EDITORS NOTE: Our original product images have been removed as they displayed the old “GreatCall” name rather than the new “Lively” one. Aside from a change in branding, the product is exactly the same.
In our Lively (opens in new tab) review, you learn how this brand is not like other medical alert companies. Formerly known as GreatCall, this brand has long recognized that mobile medical alert systems (opens in new tab) are more effective, even if your mobility limits you to the home. As such, the company doesn’t offer in-home systems like most services. And the mobile systems are often more affordable than an in-home landline system with a different company. When you combine this with excellent performance and quality products, it’s easy to see why they are our pick for best medical alert.
In our Lively review, we look primarily at the Lively Mobile Plus. While Lively offers medical alert services on their Jitterbug phones and Apple Watches, the Lively Mobile Plus provides the best apples-to-apples comparison with other medical alert systems. In the process of our review, we tested the audio quality, emergency response time, quality of calls, and pricing.
Lively Medical Alert Systems
Lively has four products. Two are phones made specifically for seniors. The Jitterbug Smart 3 is a smartphone with large text, a simplified interface, and a help button that can be accessed from the home screen. The Jitterbug Flip is just a flip phone, which your loved one can use to call whomever they want, but it also features a button to call an emergency response center.
The Lively Mobile Plus is their best medical alert system. This mobile medical alert system costs about $40 to buy, but is only $24.99 per month for the most basic package. It’s sturdier than other mobile medical alert systems. And the audio quality is exceptional. The main reason for this is each Lively Mobile Plus is brand new. Unlike other companies, who lease their equipment to you, you buy the Lively Mobile Plus and don’t have to return it when you cancel your service.
To get the fall detection feature activated, you have to upgrade to the Ultimate package, which might be worth it. Of all the fall detection sensors we’ve detected on mobile medical alert systems, the Lively Mobile Plus had the most accurate. It’s not too sensitive and not too dull. It’s not perfect either, but it gives you the best shot of getting help if you fall and can’t press the help button.
Lively: Emergency response center
In all of our tests, Lively Mobile Plus had the fastest call response time. In fact, the average call response time was twice as fast as the second fastest medical alert service’s call response time with most calls being answered in less than 15 seconds. And with GPS and WiFi tracking, the emergency responders can help EMTs locate you faster. This all translates to a quicker response. And a quicker response is directly related to a successful recovery, both physically and mentally.
We believe the fast response times are the result of Lively’s Urgent Response Center, which they own and operate. This means the emergency response center is answering calls from home security systems and other services at the same time they’re answering your call for help. As with most call centers, it’s available 24/7 every day of the year and they have highly trained IAED-certified operators who stay on the line until you get help.
Every test we performed proved how well-trained they were, as each operator asked several times if we were okay, spoke in a calm tone, and confirmed our identity and location. All important details in a call. And with this service, there is no emergency too small. They understand that not all emergencies require an ambulance. They can call a family member or neighbor to help.
Lively’s Urgent Response Center is also the only medical alert service to offer medical advice to seniors through the call center. You can get prescriptions and refills, as well as medical advice, such as whether you should get tested for Covid-19.
Lively: Medical alert company
Lively is different. And “different” is good in an industry of clones and copycats. The company often provides discounts and deals, especially to AARP members. And you’re never tied into a contract. Cancel any time with no fee. You don’t have to return equipment. You don’t have to pay exorbitant installation fees. There aren’t loads of add-on’s that they push on you. And the marketing is separated from the customer service, so you’re never pressured to buy.
Every product they offer is available with the Lively link, a smartphone app for family and loved ones. The app keeps your loved ones in the know, alerting them if you’ve pressed the help button. They can also see your appointments, gauge your activity levels, and retrieve your location if you need help.
Cost comparison
As mentioned, you buy the products with Lively rather than lease them. Then you pay a monthly fee to maintain the subscription to the call center. For the Lively Mobile Plus, which is the most comparable PERS system to other companies, the one-time product fee is around $40, but the monthly fee is $24.99 for the basic package, $29.99 for the preferred, and $39.99 for the Ultimate, which includes fall detection.
By starting at $24.99 for the basic package, you can get a mobile medical alert system for less per month than the average in-home landline system, which cost around $30 per month. Some services offer landline systems at around $20 and $25 per month, but these in-home systems are inferior compared to any mobile medic alert system. However, with most services, the mobile system is the most expensive package, starting around $45 per month. And you can expect to add $10 if you want fall detection.
Lively: Final Verdict
In our tests, the Lively Mobile Plus came out on top in nearly every category. The audio quality is superior because it’s not an old and used device. The call response times are super fast because the call center is only answering calls from Lively customers. The fall detection sensor is the most accurate we’ve tested (in a medical alert system). And the added perks of the Lively Link and the Urgent Response Center make Lively the best medical alert system for seniors, especially when you consider the affordable pricing.
Why subscribe to an in-home landline system with inferior communication and technology when you can get a mobile medical alert system with GPS location tracking for less? This is why Lively is the best overall pick for medical alert systems. It’s really that simple.
