Written By:
HelpButton is not currently being offered by LifeStation so this review will not be updated in the future.
WHO IS HELP BUTTON?
HelpButton is one of the newer medical alert devices to come on the market, however there is limited information on the company itself listed online. We do know that they are owned by LifeStation and HelpButton is backed by two central monitoring stations that are TMA certified and UL-Listed, HelpButton claims to have one of the fastest response times in the industry. Their customer service and monitoring agents are available 24/7 so you’ll have the support you need, when you need it.
REVIEW SUMMARY
HelpButton offers 2 different medical monitoring package options with the latest technology and their monthly rates are reasonably priced. HelpButton’s Mobile medical alert button can be worn inside and outside of the home with unlimited range. It can also be worn anywhere in the United States which is a unique feature of HelpButton. It is a lightweight and compact pendant with two-way voice and no base station. Another unique feature is that HelpButton has an easy device locate option. HelpButton’s Mobile Alert has a long battery life (up to 5 days) and will notify the user when the battery is running low. It is also completely waterproof. HelpButton does have UL-Listed equipment as well as owned and operated TMA Five Diamond Certified monitoring centers for additional peace of mind.
There are two medical alert system packages HelpButton offers:
1. HelpButton Standard Package: The Mobile Alert is a GPS and Wifi enabled wearable medical alert device with two-way voice that can be worn inside and outside of the home and has unlimited range since there’s no base station. Includes unlimited calls and talk time through the device. Comes with enhanced WiFi location.
2. HelpButton Supreme Package: All the same medical alert device features as listed above, however this comes with automatic fall detection, a product protection plan and a technology called Ally Locate. With this system, a caregiver can send a text message and get an immediate response containing a Google map link of the exact location of their loved one.
PROS
No equipment or set-up charges, free shipping, 30-day money back guarantee, no long-term contracts and reasonably priced system packages. TMA Five Diamond monitoring centers with EMT certified call center dispatchers. Coverage options include GPS, text to locate and automatic fall detection. Unlimited range since there’s no base station and system performs automatic weekly communication tests with the monitoring center.
CONS
The help button must be charged since it only has a 5-day battery life. No wellness or activity monitoring. No carbon monoxide or smoke detector options available. No advanced payment discounts, on-line ordering or chat feature.
HelpButton vs. Lifeline
HelpButton and Lifeline offer mobile alert devices that provide a sense of security and assistance in emergency situations, but they differ in certain aspects. HelpButton’s mobile alert device combines sleek design with advanced technology, offering a discreet and lightweight solution that can be easily carried or worn. It boasts features such as GPS tracking, fall detection, and two-way communication, ensuring quick response and accurate location information in case of an emergency. On the other hand, Lifeline’s mobile alert device emphasizes simplicity and reliability, providing a straightforward and user-friendly experience. It focuses on essential features like emergency call buttons, automatic fall detection, and long battery life, catering to individuals who prefer a more straightforward approach to personal safety. Ultimately, the choice between HelpButton and Lifeline depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
RATING: 
SINCE YOU’RE LOOKING AT HELPBUTTON, CONSIDER TAKING A LOOK AT LIFESTATION FOR COMPARISON.
Compare Device Features:
PROS & CONS TO CONSIDER | |
| Price | HelpButton Review |
| Cost for Equipment | No cost for the equipment. One-time activation fee of $49 for the Standard package. Free activation and free shipping with the Supreme package. |
| Cost Per Month | The HelpButton packages start at $34.95 per month. |
| Advance Payment Discounts | No |
| Monitoring Agreement Term | Month-to-Month. No long-term contracts. |
| Repairs or Replacement Charges | If you do not have the protection plan that comes with the Supreme package, the replacement cost is $300. |
| Cancellation Policy & Discounts | HelpButton Review |
| Cancel at Any Time | Yes, and it also has a 30-day money back guarantee. You must return the equipment and return shipping is not included. |
| Senior Discount | No |
| Other Discounts | No |
| Equipment | HelpButton Review |
| Approximate Button Range in Typical Home | Unlimited range within the cellular coverage area. It has no base station it needs to communicate with. It’s completely self-contained. |
| Watch/Button Battery Life | Up to 5 days on a single charge. |
| What Happens if I Lose Power | The battery will last 5 days from its last full charge. |
| Is the Watch/Button Waterproof | Yes |
| How Can The Button Be Worn | Neck |
| UL Certified Equipment | Yes |
| Does The System Automatically Test Itself To The Monitoring Center | Yes, the system automatically tests weekly. |
| 24 Hour Technical & Customer Support | Yes |
| Monitoring Station | HelpButton Review |
| TMA Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Center | Yes, per the company, they own and operate their own TMA Five Diamond Certified monitoring centers. |
| Typical Response Time When Button Pressed | Within 20 seconds. |
| Other Options & Information | HelpButton Review |
| How Fast Does System Ship | Orders usually ship same day. Takes approximately 3-4 days for delivery. |
| Do You Need Separate Systems For Mom & Dad | Yes |
| Optional Advanced Features | HelpButton Review |
| Activity or Inactivity Monitoring | No |
| Senior Fall Detection | Yes |
| Cellular or No Phone Line | Yes |
| Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Protection | No |
| GPS Medical Alert Tracking System | Yes |
| Special Offers | HelpButton Review |
| Special Offers For Our Visitors | None at this time |
MONTHLY COSTS & FEES
HelpButton has recently increased it’s pricing, however it is competitively priced in the medical alert monitoring market even without providing extra discounts and advanced payment discounts. For only $15.00 more per month, the HelpButton Supreme package includes automatic fall detection, an equipment protection plan and their Ally Locate text location service. We feel it is well worth the cost for those additional services. HelpButton is paid month-to-month and there are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- The HelpButton Standard package monthly cost is $34.95 per month plus a one-time $49 activation fee.
