Medical Care Alert vs. MobileHelp

With the onset of old age, seniors are encouraged to have a medical alert system which they can readily use in cases of emergencies. Subscribing to a medical alert system has become a necessity, more than an option, for older adults. It usually comes as a portable, wearable help button directly connected to a monitoring center that when pressed, immediately enables you to get the help you need. It works as a personal emergency response system primarily intended for seniors who want to sustain their independence until old age.

Deciding on a medical alert system that best suits your particular needs can be challenging. We examined two established providers, Medical Care Alert and MobileHelp, comparing their cost and features side by side, to save you time from the tedious research process and ultimately helping you to make an informed decision on your purchase.

	Medical Care Alert	MobileHelp
Overall Grade	Overall Grade: A-plus	Overall Grade: A
Costs
Monthly Cost Price	$29.95 - $39.95	$19.95 - $54.95
Device Cost	$0	$0 - $49.95
Shipping Fee	$11.95	$15
Cancellation Fee	No fee	No fee
Fall Detection Fee	$10	$10
Cellular Fee	n/a	n/a
Spouse Monitoring	$0 - $29.95	$0 - $2
Features
Connectivity Option	Cellular, Landline or Cellular	Cellular, Landline or Cellular
Two-way Speaker & Microphone	Yes	Yes
Home-based Back Up Battery Life	80 hours	30 hours or 30 hours
On-the-go Battery Life	72 hours	24 hours or 24 hours
Button Range	1000 ft	1400 ft or 600 ft
Water Resistant	Yes	Yes
GPS Tracking	Yes, some plans	Yes, some plans
Caregiver App	Yes, some plans	Yes
Response Time	12 seconds	21 seconds or 21 seconds
More Details	See All Plans	See All Plans

Medical Care Alert

Pros:

• Monitoring Center is 100% U.S-based, UL-approved and rated A+ by Better Business Bureau
• EMT/EMD certified operators are ready to respond 24/7
• 14-day free trial period
• Built-in GPS location tracker and automatic fall detection are available to all systems
• Long battery life (lasts up to 3 days)
• No activation fees
• Prices are locked as long as subscriber stays with the system
• Free RemoteCare 24/7 smartphone app lets authorized caregivers check the location and device status of HOME & AWAY ULTRA subscribers
• Free PIN-protected lockbox provided with an annual monitoring plan

Cons:

• Lowest rate is offered on an annual prepaid plan
• No month-to-month billing option, new subscribers must prepay for at least 3 months of service

MobileHelp

Pros:

• Low monthly rates
• Offers a touchscreen as a modern base console
• The MobileHelp Touch is the first tablet-based medical alert system.
• Landline or cellular connectivity options
• No long-term contracts
• Services is offered by Rapid Response Monitoring Services

Cons:

• The fall detection feature is an additional cost
• Doesn’t offer a smartwatch option
• No all-in-one devices; you’ll have to wear another device if you want fall detection

Medical Care Alert Overview

Medical Care Alert is family-owned, Michigan-based company that provides emergency response systems intended for independent seniors and for those who have serious medical conditions that may need constant monitoring and immediate help in certain foresighted situations. All their emergency operators are highly trained and hold EMT/EMD certification, which generally means that they are experienced in terms of health care. They have Spanish-speaking operators who are ready to assist and cater to seniors who are more comfortable with using the Spanish language. They monitor 24/7 all year round, making sure that all emergency calls are attended to.

Medical Alert Systems

Home Medical Alert System- Landline

Home Medical Alert Landline is the best option for users who tend to remain home most of the time and wish to retain their sense of independence. This system provides in-home protection which works within a 1000-ft range from the base unit, which is considerably extensive, making it a great option for seniors who have big homes. The system works through landline connectivity. The base unit includes a hands-free speakerphone that directly connects with the emergency monitoring center who have EMT/EMD certified operators ready to assist at any time. The battery features an 80-hour backup so you don’t have to worry if the power goes out. The plan is at $29.95 per month, with optional upgrade for fall detection that costs $10 every month.

Home Medical Alert System- Cellular

If there is no standard landline connection in your home, the Home Cellular Medical Care Alert system also offers similar features. It connects to AT&T 4G LTE wireless network. From the base unit, the system can cover a 1,000 f t range from any direction. This measurement exceeds the average size of an American home, which gives you the extra protection that you need. This provides extra assurance for you and your family members as the range capacity covers all areas inside your home and in your yard. The wearable help button is also water-proof, and has a battery life of up to 80 hours.

Home and Away Ultra

Home and Away Ultra comes with a waterproof help button and a GPS device, making it suitable for all types of weather and use in the bathroom. The device is directly connected with a trained, EMT/EMD certified operator ready to respond in cases of emergencies. You just have to press the help button to communicate directly with a responder through a built-in microphone, if an emergency occurs. The system uses the AT&T 4G LTE network as its connection, making it serviceable at home or anywhere as long as there is a strong cellular signal.

