What Is Lively (formerly GreatCall)?

Lively (formerly known as GreatCall) is based in Carlsbad, California. Lively was founded in 2006 as a health technology company focused on the mobile phone market. In 2018, Best Buy acquired Lively.

Lively is widely known for its flagship product, the Jitterbug, which Lively dubs “the simplest smartphone ever.” Lively’s cell phone lineup is geared toward older adults who want an easy-to-use device to call friends and family, take pictures, text (type or voice), use basic health and safety help, and call for help if needed.

Since its inception, Lively has introduced a suite of medical-alert smartphones. The company is different from the providers in our Best Medical Alert Systems of 2022 rating because its main products work both as a cell phone for older adults and a medical alert device.

Lively offers a choice of three subscription-based health and safety packages Basic, Preferred, and Ultimate �with purchase of the Lively Mobile Plus, Lively Wearable2, Jitterbug Smart3, and Jitterbug Flip2. Subscription plans range from $19.99 per month to $39.99 per month.

  • Basic plan: For the Jitterbug Smart3 and the Jitterbug Flip2 phones, it costs $19.99 per month. For the Lively Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable2, it costs $24.99 per month. The plan includes 24/7 help from urgent response agents.
  • Preferred plan: On the Jitterbug Smart3 and the Jitterbug Flip2 phones, it costs $24.99 per month. It costs $29.99 per month for the Lively Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable2 devices. This plan includes 24/7 help from urgent response agents, 24/7 access to nurses and doctors, and the Lively Link app, which keeps family members updated on your well-being.
  • Ultimate plan: For the Jitterbug Smart3 and the Jitterbug Flip2 phones, it costs $34.99 per month. For the Lively Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable2 devices, it costs $39.99 per month. It includes the same services as the Preferred package plus fall detection on the Lively Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable2, as well as access to Lively operators with the Jitterbug Smart3 and the Jitterbug Flip2 .

The waterproof Mobile Plus and the water-resistant Wearable2 can detect when you’ve fallen and will connect you to a Lively agent who can contact emergency services. Activity tracking, two-way communication, and GPS are available on the Preferred plan and Ultimate plans with the Jitterbug Smart3 and Jitterbug Flip2.

Phone users have the option of a Value Talk and Text plan. For the Jitterbug Smart3, it’s necessary to purchase an additional data plan, running from $2.49 per month for 100 MB of data to $30 per month for unlimited data.

  • Value Talk and Text: It costs $14.99 per month, and it includes 300 minutes per month.
  • Unlimited Talk and Text: It costs $19.99 per month, and it includes unlimited minutes and texts each month.

Lively charges these fees:

  • Upfront device fees: Lively charges $49.99 for the Lively Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable2, $149.99 for the Jitterbug Smart3, and $99.99 for the Jitterbug Flip2.
  • Shipping fee: Shipping is always free.
  • Activation fees: There is no activation fee for the Lively Wearable2. Lively charges an activation fee for all other products but isn’t very transparent about how much the fee is.

Compared to the medical alert systems in our Best Medical Alert Systems of 2022 rating, Lively’s pricing for monthly subscription plans and upfront device fees is competitive. The one-year warranty and free shipping on all devices also stand out. The company doesn’t offer spouse monitoring, wellness checks, or medication reminders. Other companies in our rating include these services or offer them for a fee.

How does Lively (formerly GreatCall) work?

All Lively phones and wearable medical alert devices have an urgent response button that, when pushed, alerts response agents that you need help. Lively Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable2 can both detect falls. The Jitterbug Smart3, Jitterbug Flip2, and Lively Mobile Plus all feature two-way communication so you can speak directly with an agent after pushing the button. The Lively Wearable2 is a watch that requires a smartphone and downloading the Lively app. After pushing the urgent response button on the Lively Wearable2, your smartphone contacts an agent who can talk to you and determine the type of assistance you need. Whether you’re locked out of your house, stranded with car trouble, unable to get up after falling, or in the midst of a serious medical emergency, Lively’s agents can assist you quickly.

Help is available all day, every day with the push of a button. Follow these steps to get help with Lively:

  • Press the urgent response button. A Lively response agent will identify your location and appraise the situation.
  • Help is on the way. Your agent will contact someone to help and will remain on the line with you until the situation has been remedied.

 

 

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