MobileHelp for Seniors: Proven, Reliable Fall Detection [Pros, Cons, Costs]
By Catalog Editor Staff
MobileHelp is a low-cost, at-home, and outdoor mobile alert system that provides effective and reliable Fall Detection for the elderly. Its signaling technology has been crucial in helping seniors quickly get urgently needed medical assistance. Our review covers the pros, the cons, and the costs of adding MobileHelp to your safety plan.
It manufactures and distributes a variety of medical alert devices. Their pricing is among the most affordable we’ve seen for home and outdoor. However, just because something is inexpensive does not indicate it is of poor quality. By reading this MobileHelp review, you will gain useful knowledge about MobileHelp’s products and prices.
For those over the age of 65, falling is a serious health problem. Each year, three million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries, according to the CDC, and one out of every four older adults has potentially dangerous falls.
The digital health community has recently increased its efforts to offer an alternative that is not only stigma-free but also proactive, detecting and even preventing falls. MobileHelp is committed to providing quality devices for the well-being of its customers.
What is MobileHelp?
Nearly one-third of senior citizens in the United States live alone, outside of nursing homes or hospitals. While many older people enjoy their independence, living alone can be dangerous. For example, if they are hurt at home or have a medical emergency, they may be unable to dial 911. As a result, home medical alert systems are often a valuable investment.
MobileHelp is our top pick for the most remarkable customer assistance in a home security system. Moreover, MobileHelp delivers emergency monitoring through a collaboration with Rapid Response, a emergency response service.
Starting Your Mobile Help Journey
In 2008, MobileHelp was founded with the purpose of providing the most advanced personal emergency response system technology available in the consumer market. MobileHelp not only offers medical alert services to individuals but also develops and distributes its technology to other medical alert firms.
Based in Boca Raton, Florida, MobileHelp offers a variety of alert systems, such as home-based devices and wearable buttons. There is no equipment price for its systems, and you can customize your package with a variety of alternatives.
The MobileHelp Web Portal
MobileHelp has a unique web portal called MobileHelp Connect. It’s an online tracking platform for caregivers and families that works well with medical alert systems. MobileHelp claims to respond to a demand for assistance every 4.3 minutes. Thus, we can say that the system is up, is robust, and is actively working to help protect senior citizens. It also has a comprehensive website with a Live Chat feature to answer any medical alert queries its customers may have.
MobileHelp Customer Support
MobileHelp’s emergency response operators can communicate with consumers in over 240 languages thanks to an interpreter service. As a result, it has a strong reputation in the health monitoring market, thanks to the high quality of both its devices and its customer support.
From the long-range, in-home system, MobileHelp Classic, to the two-in-one system, MobileHelp Duo, MobileHelp offers a broad portfolio of medical alert systems to address the needs of senior citizens.
The Underwriters Laboratories, a non-profit company that undertakes safety evaluations of digital communicators and emergency call systems, has registered and approved its devices with the FDA. In this regard, the Better Business Bureau has given MobileHelp an A+ rating.
How Much Does MobileHelp Cost?
You can pay for MobileHelp on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis. In most cases, choosing an annual plan will save you the most money. However, MobileHelp does provide discounts on its other payment plans, on occasion.
Seniors select MobileHelp for a variety of reasons, one of which is its affordability. The cost of monitoring services with MobileHelp is in the $20-$30 per month range, as shown in the pricing table below.
You won’t have to pay for equipment, delivery, or activation. With the exception of MobileTouch, which requires at minimum a six-month commitment, and all MobileHelp plans offer contract-free options.
