MobileHelp vs. Bay Alarm Medical: Pros and Cons
MobileHelp vs. Bay Alarm Medical: Pros and C...
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When considering the use of a medical alert system, there are dozens of companies with packages that utilize the latest technology for both in-home and mobile devices. These companies offer features such as GPS tracking, fall detection, Wi-Fi and bluetooth connectivity, and tech-forward caregiver tools to help seniors and their loved ones find a package that works well for their individual medical and personal needs. With all of these available options, it is easy to become overwhelmed. This article compares two popular companies, MobileHelp and Bay Alarm Medical, to help you navigate the process of choosing the right medical alert system.
How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?
MobileHelp has summarized how medical alert systems work in four easy steps:
- The user presses the pendant or portable emergency fall button.
- The user’s information and location are sent to emergency operators.
- The emergency operators—all of whom are based in the United States— establish a two-way communication and assess the situation.
- The operators contact a neighbor, family member, or emergency services based on the user’s specific need.
In a medical emergency, having a medical alert device can quickly help you get the care you need.
Who Should Consider a Medical Alert Device?
Medical alert devices can offer immediate assistance from emergency responders in the case of a medical emergency. The following people might consider using a medical alert device:
- Those who prefer to live alone
- Elderly individuals
- Seniors who use mobility assisted devices (walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs)
- Seniors who have sensory deficits (vision or hearing)
- Those who have a history of falls or are at a high risk for falls
- Seniors who have a history of inconsistent medication management
- Seniors with a cognitive deficit or memory impairment
- Those who have a chronic medical condition that might require emergency services
MobileHelp Overview
Now a top-ranked medical device company, MobileHelp was the first company to provide medical alert devices that operated through a cellular network as opposed to a landline connection, thus giving customers the ability to remain protected while out of the home. MobileHelp is a reputable company and America’s leading provider in Mobile-Personal Emergency Response System (M-PERS) technology, for which the company is aptly named.
The company’s response time is as fast as 17 seconds on average, leaving customers satisfied with the help they receive in emergency situations.
MobileHelp offers a variety of in-home and mobile packages, which are explained below:
This is the most basic in-home package, including a base unit and wearable, waterproof help button.
This is similar to the Classic, but the base unit runs on a landline connection versus a cellular connection.
The Touch Classic is a touchscreen tablet device that has unique add-on features, such as medication reminders, activity tracking, and brain games.
The mobile cellular system is equipped with GPS tracking and does not require a base station. The wearer simply has their mobile device and a wearable help button, and there is a 600-foot coverage range between the device and the help button. This is a great option for those who prefer to be out of the home.
Similar to the Solo, this mobile cellular system is appropriately named, with the device weighing in at only 1.8 ounces. It’s still equipped with GPS tracking, but unfortunately does not include fall detection.
This package is designed for couples or roommates who enjoy spending a majority of their time out of the house. It offers two of the Solo devices for $44.95 per month.
This package is a bundle, which includes the base station from the Classic package and the Solo device. It offers coverage for both in-home and on-the-go systems.
This is a hybrid package, which includes a touchscreen tablet (offered in the Touch Classic), as well as a mobile unit and help button, giving you the option to monitor one or two users.
In-Home Options
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| Cost | Classic | $19.95 per month | Wired Home | $24.95 per month | Touch Classic | $54.95 per month |
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| Connection type | Classic | AT&T cellular | Wired Home | Landline | Touch Classic | AT&T cellular |
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On-The-Go Options
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| Cost | Solo | $37.95 per month | Micro | $33.95 per month | Mobile Duo | $44.95 per month | MobileHelp Duo | $41.95 per month | Touch Duo | $54.95 per month |
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MobileHelp Pros & Cons
Pros
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Low priced in-home systems
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Cellular compatibility for both in-home and mobile systems for those without a landline
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Bundle packages for couples
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Bundle packages including both in-home and mobile systems
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Wider range of caregiver tools
Cons
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Activation fee of $49.95-$99.95, depending on package
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No locked-in plan rates; can increase over time
Bay Alarm Medical Overview
When it comes to affordability, Bay Alarm Medical offers quality products for a competitive price. Bay Alarm Medical makes it easy for customers to understand exactly what they are purchasing, while also offering add-on features for caregivers. With fast response times of 45 seconds or less and excellent customer service reviews, Bay Alarm Medical can help keep you safe and independent both in and out of your home. Not only does Bay Alarm Medical market to older adults, but its advanced technology appeals to family members, caregivers, or loved ones of any age who might benefit from a medical alert device. Bay Alarm Medical offers four packages:
In-the-Home Options
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| Cost | In-Home Basic | $24.95 per month | In-Home Preferred | $29.95 per month | In-Home Premium | $39.95 per month |
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| Connection type | In-Home Basic | Landline | In-Home Preferred | LTE Cellular | In-Home Premium | LTE Cellular |
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| Start up/activation fee | In-Home Basic | None | In-Home Preferred | None | In-Home Premium | None |
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| Contract | In-Home Basic | Not Required | In-Home Preferred | Not Required | In-Home Premium | Not Required |
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On-the-Go Options
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| Cost | Mobile Lite | $29.95 per month | Mobile Plus | $39.95 per month | Mobile 360 bundle | $49.95 per month |
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| Device fee | Mobile Lite | $79 | Mobile Plus | $79 | Mobile 360 bundle | $79 |
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| Caregiver tracking | Mobile Lite | Yes | Mobile Plus | Yes | Mobile 360 bundle | Yes |
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| Mobile Fall Detection | Mobile Lite | No | Mobile Plus | Yes | Mobile 360 bundle | Yes |
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| Mobile Lite | Mobile Plus | Mobile 360 bundle |
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*Bay Alarm Medical does offer free shipping and a free month for certain quarterly and annual payment plans, but you can also continue to pay monthly.
