GreatCall ® Medical Alert Systems
- Available on:
GreatCall.com - Approximate Price:
$14.99 – $34.99 per month - Promotions: N/A
GreatCall is dedicated to providing high-quality service that allows people to stay independent and safe as they grow older. The plans and devices offered by the company allow users to enhance their lives and maintain independence, while staying comfortable in their own home knowing that help is one push of a button away.
What is unique about GreatCall is the fact that they offer smartphones, cell phones and fitness trackers in some of their packages, with an urgent response app or button available on the actual devices.
The motto of GreatCall, “Staying independent has never been this easy,” shows their determination to develop medical alert solutions that are easy to use, allowing people to understand how to use the device quickly and to obtain help in emergency situations.
GreatCall Products and Services
Service 1: Lively Mobile Urgent Response Device
The Lively Mobile is marketed as the “most affordable mobile medical alert service on the market, ” and indeed, the monthly cost can be as low as $19.99 per month. That’s impressive considering this device is completely mobile, and even the most basic plan gives you built-in, two-way-speaker communication and patented GPS technology. Also, the Lively Mobile was singled out for “fastest agent response time” by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.
GreatCall’s Lively Mobile device works over the cellular network, allowing you to get help regardless of where you’re located.
The Lively Mobile is available in your choice of silver or gold colors. It’s waterproof with a rating of IPX7, meaning it can be immersed in 3.3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes— to put it simply, it’s showerproof! The included lithium-ion battery should be charged daily.
The following items are included with your Lively Mobile purchase:
- The Lively Mobile
- Charging Cradle
- Accessory Clip
- Magnetic Lanyard
- User Guides
This device does not need a base unit to operate. The Lively Mobile can be worn around the neck with a lanyard or clipped to a waistband or belt.
How to Use It
Wear your device as you go about your day. When you need help, press the emergency response button on the Lively Mobile. You’ll be connected with the 5Star call center; The agent will confirm the location and the nature of the emergency. The agent can call 911 on your behalf, contact family or provide roadside assistance, and they will also stay on the line while you’re waiting for help to arrive. If you choose a plan that includes fall detection, the call center will be activated when your Lively Mobile detects a sudden downward movement.
Plans and Pricing
1. Lively Mobile Basic
Lively Mobile Basic offers the essentials and is available at $19.99 per month. The service includes 5Star Urgent Response only. This means that you will get access to the company’s call center agents who will assist you in emergency situations. Additional services are not a part of this plan.
2.Lively Mobile Preferred
Lively Mobile Preferred is the second plan and is available at $24.99 per month and includes:
- 5Star Urgent Response
- Urgent Care
- GreatCall Link
In addition to communication with the 5Star call center, this plan also includes Urgent Care, a program that gives you unlimited access to registered nurses and board-certified doctors over the phone. You’ll also receive access to GreatCall Link, an app that allows caregivers to receive updates on the status of the person using the system.
3. Lively Mobile Ultimate
GreatCall Lively Mobile Ultimate is the full package for this device, available at $34.99 per month with the following features:
- 5Star Urgent Response
- Urgent Care
- GreatCall Link
- Product Replacement
- Fall Detection
In addition to the features included in the GreatCall Lively Preferred plan, you will also receive Device Replacement coverage, meaning if you lose or damage your Lively Mobile device, it will be replaced at a discounted rate. You’ll also receive Fall Detection coverage.
***(Please see the services, apps and add-ons section at the bottom, for a detailed explanation of these items)***
Service 2: Lively Wearable Urgent Response Device and Fitness Tracker
You may be wondering if you or your loved one needs a medical alert device when they already carry a smartphone with them. A mobile phone does provide a level of reassurance that you can make a call for help if you need it. However, people don’t take their phones into the shower, and it’s possible you or your loved one might fall, and the cellphone is just out of reach.
The Lively Wearable closes that gap by providing a wearable alarm button that turns your smartphone into a medical alert device. It also works as a fitness tracker that counts your steps and sends health-related messages and encouragement via the Lively Wearable app on your smartphone. This is an excellent, budget-friendly way to get the benefits of wearing a personal alarm button when you already own a smartphone.
