Lively Medical Alert Systems Review: The Best Tech-Forward Options

Lively, a senior-focused Best Buy brand, has unique, tech-forward medical alert system offerings compared to other companies on the market. Instead of offering a variety of devices, Lively offers just one dedicated medical alert system along with medical alert services that are compatible with Apple Watches and Alexa devices. An Urgent Response button is also included on their Jitterbug phones, which is unique among cell phone providers. In our opinion, it’s the best medical alert system for seniors looking for a tech-forward option because it allows you to use the Apple and Alexa devices you may already be using.

Formerly known as GreatCall, Lively has been in business since 2005 and joined Best Buy Health Inc. in 2018. In addition to offering the 24/7 emergency monitoring services you expect from any medical alert system, they also provide a robust customer service experience. You can push the emergency button on your device and get help in any emergency or non-emergency situation, like experiencing stroke symptoms, getting locked out of your home, having a flat tire, or even feeling uneasy while walking to your car at night. You can also sign up for optional support services that enable you to get additional help in a variety of non-emergency situations.

Lively is a fantastic option for tech-loving seniors who already have an Apple Watch or Alexa device or those who want support beyond getting help in emergencies. Still, that doesn’t mean this medical alert system company is right for everyone. Keep reading to discover the details about Lively’s medical alert systems and services so you can decide if you or a loved one should give it a try.

Pros and cons at a glance

Pros	Cons
Compatible with Apple Watch and Alexa devices.	No traditional in-home medical alert system options.
All-in-one mobile system option with no base station needed.	Lively Mobile2 all-in-one system is less discreet than other systems.
Option to sign up for Nurse On-Call and Ask Lively to get even more help in non-emergency situations.	Lively Mobile2 lasts only 24 hours before needing to be charged.
No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.	Setting up the Apple Watch and Alexa services involves many steps and may be challenging.

How Lively medical alert systems work

With Lively’s medical alert offerings, you can get access to help anytime you’re experiencing an emergency, like a fall or the symptoms of a heart attack. With the push of a button or a voice command, you’ll be connected with operators who can help.

When you connect with a Lively operator, you can feel good knowing you’re speaking to a U.S.-based agent with extensive training from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. As soon as you push the button and connect to an agent, they have immediate access to your file, which can include information about medications you take, allergies, and more. They can convey this information to emergency medical services on your behalf.

Traditional medical alert systems have a physical button you push in an emergency. That’s precisely how the all-in-one Lively Mobile2 device works. Their Flip2 phone also has a physical button to press in an emergency. The Smart4 phone has an emergency button located at the top of the screen that you tap to connect to Lively emergency operators.

Lively’s unique offerings also include services compatible with an Apple Watch or Amazon’s Alexa. Instead of pushing a button on a dedicated medical alert system device, you tap the urgent response button on the screen of your Apple Watch or say, “Alexa, call for help,” and you’ll be connected to an Urgent Response Agent through your existing device. 

Fall detection is available with their Mobile2 device for an additional $9.99 monthly. Fall detection is also available through the Apple Watch, but it is not from Lively and is instead a built-in option within the Apple Watch. If this feature is activated and your watch detects a fall, it will immediately connect you to emergency services instead of a Lively Urgent Response Agent. It’s important to be aware that there is no fall detection option available with their Alexa service or Jitterbug phones.

With the Mobile2, Jitterbug phones, and Apple Watch services, you can be protected wherever you go. Alexa devices operate in your home. If you move or take your Alexa device with you on vacation, you’ll want to call 1-800-733-6632 to update the address in your file.

Benefits and features

One of the reasons Lively has some of the best medical alert systems for seniors is that all their options are streamlined. Their Mobile2 is an all-in-one device, so there’s no need for base stations or separate emergency buttons. Their other offerings are compatible with devices you may already have in your home, so there’s no need to figure out how to use a new device. You can continue using your Apple Watch or Alexa system as you did before, only with an upgrade to provide you with an additional layer of protection.

There are a few other noteworthy benefits, including:

• No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
• No restocking fees.
• Ability to switch your plan at any time.
• No device fees with Lively on Apple Watch or Alexa services, as you purchase those devices separately.
• One-year warranty against manufacturer defects with the Mobile2 medical alert device.

If you don’t already have an Apple Watch, you could save $100 on select models. If you’re interested in this deal, you will want to be certain that an Apple Watch with Lively capabilities is right for you because this special deal requires a one-year subscription. If you cancel your service before the year ends, a $100 early termination fee may apply.

You may also be able to save on an Alexa device, depending on the current specials available at Best Buy. For example, at the time of this writing, you could save $55 on an Echo Show 8 when signing up for Lively’s basic service package.