SOS Smartwatch Options
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| Cost | SOS Smart Watch | $29.95 per month | In-Home plus Smart Watch | $39.95 per month |
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| Device fee | SOS Smart Watch | $159 | In-Home plus Smart Watch | $159 |
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| Location tracking | SOS Smart Watch | Yes | In-Home plus Smart Watch | Yes |
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| Bundle discount | SOS Smart Watch | In-Home plus Smart Watch | $39.95 |
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Bay Alarm Medical Pros & Cons
Pros
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No startup fees
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No required contracts, with payment options for monthly, quarterly, or annually
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Wide range of affordable plans
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Free coverage for spouse
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Variety of caregiver tools
Cons
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Add-on features raise the monthly cost
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Tech-forward options, which can be limiting for those who are seeking more basic features
Bay Alarm Medical vs. MobileHelp Comparison
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| Water resistant? | Bay Alarm Medical | Yes | MobileHelp | Yes |
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| Connection types | Bay Alarm Medical | Landline, LTE Cellular, mobile +GPS | MobileHelp | Landline, LTE Cellular, mobile +GPS |
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| Call center | Bay Alarm Medical | U.S.-based, 24/7 availability | MobileHelp | U.S.-based, 24/7 availability |
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| Call button range | Bay Alarm Medical | Up to 1,000 feet | MobileHelp | Up to 800 feet |
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| Contract | Bay Alarm Medical | Monthly, quarterly, annual contracts available. No long-term contract required. | MobileHelp | Monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual contracts available. No long-term contract required. |
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| In-home system | Bay Alarm Medical | Starting price $24.95 per month | MobileHelp | Starting price $19.95 per month |
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| Mobile system | Bay Alarm Medical | Starting price $29.95 per month | MobileHelp | Starting price $29.95 per month |
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| Equipment fee | Bay Alarm Medical | $159 for SOS Smartwatch $79 for GPS button | MobileHelp | $79.99 for Micro system |
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| Activation fee | Bay Alarm Medical | None on home system; varies for mobile system | MobileHelp | $49.95-$99.95 on select systems |
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| Automatic Fall Detection | Bay Alarm Medical | Yes—$10 per month | MobileHelp | Yes—$10 per month |
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| GPS | Bay Alarm Medical | Yes | MobileHelp | Yes |
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| Battery life | Bay Alarm Medical | 32-hour backup battery in the base station Up to five years for the non-rechargeable in-home call button Up to five days for the battery in the 4G/LTE mobile button | MobileHelp | Base station: 30-plus-hour backup battery Help button: five-plus years Mobile device: 24 hours |
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| Additional Features | Bay Alarm Medical | MobileHelp |
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| Fall detection | Bay Alarm Medical | $10 per month | MobileHelp | $10 per month |
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| Lockbox | Bay Alarm Medical | $30 | MobileHelp | Free for new customer |
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| Telehealth services | Bay Alarm Medical | Not available | MobileHelp | $9.95 per month |
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| Spouse monitoring device | Bay Alarm Medical | Yes—available as add-on feature | MobileHelp | Yes—available with some packages |
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| Wall buttons | Bay Alarm Medical | $5-10 per month | MobileHelp | $2.95 per month per button |
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Is MobileHelp or Bay Alarm Medical Right for You?
There are many similarities that exist between MobileHelp and Bay Alarm Medical. Both companies offer easy-to-use in-home and mobile packages, with options for more basic features and advanced caregiver features. The main difference between the two companies is how they offer bundle packages and available add-on features. Regardless of which company you decide to move forward with, you can rest assured knowing that both are top-rated and offer quality products to help keep you protected in a time of need.
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value to the lives of our readers. We’ve collectively spent more than 1,700 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. Our team tested multiple medical alert devices, including MobileHelp and Bay Alarm Medical, to better understand features and provide the most accurate feedback and recommendations for our readers.
To decide on our top 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
Learn more about our in-depth medical alert system testing and scoring process.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, the pendant necklace offered by Bay Alarm Medical is waterproof, so customers can use it in the shower.
WRITTEN BY
Danielle Pagano is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner currently practicing Internal Medicine in rural Illinois. She has extensive experience in primary and long term care, including preventive medicine and complex chronic disease management. Danielle has participated in several medical mission trips, serving communities in Brazil, Kenya, and Ethiopia. As a working mother of three young children, Danielle appreciates spending her time outside connecting with nature while hiking or running, or relaxing with her husband.
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