The Lively Wearable Device comes in your choice of white or gray and includes:
- The Lively Wearable
- An adjustable wristband; fits wrists size 5.4″ to 3″
- A magnetic lanyard with a breakaway clasp
- A quick-start user guide
This device can be worn in the shower, and the battery never needs to be charged, but you can expect to replace the Lithium-coin battery about every six months. A LED light on the Lively Wearable will let you know when it’s time to replace the battery.
How to Use It
To use the Lively Wearable, you must own a smartphone that has Bluetooth capabilities. Your Lively Wearable device is worn on your wrist or around your neck.
It may look like a watch at first glance; however, the device has a blank face and is used as a personal alarm button that you press when you need help. When you press that call button, you will automatically connect with GreatCall’s 5Star response center through your smartphone. You’ll talk with the agent through the speakerphone setting on your phone.
A LED indicator light on the Lively Wearable lets you know that your device is within the correct range from your smartphone, which is about 150 feet.
The fall detection feature will be activated when you wear this device on the included magnetic lanyard. Fall detection is automatically disabled when the Lively Wearable is worn on the wrist.
Remember, this device doesn’t have a built-in speaker or microphone. You talk with GreatCall’s care agents through your smartphone’s speakerphone setting.
Plans and Pricing
The Lively Wearable has a single plan with a monthly service charge of $14.99. That plan includes Fitness Tracking, access to the Lively Mobile app, and use of the GreatLink app for your family or other caregivers.
Service 3: The Jitterbug Flip
The Jitterbug Flip is a cellphone that’s specially designed for seniors. It has extra-large buttons, a simple interface, and the display screen uses large fonts, so it’s easier to read. This phone does double-duty as a medical alert device thanks to the 5Star button that’s located below the keypad. When you press that button, you’ll be automatically connected with GreatCall’s care center so they can get you the help you need.
The Jitterbug Flip comes in the colors graphite and red and includes:
- A Jitterbug Flip
- A pre-installed battery
- A charging dock
- A wall charger
- A USB cable
- And a user guide
How to Use It
You must subscribe to the GreatCall Health and Safety Plan to be able to use the Jitterbug Flip as a medical alert system. When you have that plan, just press the red 5Star button at the bottom of the keypad. The agent will evaluate your situation and get you the help you need. They can also use GPS-location services to pinpoint your location.
If you don’t have the GreatCall Health and Safety Plan and you press the red 5Star button, you’ll be given the option to connect with your local 911 emergency response center.
The Jitterbug Flip has an extra-loud speaker so that you can hear the 5Star Urgent Care agent clearly.
This phone has a rechargeable battery that should be charged every night, using the included charging station.
Plans and Pricing
1. Basic Health and Safety Plan: $19.99 per month, plus phone plan. This plan provides access to GreatCall’s 5Star Urgent Response center when you touch the red 5Star button on your phone.
2. Preferred Health and Safety Plan: $24.99 per month, plus phone plan. With this program, you receive:
- 5Star Urgent Response Service
- GreatCall Link app
- Urgent Care service
3. Ultimate Health and Safety Plan: $34.99 per month, plus phone plan. This plan provides:
- 5Star Urgent Response, the
- GreatCall Link service,
- Urgent Care,
- Personal Operator and
- Handset Replacement
***(Please see the services, apps and add-ons section at the bottom, for a detailed explanation of these items)***
Service 4: Jitterbug Smart
The Jitterbug Smart is a senior-friendly smartphone that also serves as a medical alert system when you subscribe to GreatCall’s Health and Safety Plan.
The phone is powered by Android 4.0 and has a 5.5-inch touchscreen and larger, onscreen buttons for dialing or typing. You can also use the voice-typing feature.
The menu layout is designed to be less complicated to use than other non-Jitterbug smartphones. This phone has a built-in front- and back-facing camera, 8GBs of storage, GPS and Bluetooth capabilities and Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s also hearing-aid compatible with an M4/T4 rating.
