MobileHelp Review

MobileHelp Review

If you’re concerned about falling or managing your own or a loved one’s medical condition, a medical alert system could offer needed reassurance. Essentially, at the touch of a button, you can summon first responders.

“Anyone who lives alone should consider a medical alert device. It is always helpful in the case of falls but also for security and to get help right away if in need of an ambulance due to medical conditions,” says Brandy Archie, OTD, a certified living-in-place and low-vision professional and founding director of AccessAble Living, a company that assesses and modifies homes for seniors.

MobileHelp offers eight different systems for use at home and away that include monitoring, fall detection, and two-way communication. MobileHelp has budget-friendly monthly pricing, excellent customer service, no contracts, optional add-ons and extras like fall detection, greater range from the base unit, and accessories like mini pendants and wearable bracelets. Keep reading for our expert, in-depth review of MobileHelp to decide if this medical alert system is right for you.

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent collectively more than 1,700 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. To make our picks, here’s what we did:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with geriatricians and adult caregivers
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed medical alert system users
• Tested various medical alert systems
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports

Why MobileHelp is One of Our Top Picks

MobileHelp is one of our top picks for best medical alert systems for its variety of devices, ranging from simplistic to more technologically advanced, its 30-day free trial, response time below the 40-second industry average, and its high rates of customer satisfaction.

Pros and Cons of MobileHelp

Pros

• 30-day free trial
• No contract
• No equipment fee for most plans
• Mobile options for active individuals
• Free lockbox with every order
• Long-lasting battery life
• A response time below the 40-second industry average

Cons

• Multiple buttons and lights on some units may be confusing
• Some devices cannot be worn around the neck if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator
• Fall detection requires an add-on pendant and a $10 monthly fee
• Two specific MobileHelp plans may have activation fees or equipment charges (that could be waived)
• Device may seem clunkier around the neck in warm weather
• No warranty against manufacturer’s defects

Compare MobileHelp at a Glance

Models Offered

The Classic is a cellular-based home medical alert system, meaning no landline is required. That’s good news for those who rely just on their cell phones. The system includes a speakerphone base with a panic button, indicator light, and test button so users can make sure their equipment is operational.

When a user presses the panic button, it initiates a toll-free call to the Rapid Response Center, a 24/7 U.S.-based emergency call monitoring center. The user can talk with the monitoring center representatives through the base unit (up to a 1,400-foot range) and can ask for first responders or a loved one or neighbor to be called.

The Classic is user-friendly; you just plug it in and press the test button. It has a built-in battery backup that protects you in the event of a power failure. A MobileHelp fall detection pendant, a specially designed accessory to automatically detect falls, can be added to the plan for $10 a month. The monthly monitoring for the Classic model is $19.95 with no equipment fees. The Classic also comes with a waterproof help button for use in the shower.

The Wired is MobileHelp’s only landline-based system, which is ideal for use in rural areas or areas without reliable cellular service. The standard unit comes with a base unit with a built-in speaker, as well as the choice of a waterproof MobileHealth pendant. The base unit works well in a 600-foot coverage area, which is the industry’s most extensive coverage for a landline-based system.

At $24.95, it costs slightly more than the Classic. It includes two-way communication capability and the same 24/7-monitoring.

With its eight-inch digital screen, the Touch Classic is a step up in appearance and features. It’s still a plug-and-go device but looks more like a sleek tablet. Extra features include a scrolling gallery of photos so the user can enjoy and display family photographs as well as cognitive game capabilities like sudoku. The unit can also be paired with the MobileHelp app for things like medication management and activity tracking.

The MobileHelp Touch Classic sports a basic, easy-to-operate screen and large display area. It’s compatible with 4G and LTE, and WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled. There are no hidden fees or equipment charges and the device includes the same 24/7-monitoring and two-way talk capabilities.

Although the Touch Classic is a tablet, its interface is simplistic and intuitive — so even those worried about technological complexity should find the device easy to use.

