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GreatCall Medical Alert Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.4 / 5 (Excellent)
60 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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Founded 2006, GreatCall is a medical alert equipment manufacturer and monitoring service provider that offers nationwide coverage suitable to a wide range of seniors and others who may require help to remain safe and independent. The company's GPS-enabled devices are also well-suited to customers leading active lifestyles. GreatCall is located in San Diego, California.
GreatCall offers an AARP member discount.

How is GreatCall rated?

Breakdown

4.5/5
Monitoring
4.0/5
Equipment
4.5/5
Contract and Price
4.6/5
Reputation and Certifications

Overall Rating: 4.4 / 5 (Excellent)

GreatCall offers several devices to suit the needs of a wide range of users, including touch screen and flip-phone style models which combine the functionality of a medical alert and a cell phone, and two, lower-priced medical alert devices.The company offers several different monitoring plans, starting at a $19.99 per month for the most basic features. Depending on the device you select, plan upgrades are available to add such features as access to registered nurses and doctors, family alerts, and the ability to call a Lyft ride from your device.

Because GreatCall services rely exclusively on mobile GPS infrastructure, GreatCall limits its user base to those that live in areas where this technology is commonplace.


GreatCall Equipment

Equipment - 4 / 5

GreatCall offers a choice of four different devices to allow customers to select the model they find the easiest to use. GreatCall's lowest-price model, the Lively Plus, is available for $37.49. Its Lively wearable device, which must be used in conjunction with a smartphone, costs $49.99. The Jitterbug Smart2, which features voice-to-text typing and performs a number of functions that smartphones do costs $74.99. The company's upper-end model, the Lively Flip, is available for $99.99 and is compatible with Alexa. Only its Lively Plus and Lively wearable devices incorporate fall detection. Since mobile GPS is their sole infrastructure GreatCall's medical alert system is dependent on those who have access to such networks.

System Types
Mobile/GPS
Help Button Option
Necklace
Wristband

Key Features

Wearable 2-Way Communication
Waterproof Help Button
Automatic Fall Detection
Supports Multiple Help Buttons
Fall Detection
Optional Fall Detection
Water-Resistant Help Button

Additional Info

Equipment Warranty
Product Replacement guarantee. GreatCall replaces devices when stolen, lost or broken.

Monitoring

Monitoring - 4.5 / 5

GreatCall's professional monitoring services are operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

With a basic service plan, emergency calls are managed by a IAED-certified agents. If you upgrade to the company's urgent care plan, you have access to registered nurses and board-certified doctors to answer your questions.
Monitoring Options
Professionally Monitored
Services
24/7 Monitoring
Emergency Dispatch
Non-Emergency Dispatch

Contract & Price: How much does GreatCall cost?

Contract and Price - 4.5 / 5

There is no long-term contract required with GreatCall. Monitoring fees start at $19.99 per month per person for basic monitoring. With two models that the company offers, its Jitterbug Smart 2 and its Lively Flip, which also function as cell phones, customers must also purchase a plan for call minutes and texts. These plans start at $14.99 per month.

Starting Prices per Month

Mobile/GPS
$19.99
Free Monitoring for Additional Person

Contract & Fees

Contract Required?
No
Equipment Fees
GreatCall's lowest-price model, is available for $37.49. Its Lively wearable device, which must be used in conjunction with a smartphone, costs $49.99. The Jitterbug Smart2, which features voice-to-text typing and performs a number of functions that smartphones do costs $74.99. The company's upper-end model, the Lively Flip, is available for $99.99 and is compatible with Alexa.
Cancellation Policy
No cancellation fees. Activation fee, first month service charge, cost of device, applicable taxes are refunded within 30 days of date of purchase should customers choose to return the product.

GreatCall Reputation

Reputation and Certifications - 4.6 / 5

Despite its unfortunately large number of negative reviews, GreatCall is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. The BBB rewards companies with high ratings when they answer the complaints filed on their website. That explains the discrepancy.

GreatCall receives 2.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.

