Hi Everyone, my mum has asked me to get my dad (Parkinson’s 10 years +) a smart watch that will alert her when he falls and also have alarms to remind him to take his meds. Can anyone on here recommend something that fits the bill? Many thanks. Russell
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Hi Grahames_Son,
Any of the new watches by Samsung, Apple Watch, and others, have a facility which will immediately phone 2 or 3 of your contacts if your mum falls. There are other functions like high blood pressure warnings etc.
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Hey Russell, that’s such a caring gesture for your dad. I’ve been in a similar situation with my uncle who also has Parkinson’s. We found that smartwatches with specific health features can be a game-changer. For instance, some models not only detect falls but also send alerts to caregivers, which can provide peace of mind.
I hope you find the perfect smartwatch that meets your dad’s needs and helps him manage his health more independently.
My brother also has Parkinson and I’ve been searching for a watch to gift him, as his birthday is approaching, can someone suggest me anything!?
We evaluated a monitor at home, which only worked indoors. For about one year’s rental we bought an Apple Watch. When my husband falls, I’m told immediately via my Apple Watch! Happened a couple of weeks ago at the gym. Very reliable and works anywhere, not just at home! Highly recommend!
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My dad wanted something super simple—big numbers, easy to read, and no fiddly buttons. We found one with a stretchy strap so he doesn’t have to mess with clasps.
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Check out our Tech Guide over on our website. We’ve got listings of products with reviews that may help your search - you can find it here: https://techguide.parkinsons.org.uk/
All the best
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team
I had similar issues with buttons and straps, so I ended up choosing a watch with a really clear display and easy clasp. I went with a model I found through bestrolexfactory.com after trying a few stores without much luck. Their selection made it simpler to pick one that’s easier to handle on shakier days, especially one with big numbers and no fiddly crown.
The Apple Watch has been great for fall detection alerts
I’d check the Parkinson’s UK Tech Guide for more options too
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I bought a simple, clear watch with a stretch band for easier use, but for something with built-in fall alerts and medication reminders, I personally found good options when I went to view collection at AllReplicaWatches, since their replicas have all the same smart features at a lower cost.
Rather than sourcing replicas, I’d focus on accessibility features the watch was actually designed for. The Apple Watch fall detection point is worth emphasizing—it can be set up to alert emergency contacts automatically, which matters more than brand or price. For button-free use, voice control and large-text faces reduce fiddly handling. Occupational therapists often advise trying on models in person to test clasps and bands for grip strength, since what works on a shaky day varies. Also check whether medication reminders can be shared with a caregiver. That practical setup beats a lookalike with unverified safety features.
I agree that the safety features being actually supported matters more than appearances, and unverified fall alerts are a real concern. On the caregiver side, it’s worth checking whether medication reminders can notify more than one person, since that changes the daily routine for everyone involved. Trying models in person also helps with band choices; a stretch band may be easier on a shaky day than a clasp. Has anyone found clear guidance on which watches allow shared reminders without extra subscriptions?
Worth thinking about how the watch is fastened as much as the movement itself. A clasp that needs fine pinching can be harder than a strap you can pull on with one hand or a stretch band that slips over the wrist. A larger face with bold hour markers also cuts down on the visual effort of reading it. Since the thread is short, what specifically did you find difficult with the current watch — fastening it, reading it, or something else?