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| Time Spent Testing | 168 Hours |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $36.62 per month |
| Contract Minimum | 1 Month |
| Average Response Time | 10 Seconds |
| Customer Service Response Time | 12 Seconds |
Medical Guardian is an established name in the medical alert industry for many reasons, not least of which is their push to innovate on the technological front. Their MGMove, a medical alert watch, could potentially be the next evolution in the industry.
With emergency monitoring, messaging features, and a discreet design, the MGMove is one of our favorite medical alert watches. Let’s take a closer look.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a traditional medical alert, then read my rundown of this year’s top-rated medical alert systems.
Upon receiving my MGMove medical alert, I unboxed it and found the following:
To set up my MGMove, all I needed to do was plug in the USB adapter to a wall outlet, plug in the adapter cable and plug the cable into the back of the watch. I let the watch charge for the recommended two hours to obtain a full charge before first use.
Turning the watch on was as simple as a short hold on the top side button, after which the device sprang to action. From the home screen, I was able to swipe through the screens which included the watch face, the weather forecast, the help/emergency call screen, and the calendar alerts and reminders screen.
Note: Calendar alerts and reminders are features limited to the MGMove Step-Up features. Without this added service, you won’t be able to access it.
I performed an emergency call test which can be activated by holding the red side button for three seconds. Upon placing the emergency call, I was in touch with a Medical Guardian operator in about 30 seconds, which, while not the fastest response time in the industry, was quick enough. I talked to an operator directly through the device, and the audio was clear and easy to understand. As always, the Medical Guardian staff were friendly and responsive and were able to assess my situation (in this case, just a test) and could dispatch emergency personnel if it were required.
While the functions of the MGMove watch itself are solid, the features available through the companion app are really what set the device apart.
The setup for the device isn’t much more than charging it and turning it on, but there are some additional configuration steps for the companion app. The app is available for both iPhones and Androids (as well as accessible through a web browser) and is relatively easy to use. It primarily works to benefit loved ones and caregivers, giving them a window on the activity of the older adult using the watch.
I downloaded the MGMove app from the Google Play Store and then went to Medical Guardian’s website to set up my account. Once my username and password were created, I was able to log in and access the features of the app.
If you don’t subscribe to the MGMove Step-Up service for the extra $5 per month, the app is pretty pared down. The app displays the device’s battery level as well as cellular connectivity status. Instead of offering live GPS tracking, the app uses an on-demand location model, which means it pings the device’s location, triangulated through GPS and Wi-Fi assisted location services. I was able to see the device’s location in multiple Google map views, as well as open the device’s location in the Google Maps app, which enabled me to get directions to that location.
Since I was paying for the MGMove Step-Up services, I was given full access to the app’s range of features. In addition to battery status, cellular connectivity, and location, I could send and receive messages and set up calendar activities for the device.
The messaging function on the MGMove is unique in that the person (in most cases, a loved one or caregiver) controls how the message is responded to. For example, I was able to choose between prompts of “Yes/No,” “OK,” or a request for a verbal recorded response. So in the app, I could select “Yes/No,” and enter text like, “Will you be joining for dinner?” The message is then sent to the watch with only those choices as a response, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of the communication and makes the device easier to use.
As indicated, I was also able to ask for a verbal response to questions such as, “How are you feeling today?” The message was received with a prompt to press a record button where the person wearing the watch could record a short response. That message then appeared in the app for simple playback. Overall, the messaging function made it easy to check in on the device wearer for simple communication. It might not replace the need for longer phone calls, but for quick check-ins, I found it more than adequate.
The calendar function makes it easy for loved ones and caregivers to help older adults remember key appointments, medications, and activity prompts. Anyone familiar with other calendar software should have no trouble using the system, and it provides great peace of mind knowing an older adult is getting the necessary information when they need it.
What’s great about the calendar function is its customizability. For example, I was able to set up a medication reminder to be recurring. Within the app, I set a medication reminder for each day at 11:00 am, so before lunch the watch displayed a reminder to take my medication. This calendar function also worked great for reminding the user to take a short walk and drink water.
