GreatCall (Lively old) Review

flag 24/7 access to nurses & doctors available
  • Brain games to stimulate memory

  • No long-term contracts or cancellation fees

  • One-touch 5 Star urgent response

  • Lively caregiver app

Pros & Cons

  • Very easy to use with excellent support
  • Provides peace of mind for loved ones
  • Different device options available for varying needs
  • 30-day money-back option
  • Services promote both safety and independence for users
  • Mobile phones are not waterproof though most falls happen in the bathroom

Plans & Pricing

Lively offers a choice of three plans and four different devices, including two mobile phones. Read the details below to find which one is right for your needs:

Choice of Phones and Devices

Lively offers four options when it comes to phones and devices:

Jitterbug Smart 2

The Jitterbug Smart 2 is a simplified smartphone that includes list-based menus for features like voice calls, text messages, and the camera. The screen is 5.5 inches and there is Mobile Internet access. This phone also includes a long-lasting battery and a 5Star Urgent Response button. The screen is large, making it easy to see and read. Users can utilize voice typing, take advantage of mobile internet access, maps and directions, email messages, a 13MP camera, and more.  If you select this phone, you can choose from three Health & Safety packages. These include the Basic Package, the Preferred and the Ultimate. With the Ultimate Package you get a personal operator, product replacement and a Lively Link. With the Preferred package you also get Urgent Care and the Lively Link. The basic package only includes 5Star Response and Brain Games. The phone costs $149.99 and plans start at $19.99/month.

Jitterbug Flip

The Jitterbug Flip phone is less expensive than the Jitterbug Smart 2 and includes bright, large buttons, voice dial, and the 5Star button. Buttons are large and the backlit keypad keeps numbers legible even in dim environments. It also includes a helpful magnifier with flashlight right in the phone itself. The package options are the same as they are with the Jitterbug Smart 2—there is a Basic Plan, a Preferred Plan and the Ultimate Plan. This phone is available for $99.99.

Lively Mobile Plus

The Lively Mobile Plus is a device that’s been ranked as one of the best overall medical alert systems. It has reliable coverage and enhanced GPS technology. 5Star agents are available 24/7 to provide help with both emergency and non-emergency situations. This includes Fall Detection, it’s waterproof, and it includes Lively Link which helps ensure your loved ones are kept up to date with how you’re doing. It is easy to use and worn around the neck, like a pendant. You should be aware that this device is not discreet, given that it’s a bit bulkier than some other brands’ medical alert pendants. This device is available for just $49.99.

Lively Wearable

The Lively Wearable is wearable technology that essentially turns your smartphone into an urgent response device. It works with a smartphone and includes an Urgent Response button that can be used anytime you need help. You can wear it either as a pendant or like a watch. It’s waterproof and available with a $14.99 monthly plan. The Lively wearable also includes fall detection. It costs $49.99.

Choice of Plans

There are three plans available for Lively.

Basic

The Basic Plan is available for $19.99 per month with phones or $24.99 per month with the Lively Mobile Plus. It includes 5Star Urgent Response, which offers 24/7 protection. Brain Games are also available on phones, but not on the Lively Mobile Medical Plus or Lively Wearable.

Preferred

The Preferred Plan is available for $24.99 per month if you add it to one of the Jitterbug phones or $29.99 per month if added to the Lively Mobile Plus. In addition to 5Star Urgent Response and Brain Games, you’ll also be connected to Lively Link, which is an app for caregivers, and Urgent Care, which connects you to a doctor or nurse without an appointment.

Ultimate

The Ultimate Plan costs $34.99 per month when paired with a phone or $39.99 per month when paired with the Lively Mobile Plus, and as its name implies, it includes the most features and services. On top of everything you get with the Preferred Plan, you’ll also benefit from unlimited access to a Personal Operator and Product Replacement should your phone be lost, stolen, or broken.

Lively Wearable Plan

As mentioned above, the Lively Wearable Plan is available with only one choice of plan, which costs $14.99/month. This button uses your smartphone to connect you to 5Star Agents and notifies your family members via the app.