Your Jitterbug Smart comes with the following items:
- A Jitterbug Smart
- USB cable
- Pre-installed battery
- Wall charger
- Activation card
- Quick-start guide
- User guide
How to Use It
The Jitterbug Smart operates just like any other touch-screen smartphone. You can use it to make calls, send texts, take and send pictures, do online shopping and search on the internet.
When you have the GreatCall Health and Safety Plan, you can also use the Jitterbug Smart as a medical alert system. If you’ve fallen or otherwise need help, just press the red 5Star button on the lockscreen or homescreen to connect with GreatCall’s highly trained urgent response call center staff. They’ll assess your situation and get the help you need.
The Jitterbug Smart has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that should be recharged on a daily basis.
Plans and Pricing
1. Basic Health and Safety Plan: $19.99 per month, plus phone plan. This plan provides access to GreatCall’s 5Star Urgent Response center when you touch the 5Star button on your phone. It also includes the following extras:
- Medcoach medication reminders,
- The Wellness Call motivational health messages,
- Automated Check-in calls to make sure you’re doing all right
- Daily Health Tips
- Brain Games you play on the phone to help your brain stay sharp.
2. Preferred Health and Safety Plan: $24.99 per month, plus phone plan. In addition to 5Star Urgent Care response service, you receive access to the GreatCall Link app and the Urgent Care service that lets you access nurses and doctors 24/7 over the phone. You’ll also get Medcoach, The Wellness Call, Check-in calls, Daily Health Tips and Brain Games.
3. Ultimate Health and Safety Plan: $34.99 per month, plus phone plan. This plan provides:
- 5Star Urgent Response
- GreatCall Link service
- Urgent Care
- Personal Operator
- Handset Replacement
- Medcoach
- Wellness Call
- Check-in calls
- Daily Health Tips
- Brain Games
***(Please see the services, apps and add-ons section below, for a detailed explanation of these items)***
Let’s Summarize:
Service 1 – Lively Mobile Urgent Response Device
- Prices:
- $19.99 – $34.99 per month
- $49.99 one-time hardware purchase
- $35 one-time activation fee
- Where to use it: At-home or on-the-go use
- Connection type: Cellular
- Range: Anywhere that there is cellular coverage
- Base station: None
- Features: GPS, built-in two-way communication, optional fall detection
Service 2 – Lively Wearable Urgent Response Device and Fitness Tracker
- Prices:
- $14.99 per month
- $49.99 one-time hardware purchase
- $35 one-time activation fee
- Where to use it: At-home or on-the-go
- Connection type: Bluetooth
- Range: Anywhere you have cellular coverage. You must be within 150 feet of your smartphone for it to work.
- Base station: Your smartphone
- Features: Fitness tracking, GPS, Fall Detection
Service 3 – The Jitterbug Flip
- Prices:
- $19.99 – $34.99 per month, plus phone plan
- $99.99 one-time device purchase
- $35 one-time activation fee
- Where to use it: At-home or on-the-go
- Connection type: Cellular
- Range: Anywhere you have cellular coverage.
- Base station: None
- Features: GPS, Speakerphone
Service 4 – Jitterbug Smart
- Prices:
- $19.99 – $34.99 per month
- $149.99 one-time phone purchase
- $35 one-time activation fee
- Where to use it: At-home or on-the-go
- Connection type: Cellular
- Range: Anywhere you have cellular coverage.
- Base station: None
- Features: GPS, Speakerphone
GreatCall Services, apps and add-ons
GreatCall offers some fascinating services, apps and add-ons. Here’s the rundown of what they offer:
5Star Urgent Response Service. GreatCall’s U.S. based call center is staffed by Certified 5Star Agents, qualified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. That means when you need help, you’ll be speaking with a representative who is trained in CPR and can instruct you on what to do in uncertain or unsafe circumstances. Available for the Lively Mobile, Lively Wearable, Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Cost: Included with all plans.
Urgent Care. Urgent Care is provided in partnership with FONOMED, a company that provides medical advice and can even write some prescriptions over the phone. With this service, you can speak with a nurse or doctor anytime you want, 24/7. Available for the Lively Mobile, Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Included in select plans, or add it on to your compatible device’s plan for $4 per month.