Another great thing about Lively is that they offer streamlined packages without charging you for additional services. You’ll pay an additional $9.99 for fall detection with their Mobile2 medical alert system, but the Lively Link app is free for friends and family. Though you’ll need to pay for the more expensive plan to access everything, Lively doesn’t charge separately for each additional service. Simply upgrade from the Basic to the Premium plan to receive Lively’s full spectrum of services.

Reliability

When it comes to reliability, sometimes simple is better. That’s the case with the Lively Mobile2 medical alert system device. Not only can you push the button and be connected to a certified Urgent Response Agent, but if you have fall detection activated, you will also be connected to an agent if the accelerometer within the device detects sudden changes in your body’s movements. The Mobile2 utilizes the Jitterbug cell service, which is affiliated with the Lively brand, so you can rest assured that as long as your device has service and is charged, you’ll be protected.

When it comes to their Apple Watch or Alexa services, reliability isn’t necessarily a given from Lively because you’re depending on a third-party device to work to receive protection. You’re also relying on your own cellular or internet provider.

To use the Apple Watch, you have to own an iPhone and ensure your Apple Watch is connected to it via Bluetooth. Your iPhone and watch must be charged, turned on, and have network access to function correctly. 

Operating Alexa devices in your home requires a cell phone or a computer with an internet connection. Your ability to connect with an Urgent Response Agent depends on whether your phone or computer is on and connected to a cellular network or the internet. You’ll also need: 

• A compatible Alexa device.
• An active Lively medical alert service plan.
• An active Amazon account.
• The Alexa app downloaded on your smartphone.
• The Lively Urgent Response skill enabled on your Alexa app and linked to your Lively account.

With Alexa devices, you must be within range of your device to communicate with an Urgent Response Agent. To ensure you can always ask for help and communicate clearly with an Agent, you should have an Alexa-enabled device in multiple rooms in your home. 

Keep in mind that you’re responsible for replacing your equipment should something go wrong. Unlike other medical alert system providers that replace emergency buttons when batteries run low or offer upgrades or exchanges on devices with some of their plans, you’ll have to replace your equipment directly with Apple or Amazon. Then, when you get a new device, you’ll have to link it to your Lively account again.

Unlike other medical alert systems that only need to be plugged into the wall, you must jump through some hoops to ensure that your Apple Watch or Alexa device is active and stays active. We recommend testing your equipment frequently to ensure that everything is operating properly.

If all of that sounds like a hassle you want to avoid, the Lively Mobile2 device might be a better choice.

Product offerings

Lively’s product offerings are streamlined into options including protection inside and outside the home. Fall detection is also available with some but not all of their medical alert systems, so you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each one carefully before making your decision.

Lively medical alert product and service offerings include:

• Lively Mobile2.
• Lively on Apple Watch.
• Lively on Alexa.
• Urgent Response on Jitterbug cell phones.
• Additional services.

Lively Mobile2

The Mobile2 is waterproof, so it can be worn in the shower or pool. For an additional $9.99 per month, fall detection can be enabled within the device.

Like all mobile devices, it comes with a charging cradle. The battery can last up to 40 hours, but Lively recommends charging the device every night because network coverage, device usage, temperature, and fall detection can reduce the battery life. A battery indicator light lets you know how much battery life is left, and the device also gives an audio alert when the battery gets low.

You can wear the Lively Mobile2 medical alert system in various ways. It comes with a lanyard and a belt clip, so you can wear the device around your neck or attach it to your belt. You can purchase a longer lanyard and even a wristband to wear the device like a watch. That’s unique among on-the-go systems, as most don’t have a wristband option. Note, however, that if you’re using fall detection, the device needs to be worn around your neck. You can also purchase an additional charging cradle and a lockbox, which allows emergency services to enter your home without breaking in. 

This system contains two-way communication, so you can speak to an Urgent Response Agent directly through the device. If you cannot communicate with the agent for any reason, they will automatically send help to your location.

The Lively Mobile2 is an effective medical alert system, but it is less discreet than other systems on the market, measuring 2.8 inches by 1.7 inches. Its size makes it easy to push the button if you need help, but it may not be a good option if you’re looking for a medical alert system that’s a little less noticeable.

Lively on Apple Watch

Once you sign up for this service, you download the Lively app and verify your account. You’ll need to accept the right permissions, according to their directions, and make a test call with your phone. Then, you can pair the watch and add the urgent response button to your watch face so that it’s the first thing that shows up when your watch face turns on. 

