MobileHelp Solo Medical Alert Review
With one in four Americans aged 65 and older suffering from a fall every year, it’s easy to see why a medical alert system can be a good option for seniors and others who are at an increased risk of falling or experiencing a medical emergency. These wireless systems link users with a 24/7 call monitoring center via a wearable help button, providing invaluable assurance to medical alert subscribers and their loved ones.
Today we’re reviewing the MobileHelp Solo, a user-friendly emergency GPS help button system that works anywhere in the United States where cellular service is available. Below you’ll find in-depth information about MobileHelp along with an overview of the features of the MobileHelp Solo system. We also included the costs and a list of pros and cons to help you decide if MobileHelp Solo is right for your particular needs.
What is MobileHelp Solo?
MobileHelp Solo is an in-home and mobile medical alert system from MobileHelp, a Florida-based medical alert company that has been in business for more than 25 years. MobileHelp maintains two 24/7 call response centers located in Corona, California, and Syracuse, New York, and service is available in English, Spanish and over 240 other languages through a third-party translation service.
MobileHelp focuses on providing outstanding customer service, and the company only hires emergency operators who have completed at least two years of college or served two years in the military. Rigorous background checks are performed, and successful candidates undergo an intensive six-week training program and certification by the Security Industry Association.
The MobileHelp Solo device is a lightweight, all-in-one mobile emergency call pendant that’s connected to the AT&T nationwide cellular network. It’s designed to work both at-home and on the go, making it a great option for active seniors who never want to be without a medical alert help button.
MobileHelp Solo Medical Alert System Features
The MobileHelp Solo system includes a small button that’s equipped with a cellular SIM card, a GPS locator, a speaker and microphone and LED indicator lights that let users know when the battery needs charging. The system comes with a wireless charging cradle that connects to any standard household outlet.
When a user presses the button on their MobileHelp Solo device, a call is triggered to the MobileHelp monitoring center. An emergency operator answers the call and speaks with the caller through the speakerphone located on the help button. Thanks to the integrated GPS locator, the call monitoring center is able to pinpoint where the caller is, which can be invaluable if emergency services are needed.
The MobileHelp Solo device is waterproof, making it safe for use in the shower. It also has a built-in test button, so users can verify their system is working correctly, and the device can be manually turned on or off with the integrated power button. Users can carry their personal emergency response device in their pocket, a purse or wear it on a lanyard. The built-in battery needs to be recharged every 24 hours using the included charging cradle.
Automatic fall detection, a feature that automatically triggers a call to the monitoring center if the subscriber suffers from a sudden fall, is available for an added fee. Note that the help button must be worn as a pendant in order for the fall-detection feature to work.
MobileHelp Solo Costs
The MobileHelp Solo system is available on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. As with many other medical alert companies, MobileHelp leases their medical alert devices to customers, and the cost of equipment is included in the monitoring fees.
Costs for the MobileHelp Solo start at $37.95 per month, $104.85 for 3 months, and $197.70 for 6 months. At $395.40 per year, the annual plan offers the lowest monthly cost, and free shipping is included on all but the month-to-month plan.
Automatic fall detection can be added for an extra $10 per month, and a free PIN-protected lockbox is included with every new subscription.
There are no activation fees or long-term contracts to sign; however, customers should be aware that prices are not guaranteed and monitoring fees could increase at any time.
Who Should Use the MobileHelp Solo Medical Alert System?
The MobileHelp Solo is geared towards seniors who want a device that they can use to call for help, both at-home and in the community. The system connects to a nationwide cellular phone network, so the device can be used anywhere in the United States where cell service is available.
Because the MobileHelp Solo contains a built-in battery that needs nightly recharging, users must be able to remember to charge their help button and monitor the battery level using the indicator lights on the front of the device.
Pros and Cons of the MobileHelp Solo Medical Alert System
While the MobileHelp Solo offers a number of great features, such as GPS location tracking, a waterproof help button and optional fall detection, this medical alert system may not be the best option for all seniors.
Pros of MobileHelp Solo:
- The system includes two wearable pendants for use at home and in the community
- The mobile pendant is self-contained with a speakerphone, cellular SIM card and GPS location tracker
- Users can designate who is contacted in an emergency, and the list of emergency contacts can include a neighbor, caregiver or family member
- The included mobile help pendant is equipped with a GPS locator that provides MobileHelp operators with the exact location of the subscriber in an emergency
- The MobileHelp Solo help buttons are waterproof, making them safe to wear in wet environments
- Call response provided by bilingual (Spanish and English) call center operators who have completed an extensive background check
- Two U.S. call centers located in New York and California
- Optional lockbox prevents damage and delays if first responders need to enter a MobileHelp Solo users’ home
- The MobileHelp Connect suite of online tools gives subscribers and authorized caregivers access to real-time information, including the location of the user and battery status of the help buttons
- MobileHelp has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Cons of MobileHelp Solo:
- Monitoring costs are not guaranteed and could increase at any time
- Fall detection doesn’t accurately detect 100% of all falls
- MobileHelp doesn’t offer discounted rates for a second user in the same household
- The battery must be recharged nightly by placing the device on the included charging cradle
- The MobileHelp solo is larger and heavier than many other medical alert help buttons
MobileHelp Solo FAQs
Is there a MobileHelp caregiver app?
MobileHelp offers MobileHelp Connect, an online portal that provides subscribers and authorized caregivers with access to information about the subscribers’ account, location and call history.
Do I need a cellular service plan to use the MobileHelp Solo device?
No.
The help button includes a built-in SIM card, and mobile service on the AT&T nationwide network is included with the monitoring fees.
What happens if a subscriber is unable to answer the emergency operator?
Upon activation of the help button, a MobileHelp operator answers the call on the MobileHelp Solo device via the speaker phone. If the caller can’t respond, the operator immediately dispatches emergency services to the caller’s location using the built-in GPS tracker.
Can I take my MobileHelp Solo with me on vacation?
Yes.
The MobileHelp Solo works nationwide using the AT&T cellular network. If you’re traveling by air, simply power down the device during the flight using the built-in on/off switch.
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