Whether in the event of a fall, sudden health problems or other emergencies – emergency call systems can save lives. In an emergency, they enable quick access to help and also promote the independence of seniors, among other things.
So what should you look out for when choosing such a solution? In this article, you will learn more about the various functions of emergency call systems for older people, the different types, the advantages and disadvantages, and the associated costs.
1. How do emergency call systems for seniors work?
Emergency call systems make it possible to send an emergency call quickly and easily at any time. Most often, suitable devices such as bracelets or watches are worn on the wrist or around the neck.
Simply pressing a button triggers an alarm that either connects to an emergency call center or directly dials the first emergency contact.
Home emergency call systems for seniors, for example, are specifically designed for home use and have a stable landline or mobile connection.
Mobile emergency call systems, on the other hand, offer additional security for older people on the go and use GPS technology to quickly transmit their location in an emergency.
Digital emergency call systems often have advanced functions such as fall detection and health monitoring.
A comparison of various emergency call systems for older people shows that there is a suitable solution for almost every life situation – whether for use at home or on the go.
2. What types of emergency call systems are there?
Here is an overview of the most important emergency call systems for seniors:
Home emergency calls
They are a safe solution for seniors who live at home. A single push of a button is enough to call for help - whether in the event of a fall or health problems.
The system consists of a base station connected to an emergency call center and a portable emergency call button, usually a wristband.
In an emergency, pressing a button immediately establishes a connection to the emergency call center, even if the person is unable to speak.
Trained personnel then assess the situation and organize help as quickly as possible.
Some home emergency call systems have additional functions, such as activity monitoring.
Mobile emergency call systems
Mobile emergency call systems offer additional security for seniors who enjoy being out and about and engaging in physical activity. They work via mobile radio and are equipped with a portable emergency call button.
In the event of a fall or a sudden deterioration in health, help can be called at the push of a button.
The integrated GPS technology transmits the exact location at the same time.
Emergency call watch
The emergency call watch is an emergency call system that is worn as a wristwatch. With a simple push of a button, support can be requested immediately in an emergency.
Many of these watches are also equipped with smart functions such as GPS tracking and automatic fall detection.
The watch therefore uses a sensor to detect when a person falls.
The display shows: Fall detected! Send all-clear.
If the person cannot answer themselves and does not give the all-clear within a few seconds, the watch immediately calls the specified emergency contacts in sequence.
The emergency call watch is therefore particularly suitable for rather active and independent seniors and can contribute to greater safety and a feeling of freedom and independence.
Emergency call apps
Emergency call apps, so to speak, turn the smartphone into an emergency call system. As with other systems, an emergency contact person or an emergency service is alerted with just one click.
The location of the affected person is often transmitted at the same time.
These apps are particularly suitable for seniors who already use a smartphone and are looking for a flexible emergency call solution.
Emergency call tablet:
Emergency call tablets are a combination of communication and emergency call system.
They not only provide easy access to help in an emergency, but also offer functions such as video calls, medication reminders, and health monitoring.
Thanks to their large display and simple operation, they are suitable for seniors and can therefore be an additional support in everyday life.
Digital emergency call systems
Digital emergency call systems go beyond classic functions and often offer a combination of emergency call, health monitoring, and smart home integration.
These modern systems use technologies to, for example, collect health data or automatically trigger emergency calls when certain health values are exceeded.
They are particularly suitable for seniors who value safety and comfort.
See also our blog article on the topic of Care for relatives at home, in which we discussed digital assistance systems in more detail.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list and not every emergency call system is suitable for everyone. Depending on the level of care and the support needs of the affected person, different solutions are suitable.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of emergency call systems?
Advantages of emergency call systems
Firstly, they enable quick help in an emergency and give both seniors and their relatives a feeling of security.
Secondly, they promote the independence of older people. They can continue to live in their familiar environment without having to forgo safety and protection.
Modern systems also offer additional functions such as GPS tracking, fall detection, or health monitoring.
This offers the advantage that fit seniors can also engage in physical activity, e.g. during a walk or while cycling, without them or their relatives having to fear the worst.
Disadvantages of emergency call systems
The costs for acquisition and ongoing fees can be high, and not all systems are as easy for seniors to operate.
In addition, there is a risk of false alarms being triggered. This can lead to unnecessary worries and psychological stress for relatives.
You can find more information on costs and cost coverage in the next section.
4. What are the costs for the respective emergency call system?
The costs of emergency call systems can vary depending on the country and the type of system. Basically, the actual costs consist of a one-time acquisition fee and monthly service fees.
Here is a cost overview:
Home Emergency Call
Monthly fees (depending on provider): approx. €20.00 - €30.00
One-time connection costs (depending on provider): max. €60.00
Emergency Call Watch
One-time purchase costs (depending on provider): approx. €150.00 - €300.00
Monthly SIM card & tariff fees (depending on provider): approx. €5.00 - €15.00
Senior Smartphone (with Emergency Call App)
One-time purchase costs (depending on provider): approx. €100.00 - €300.00
Monthly fees (depending on provider): approx. €10.00
Senior Tablet (with Emergency Call App)
One-time purchase costs (depending on provider): approx. €150 - €300
Requires access to WLAN or mobile data
Status: 12.2025
From care level 1, the health insurance company in Germany, as in Austria, can cover a certain amount.
Through funding, it is therefore possible to receive a subsidy or, in some cases, even complete cost coverage under certain conditions.
For this, a care level must be present and an application for care allowance must be submitted.
In Austria, the costs for an emergency call system can be covered under certain conditions by social insurance or care allowance benefits. Here, too, an application must be submitted.
Conclusion
Emergency call systems are a great tool to provide seniors with more security, freedom, and independence.
Important emergency call systems for seniors include: home emergency call, emergency call watch, senior smartphone and tablets with emergency call app, and digital emergency call systems.
Of course, there are cost differences here, depending on the device and function, which can be relatively high in certain cases.
However, subsidies are granted depending on the country and care level. In this case, an application for care allowance must be submitted.
All in all, emergency call systems can quickly and specifically place an emergency call in an emergency and thus significantly contribute to the safety of seniors in everyday life.