If you buy one of the Jitterbug phones, you can also choose to purchase discounted minutes, texts, and data through Lively. These include:

Monthly Minutes:

  • 100 minutes for $5
  • 750 minutes for $10
  • 1500 minutes for $15
  • Unlimited talk & text for $20
  • Unlimited talk, text, and data for $40

Monthly Texts

  • 500 texts for $3
  • 1000 texts for $5
  • 2500 texts for $10
  • Unlimited texts for $15

Monthly Data

  • 100 MB for $2.49
  • 250 MB for $5
  • 1 GB for $10
  • 2.5 GB for $15

 

Basic Plan - Jitterbug Phone
$19.99/mo
Preferred Plan - Jitterbug Phone
$24.99/mo
Ultimate Plan - Jitterbug
$34.99/mo
Basic Plan - Lively Mobile Plus
$24.99/mo
Preferred Plan - Lively Mobile Plus
$29.99/mo
Ultimate Plan - Lively Mobile Plus
$39.99/mo
Lively Wearable Plan
$14.99/mo

Overview

Lively is a comprehensive provider of mobile solutions for aging adults and their family caregivers. The company offers a line-up of products designed to help older adults remain independent and active. Products including the Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart 2 as well as the Lively Wearable and Lively Home technology. Lively was created in 2006 and since then has been a leader in helping older adults live their lives on their terms while giving their families and loved one’s peace of mind. The company is headed by David Inns, Chief Executive Officer, and the company has grown to have more than 1,000 employees.

Rating

  • "Price"
    8 /10
  • "Features"
    9 /10
  • "Ease of Use"
    9 /10
  • "Help and Support"
    9 /10

Features and Functionality

Each of the phones and devices available from Lively has its own set of features, and then you can build onto those based on the service plan you choose. The service plans fall under a category called “Health and Safety Services.”

5Star Urgent Response

One of the foundational features of all the products and services available from Lively is 5Star Urgent Response. With 5Star Urgent Response, you can press one button, and you’re then immediately connected to a response agent. When you contact a response agent, they will help confirm where you are and evaluate your situation to get you the right help you need immediately. Agents can get emergency services, roadside assistance or contact family members on your behalf.

Pricing Features

  • Equipment warranty
  • Free shipment

Lively Link Caregiver App

The Lively Link is also standard with the Preferred package and the Ultimate package from Lively. With Lively Link, your family and loved ones can stay up-to-date with what’s going on in terms of your health and safety. Loved ones download the free app and if you give your permission they can receive an alert on their phone if your device needs to be charged or you contact 5Start. Alerts can also let them know what you’re doing and what your location is.

UrgentCare

The UrgentCare feature is available with the Preferred and Ultimate packages from Lively. It lets you speak to either a live nurse or board-certified doctor anytime day or night without an appointment. They can also provide prescriptions for certain medications by phone.

Brain Games

All the packages from Lively include access to Brain Games so that you can challenge yourself and improve your memory.

Personal Operator

The Personal Operator feature is available with Ultimate packages. It offers access to a live operator at any time to look up numbers, find addresses, or connect you with numbers. Access is unlimited.

Ease of Use

Overall, Lively is very easy to use. The devices are all designed to be simple with list-style formatting and access to features such as a Personal Operator available with some plans. There is extensive product support available as well. The Lively company offers users guides and how-to videos for all of their devices and services, or you can contact them directly for support.

Customer support

One of the areas where Lively excels is in terms of their support and customer service. There are written and video tutorials and a number of Frequently Asked Questions to refer to. Each device has its own how-to videos, how-to cards, and user guide.

  • 24/7 Help & Support
    Yes, Lively offers 24/7 responsive phone support.
  • Phone Support
    Yes, you get in touch with Lively by dialing 800-733-6632.
  • Email
    There is email/ticketing support on the Lively website.
  • Video Tutorials
    Video tutorials are available on YouTube.
  • FAQ
    Yes, there is an extensive FAQ section on all products and services.
  • Blog
    Lively has a blog called Currents that provides education, support, and resources.

Final Word

The Lively company offers award-winning technology that balances older adults’ desire for independence with safety and health as well as peace of mind for their loved ones. Each of their products offers extensive features that work well for a modern, active lifestyle and their support is unparalleled, regardless of your comfort level with technology. Smartphones are available as is wearable technology, and there are several different plan options for all budgets. The 5Stsar urgent response feature is available with all devices to ensure that you have access to the type of help you need, when and where you need it.

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writer-ashley-sutphin
Ashley Sutphin
author

Ashley is an experienced product reviewer and writer on topics related to safety. She is a contributor to Top 5 Networks.

We make the best effort to present up-to-date information; however, the terms of each offer can be revised according to the service provider’s discretion. The above shall not be considered as an expert or professional advice for any matter.
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