Designed for individuals on the go, this GPS-enabled unit consists of a mobile base device and a MobileHelp pendant button, which allow users to remain protected anywhere they are. The system operates on the AT&T coverage network, so depending on where you live, it could be an advantage or a disadvantage (however, AT&T is known for excellent coverage in most areas).

MobileHelp fall detection is available with the Solo (as it is with most of the other systems) for an additional $10 per month. The Solo model costs $37.95.

One drawback of the Solo may be that the battery life only lasts 24 hours, so it needs to be charged daily. Despite its short battery life, the Solo lets users receive help anywhere, anytime, at home or away.

The smallest and lightest system available from MobileHelp is the Micro, which earns its name — it weighs just 52 grams, or one-tenth of a pound. With its detachable, water-resistant mini button lanyard, the Micro is designed for active individuals and features a voice-guided quality audio speaker and the same two-way communication and 24/7-monitoring.

Unlike other MobileHelp products, this GPS-enabled detection device comes with automatic fall detection at no additional cost. The Micro costs $29.95 plus an additional $79.99 equipment fee charge, in most cases.

The Micro has a much longer-lasting battery than the Solo — users simply charge the device, slide the lanyard over their head and enjoy extended battery life of up to five days without needing a recharge, providing the same peace of mind you seek in a sleeker, more stylish system.

The MobileHelp Duo includes an in-home unit, a mobile unit to use when you’re away from home, and a waterproof help button that can even be worn in the shower.

MobileHelp Duo and Mobile Duo are actually the same systems except the Mobile Duo includes two help buttons and costs a few dollars more. The MobileHelp Duo comes in at $41.95, which is a good deal for a hybrid system that allows for excellent coverage for one person or for a couple to use together, since it contains both an in-home system and one mobile device, plus a MobileHelp pendant. One person can be at home while the other is away, and both can use the system. As with most plans, you can buy the additional fall protection for $10 per month.

As the industry’s only two-for-one medical alert system, the Mobile Duo has two water-repellent help buttons so couples can be safe on the go. At $44.95 monthly, the Mobile Duo is just $3 more than MobileHealth Duo and is designed for partner safety.

The system includes the same two mobile units as MobileHealth Duo along with two help buttons and chargers. However, there is no home-based unit (like with the MobileHealth Duo), but you can easily use your mobile units in the house. You can add the additional fall protection for $10 per month.

The MobileHelp Touch Duo is considered a more advanced medical alert system, coming in at $64.95 monthly plus a hefty $99.95 activation fee (which can be waived if you choose a payment plan other than monthly). This system is a little more complicated and works well for tech-minded individuals or caregivers.

The Touch Duo has the same great features as Touch Classic: an eight-inch digital screen that can be personalized with photos, brain games, medication reminders, and even personalized emergency responses. The unit also comes with a wearable pendant, a mobile device, and a charger. Additionally, you can add MobileHelp fall detection for a $10 monthly fee. It’s compatible with 4G and LTE, and WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled.

How Much Does MobileHelp Cost?

MobileHelp pricing averages from $19.95 to $64.95 monthly, depending on which unit you select. You can also pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually for your system and receive a slight discount for each method (other than monthly). If you add on any accessories, you’ll need to calculate those costs into your semi-annual bill, such as the $5 monthly fall detection pendant. So if you know you’ll be using the same system for longer than a year, opt for paying annually to see the most savings. Accessories are not discounted.

Most insurers don’t cover these devices, but a select few might, so be sure to check with yours. Medicare Parts A and B won’t cover medical alert systems either, but depending on your Advantage Plan, you may be able to find some coverage options. Some Part C plans cover the cost at 100%. What’s more, individuals who have long-term care insurance may be in luck as most long-term care plans cover medical alert systems in part or whole.

The MobileHelp app and accessories

MobileHelp Connect is the secure online dashboard that accompanies many of MobileHelp’s devices. It enables authorized caregivers and family to receive system alerts when the user has engaged their system. It can also set up alerts for low batteries and other notifications. This is a great way for caregivers to stay connected with their loved ones and grant them peace of mind.

