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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.
 
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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
https://www.greatcall.com/
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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Sandy C
11/26/2016
I am rating the Device itself 4 Stars. The review follows. I loved this until the battery charger lasted approx . 18 mos. and I called and asked to buy another one but was told they don't sell them you have to buy a whole new Greatcall Outfit. I didn't like that, thought it should last much longer than that. Liked the Device itself though. When I bought it, it was $13.99 a mo. several months later they raised my monthly to $22.99 a mo.

M
Me
10/17/2016
I have not had much success in getting the device to work for my Mother. First we had to wait a week for a bug fix to be implement so it could connect to my Mothers phone. Then after a few days a critical low battery alert came and we had to replace the battery. After replacing the battery the unit would no longer work and had to be replaced. After getting the unit replaced it the new one stopped communicating and can no longer connect to the phone. There are way to many issues with this device to use it. It was gotten to help protect my Mom and notify us in case of issues. We will be replacing ASAP. As a side note the people you deal with on the phone are always extremely helpful... Read More

Jussta
10/13/2016
I had the worst experience with Great Call. I ordered it after our local Channel 7 NBC News featured Great Call receiving a million dollar grant to give 100 Alzheimer's patients a free Lively Alert device I am a major fall risk and thought the Fall alert would be perfect for me. Instead, I discovered the device constantly needed to be charged and I would receive an alert that the Fall Risk was 'shutting down'. Even though it was not revealed that the device needed to be charged overnight (which was a terrible problem since most falls do occur at night. I would charge the device overnight, put the device on with the lanyard and within two hours or less, the device would turn RED... Read More

D
Don M
8/28/2016
I have had the Great Call 5 Star Alert for about 4 years now. I am now on my second unit because the (non replaceable) battery had died on the first one. It appears the batteries are good for about 2 to 3 years. Meaning that you will have to buy a new unit every 2 to 3 years. Fortunately I have never had to use it for an emergency call (I am knocking on wood now). I like the tracking feature where members of my family are alerted when I leave home and can see where I am at any time. Not planning to get hijacked and thrown in the trunk of my car but with the tracking feature people would know where I was. Since I have carried it for emergencies and have not had any I can't attest to... Read More

L
Laurel
8/18/2016
Terrible customer service got the device did not work after first day of receiving it. Called they would send out a new charger and if that did not work would send new device. Paying for service which we don't have and all the customer service rep could say was "this is our policy".

M
Mary
5/15/2016
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... Read More

Jean H
5/5/2016
I've had a 'Great Call' device for going on years now. I must be a frequent caller - seems like I fall - getting off the toilet or getting in my wheelchair - at least once a month. Besides getting stuck in the mud while wheeling around my yard or walking my dog. When I call 911 myself (one of Great Call's options), there is always an argument on whether I live in the city or county. I'm in tears before they finally agree I'm in the city. When I use my Great Call people - THEY get it straight - and the 911 people show up where I am.! Since I do walk my dogs, I *must* have a device that works everywhere. (Sometimes I drive to a park before unloading the wheelchair and the... Read More

R
Robert M
10/18/2015
Got great call on advice of sister booker and cousin RN . Luv it.

J
Joan T
7/30/2015
They sent me a defective Great Call Splash. Though I paid $20.00 for extra shipping it took 4 days to get here. It took an hour to get through to a technician and for him to confirm it is defective. $10.00 more to ship a replacement in good time, another call to stop billing for non-use. Will it work?

R
Robert H
7/9/2015
Waste of time, never did a follow up review to verify activation, discovered 11 days system was never completed. Great call expects too much of the elderly. Never did a follow up call or e-mail to address satisfaction. Completely disappointed, stay away all talk no go. Reported my experience to the better business bureau of Mo. ;(:(:(:(:( F----------

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