Bless Her Busy Heart

When Dad Says No to Life Alert: How an Apple Watch Saved the Day

I’m deep in what many call the “sandwich” season of life—juggling the needs of growing children while also caring for aging parents. It’s a chapter full of new challenges, and while it’s not always easy, I’ve learned a lot along the way. I know I’m not alone in this, so I wanted to share some of the things that have helped me—especially in hopes they might help you too.

Today, I’m opening up about how I managed care for my father after he experienced multiple TIAs (mini-strokes), which severely impacted his balance. The resulting falls became a real concern, and since I can’t be by his side every moment, I had to find a way to both monitor him from afar and be alerted if he fell.

Understanding Dad’s Balance Challenges

Dad’s multiple mini-strokes had left him with significant balance challenges. Simple tasks  like walking or  standing became daunting, increasing his risk of falls. I observed that his balance  issues were not just physical but also related to his confidence and spatial awareness.

To address this, we started with physical therapy sessions focused on improving his balance and  strength. These sessions were crucial in helping Dad regain some of his mobility and confidence.

My Dad Said ‘No’ to Life Alert—So I Got Creative

My dad is as stubborn as they come—strong-willed, independent, and convinced he doesn’t need anyone’s help. So when the falls started happening after his TIAs, getting him to wear a traditional Life Alert necklace was a battle I knew I’d lose. He flat-out refused, calling it “an old man thing.” But I knew I needed a way to keep him safe and give both of us peace of mind.

That’s when I got creative. I introduced him to the Apple Watch—not as a medical device, but as a cool piece of tech with features he’d actually use. Between the sleek design, fall detection, and ability to call for help, it checked every box. And most importantly… he actually wears it. Sometimes, a little tech twist is all it takes to meet them halfway.

The Apple Watch Fall Detection System

The Apple Watch Fall Detection System proved to be a lifesaver. This feature, available on newer  Apple Watch models, can detect if the wearer has taken a hard fall and automatically send alerts to emergency contacts if the wearer is unresponsive.

Setting Up Emergency Contacts

Setting up emergency contacts on the Apple Watch was straightforward. I added my contact information and ensured that Dad’s other caregivers were also listed. This way, if Dad had a fall, we would be immediately notified.

How It Alerted Me During Critical Moments

There were several instances where the Fall Detection feature on Dad’s Apple Watch alerted me to his falls. One unforgettable moment was when he fell in the bathroom—his watch immediately detected it and sent me an alert. I was able to contact 911 and rush to his house so quickly that I actually arrived before the emergency responders. Thanks to the alert, he wasn’t alone for long, and I was able to make sure he got the care he needed right away.

The Apple Watch Fall Detection System provided peace of mind for both Dad and me. It allowed us to maintain his independence while ensuring that help was always just a fall away.

What Worked for Us—And Might Work for You Too

Caring for a parent who values their independence—especially one as strong-willed as my dad—has taught me that sometimes, the best solutions come from meeting them where they are. For us, the Apple Watch became that middle ground. It wasn’t about taking away his independence, but about adding a layer of safety that gave both of us peace of mind. I could breathe a little easier knowing that if something happened, I’d know—and he wouldn’t have to wear something he felt embarrassed by.

If you’re in a similar situation, trying to balance respect for your loved one’s pride with your need to keep them safe, I hope this post gave you some ideas. Technology isn’t a fix-all, but when used creatively, it can bridge some of the gaps in care—especially when we can’t be there every moment.

Thanks for spending a bit of your day with me. I know this season of life isn’t easy, but you’re not alone. I’ll continue to share more of what’s working for us in hopes it helps you too. Until next time—hang in there, and keep looking for solutions that work for your family, not just in theory.