Mobile Help vs Life Alert

Understanding Medical Alert Systems: An Overview of Life Alert and MobileHelp

Medical alert systems, such as Life Alert and MobileHelp, are designed to provide peace of mind and confidence for individuals who wish to maintain their independence, particularly as they age. These systems are often used in homes, retirement communities, and assisted living facilities to ensure safety in the event of a fall or other emergency. The market offers a variety of options, which can sometimes be overwhelming, but understanding the basics of these systems can help narrow down the choices to find the right alert system for your needs.

The Importance of Medical Alert Devices: Fall Detection and Emergency Services

Medical alert devices play a crucial role in saving lives and restoring confidence and freedom. They are equipped with features like fall detection and emergency services to provide immediate assistance when needed. Some systems even come with automatic fall detection, which can detect a fall and call for help when the user is unable to press the help button. These devices are typically water-resistant and designed to be worn in high-risk fall zones like the bathroom.

How Medical Alert Systems Work: Two-Way Communication and Monitoring Centers

Medical alert systems function in a straightforward manner. The user or their loved one wears a discreet pendant with a help button built into it. This pendant is connected to a base unit with a two-way speaker for in-home systems. For mobile systems, the base unit is built into the pendant or is a small device that can fit in your pocket. In the event of an emergency, such as a slip or fall, the user presses the help button on their wearable device. This button sends a signal to an emergency monitoring center, where an operator assesses the situation and determines the type of help needed. The operator then sends the appropriate responders and stays on the call until help arrives.

Different Types of Medical Alert Systems: In-Home Base Units, Mobile Devices, and Medical Alert Smartwatches

There are several types of medical alert systems to suit different levels of independence and lifestyle:

• Pendant-style medical alert systems: These are the most basic and popular alerts. A pendant is worn and dispatches an emergency call when the distress button is pushed. These systems are typically hooked up to a landline phone, but cellular-based systems are also available.
• Cellular medical alert systems: These alerts are powered by cell phone technology, allowing the system to function as long as there is cell service. These alerts are ideal for seniors who live an active lifestyle.
• Activity tracker: This system is geared more towards seniors who are most mobile and independent. The built-in GPS allows family members to track activity remotely, providing peace of mind for the family member who cares for an active senior.
• Phone/medical alert combination: This option is ideal for active seniors. Cell phones with medical alert features can make calls like any ordinary cell phone, but they’re also equipped with an emergency service that connects to a call center.
• Medical alert smartwatches: These devices combine the functionality of a smartwatch with the safety features of a medical alert system. They can track health metrics, send alerts in case of emergencies, and even connect the user to a monitoring center.

Each of these systems is designed to provide the user with the level of support and independence they need, whether they’re mostly at home or frequently on the go.

MOBILE HELP AND LIFE ALERT: An Overview

Overview of MobileHelp: A Leading Medical Alert Company

MobileHelp is a leading provider of mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) and health management solutions.

History and Background

MobileHelp’s mission is to provide the most complete, reliable, and affordable medical alert systems on the market. They are committed to continually innovating and improving their products and services to offer customers a better quality of life.

Products and Services: MobileHelp System, Mobile Duo, MobileHelp Connect App

MobileHelp offers a wide range of products and services to meet the diverse needs of their customers. These include:

• MobileHelp System: This is a comprehensive medical alert system that works both at home and on the go. It includes a base station for home use and a mobile device for use outside the home. The system is equipped with GPS technology to provide accurate location information in case of emergencies.
• Mobile Duo: This is a two-for-one medical alert system designed for couples or roommates. It includes two wearable help buttons and a mobile device for use outside the home.
• MobileHelp Connect App: This is a suite of online tools to help customers and authorized caregivers manage the user’s health and well-being. The app includes features like system status alerts, non-emergency alerts, and location requests.

Pricing and Packages: Monthly Monitoring Fees, Activation Fees

MobileHelp offers several pricing options to suit different budgets and needs. They offer monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual plans. The pricing depends on the chosen plan and the type of system. There are no activation fees for any of their systems.

Overview of Life Alert: A Pioneer in Medical Alert Systems

Life Alert is a renowned medical alert company known for its high-quality emergency response services.

History and Background

Life Alert has been providing medical alert services for over 30 years. They are best known for their iconic slogan, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Life Alert’s mission is to provide seniors with the ability to live independently by offering services that can send help quickly in the event of a fall, medical, or home emergency.

Products and Services: Life Alert’s Website, Life Alert MobileHelp

Life Alert offers a variety of products and services to help seniors live safely and independently. These include:

• In-home medical alert system: This system includes a base unit and a wearable help button. The base unit connects to a landline phone line and has a two-way speaker for communication with the monitoring center.
• Mobile system: This system includes a mobile device with a help button, two-way speaker, and GPS technology. It works anywhere in the U.S. where there is cell service.
• Bathroom and shower help button: This is a waterproof help button designed to be installed in the bathroom, one of the highest-risk areas for falls.