Additionally, through the app, I was able to set up the Care Circle contacts of who would be alerted in an emergency, as well as view emergency call history. This level of control really sets MGMove apart from other medical alert systems that rely much more heavily on the alert system company to control all of the back-end functions.
When purchasing an MGMove, there are two main components of pricing: the smartwatch cost and the costs for your monitoring service. The MGMove device costs a one-time $199.95. Your subscription to Medical Guardian monitoring will cost you $36.62 per month (if you pay annually) or $39.99 per month if you make monthly or quarterly payments.
Medical Guardian also offers additional services for the MGMove, each of which costs an additional monthly amount:
As with all Medical Guardian prices, there is also the option to add insurance to the device in the event that it’s damaged or malfunctioning. The protection plan is $6.99 per month and covers everything from power surges and manufacturer defects to unlimited battery replacements.
While the basic unit is a perfectly functional and stylish medical alert system, these additional services, while admittedly a bit pricey, make the device a next-level piece of technology that offers functions well beyond the scope of a standard system.
In terms of medical alert smartwatches, the MGMove and the SOS Smartwatch from Bay Alarm Medical are two of the most popular options. While both of these smartwatches give you 24/7 Urgent Response access, the two watches differ slightly in terms of functionality.
First, there’s the issue of fall detection. With the SOS Smartwatch, fall detection can be added for an additional $10 per month. The MGMove, however, does not support this feature.
Next, although both devices have GPS capabilities available to response agents, the MGMove is compatible with the MyGuardian app. This allows loved ones to see a user’s location from their smartphone, as well as send messages to the MGMove. The SOS Smartwatch does not have these features for loved ones.
In terms of pricing, the MGMove smartwatch is more expensive, costing a one-time $200 for the watch itself and then an ongoing $39.95. The SOS Smartwatch, however, costs a one-time $127, followed by $34.95 per month (or $44.95 per month with fall detection).
Overall, your decision will come down to whether you value fall detection over the ability to communicate with a loved one through the watch itself.
| MGMove | SOS Smartwatch | |
|---|---|---|
| Device Cost | $199.95 | $127.20 |
| Monthly Cost | $39.95 | $34.95 |
| Fall Detection | Not available | $10 per month |
| GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Caregiver Tracking | Yes | No |
In the same way that smartphones pack the power and functionality of a computer into a handheld cellular device, a smartwatch can do it all. The MGMove, in particular, takes this full feature set and throws in the functionality of a medical alert system.
As older adults become more comfortable with technology, the idea of multifunctioning devices that not only provide medical alert coverage but other day-to-day functions could see a rise in popularity. When you factor in that smartwatch sales have more than doubled over the last several years, the trends seem to be working in MGMove’s favor.
Medical Guardian has been at the forefront of this technology for years, and the MGMove is the jewel in their crown. There are some negatives to the device – mainly the cost to access all of the extensive features. However, the MGMove is a sleek, functional, and unique device perfect for any older adult looking to maintain an active lifestyle for years to come.
To learn more about this company, read my full review of Medical Guardian. Additionally, be sure to check out our helpful guides:
The MGMove works on the AT&T cellular network with a 3G SIM card. If you live in a more remote area, it’s important to double-check AT&T’s service coverage in your area to ensure device functionality.
No. The device is set to handle an unlimited number of messages for an additional $5.00 per month if you have the MGMove Step-Up plan.
The MGMove is water-resistant, which means it can be worn in a shower. However, long-term exposure to water or complete submersion could damage the device.
Unfortunately, no. There is no additional fall detection available for the MGMove.
If you have a pacemaker, it’s always important to consult a physician before using any device. According to the user’s manual, “MGMove contains components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. Both MGMove and the MGMove Magnetic Charging Cable contain magnets. These electromagnetic fields and magnets may interfere with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other medical devices. Maintain a safe distance of separation between your medical device and MGMove and the MGMove Magnetic Charging Cable.”
