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Fall-detection medical alert devices: NCOA tested which ones detect falls

NCOA says it tests fall detection by dropping each device from varying heights onto different surfaces. Its page says no fall detection is 100% accurate. It also says devices worn on the wrist are not as accurate as ones worn on a belt or necklace, and that the Apple Watch can detect only hard falls. Check a device's fall detection before you buy.

Who it covers

Everyone

Official source

National Council on Aging

Checked on

November 12, 2026. We opened the official page and confirmed the wording and every number.

We drop the device from varying heights onto different surfaces to see whether it detects a fall