Pricing and Packages: Three-Year Service Contract, Monthly Cost

Life Alert offers several pricing options, which are available upon request. They require a three-year service contract for new customers, which is longer than many other medical alert device companies. However, they offer a free trial period to test out their system.

Pros and Cons of Life Alert

Comparing Features: MobileHelp vs Life Alert

MobileHelp and Life Alert are two of the most recognized names in the medical alert system industry. Both companies offer a range of devices and services designed to provide peace of mind and immediate assistance in the event of a medical emergency.

Fall Detection Technology

Fall detection technology is a critical feature in medical alert devices. It can automatically detect if the wearer has fallen and alert the emergency response center without the user having to press the emergency button.

• MobileHelp offers automatic fall detection as an optional add-on for an extra $10 per month. This feature is particularly beneficial for seniors, as it can alert the response center even if the user is unconscious or unable to press the button.
• Life Alert, on the other hand, does not offer fall detection service. This is a significant drawback, as falls are a common risk for seniors.

GPS Technology

GPS technology is another important feature in medical alert systems. It allows the monitoring center to locate the user in case of an emergency, which is particularly useful for users who are often on the go.

• Both MobileHelp and Life Alert offer GPS technology in their devices. However, MobileHelp has an edge over Life Alert as it offers GPS tracking in more of its devices.

Wall Mounted Help

Wall-mounted help buttons are a convenient feature that allows users to call for help from specific locations in their home, such as the bathroom or bedroom.

• Life Alert offers wall-mounted help buttons, providing users with an additional layer of security in their homes.
• MobileHelp, however, does not offer this feature.

Comparing Pricing: MobileHelp vs Life Alert

When it comes to pricing, there are significant differences between MobileHelp and Life Alert.

• MobileHelp offers monthly plans starting at $19.95 per month. Equipment costs, with the exception of the MobileHelp Smart watch and the TRELAWEAR pendant, are included in MobileHelp’s prices.
• Life Alert’s prices are significantly higher, with up-front equipment costs ranging from $95-$198 and monthly monitoring fees starting at $49.95. Life Alert users must also pay an up-front fee for the basic landline-based devices.

Comparing Customer Service: MobileHelp vs Life Alert

Both MobileHelp and Life Alert have 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring centers and offer two-way communication with their devices, allowing users to speak directly with the emergency response center in case of an emergency.

• MobileHelp operates two medical alert call centers staffed by operators who have a minimum of two years of post-secondary education or two years of military service. The company is committed to providing subscribers with high-quality emergency response services in English, Spanish, and over 200 additional languages.
• Life Alert’s U.S.-based emergency call center handles over 2 million calls a year and is five-diamond CSAA and UL certified.

Comparing User Reviews: MobileHelp vs Life Alert

User reviews provide valuable insights into the real-world performance and reliability of medical alert systems.

• MobileHelp has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and its medical alert devices are FCC certified and UL listed. Users appreciate the company’s high-quality emergency response services, user-friendly devices, and affordable pricing.
• Life Alert is a well-known name in the industry, but its high prices and lack of fall detection technology are common complaints among users. On Trustpilot, Life Alert has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 69 reviews. Some users praise the company’s responsive customer service and reliable equipment, while others criticize the company’s long-term contracts and high prices.
• In conclusion, both MobileHelp and Life Alert have their strengths and weaknesses. MobileHelp offers a more affordable and flexible service with a wider range of features, while Life Alert is a well-established company with a strong reputation for reliability. Ultimately, the best medical alert system will depend on the individual user’s needs, preferences, and budget.

Choosing the Right Medical Alert System: Factors to Consider

Choosing the right medical alert system is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the user’s safety and independence. Here are some factors to consider:

GPS Locator: A GPS locator is a critical feature for users who are often on the go. It allows the monitoring and call center to locate the user in case of an emergency. Both MobileHelp and Life Alert offer GPS technology in their devices.

Battery Life: The battery life of the wearable devices is another important factor to consider. A longer battery life reduces the need for frequent charging, which can be inconvenient for some users. MobileHelp devices have a long battery life, providing an advantage over some other systems.

Optional Fall Detection: Fall detection technology can automatically detect if the user has fallen and alert the emergency response center without the user having to press the emergency button. MobileHelp offers automatic fall detection as an optional add-on, while Life Alert does not offer this feature.

Final Verdict: MobileHelp vs Life Alert

After a comprehensive Life Alert comparison and analysis of MobileHelp medical alert systems, it’s clear that both companies have their strengths and weaknesses.

MobileHelp offers a more affordable and flexible service with a wider range of features, including optional fall detection and a long battery life. However, it does not offer wall-mounted help buttons, which can be a drawback for some users.

Life Alert, on the other hand, is a well-established company with a strong reputation for reliability. It offers professional installation and wall-mounted help buttons, but its services are more expensive and it does not offer fall detection technology.

Ultimately, the best medical alert system will depend on the individual user’s needs, preferences, and budget. It’s important to consider all factors and compare other medical alert providers’ systems before making a decision.

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