MobileHelp Pricing Table
MobileHelp System | Home | Away | Equip. Cost | Activation | Monitoring Fee |
MobileHelp Classic (Cellular) | Yes | No | $0 | $0 | $19.95 every month, whether you sign a long-term commitment or not |
MobileHelp Touch (Cellular) | Yes | No | $0 | $0 | With a 6-month or 12-month contract, the price is $49.95 per month. |
MobileHelp Wired Home (Landline) | Yes | No | $0 | $0 | $22.95 per month for a 6- or 12-month commitment; Contract-free at $24.95 per month |
MobileHelp Solo (Cellular) | Yes | Yes | $0 | $0 | For 1 to 12 months, the price ranges from $27.46 to $37.95 each month. |
MobileHelp Duo (Cellular) | Yes | Yes | $0 | $0 | For 1 to 12 months, the price ranges from $30.79 to $41.95 each month. |
Mobile Duo (Cellular) | Yes | Yes | $0 | $50 | For 1 to 12 months, the price ranges from $33.79 to $44.95 per month. |
MobileHelp Cost
- The monthly cost of the MobileHelp Cellular Classic system is $19.95, plus a $49.95 one-time price lock fee. If you pay in advance semi-annually or annually, you can get the $19.95 per month pricing without the $49.95 price lock cost, but only if you call in. Always call in for the best rates.
- The monthly cost of the MobileHelp Solo system is $37.95. The quarterly payment reduction is $104.85, the semi-annual payment is $197.70, and the annual payment is $395.40. With the annual payment option, you get a free month. With any of the advanced payment options, you can get free shipping. For an extra $10.00 per month, you may add automatic fall detection.
- The monthly cost of MobileHelp Wired Home is $24.95 per month. The quarterly payment plan costs $74.85. The semi-annual payment plan costs $137.70, and the annual payment plan costs $275.40. However, with this method, there is no way to integrate fall detection.
- Because it includes MobileHelp Cellular and Solo system options, the MobileHelp Duo option is the best value. $41.95 is the monthly fee. Quarterly payments are $119.85, semi-annual payments are $221.70, and annual payments are $443.40. For an extra $10.00 per month, you may add automatic fall detection. You can pay $44.95 each month, $128.85 per quarter, $239.70 semi-annually, or $479.40 annually for the Mobile Duo. For an extra $10.00 per month, you may add automatic fall detection.
MobileHelp Review for Seniors
When confronted with an emergency, speed is crucial. Utilizing a cell phone to contact local 911 about emergencies is often difficult for seniors. Before any help can be dispatched, they must first get on the line, introduce themselves, and fully explain the problem and their location. This can result in confusion on the part of the caller or in delayed response times. MobileHelp, on the other hand, offers an around-the-clock monitoring service in which trained operators are notified immediately when an incident occurs.
The operator will already have vital information about you, such as your name and position, thanks to the emergency help button’s embedded ID and GPS location tracking system. They respond quickly and inform the paramedics of your medical history, ensuring that you receive the proper treatment.
The operation and safety of MobileHelp’s monitoring center are tested and certified by Underwriter Laboratories.
Living a self-sufficient existence is just as crucial for the elderly as it is for younger individuals. On the other hand, seniors require a safety net, a protective service that will assist them in their golden years.
MobileHelp places a high value on high-quality eldercare and aims to cover any life circumstance that may arise. This is why the company sells two separate base unit models: one that requires a landline and one that runs on a cellular network.
Pros:
- Firstly, MobileHelp’s medical alert systems are offered for a 30-day risk-free trial period. MobileHelp will give you a full refund if you try the product and decide it isn’t for you.
- Secondly, there are no wireless service contracts to sign: Some companies ask that you sign wireless service provider contracts. There are no contracts with MobileHelp, and mobile service through the AT&T cellular network is included in your monitoring package.
- Thirdly, the MobileHelp base station contains a backup battery in case of a power loss. If your home loses electricity, the MobileHelp base station will continue working for up to 30 hours.
- Fourthly, multiple payment choices: MobileHelp provides a variety of payment methods to add to the ease of making payments. You have the option of paying monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
- While other medical alert businesses charge a monthly cost for equipment, your MobileHelp equipment is included in your monitoring package.
Cons:
- TMA Five Diamond certification is given out every year to monitoring centers that satisfy certain standards of competence. MobileHelp does not have this certification.
- The cost of automatic fall detection is extra. You’ll have to pay extra to include automatic fall detection in your plan. Fall detection is an extra $10 per month in addition to your monitoring package.
- There is a charge for some options. You’ll have to pay an extra cost for each additional pendant, wrist button, or wall button you want to add to your plan.