- The HelpButton Supreme package monthly cost is $49.95 per month and the activation fee is waived.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT HELPBUTTON
30-Day Money Back Guarantee – You have 30 days to be sure you’re satisfied.
No Long-Term Contract – You can cancel at any time, even before the service has started, if you change your mind. You must return the equipment and pay for the return shipping.
24-Hour Support – Customer service support and monitoring center support is available 24-hours per day, 7 days a week.
Fall Detector Option – Automatic fall detectors can be helpful because the user would be unable to press their medical emergency button. Seniors who are susceptible to falling will need this feature. Auto fall detection is available with their Supreme package.
No Phone Line Required – Since not every household has a traditional telephone line, having a reliable no phone line option is a must.
GPS and Location Tracking Option – For seniors or even young children on the go, this may be an important option for you. You can take your medical alert monitoring with you anywhere you go.
Talk Through Pendant Technology – Two-way voice featured and available with either of the HelpButton monthly options you choose. Your loved one can speak directly into the speakerphone on the pendant which allows more flexibility in an emergency inside and outside of the home.
Owned and Operated TMA Five Diamond Monitoring Centers – This is an important certification that requires an annual renewal and shows a commitment to a higher level of service. We highly recommend that the monitoring service you use is TMA Five Diamond Certified.
Automatic Weekly Tests – HelpButton does a weekly silent test to make sure your equipment is “talking” to the monitoring center. They still suggest manually testing the button once a month.
WHAT WE DISLIKE ABOUT HELPBUTTON
No On-Line Ordering – Although they have some pricing online, you don’t have the convenience of ordering online or a chat feature for quick questions.
Requires Charging – The pendant must be charged since the battery will only last up to 5 days. This may be difficult for seniors who have memory problems.
No Activity Monitoring – Activity monitoring typically requires the user to check in with the system by pressing a button once every 24 hours. This is very beneficial as it allows you to know that your loved one is active and about each day. You could use the Ally Locate feature to see if your loved one is out and about and following their daily routine.
No Pill Reminder Option – Having the system remind you of when to take medication is a nice feature, although not required by all. Many of these services have the device provide an audible reminder on regular intervals to remind you of when to take your medication. The downside to this option is that it will not tell you what or how much medication to take.
No Carbon Monoxide or Smoke Detection – Both are important features to have in your home and monitored devices can provide more protection. Since the HelpButton system is completely self-contained in the pendant, it cannot provide these types of services like a traditional medical alert system can.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Is HelpButton’s Medical Alert Device waterproof?
Yes. It is waterproof and safe to wear in the shower or bath.
How long does HelpButton’s battery last?
The battery can last up to 5 days on one charge, however HelpButton suggests to get in the habit of charging your device every night.
Does HelpButton’s Mobile Alert have automatic fall detection?
Yes. If you purchase the Supreme plan, the HelpButton Medical Alert will be programed to automatically detect falls.
Can I cancel HelpButton’s service at any time?
Yes. Give their customer service a call if you would like to cancel your medical alert monitoring service.
Can I pay for HelpButton’s monitoring service in advance and receive a discount?
No. HelpButton does not offer any advanced payment options or discounts.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT HELPBUTTON
BOTTOM LINE
HelpButton has a great two-way voice medical alert button option, and their product offerings are streamlined so that it is not confusing for the consumer. They essentially have one product with an ad-on services like a protection plan, automatic fall detection and Ally Location which is their tracking technology. Their monthly cost is very reasonable compared to other medical alert device systems on the market. We would love to see them offer advanced payment discounts like some of their competitors and to build out their basic website with more detailed company and product information.
Another huge plus for HelpButton is their level of medical alert monitoring service. Per the company, their monitoring centers are owned and operated in-house and they are TMA Five Diamond certified. With no-long term contracts and a 30-day money back policy, it is easy to try HelpButton for yourself. We also like that the pendant has an unlimited range (limited only to cellular service coverage in your home and areas you visit) and it does not use a traditional landline telephone. You can bring it with you while you travel anywhere in the U.S.
HelpButton does automatically test itself to the monitoring center, however they do suggest you also test the button itself monthly. The battery in the device will need to be charged within 5 days as well. Keep in mind if you do return the system, you will have to pay for the return shipping costs.
The HelpButton brand is relatively new to the medical alert industry and there is minimal information on their website. There’s also no chat feature, which would make answering simple questions much easier. There also is no way to order online which means you will have to speak to a customer service rep which may not be convenient. Plus, there are more packages available to you when you call. We wish they would list all their offerings with online ordering for convenience.
When calling HelpButton’s number on their website, it will direct you to LifeStation. Some representatives will not be aware of HelpButton’s offerings which is a frustrating call experience. Medical Alert Advice cannot strongly recommend this company considering it is hard to find real customer reviews and get in touch with any representatives from this company.
Although our experience with this company had these results, your experience may be different. If you’re interested in this company’s services, contact them to judge for yourself.