If you experience an emergency, all you have to do to get help is tap the image on the watch face and speak to an Urgent Response Agent directly through the two-way speaker on your watch. The agent will confirm your location and send help your way.

There are some important things to understand about this medical alert system service. First, it utilizes your own cellular network, which you pay for separately. That’s different from Mobile2 and most other traditional medical alert systems, which use their own networks. 

You also must have an active cell phone, and placing an emergency call depends on whether you have service. Any calls you make will use your cell phone minutes and, in some cases, your phone’s data, which means you could potentially incur additional charges according to the terms of your contract with your cellular service provider. 

You also have to keep a close eye on your watch and your Lively app, as technology is updated constantly, and some capabilities may not be compatible with your current Apple Watch.

Lively doesn’t offer fall detection for the Apple Watch. Instead, fall detection is something you can enable in the watch itself. If you utilize the watch’s fall detection capabilities and the watch detects a fall, you will be connected with emergency services rather than a Lively Urgent Response Agent. 

If you or your loved one isn’t particularly tech-savvy, using Lively on Apple Watch may not be the right choice for you. However, it’s a fantastic option for those who are. If you’re already wearing an Apple Watch and are skilled at downloading apps, it’s a great way to get the protection of a medical alert system without having to wear a separate, potentially embarrassing device.

Lively on Alexa

This medical alert service relies on you being close enough for the device to hear you. Most Alexa devices don’t have the same range as traditional in-home medical alert systems, so you’ll likely want to put an Alexa device in every room in your home where you think you might need help.

You can also get help on the go if you have a smartphone. Simply download the Lively app and enable the emergency button on your screen. Then, all you have to do is press the Urgent Response button to talk to an agent on your cell phone.

Because there is no separate device for you to wear, fall detection is not available with this service. Also keep in mind that it requires you to have a separate internet connection that must be active in order for you to get help. If something goes wrong with your internet or you experience a power outage, you won’t be able to call for help. If you don’t have an internet connection, you can access emergency services through the app on your phone instead, but it requires a cellular connection.

It’s a great option if you or a loved one is already familiar with using Alexa devices, but the effectiveness of Lively’s service depends on you making sure you set up Lively on Alexa properly and maintaining a separate Amazon account to keep your Alexa devices operational. It also depends on you ensuring you have the appropriate Alexa technology, as Lively on Alexa may not be compatible with every device, especially if your device is older.

Urgent Response on Jitterbug cell phones

Although all Jitterbug phones come with the ability to enable Urgent Response services, these services aren’t automatically included with your plan. You have to sign up for a separate emergency service plan, and you must have a cellular signal to get help when you push the button.

Keep in mind that service is a bit pricier than Lively’s other service offerings because, in addition to paying for emergency services, you also have to pay for a separate cellular service through Lively. Data plans cost extra, too.

Additional services

Because Lively is a tech-forward company affiliated with Best Buy, it offers some excellent additional services with its medical alert systems that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

The Lively Link app is available to friends and family at no additional cost. This app allows your loved ones to be notified if you call Urgent Response, see changes in your daily activity levels, see if the battery on your Mobile2 device is running low, and check in on your location, which is updated every 20 minutes. The app works on both Apple and Android devices.

The Lively app is different from their Lively Link app, but it’s also free. When you link the app to your Lively medical alert service account, you can activate an Urgent Response button on any screen on your phone. If you have cellular service and an active Lively account, you can speak to an Urgent Response Agent by pressing the button.

All their medical alert plans come with Ask Lively, a service that enables you to ask any questions you may have. From answering questions about your device to assisting you in looking up a phone number, Lively Care Advisors strive to provide a personal experience to Lively customers by providing support, even in non-emergency situations.

Nurse On-Call is available with their Premium plan. If you press the emergency button or call for help through Alexa, you can ask to be connected to a registered nurse or board-certified doctor, who can answer medical questions, give information or advice, or help refill your prescriptions. There are no copays with this service.

Care Advocate is also available with their Premium plan. This service provides access to trained and caring support that can help you with everything from making health and lifestyle changes to estate planning and financial matters. Care Advocates help you develop a personal Care Plan that can include health goals and the support you need to achieve them.

Pricing and subscription plans

One of the things we like most about Lively’s medical alert systems is that they have simplified their service plans. Both plans are available with all their devices and services, and they don’t charge you for seemingly endless individual services.

For service with Lively’s Mobile2, Apple Watch, or Alexa devices, you can choose between the Basic plan for $24.99 per month and the Premium plan for $34.99 a month. There are no annual or biannual payment options, so there is no discount for making a longer commitment. The Lively app, Ask Lively, Urgent Response, and Lively Link are available with both plans. Care Advocate and Nurse On-Call are available with their Premium plan.

