A personal alarm watch can help people living with disability feel more confident and connected by providing an easy way to call for assistance from their wrist. Features such as an SOS button, two-way calling and location services can provide additional reassurance at home and while out in the community, without the need to wear a traditional personal alarm pendant.
For 60-year-old Victorian mCareWatch customer Jennifer Hayward, that reassurance is exactly why she chooses to wear her mCareWatch 241SE every day.
Born with spina bifida, Jennifer has undergone many corrective surgeries on her legs and has limited feeling from the knees down. As she has grown older, walking has become more difficult, and she is currently undergoing rehabilitation following a knee injury.
After experiencing a fall several years ago, Jennifer and her Occupational Therapist began looking at personal alarm options that could provide additional reassurance while fitting comfortably into her everyday life.
Why might someone living with disability use a personal alarm watch?
The reasons for using a personal alarm are different for everyone.
For someone living with reduced mobility, a physical disability or an increased risk of falls, having a simple way to contact another person can provide an additional layer of support.
For Jennifer, it was important that her personal alarm didn’t feel bulky or medical.
About five years ago, her Occupational Therapist helped her research a range of devices online.
“I didn’t like the idea of a pendant as it is too bulky. I did however like the idea of a smart-looking watch and that’s where mCare Digital came into the picture.”
Jennifer liked the appearance of the mCareWatch, the features it offered and how simple it was to use. She became an mCare Digital customer in August 2025.
An SOS button when help is needed
One of the key features of a personal alarm watch is having access to an SOS button directly from the wrist.
Jennifer hasn’t needed to use hers following a fall or emergency — but knowing it is there has already made a difference.
“The watch has reassured me — I’ve got something there, I can press a button and get help even when I’m on my scooter.”
For people who live independently or spend time out in the community, having a wearable way to request assistance means support can remain accessible without needing to carry a separate device.
An alternative to a traditional personal alarm pendant
Not everyone wants to wear their personal alarm in the same way.
For Jennifer, having something she could comfortably wear on her wrist, and that looked more like an everyday smartwatch, was important.
“Besides the safety button, I like the overall appearance of the watch — it is fashionable!”
Jennifer also finds the watch comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.
It’s feedback and individual preferences like these that continue to shape the way we design our personal safety technology.
That’s also why we created the new mCareWatch Dual 261, a flexible 2-in-1 personal alarm that can be worn as a watch or a pendant, giving people greater choice in how they wear their device.
“I’m grateful that I have a device that I can wear which is discreet and gives me reassurance. I love the fact that it doesn’t affect my skin and I can wear it comfortably all the time.”
Staying connected from your wrist
A personal alarm watch can also provide ways to stay connected beyond an emergency SOS.
Jennifer particularly likes having her contacts available through her mCareWatch 241, allowing her to call them from her watch.
“I have my contacts on my watch and I can call them at any given time.”
She also enjoys being able to view her heart rate from the device.
Having these functions together in one wearable device is one of the reasons Jennifer has found the watch so easy to incorporate into her everyday routine.
Supporting independence rather than replacing it
Assistive technology can be most valuable when it works around the individual.
For people living with disability, a personal alarm watch can become one part of a broader support network alongside family, carers, Occupational Therapists and other health and disability support professionals.
It isn’t about replacing those supports. Instead, it can provide another way for someone to remain connected and request assistance when they need it.
For Jennifer, the biggest benefit is simple: reassurance.
She can wear her watch at home, while going about her day and when using her scooter, knowing she has a way to reach someone if she needs help.
What should you look for in a personal alarm watch for disability support?
When considering a personal alarm watch, it can help to look beyond the SOS button and consider how the device will actually fit into everyday life.
Depending on the individual, important considerations may include:
- An easy-to-access SOS function
- Two-way communication
- GPS and location features
- Comfort for everyday wear
- Simple charging and operation
- Access to nominated contacts
- A discreet design the wearer feels comfortable using
- Features that suit the person’s individual support needs
For Jennifer, finding a device she actually wanted to wear was particularly important.
Would Jennifer recommend the mCareWatch?
Absolutely.
“I would highly recommend the mCareWatch to other people that are looking for this type of device. When I see people that I think may require a device like this, I tell them all about it.”
And when we asked Jennifer what she would change about her mCareWatch, she struggled to find anything.
“At this stage I can’t really make any suggestions — it is pretty close to perfect. Everything is working out perfectly.”
Jennifer’s experience is a great example of how the right assistive technology can provide reassurance without getting in the way of everyday life.
Looking for a personal alarm watch for yourself or someone you support?
The mCareWatch 241 and mCareWatch Dual 261 are designed to provide an easy-to-use, wearable way to stay connected and access help when needed.
Whether you’re exploring personal alarms for yourself, a family member or someone you support, choosing a solution that suits the individual’s needs, lifestyle and preferences is an important place to start.