What is the Phone Number for MobileHelp?
MobileHelp wants to be a supporter, not simply a protector, with a wide choice of supplementary accessories that can make life easier and safer for the elderly. Call 1-800-992-0641 or go to the MobileHelp website for more information.
Does Medicare Pay for MobileHelp?
MobileHelp systems are typically not covered by Medicare, but the provider will present you with a comprehensive, itemized receipt after you sign up for the program. You can submit this to your insurer. Some customers have been successful in obtaining some coverage, but it depends on the insurance company.
Does MobileHelp have Fall Detection?
Managing numerous medical concerns as you get older, such as vision and hearing loss, diminished mobility, and balance issues, can be stressful for seniors and their families. The good news is that monitored medical alert systems can help older persons maintain their independence while also reducing caregiver stress by providing assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
According to industry experts, seeking assistance as soon as possible following an incident such as a fall is essential for post-event rehabilitation. MobileHelp, an expert in mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems (mPERS) and wellness technology, is introducing the next iteration of its revolutionary Fall Button pendant, which detects falls and automatically calls for help, even if the user is unable to click the emergency button.
Medical alert systems with this sophisticated function use motion-sensing technology to recognize when the wearer has quickly moved from a vertical to a horizontal posture. If the system detects a fall, it instantly calls for assistance, whether or not the user is able to press the button.
Mobile Help-Fall Button:
If you fall and are unable to hit your button, their Fall Button provides additional protection by automatically sounding an alarm. Their Fall Button works with all of their systems, including Duo, Classic, and Solo. It contains all of the functions of their conventional help buttons, as well as the ability to send an alarm to the US-based Emergency Monitoring service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. All that’s required to notify them is pushing the emergency button.
What is Fall Detection?
A fall detection system is one of the primary features used in most smart walkers to address gait and balance problems. Also, fall detection devices use technology to identify and provide immediate assistance to seniors who are prone to falls. A medical alert system having fall detection allows the user to summon help without pressing the call button. If the user falls, these systems will immediately activate the sensor.
Accelerometers, a low-power radio wave technology sensor, are used in fall detection systems to track the user’s movements. By detecting rapid changes in body motions, fall warning detectors can determine whether a user has fallen. The device can assess a person’s body position, physical activity, and the rate at which movements are accelerated.
If these variables are in the danger zone and a fall has happened, the gadget will automatically activate an emergency fall alarm and contact emergency response agents for assistance. Depending on the device, the built-in technology can be worn around the neck, around the wrist, or on the waist.
Why is Fall Detection Important for Seniors?
One of the most dangerous things that can happen to an elderly person is falling. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 646 thousand fatal falls worldwide each year, with most victims being individuals over the age of 65. (WHO, 2018). This places it behind road traffic injuries as the leading cause of unintentional injury fatality.
Fall detection is a significant public health concern for the elderly around the world. Without a doubt, the damages that older adults sustain as a result of falls have far-reaching effects for their families, as well as for healthcare institutions and society in general. The development of fall detection systems is critical in light of the ever-increasing elderly population.
Importance For A Senior:
When a senior is in distress, Fall Alert Systems sound an alarm, even if the senior is unable to trigger it. Automatic fall detection technology, such as the Duo System from MobileHelp, overcomes the problem of being unable to hit a button during a fall and can significantly lower the death rate from falls.
Fall Detection Systems can assist seniors in remaining independent and living in their own homes.
Adult children benefit from Fall Alert Systems because they know that if a parent falls or has a more serious medical problem, help will arrive quickly.
Fall buttons can save a senior from lying helpless for hours or days by providing fast emergency assistance. Seniors are protected from more severe issues such as dehydration and hypothermia as a result of this.
The use of a Fall Alert System can help to reduce the fear of falling. Seniors who aren’t afraid of falling have more freedom, allowing them to stay physically active and prevent functional loss. For many of them, that is a dream come true..