MobileHelp add-on features and MobileHelp accessories

• The fall detection pendant contains sensors that can tell if a user falls. It costs $10 per month and can be added to any plan except MobileHelp Wired and Micro (which already has automatic fall detection).
• You can also add Mobile Connect Premium, which allows you to add medication reminders to any system, receive discounts and track your activity and location. This add on also costs $5 monthly.
• Mobile Vitals can help individuals track and manage their health metrics, such as weight, blood saturation, blood pressure and pulse oximeter. This service also requires the use of Bluetooth-compatible devices like a blood pressure monitor. The service costs $15 monthly.
• MDLive can also be added, which provides 24/7 live access to a physician via video, phone or an app as a supplementary health service for $9.95 monthly. There is no additional co-pay or insurance required.

MobileHelp Customer Service

You can reach MobileHelp customer service at 1-877-827-6207. It’s 100% U.S.-based and guarantees that a knowledgeable consultant will assist you. You can also contact MobileHelp via an online form at https://www.mobilehelp.com/pages/contact-us, or you can email the company at [email protected] with questions and issues.

MobileHelp has a 4.5 out of 5 rating and an extremely satisfied customer base, according to Best Company. Similarly, MobileHelp has a 4.75 out of 5 review from the Better Business Bureau. The company has a reputation as a leading Mobile Personal Emergency Response System (MPERS) provider across all 50 states.

Comparing MobileHelp to Other Brands

What to Consider Before Buying a Medical Alert System

Choosing a medical alert system can be complicated, especially when a company such as MobileHelp offers so many devices with various features. “Fall detection is an important feature if you live alone and especially if memory or cognition are a concern,” says Archie.

You should also consider where you spend your time. If you’re at home most often, a home-based system will work. But if you’re out and about frequently, you may prefer the convenience of a mobile system.

“One of the must-haves today is to have a system with a smartphone app that allows for remote caregivers to access real-time information about their loved one,” says Jonathan Marsh, certified dementia practitioner, senior home safety specialist, and owner of Home Helpers in Bradenton, Florida.

Marsh says some items to consider when looking at medical alert services are the average response time, how emergency situations are handled (for example, when emergency contacts are called, in what order, etc.), and smartphone app access for caregivers.

MobileHelp Customer Reviews

How We Reviewed MobileHelp

We reviewed MobileHelp based on the following criteria:

• Price of installation and monthly service
• Warranties, contracts, and (whether it has any) hidden fees
• Reliability of monitoring center
• Comfort and wearability of mobile devices
• In-home range of equipment
• Water resistance of wearable devices
• Battery life and recharging requirements
• Ease of installation and use
• Expert opinion
• Customer service accessibility and performance
• Customer satisfaction reviews
• Company reputation
• Special features such as automatic fall detection, smartphone apps for family members, and location tracking

Bottom Line

MobileHelp was the first medical alert company to launch fall detection devices, making it one of the most innovative brands.

It’s a solid brand with a good reputation and a variety of devices to choose from — for those looking for a simple solution, MobileHelp Classic is a good entry-level cellular-based home system, meaning no landline is required. For those seeking more technology, the Touch Classic is also a home-based system but comes with a slick tablet with medication reminders, brain games, and more. The most comprehensive package from MobileHelp is the Touch Duo, which comes with both the tablet and the option of a pendant or wrist help button.

Whether you’re choosing a medical alert device for a loved one or yourself, MobileHelp has a number of tech-forward devices and plans for every budget and need, plus additional add-ons and extras that can offer you peace of mind about your health.

FAQs

RESOURCES

Brandy Archie,
OTD, OTR/L, CLIPP, CLVT
Certified in Living in Place & Low Vision
[email protected]
816-301-5170

Jonathan Marsh
Owner Senior Home Safety Specialist
Certified Dementia Practitioner
p.941.999.1960| f.941.295.7460
[email protected]