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COVID-19 Update: Medical Alerts are considered essential devices during the COVID crisis, so monitoring and customer service centers are still open and ready to help. To learn more about how these and other essential products can keep older adults safe and connected during this crisis, take a look at our list of 10 essential products. |
Established in 2006, MobileHelp is a newcomer on the medical alert scene when compared with companies such as Life Alert and LifeStation, both of which have been around for decades. However, MobileHelp still has a solid reputation thanks to its low monthly expenses and generous refund policy for cancellations. Subscribers also aren’t locked into a long-term plan with MobileHelp devices.
Many medical alert systems require a landline, but MobileHelp products work with a cellular connection via AT&T. There are no additional fees for cellular service through MobileHelp, and the company charges less for monthly cellular subscription fees than most other well-known medical alert providers. This makes MobileHelp devices popular with active seniors as well as elderly adults who spend the majority of their time at home.
MobileHelp offers a classic in-home unit as well as a smartwatch and a mobile device. The company provides a free lockbox for subscribers, which is a perk rarely offered by competitors. There are four different plans available, and for an additional cost, seniors can customize their subscription with special features tailored to their needs.
Researching medical alert systems can get tricky, but this guide explains why MobileHelp may be the right choice for you or the special senior in your life. Explore features, products and prices in the detailed description below.
MobileHelp Features
Though there are not many add-ons available for subscribers, MobileHelp does offer a fall-detection feature. However, fall detection is not available with the smartwatch, so some seniors also carry a mobile unit with fall detection enabled when they wear the watch. All of the devices are water resistant, and subscribers can test them during a 30-day free trial.
MobileHelp offers medication reminders as an add-on feature, and seniors can also purchase a wall-mounted help button. Loved ones can track activities and events with the caregiver app. If an emergency occurs, a PIN-activated lockbox lets EMS workers in the home quickly.
MobileHelp Plans for Seniors
MobileHelp has monthly plans for every budget, from a basic $19.95 Classic plan to the $41.95 Duo option, providing seniors with an in-home system as well as a mobile device. Seniors can try devices during a 30-day trial period, and there are no cancellation fees if a subscriber decides a plan isn’t right for them.
Services are billed monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually. The monthly service plan requires a one-time fee of $49.95, but there are no activation fees or equipment expenses for longer contracts. However, subscribers must pay for the Samsung smartwatch-style device, which costs $349.95. There is a one-time discount for plans that are billed quarterly, semiannually or annually, and devices for this plan ship free.
Special features include fall detection, a wall-mounted help button, medication reminders and a PIN-protected lockbox. Fall protection costs $10 per month, and it’s available for all plans except the Smart plan. The wall-mounted help button costs $2 per month, and medication reminders have a $5 monthly fee. There’s no cost for the PIN-protected lockbox.
| Classic | Solo | Duo | Smart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $19.95 | $37.95 | $41.95 | $24.95 after a one-time device fee of $349.95 |
| Device Type | In-home system | Mobile system | In-home system and mobile system | Smartwatch-style device |
| Connection | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular |
| Range | 600′ | N/A | 600′ | N/A |
| Fall Detection | $10 per month | $10 per month | $10 per month | N/A |
| Battery Life | 30-hour backup | 24 hours | 24 hours for the in-home system, and 30-hour backup for the mobile system | 48 hours |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Classic MobileHelp Plan
Device Information
The Classic MobileHelp unit is a basic in-home system that includes a base station and a waterproof pendant. Seniors can wear the pendant as a wrist band or place it around the neck. The base station uses a cellular connection and has a range of up to 600 feet. The base plugs into the wall, but in case of a power outage or accidental plug removal, the battery has a 30-hour backup life.
Pricing
At $19.95 a month, the Classic plan is the most budget-friendly option available from MobileHelp. Seniors can add fall detection for an extra $10 per month.
Solo MobileHelp Plan
Device Information
The Solo MobileHelp system is a mobile unit with a two-way speaker and a waterproof pendant. When a senior presses the help button, MobileHelp pinpoints the location with GPS monitoring and cellular triangulation. The mobile device’s battery lasts up to 24 hours without being recharged.
Pricing
The price jumps to $37.95 for the Solo plan, which is nearly twice as much as the Classic plan. However, the Solo plan features a mobile device for active seniors, and it can track them anywhere within an AT&T coverage area. Fall protection is available for $10 per month.
Duo MobileHelp Plan
Device Information
The Duo MobileHelp plan features the devices from the Classic plan and the Solo plan. Seniors receive an in-home base unit with a pendant and a mobile device. The in-home unit has a 30-hour battery backup life, and the mobile device’s battery lasts up to 24 hours.
Pricing
The Duo MobileHelp plan costs $41.95 per month and an additional $10 if a subscriber includes fall protection. This plan is a good option for seniors who want coverage at home and on the go without paying much more than they would for the Solo plan.
Smart MobileHelp Plan
Device Information
The Smart MobileHelp plan features a modern smartwatch-style device from Samsung. Seniors cannot text or call from the watch, but it has many of the features other smartwatches have, such as weather tracking and Wi-Fi compatibility. You can also monitor your heart rate and track your steps with the MobileHelp smartwatch.
A two-way speaker lets seniors call for help and chat with emergency crew. You can activate this speaker by gently pressing a button on the side of the watch.
Pricing
Monthly pricing is just $24.95 for the Samsung watch, but there is a one-time device fee of $349.95. Fall detection is not available.
Who Should Use MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems
MobileHelp medical alert systems are ideal for active seniors as well as those who spend most of their day at home. The company’s products are best for seniors who want a budget-friendly medical alert system that doesn’t require a landline.
Seniors Who Enjoy Staying Home
Elderly individuals who enjoy relaxing at home can benefit from the Classic MobileHelp plan. It gives seniors the confidence to live alone or with minimal supervision, especially if you choose the fall-detection benefit. The medication reminder feature also encourages independence by ensuring seniors take essential prescriptions daily and on time.
The Duo plan is ideal for seniors who want protection when they’re at home as well as on the go.
Active Seniors
Seniors who spend their free time shopping, dining out with friends or exploring the community can benefit from a mobile device. MobileHelp offers three plans for mobile seniors: the Solo, Duo and Smart plans. Fall protection is available for the first two plans, so seniors can quickly access emergency care if an injury occurs outside of their home.
Caregivers and Other Loved Ones
Stay in the loop with the MobileHelp caretaker app. This app provides information about events, such as medical appointments or special occasions, so you know where to find your loved one. You can also monitor daily activities, which may help prevent issues before they occur. For example, a low activity rate may indicate infection or illness in a senior who is usually fairly active.
Pros and Cons of MobileHelp Devices
Before committing to a MobileHelp subscription, consider the pros and cons. MobileHelp has numerous advantages, but it lacks some of the features found in pricier units.
MobileHelp Pros:
- Affordable
- No landline required
- No additional expenses for cellular use
- One-time discount for bulk plans
- All devices are water resistant
- Smartwatch available
- Caregiver app
- Medication reminders available
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees
- Free 30-day trial for new subscribers
MobileHelp Cons:
- Fall detection not available with the Smart plan
- Some plans require an activation fee
With so many devices available, it can be difficult to find the right one for yourself or a loved one. Consider the pros and cons above as well as pricing and special features before making a selection. A high-quality medical alert system promotes independence while also preserving safety, and it can save lives.