Can You Wear a Medical Alert Device in the Shower? IP65 & IP67 Ratings Explained

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for seniors. Wet floors, slippery surfaces, and hard edges make falls more likely and more serious. In fact, the bathroom is where a significant number of senior falls happen every year across Canada.

So here’s the question: if your medical alert device can’t get wet, what happens when you need it most?

Many seniors remove their devices before stepping into the shower or bath, leaving them unprotected during the moments they’re at greatest risk. That’s why water resistance isn’t just a bonus feature in a medical alert system, it’s essential.

In this guide, we’ll break down what IP65 and IP67 water-resistance ratings actually mean and help you understand which level of protection is right for you or your loved one.

For families caring for a loved one with dementia or cognitive decline, the question slowly shifts from “Are they forgetting things?” to “Are they still safe on their own?”

That shift matters. Cognitive decline affects more than memory. It affects judgment, awareness, and the ability to respond under pressure. And when emergencies happen, those abilities are critical.

What Do IP Ratings Actually Mean?

When shopping for a medical alert device, you’ll often see terms like “IP65” or “IP67” on the product page. These aren’t random numbers, they’re part of an internationally recognized rating system called the Ingress Protection (IP) standard.

The IP rating tells you how well a device is sealed against two things: dust and water. It always uses two digits:

•      The first digit (0–6) measures protection against solid particles like dust. A rating of 6 means the device is completely dust-tight.

•      The second digit (0–9) measures protection against water. The higher the number, the more water exposure the device can handle.

For medical alert devices, you’ll most commonly see IP65 and IP67. Both have top-level dust protection (that’s the “6”), but they differ when it comes to water, and that difference matters.

IP65 vs. IP67: What’s the Difference?

Let’s keep it simple. Here’s what each rating means in everyday terms:

	IP65	IP67
Dust Protection	Fully dust-tight	Fully dust-tight
Water Protection	Withstands water jets and splashes from any direction	Can survive being submerged in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes
Handwashing	✓ Safe	✓ Safe
Rain & Splashes	✓ Safe	✓ Safe
Shower	⚠ Brief exposure only	✓ Safe
Bath / Submersion	✗ Not recommended	⚠ Brief submersion only

In simple terms, IP65 is water-resistant, meaning it handles everyday splashes with ease. IP67 goes a step further and can handle being temporarily submerged, making it the better choice if you want full confidence wearing your device in the shower.

Neither rating means a device is fully waterproof for activities like swimming or prolonged time underwater. But for daily life at home, both offer meaningful protection.

Why Water Resistance Matters for Senior Safety

It might seem like a small detail, but the water resistance of your medical alert device can make a real difference in an emergency.

If a senior takes off their pendant or watch before showering, they’re unprotected for 10 to 20 minutes, in the exact environment where falls are most likely to occur. A wet floor, a moment of dizziness, or a simple misstep can lead to a serious injury. Without the device on, there’s no way to call for help.

A water-resistant medical alert device closes that gap. When you can wear it in the shower, in the rain, or while washing dishes, you never have to choose between safety and daily life. Protection stays on, around the clock.

Senior Protection’s Water-Resistant Devices

At Senior Protection, our devices are built to keep up with your life, including the moments that involve water. Here’s how our lineup stacks up:

Smart Protect Watch (IP67)

Our medical alert smartwatch is rated IP67, meaning you can confidently wear it while washing your hands, showering, or heading out in the rain. Combined with automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and 24/7 emergency monitoring, the Smart Protect keeps you safe without ever needing to come off your wrist.

On-The-Go Pendant (Water-Resistant)

Designed for active seniors, the On-The-Go pendant is built to resist everyday splashes and spills. Whether you’re out for a walk and it starts raining or you’re washing up at the sink, your pendant stays protected. It’s a compact, reliable companion with fall detection and two-way voice communication.

Home Protect Pendant (Water-Resistant)

For seniors who spend most of their time at home, the Home Protect pendant offers water-resistant protection throughout the house. You can wear it while doing chores, cooking, or even in the shower. With a range of up to 1,000 feet from the base station, help is always within reach.

Tips for Caring for Your Water-Resistant Device

While our devices are designed to handle water exposure, a little care goes a long way in keeping them in top shape:

•     Avoid swimming or soaking in the bath with your device on.
Water-resistant does not mean waterproof for prolonged submersion.

•    Pay attention to charging ports and buttons.
After heavy water exposure, gently dry your device with a soft cloth. 

•     Keep your device charged regularly.
A device that runs out of battery can’t protect you, no matter how water-resistant it is.

•      Over time, wear and tear can reduce water resistance.
If you notice any damage to the casing or seals, contact our Customer Care team. •

•      Extreme heat can affect the seals.
Avoid exposing your device to hot water, steam rooms, or saunas.

Stay Protected, Even in the Shower

Your medical alert device should work wherever you are, including the bathroom, the kitchen sink, and the rainy walk to the mailbox. With IP65 and IP67 water-resistant options, Senior Protection’s devices are designed to keep you safe during every moment of your day, not just the dry ones.

Ready to find the right water-resistant medical alert device for you or your loved ones?Explore our devices at seniorprotection.ca/productsor call us at +1 (866) 416 0838.