Additional Ratings

TrustPilot Rating
2.8 out of 5
BBB Rating
A+
BBB Positive Reviews
3
BBB Neutral Reviews
1
BBB Negative Reviews
71
Date Collected
2020-09-30

Disclaimers


Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Headquarters Address
10935 Vista Sorrento Pkwy #200, San Diego, CA, 92130
Mailing Address
10935 Vista Sorrento Pkwy #200, San Diego, CA, 92130
Year Founded
2005

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60 Customer Comments & Reviews

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J
Janell M
1/27/2017
I had to return 4 medical alert devices because they wouldn't hold a charge. When the 5th one failed, I cancelled the service.


A
Alice K
1/15/2017
My sister recently ordered a lively wearable from GreatCall, because she had had a stroke. I did the preliminary research into this product and because it is rated on this site, I thought it would be trustworthy. I thought that this product suited my sister the best, as she is not elderly and is very active. Furthermore, I was attracted by the fact that she did not need to hook this up to a landline, and that we as family members could download an app on our phones which would alert us if she called 5-Star emergency services. From the beginning, we experienced numerous problems with the device and the system. When she tried to set up the test calls and test out the app with her son's... Read More


B
Bob
1/4/2017
We have had 4 different Lively devices, one did not work after activation. My biggest complaint is the GPS location does not work! At times the 5 Star Agent could identify my location but a majority of the time the information is 20 minutes to several hours old. If you are driving and have an emergency you cannot count on this device. Cancelling my service with GreatCall!


J
Janell M
1/3/2017
Tried Great Call for approximately 1 year. Had to return the system 4 times due to battery not holding charge. Cancelled service....read reviews and found that this is a common problem.


Carol T
12/22/2016
Got this system for my father especially for the fall detection and no land line required. Well, he fell and no response was detected from Great Call, (also have an aunt in another city with the same problem). I called Great Call and was on the phone about three hours over a course of 2-3 weeks. There was an error on their end with the internet provider which Great Call neglected to inform their clients about this issue. I requested another unit as I felt this unit was not working as it should be. Great Call refused to send out another unit, told me to get up early the next day and call their support team again!!! Needless to say that was the end of our business with Great Call!! I do not... Read More


S
Shirley C
12/14/2016
It has been great for me. I am 81 live alone and I feel so secure. I have the fall detector and have set it off a couple of times by laying it down a little hard I guess. I love mine.


C
Carol W
12/14/2016
I purchased two units and both were defective. When I called to activate the second unit I was on hold for more than 30 minutes, then a recording came on and said they were now closed. I called back the next morning and discovered the charger was defective. They said they were aware of the design flaw and would mail a new one. I didn't have time for this because I live out of state and was leaving town. They told me to return the unit where I purchased it and 21 days later they would return my activation fee! I spent a lot of time and energy trying to get this for my mother. Nothing was accomplished. I would NEVER recommend this company!


G
Gina
12/13/2016
Avoid this company at all cost. This was a disaster from the beginning. First they charged us for and shipped three devices. Then after a very long wait to activate it on the phone (online did not work), I was disconnected THREE different times. We were never able to get the bracelet working and even returning all three of them has been a nightmare we are still trying to get through. The customer service is not helpful, the company clearly has no idea what they are doing. I would not put the safety of a loved one in this company's hands.


D
dougholman315
12/7/2016
To anyone considering getting a remote assistance device for an elderly or handicapped loved one PLEASE DO NOT GET THE GREATCALL LIVELY DEVICE. After the first two stopped working and the third one arrived and would not hold a charge, all of a sudden customer service just didn't give a crap anymore and did nothing to remedy the problem. The first two stopped working completely after a little while and the last one would not hold a charge longer than 12 hours. Please feel free to forward this post, as this service is not dependable for caring for your loved ones.


D
D.O.
12/4/2016
I've had GC for a number of years & 3 devices. GC called 911 on 12/3/16 & the emergency service FD showed up at my house while I was miles away & had NOT pushed the help button. I'm now reviewing other sources,for possible replacement for Great Call.



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