Lively medical alert system review

Lively   is a company that provides cell phones, medical alert devices, and other services for seniors. It offers a variety of cell phones, including the Jitterbug Smart4, Jitterbug Smart3, and Jitterbug Flip2. They also offer medical alert devices, such as Lively Mobile Plus and Lively on Apple Watch.  

LifeStation and Best Buy Health joined forces to enrich lives through technology and meaningful connections. Since 2005, when Lively, formerly known as GreatCall, introduced the Jitterbug, the world’s first easy-to-use cell phone for older adults, they have been committed to helping seniors live more independently. In 2018, Lively joined forces with Best Buy Health, Inc., a company dedicated to enriching and saving lives through technology and meaningful connections. Together, they focus on enabling care at home.

Our comprehensive review centers around the Lively Mobile Plus, Lively's top-tier medical alert system. Compared to other mobile medical alert devices, the Lively Mobile Plus stands out for its rugged construction and exceptional audio quality. Unlike many companies that lease their equipment, Lively lets you own the Mobile Plus outright, and you won't need to return it when discontinuing your service. We evaluated the Lively Mobile Plus based on factors such as audio quality, emergency response time, call quality, and pricing, comparing it to other medical alert systems. While Lively offers medical alert services through their Jitterbug phones and Apple Watches, the Mobile Plus is the best option for a straightforward comparison.

Read further to find out why we think Lively offers on of the best medical alert systems.

Lively medical alert systems: Products

Lively offers a diverse range of four products, including two specialized phones designed for seniors.

The Jitterbug Smart 3 is a smartphone tailored to meet the needs of older adults. It features large text, a simplified interface, and a conveniently accessible help button located on the home screen, providing a user-friendly experience.

The Jitterbug Flip, another offering from Lively, is a traditional flip phone. It allows seniors to conveniently contact their desired recipients while also incorporating a dedicated button for reaching an emergency response center, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Of all the fall detection sensors we’ve detected on mobile medical alert systems, the Lively Mobile Plus had the most accuracy. 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 medical alert systems: Emergency response center

In every test we conducted, Lively Mobile Plus demonstrated the swiftest response time to calls. The average call response time of Lively Mobile Plus was remarkably twice as fast as the second-fastest medical alert service. The majority of calls were answered in less than 15 seconds, ensuring a prompt response. Additionally, the integration of GPS and WiFi tracking technology enables emergency responders to locate individuals more rapidly, facilitating a quicker response. A swift response plays a pivotal role in fostering physical and mental recovery.

The quick response times are attributed to Lively’s Urgent Response Center, which is owned and operated by Lively. This center handles calls from various sources, including home security systems and other services, simultaneously with customer calls for assistance. Operating 24/7 throughout the year, the center employs highly trained IAED-certified operators who remain on the line until help arrives. 

Each test we conducted demonstrated the high level of training received by the operators. They consistently displayed concern for our well-being by repeatedly inquiring about our condition, maintained a calm demeanor throughout the calls, and verified our identity and location – all crucial elements in an emergency situation. Furthermore, this service recognizes that not all emergencies necessitate an ambulance response. They are prepared to contact a family member or neighbor for assistance, acknowledging that some situations can be managed without the need for an ambulance.

One unique feature of Lively's Urgent Response Center is that it provides medical advice to seniors through its call center. This service goes beyond basic medical alerts; it enables individuals to receive expert guidance and recommendations regarding their health concerns.

Whether it's managing prescriptions and refills or seeking advice on important matters such as Covid-19 testing, Lively's Urgent Response Center is there to assist and support seniors in making informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Lively stands apart in an industry characterized by homogeneity and imitation. The company differentiates itself by frequently offering discounts and promotions, particularly to AARP members. Moreover, Lively operates without contracts, allowing customers to cancel at any time without incurring fees or having to return equipment. Additionally, the absence of aggressive marketing tactics and add-on services ensures a customer-centric approach, free from any pressure to make purchases.

With every product, they provide the Lively Link, a user-friendly smartphone app designed for your loved ones. This app ensures that your family and friends are always informed by sending them alerts when you press the help button. Additionally, they can access your appointments, assess your activity levels, and even retrieve your location in case of emergencies, providing you with an extra layer of security and support. 

Lively medical alert systems: Pricing

The basic package for this mobile medical alert system costs $24.99 per month, making it more affordable than the average in-home landline system, which typically costs around $30 per month. While some landline systems may be available for around $20 to $25 per month, they are inferior to mobile medical alert systems. However unlike with Lively, the mobile system is often the most expensive package offered by most services, starting around $45 per month, and typically does not include fall detection.

For an additional $9.99 per month, Lively offers a fall detection feature as a separate add-on keeping it quite cost competitive.

Additionally, there is a Premium Plan option available for $34.99 per month. With this higher-cost plan, you will be assigned a Care Advocate who will collaborate with experts to develop a customized plan to meet your health and wellness objectives. You will also have access to a Nurse On-Call 24/7, including nights and weekends, for medical advice from nurses and doctors.

Lively medical alert systems: Support

Lively offers a number of ways for their customers to get support. The direct options include a direct customer support number, 1-800-733-6632, which is available at any time, and it goes to a 100% US based customer service. The other option is a support portal to get some help. Technically, there is also a direct mail address listed, but I doubt many folks would use that option in this day and age. We would have liked to see a chat option, and also a direct email address, but we did not find these options available. 

There are also some self service options. These include a FAQ, to find answers to common questions about services, plans, and devices. There are also a limited number of “Quick Links and Resources,” to cover some common scenarios such as how to keep an existing phone number. 

Lively medical alert systems: Final verdict

Our comprehensive tests revealed that the Lively Mobile Plus excelled in almost every category. Its superior audio quality sets it apart from old and used devices, while its lightning-fast call response times are attributed to the call center exclusively serving Lively customers. Moreover, the fall detection sensor outperforms all others we've tested within the medical alert system category. When you factor in the affordable pricing, along with the added benefits of the Lively Link and the Urgent Response Center, it becomes evident why Lively stands as the top choice for seniors seeking a medical alert system.

Why settle for an inferior in-home landline system with outdated communication technology when you can opt for a mobile medical alert system equipped with GPS location tracking at a lower cost? It's this combination of factors that solidifies Lively's position as the best overall choice among medical alert systems. The decision really is that straightforward.

We've also listed the best medical alert with GPS tracking, and the best medical alert smartwatch.