LifeWatch USA Fall Detect System review

LifeWatch USA Fall Detect System comes with the standard neck pendant and base unit. The neck pendant is small and can be worn around your neck during all your daily activities.

LifeWatch USA Fall Detect System review
(Image: © LifeWatch)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

The LifeWatch USA Fall Detect System is competitively priced, but it doesn't offer much in the way of premium features. If you want voice extension or CO monitoring, we'd recommend looking elsewhere.

Pros

  • +

    Simple to use

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    Responsive call center

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    Doesn't charge extra fees

Cons

  • -

    Limited add-on options

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LifeWatch USA is one of many companies who make devices capable of detecting whether you have fallen at home. Like the best fall detection sensor systems, the LifeWatch USA Fall Detection System comprise a base unit and a wearable pendant (neck or wrist) that you keep on you at all times.

The pendant is the part the detects when you have fallen, and immediately starts communicating with the base unit to raise the alarm and call for help. The base station is connected to a 24/7 emergency monitoring station through your landline. This type device is not to be confused with the best medical alert bracelets, which are designed to let first responders know your medical history in a nutshell in the event of an emergency. 

For further ways to help you live more comfortably and confidently at home, we also recommend our guides to the best stairlifts and the best walk-in tubs

LifeWatch USA Fall Detect System review: Features

The LifeWatch USA Fall Detection System's pendant, which can be worn on the wrist or neck, monitors your daily movements. These sensors are designed to not mistake the tilting of the device for you actually falling at home. 

However, a false alarm may occur if you accidentally bang the device against a hard surface. For example, if you knock it against the counter while you're doing dishes, an alarm may sound and you will have to tell the agent at that monitoring station that you are OK. The typical response time is between 25 and 30 seconds.

The base unit is also designed to automatically test its connection to the monitoring center, so that it's always ready to help when you need it. The LifeWatch USA website also lists multiple add-on features, including mobile GPS, cellular base and a lockbox. 

The cost start from around $29.95 per month, with various plans available.

LifeWatch USA Fall Detect System review: an image showing the base unit

(Image credit: LifeWatch)

LifeWatch USA Fall Detect System: Performance

In our tests, the LifeWatch USA pendant accurately communicated with the base station at a maximum of 305ft in our open-field test. In our indoor tests, the pendant ranged up to 160ft. Both of these distances are on the low end of the ranges we found with our fall detection sensors and the best medical alert systems, including the best GPS medical alert systems

The base station has a battery life of 18 hours, which should outlast 18 the average power outage. The pendant alerts the base station of an emergency as long as it is within range.

LifeWatch USA does not charge activation, cancelation or equipment delivery fees. It offers different payment options and allows you to select a monthly payment plan – an option few fall detection services offer.

Should you buy the LifeWatch USA Fall Detect System?

LifeWatch USA provides average fall detection service, with low rates and fees, so if you want a budget option, this is worth considering. However, there are better quality, affordable fall detection sensors. These include the Medical Alert. For a very powerful and reliable fall detection sensor, look at the GreatCall or the BlueStar SeniorTech pendant-based sensor. 

Looking for more health and wellness content? Our guides to the best hearing aids and the best eyeglasses online are worth reading if you're in need of assisted hearing or prescription. You might also be interested in how the best health insurance companies and the best Medicare Part D plans could help you lower the cost of any medicine and medical care you need.

Jeph Preece

Jeph is a freelance writer who specializes in automotive subjects, like car stereos, and tech. With a Masters degree in Fiction from San Diego State University, he has written extensively for Top Ten Reviews on subjects ranging from car speakers and Bluetooth devices, all the way through to online file storage and backup software.