GreatCall Link. GreatCall Link is provided for providing information to the loved ones or caregivers of the person using a GreatCall alert device. The GreatCall medical alert devices will send information to the app that will then update the caregiver, such as when the user makes an emergency call. Available for the Lively Mobile, Lively Wearable, Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Included in select plans.
Fall Detection. To use this feature, you must wear your device on GreatCall’s specially designed magnetic lanyard. Built-in technology will detect sudden downward movement and immediately connect you with a 5Star Agent who will assess the situation and get you the help you need. Available for the Lively Mobile and Lively Wearable. Included in Ultimate Health and Safety Packages.
Product Replacement. If your GreatCall device is lost, stolen or broken, you’ll get a replacement device for a discounted rate (not for free). Limit one replacement per year. Available for the Lively Mobile, Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Included in Ultimate plans or add it on to your compatible device’s plan for $3 to $4 per month.
Personal Operator. Anytime you need help when using your Jitterbug Flip or Smart, just dial “0” on your phone to speak with a friendly and helpful operator. He or she can help you to update your contacts, place calls, look up phone numbers and they can even make calls for you. Available for the Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Included in Ultimate plans.
Medcoach. This service sends you text reminders to help you remember to take your vitamins and medication. It can also connect you with your pharmacy to order a refill. Available for the Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Included in Health and Safety plans or add it on to your compatible device’s plan for $4 per month.
The Wellness Call. The wellness call is a program of wellness-related motivational messages created for seniors by wellness expert Brian Alman, Ph.D. It provides tips and strategies for improving your health and well-being. It’s unclear if these are pre-recorded messages or if a live person will call. Available for the Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Included in select plans or add it on to your compatible device’s plan for $4 per month.
Daily Health Tips. Every day, you’ll receive a text message containing tips from the American Heart Association. Available for the Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Included in all phone plans.
Check-in Call. This service uses automated calls to check in on you up to 6 times per day with questions about how you are feeling. If you don’t answer or check-in call or your reply that you need help, a preselected relative or contact will be notified. Available for the Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Included in select Health & Safety phone plans or for $4 per month as an add-on.
Brain Games. BrainHQ is a fun way to improve your memory and focus, using your Jitterbug phone. The games you can play have been proven to show legit benefits. Available for the Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart. Included in all phone plans.
Fitness Tracker. Keep track of your daily steps and stay motivated with the Lively Wearable app. Available for the Lively Wearable device only.
MyWorld. This feature lets you stay up to date with what interests you in an easy way that doesn’t require you to use the internet. Preselect the information you’d like to receive, such as weather updates or sports scores, and it will be sent directly to your phone. Available for the Jitterbug Flip. Add-on only, for $4 per month.
Company Info
GreatCall has been famous for their easy-to-use Jitterbug cell phone launched in 2006. Since then, the company has been busy innovating in the health and safety industry, bringing among other services and technologies – modern medical alert solutions. Their goal is to make technology simple to use and accessible to everyone, even seniors. This company is focused on making their produces accessible to aging customers.
Call Center
GreatCall’s call center is called 5Star Urgent Response. Their agents are all 5Star Agents certified by IAED. The agents are ready to take calls 24/7 and provide assistance. GreatCall uses 100% US-based customer service. Call center agents are able to provide help in more than 100 languages.
Final Recommendation
GreatCall brings us innovative medical alert solutions that utilize modern technology yet are easy to use, and seniors should have no problems adapting to their systems. Overall, this medical alert system and company brings us an exciting solution with features not available anywhere else, such as call center access to registered nurses and doctors for medical advice and consultations.
We do not sell GreatCall products, only review them. We’ve located a great retailer for you to get this service, and they can be found at GreatCall.com
Have you tried the services from GreatCall? Do you have thoughts you think our readers should know? Scroll down and give us your feedback so we can help everyone choose the right medical alarm system to keep them safe and sound.