One of the best offers of the HOME & AWAY system is the free RemoteCare 24/7 mobile app, which allows the caregivers and your loved ones to monitor your location.

This is a great option for seniors who have an active lifestyle and who are more likely to be outdoors more often. A fully-charged battery can be used for up to three days. This system can also be upgraded to have fall detection monitoring for only $10 a month.

Home and Away Duo

The Home and Away Duo provides a water-proof wrist or pendant button which is safe to wear anywhere. The system also includes the GPS device to track your whereabouts. Its battery life can last up to three days max, and it provides coverage in all 50 states whenever cellular signal is accessible.

This plan costs $39.95 per month, and it takes just one push on the help button in the event of a medical emergency. The GPS tracking device accurately locates your device so they know where to dispatch help when you need it. The specifications include a cellular connection to the AT&T cellular connection which functions anywhere in the U.S as long as cellular signal is accessible.

MobileHelp Overview

MobileHelp has been in the industry for 15 years, and has helped countless seniors retain their independence, offering a wide array of plan options to fit your specific needs. Their mobile systems are great for people who are always on the go, while their home systems are perfect for those who are on a budget.

They offer a sleek tablet-like mobile base station that has a number of extra features such as a gallery of images and pre-installed cognitive games. They have discounted bundled systems that are great for seniors who have a planned budget for a medical alert system. Also, their devices are compatible with fall detection and GPS tracking, so you can customize and configure your packages according to your preferences.

Medical Alert Systems

MobileHelp Classic

MobileHelp Classic features an in-home base unit with two-way communication and a waterproof help button that can be worn even while in the shower. It costs $19.95 a month with a one-time equipment fee of $49.95. Take note that the one-time fee only applies to a monthly subscription, while it comes free if paid with other payment plans.

The system connects to cellular connectivity, so there is no need for a landline. The base unit has a range of 1400ft which is an impressive capacity as compared to other medical alert systems we have reviewed. The battery backup can last up to 30 hours, which makes sure that the device is still serviceable in the event of a power outage. The system is also compatible with the automatic fall detection button for an additional $10 a month.

MobileHelp Wired Home

This home-based system requires a standard landline connection, so it is a great option for users who can not access a strong cellular connection in their home. This system requires a monitoring fee of $24.95 a month.

The system comes with a base unit that is easy to install and a waterproof wearable help button with a lanyard or wrist strap. The two-way communication lets the user speak to the emergency operator through the base unit speakerphone. It also has a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours. This system offers a wide coverage of up to 600ft and can be upgraded with a fall detection button for an additional $10 a month.

MobileHelp Touch Classic

MobileHelp Touch Classic can be purchased for a monthly monitoring fee of $54.95, which includes a unique mobile tablet device and a wearable help button. The tablet features an 8-inch touch screen, and offers a variety of extra features which include a rotating gallery of pictures, medication reminders, cognitive games such as Sudoku, and a soft key touch emergency button. This system has a coverage of up to 600ft, and it can be paired with the optional fall detection button for an additional $10 a month, and has a backup battery that can last up to 30 hours. Additionally, it uses cellular technology, so there is no need for a landline.

MobileHelp Solo

MobileHelp Solo includes a waterproof portable device that functions as a mobile base station and a waterproof personal help button that can be worn as a necklace or wristband. This system can be purchased for a monthly monitoring fee of $37.95. It connects to the AT&T cellular network, and works with two-way communication. It also has GPS tracking capabilities to easily locate users in case of an emergency.

For added protection, the system is also compatible with the optional fall detection button for $10 per month. The device can last for 1 whole day so you can take it with you anywhere without worrying about recharging it.

MobileHelp Micro

The MobileHelp Micro is the smallest and lightest version of the company's mobile device weighing only 52 grams, for only $33.95 a month with no long-term contract, making it an affordable option for those who need it. This is also the most stylish, as it comes with an elegant black help button and features a very sleek, sophisticated casing. Users can either wear it as a pendant with its detachable lanyard or just carry it in their pocket.

The device is water resistant, making it usable in the shower or even under any weather. It comes with a high-quality audio speaker system for clear two-way communication and its battery life lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge. It connects to the AT&T cellular network, and has an accurate GPS location tracking so users can be easily located in the event of an emergency. Users may opt to upgrade their experience and add the optional built-in fall detection sensor for only $10 a month.

MobileHelp Duo

The MobileHelp Duo includes an in-home base station, a portable unit, and a wearable help button that will give users protection and peace of mind in their home or away. The system connects to AT&T cellular coverage, which makes this system perfect for those who want to be prepared for emergencies, as it provides assurance that help is always available. This plan can be purchased for only $41.95 a month and can be paired with the optional fall detection button for an additional $10 monthly.