Best Medical Alert Devices
Best Medical Alert Devices | Features | Cost |
Aloe Care Health | Free Fall Detection Free Shipping | Starts at $24.99 |
MobileHelp | Free Lock Box No Landline Required | Starts at $19.95 |
Medical Guardian | Free Shipping & Lock Box Caring.com Special: 1 Month Free | Starts at $29.95 |
Bay Alarm Medical | 1,000 Feet of Range Monitoring in Over 170 Languages | Starts at $21.95 |
MedicalAlert | Up to 800 Feet of Range Starting Fee as Low as $0 | Starts at $18.28 |
GetSafe | 1,000 Feet of Range Monthly Fall Detection At Just $10/month | Starts at $24.95 |
What Medical Alert Devices Does Medicare Cover?
Part A Hospital Insurance | Inpatient Hospital Care 1. Hospital Stays 2. Home Health Services Following An Acute Stay 3. Hospital Care 4. Skilled Nursing Care 5. Transplant |
Part B Medical Insurance | Doctor And Outpatient Visits 1. Dr. Visit 2. Home Health Services Not Following An Acute Stay 3. Ambulance Services 4. Outpatient Physical, Speech, And Occupational Therapy 5. Outpatient Surgeries 6. Durable Medical Equipment 7. X-Rays |
Part C Medicare Advantage | Covers Same Benefits As Part A And B 1. But May Include Additional Coverage For 2. Prescription Drug Coverage 3. Dental, Vision, And Hearing Services 4. Health And Wellness Programs 5. Offered Through Private Insurance Companies |
Part D | RX Drug Coverage 1. Each Plan Offers Its Own Formulary 2. Cost Vary Based On Brand Vs Generic Medications 3. Cost May Vary Based On Drug Tiers 4. Offered Through Private Insurance Companies |
Some people enjoy the sense of security that comes with wearing a necklace or bracelet with a button that can be pressed to summon assistance. Telephone lines or wireless networks are commonly used to connect these systems. When you press your button, the system’s provider is notified that you require assistance and may contact you by phone or dispatch an ambulance. You might be wondering if medical alert systems are covered by Medicare.
Health alert systems are often not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. If you get your Part A and Part B coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan, there may be some coverage.
Why Medicare does not always cover medical alert systems
Because they aren’t considered “durable medical equipment” by Medicare. Medicare pays according to federal law, and since they are not medical devices, they are not covered by the medical benefit.
Medicare: Part A
Part A, which covers hospitalization, skilled nursing facility fees, hospice, lab testing, surgery, and home health care, is automatically included when you join Medicare.
Medicare: Part B
Part B is an add-on that costs around $148 each month. It’s usually taken out of your monthly Social Security check. Part B covers services and medical equipment such as canes, oxygen tanks, and blood sugar test strips that are deemed medically necessary for diagnosing or treating a medical condition.
Medicare: Part C
If you or a family member is interested in a medical alert system, consider health insurance coverage through another section of Medicare called Part C, or Medicare Advantage plans. These Medicare-approved plans are offered by major commercial health insurance firms. They give the same Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, as well as supplementary services like vision, dental, and over-the-counter prescriptions, for a monthly payment.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover medical alert systems, commonly known as personal emergency response systems (PERS). Medical alert systems may be covered by Medicare Advantage plans in your state, so it is worthwhile to check to see if they are.
Summary: Is MobileHelp The Best Mobile Alert System For Seniors?
With a flawless score of 5/5 stars, MobileHelp takes the top spot out of 20 medical alert systems assessed and reviewed. The organization has achieved outstanding marks across the board, with flawless scores in the areas of “In-Home Systems,” “Add-On Availability,” and “Reliability and Reputation.”
With its Classic gadget, which costs less than $20 per month, the company is able to reach a wider audience. It also includes a cellular connection. MobileHelp delivers the best value in-home medical alert system of any top medical alert company. For this pricing, no other firm we looked at offers an in-home cellular solution.
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To summarise, anyone searching for a great mobile medical alert system should give MobileHelp serious consideration. They are a prominent technology vendor with FDA and UL-approved quality systems. Their systems also provide a number of beneficial features, including the ability to use an in-home base station unit in conjunction with a mobile device, optional fall detection, and email/text warnings for caretakers.