First, we recommend you to check our 
Worked well for the first couple of months but for the last month the “link” has been down. I was able to see if my Dad was at home or not and if he was charging his battery right. Suddenly the link went down and for 4 days, I got a different story from each person. Finally spoke with a supervisor who stated the link was down but that the unit was working and tracking on their end. They had no clue when it would be resolved. Another 2 weeks has gone by. Found out my Dad went for a walk yesterday and the unit never recognized it. Today I get a notification that he was out at 0530 which he was in bed. DON’T BUY! How can you run a business and have no clue when your own technology is even going to be fixed! The last straw was realizing it was not even working anymore. When I called to cancel, he didn’t even argue with me but wanted to know if I wanted to just keep the unit until June 11th since it was paid for knowing that I would get a refund. Come on, really!
Do…NOT…EVER…deal w/this company. They cheat, they lie, they have sleazy ways of doing business. The phone answerers are great, nice, kind, knowledgeable, patient. The “managers” must have even been fired from AT&T. I do not know how they stay in business. Took 9+ hrs. on the phone to straighten out their mess. 1). Tried to order online, website does not work. 2. Spent 45 mins. on hold, then got “our offices are now closed 2) They shipped order to old address after I updated my account 2 yrs. before. 3) Manager told me I had to go get the phone to place I vacated 2 yrs. ago, which was currently on the market, to return the phone before they would ship out a new one. 4. After much tiem on phone, mgr. agreed to send “replacement” phone. Rec’d phone & plug to wall,..nothing else promised in special promotion, including owners manual. 5 Despite emphatic request that they not disconnect the emergency device until I had the phone and had set up, I found out at 2 a.m. they had done so. 6. In promotion had been given 2 free months of svc. Still did not have phone when they billed me or a month. When I called the person said it was an error and they had already issued a refund. AmX denies. 7. The really unconscionable thing, everythingon ads said “return phone w/in 30 days, no problem”. They even sent me a prepaid return postage paid envelope. I called to say I didn’t want the phone and the clerk said, don’t return it in that envelope. It’s the wrong address and it won’t get here. (I.e., we will continue charging you bc we won’t get the phone back.) She gave me another address to send it. Before I did, I got 2 additional pkgs. with the rest of the promotion items from the first phone. With no return address labels. I called and asked waht to do, “go get a box that is big enough and put all of things in there. I will have a label mailed to you.). I wait, meaning by now I am out of the 30 day to return time. I ask why can they not email it and more than one. “No, it has to be mailed, and no we only send one label. ” I wait, and wait. And no label. So it was going to cost almost $10 to send the 3 envelope full of stuff. I put everything in one 11X14 envelope, taped the original postage return label on to it, and sent it back, fuming all the way to the post office. 8. And there was more, like the total rudeness and incompetence of every manager I spoke with. (and of note, I had been a customer for 3 years, so pd them close to $3000 for the emergency call device, and was treated like this.)
How is this place in business and w/an honor for great service to David Long, the Owner/CEO.
Thank goodness I used AmX. They put a dispute on the billing, a disputed for the phone and for the service and I hope I am done with this deceitful, lying, slimy company. PLEASE do all seniors a favor and ask anyone you know to pass it on. (And it’s a shame, I really was excited about getting a cell phone finally, and I now have no emergency call button. )
Recommend, contact BBB in Calif. and Yelp Reviews
And finally…don’t both with the main advertiser, AARP. “all we do is the paid advertising, we don’t “underwrite” anything about the device/phone.”
Totally concur that Great Call Mobile Lively Plus Medical Emergency device is a lousy and defective non working device and now it is on recall. Any device is better than Great Call’s defective device.
Never going to do business with either Great Call or Best Buy they lied and people died.
Great Call and its parent company, discriminate, lie, profile, make fake Ads on products like the New Great Call Lively Plus device which is 100% DEFECTIVE and can harm and injury you. It is on recall after so many people were injured and others hurt as the device is not working nothing on the device they promised worked.
NO 911, NO Operator, NO GPS, NOT Water Proof, NO Fall Detection, NO locator, nothing. They have and are defrauding the public, Veterans, the sick, Disabled and more.