Mobile Duo

The Mobile Duo consists of two wearable waterproof help buttons. It’s ideal for couples, siblings, or any pair of individuals who live together and want the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can get help in an emergency.

This system costs $44.95 a month, and it's basically a 2-for-1 bundle so you're getting more value for your money. The Mobile Duo offers the same features such as two-way communication, GPS location tracking, and compatibility with the optional fall detection button that costs an additional $10 a month.

MobileHelp Touch Duo

The Mobile Help Touch Duo system includes a portable, all-in-one medical alert device and a tablet that offers a unique system. The tablet and mobile unit work together for the benefit of users and their caregivers as they can be connected through the MobileHelp Connect web portal.

The plan also includes a wearable help button that can be used in times when users can't get to the tablet or mobile device. This system can be purchased for $54.95 a month and can be upgraded with the optional fall detection button for an additional $10 monthly.

Medical Care Alert and MobileHelp have different features, and also offer their services at varying rates. Let us take a closer look at these two providers to see which has more affordable pricing options.

Medical Care Alert’s monitoring fees start from $25.99-$39.95 per month, while MobileHelp’s monthly monitoring fees range from $19.95 - $54.95 per month, having their most expensive system priced at max, which is the MobileHelp Touch Duo. MobileHelp also charges for a one-time device cost of $49.95 if the users opt for the monthly billing plan, whereas Medical Care Alert offers does not.

However, MobileHelp has very attractive bundle deals, such as its Mobile Duo which offers two mobile units and two help buttons for only $41.95 a month. This bundle offers two devices for a price of 1, making it one of the best deals in the market.

Medical Care Alert also offers a cheaper shipping fee, which costs only $11.95, while MobileHelp ships for a standard fee of $15. Spouse monitoring is available on Medical Care Alert's plan for free, while MobileHelp offers it as an inclusion for the MobileHelp Duo.

Medical Care Alert offers comprehensive medical alert systems that have all the basic and advanced functions, but MobileHelp is regarded as one of the best deals on the market when it comes to advanced and high-tech features.

Both have two-way communication, can connect to either landline or cellular connection, have GPS location tracking, and are compatible with fall detection features. Both mobile systems also offer compact, lightweight, water-resistant devices equipped with GPS location tracking that is great for those who are always on the go.

When it comes to range coverage, Medical Care Alert has a maximum device range of 1000 ft, while MobileHelp has a maximum range capacity of 1400 ft for its in-home systems.

Monitoring Center

Medical Care Alert and MobileHelp’s monitoring centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Both are 100% US-based and have nationwide coverage across all 50 states in the country.

MobileHelp offers professional monitoring services in partnership with Rapid Response Monitoring. All of MobileHelp's systems are connected to Rapid Response's UL-listed, CSAA awardee response centers that are staffed by highly trained and experienced emergency response operators. On the other hand, Medical Care Alert has an advantage on their EMT/EMD certified emergency respondents who have a profound experience in the field of health care.

Medical Care Alert’s operators can attend to an emergency as fast as 12 seconds and provide the appropriate assistance to the customer, whether that is contacting a designated caregiver or emergency services, MobileHelp can dispatch the same help for an average response time of 21 seconds.

In terms of multilingual availability, MobileHelp can accommodate non-English speaking customers who speak Spanish or other languages through LanguageLine, an interpreting service that translates more than 240 languages. Medical Care Alert, on the other hand, staffs bi-lingual operators who can speak both English and Spanish.

OUR PICK

While both companies offer top-tier standards of medical alert systems, our final say would depend on the ratings obtained on different parameters, and we highly recommend Medical Care Alert over MobileHelp.

Medical Care Alert offers comprehensive plans which are more affordable in the long run as compared to the deals offered by MobileHelp.

In terms of features, MobileHelp has more advanced specifications as it offers Tablet medical alert, particularly its MobileHelp Touch, which is the first tablet-based medical alert system. In addition to the traditional safety features of a medical alert system, this tablet also offers games, activity tracking, and medication reminders. These functions are best for seniors who are tech-savvy and are after the convenience of technology more than the budget. But when it comes to practicality, Medical Care Alert fairly offers an all-inclusive function for a medical alert system, which are all useful to the day-to-day living of the seniors.

Most importantly, Medical Care Alert’s monitoring center is faster to respond to emergencies with its shorter response time of only 12 seconds. After all, the main purpose of a medical alert system is to be able to get help as soon as possible in case of an emergency.

If you’re having a hard time in making a decision between subscribing to Medical Care Alert and MobileHelp, Elderguide highly recommends Medical Care Alert for this comparison in reference to our data-driven research and review.