I am starting to research this topic for elderly friend (CO) and parents (NY). Seems like most options are nationally branded. Found this article but thought my CC pals may also have some insights based on their caregiving experience.
Elderly family members have started getting Apple watches rather than old-school medical alert bracelets/necklaces. It has fall alerts on it, but then one can also call others if needed, too (and do all the other things that an Apple watch can do).
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I think Apple Watch is an excellent solution for my generation. For my 97 year old Dad, 2000 miles away not sure it will work. Still hard to get him to do FaceTime on the iPad.
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Apple Watch has the same issues as a cell phone. It needs to be charged…and not lost. My senior relative would take this off, and not remember where it was left. And most of the time, it would have no juice…and that wouldn’t even be noticed. And remembering to charge wouldn’t happen.
I think something very simple works for many folks. An Apple Watch would work for some, but not all.
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We had Medical Alert for my dad. He had to use it twice for falls. He had a lockbox on his condo door with a code for first responders.
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If/when I am widowed and live alone, I will get one of these right away. I understand you can shower with them on, unlike Apple watches or cell phones, and that would be important.
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My 90 yr old mother in law uses MobileHelp. I wasn’t part of the decision making process when selecting a provider but haven’t heard any complaints from her caregivers about MobileHelp. I handle all her finances and have had no problems with billing, etc. and it is reasonably priced at $36/month. She has fallen several times and EMS has come to her rescue. She has the type that hangs around her neck. My brother in law is with her most often and says she’d never be able to put a watch on every day.
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I can shower with my Apple watch. “Apple Watch Series 8 is rated IP6X dust resistant. Apple Watch Series 8 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean.”
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My 85-yr-old widowed mil is in a group text with several of her widowed friends. They call their group, “the Goodnoght Irenes.” They simply text each other, “Good night,” each night before going to bed and, “Good morning,” when they awaken. If someone fails to do their check in, they know there is a problem.
Obviously, this doesn’t provide immediate help if one of them falls. But I think they prefer the system they’ve set up. Makes them feel more… autonomous? Is that the word I want? Less old probably
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This is sort of adorable! 
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I’ve mentioned this before elsewhere, but my mother wore one of those fall alert buttons. We learned that they’re no help if you slip getting out of bed and hit your head on the night table going down. (As we later figured out.) So the fall itself was too slow to send an alert. Mom was on blood thinners and presumably never regained consciousness enough to hit the button.
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Apple watch water resistance is described at About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support .
Many (not all) mobile phones also have some level of water resistance.
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Before our Auntie died in March she had a LifeAlert. I found it hanging on the wall in the living room - only as good as the person who has it.
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Still researching. It may be that I use this exercise just to encourage Dad to keep his tracfone (charged) with him, perhaps in a neck pouch. Then if his wife has an emergency, he can call for help even if he can’t get to the phone.
Would that be uncomfortable? Even a small phone in a neck pouch?
My mom was pretty mobile and because of that I was always worried that she would fall like while in her fenced backyard (neighbors could not see in) when doing gardening and stuff. While I suppose she could yell for help, she would not probably not have her phone right with her.
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My DH showers and swims with his Apple Watch. There is a little side button that to turn (and think) that lets out any water.
I agree about the need to charge it so they can be a drawback. But when I fainted at a recent event, it called 911!
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I hope you’re okay now.
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My older sister has Parkinson’s and she wears an Apple Watch. When she fell getting her mail her watch called 911. I don’t know what she does when she showers.
My FIL put his phone on top of his car by accident. When he went down to the bottom of his very long driveway to look for it he found the fire department and the highway patrol outside his gate.
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Yes, thanks. It was my own fault. I had had 3 vaccines the day before so was feeling a little under the weather the next day (though it didn’t keep me from being out in the hot sun that next day and forgetting to eat/drink). That evening we were at a big fundraiser that we’d paid $$$$ to attend. I made it through a few appetizers before feeling light-headed. Tried to get to a chair but didn’t quite make it. Fortunately the fundraiser was attended by many doctors and nurses! We went home after I was cleared - missed the dinner and honors and all. 
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Thanks for all the input. My dad has limited mobility, but I’m not sure if the neck pouch for cellphone would work (I have a few options to bring on my upcoming visit.). Hanging it on the walker might work. It would be good if he could call for help if his wife had a fall or health scare. Having to charge and keep track of another device (or two) may stress them. So brainstorming on a variety of ideas.