miles on a sprained ankle. Stupid, but I could do it.

quote:

I was able to walk another 4 miles on a sprained ankle

Four miles on a sprained ankle? Ouch!

Sjtill, What version watch was that, if I might ask? Hope you’re ok.

quote:

Originally posted by irreverent:

Sjtill, What version watch was that, if I might ask?

I can't answer for Dr. GoodHeart, don't know which one he has, but every Apple Watch, starting with Series 4, has that capability.

Check the Apple website -- you will find both "chat" and a phone number, for sales support. They will be able to answer all your questions, right from the horse's mouth.