True, the vast majority of PLB owners hope to never use their PLB. It's insurance and you keep it for the rare instance when things go very bad and you need insurance.

OTOH a Spot owner could use their system every day to send text messages and otherwise tell the folks on your specified list that things are good (or not). That's good in that you can check to see if your system is working and you have satellite connectivity -- as I understand the Spot coverage is good but not 100%. Just keep a second set of batteries for when things do go bad.

Best would be to buy an ACR ResQLink and a Spot. Use the Spot for routine text messages and status updates to keep mom happy, keep the real PLB for emergencies.

Opinion, worth < $.02