Fall detection is available with their Mobile2 device for an extra $9.99 per month. You can also buy extra accessories, including a lockbox, which you can purchase with all their medical alert systems for just $19.99.

The cost of medical alert systems can vary widely, but few are as affordable as Lively’s offerings. Their Lively Mobile2 device is just $79.99. Once you buy it, you own it, so you don’t have to worry about returning the equipment if you cancel your service. There are no device fees with their Apple Watch or Alexa plans, as they rely on you owning or purchasing a separate device.

Unlike with many other medical alert devices that you can only purchase online, you can shop for Lively in Best Buy stores. It’s a great way to check out the Mobile2 in person and speak to a store associate about their other Lively devices and plans.

Don’t have an Apple Watch or Alexa device? By signing up for service, you could save up to $100 on a brand-new Apple Watch or save $55 on a second-generation Echo Show 8.

Pricing for Urgent Response services on their Jitterbug phones is a little more complicated. The most basic cell phone plan offered through Lively does not include Urgent Response capabilities. You must upgrade to their Preferred ($39.99 per month) or Premium ($49.99 per month) plan to access this service. The Preferred and Premium plans include Ask Lively and Lively Link, and the Premium plan includes the Nurse On-Call and Care Advocate features. While these plans come with unlimited talk and text, you’ll need to pay more for data plans. You’ll also need to pay for the phone itself: The Flip2 costs $99.99, and the Smart4 costs $149.99. Lively often runs promotions that may offer discounts on their phones.

Equipment installation and setup

Setting up the Mobile2 medical alert system is easy. All you have to do is plug the charging cradle into the wall and place the device in the cradle until the light turns green. You’ll know your device is ready to use when you hear “Welcome to Lively.” If you hear “Activation failed,” you’ll want to call Customer Care at 1-800-463-5412. Once your device is activated, you’ll receive an automated test call.

An indicator light tells you if your battery needs charging. If the light flashes amber or red, you should charge your device. It is ready to use if the light is flashing green. If the light is off, the device is likely off. Simply press and hold the power button on the back of the device for two seconds to turn it back on again.

Setup for the Apple Watch and Alexa is more involved because you must set up each device before downloading an app and pairing the device to your Lively account. When you sign up for service, you will receive an email with all the information you need to set up Lively on Apple Watch or Lively on Alexa. You can also view the setup guides for the Apple Watch and Alexa online to get step-by-step instructions.

User experience and ease of use

Lively offers a great user experience for seniors who love technology. If you aren’t intimidated by downloading apps, syncing accounts, and keeping up with the latest tech devices, a Lively alert system is a great way to get the emergency protection you need in the event of a medical event without having to deal with a separate in-home or on-the-go device.

If technology isn’t your thing, the Mobile2 medical alert system is even easier to use. All you have to do is make sure your device is charged, and you can push the button to be connected to an Urgent Response Agent at any time of the day or night.

Lively’s Jitterbug phones offer a middle ground. If you’re comfortable with using a cellular phone but intimidated by the complexity of pairing an Apple Watch or Alexa device with your medical alert service, these phones might be the right choice.

One of our favorite things about Lively’s offerings is their comprehensive level of service. While other devices focus on providing emergency services only, Lively will help you with non-emergency issues, too. You can just press the button and ask for help without trying to figure out if there’s a separate customer service number you should call instead.

Customer support and assistance

Lively offers outstanding emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. All agents are certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. They also offer non-emergency support with their Ask Lively services, whether you push the button on your device or call them directly at 1-800-733-6632. Ask Lively Care Advisors can answer questions about your device, give you driving directions, look up the weather, and more. 

You’ll find some great online resources, too. Their support page includes quick links and resources for the most frequently asked questions as well as specific help with their Lively Mobile2 device. Additional FAQs can be found at the bottom of their product and service pages.

Lively does a good job of putting faces to their name. Most pages on their website feature a video that outlines each service. You can also watch a video that showcases actual care agents and learn more about some of their team members online.

Testimonials and success stories

Hunting down relevant testimonials and success stories can be a bit difficult because reviews are not just about their medical alert services but also include their cellular phones and plans. For example, many of their negative reviews on Trustpilot cite problems with their cellular service, which isn’t necessarily relevant if you’re purchasing a medical alert system.

However, 29% of reviews give the company five stars, with one person saying, “I had been researching devices for well over a year. I suffered 2 CVAs/strokes; by chance, a neighbor found me as he was walking by, and my occupational therapist found me because I had an appointment. I made the decision right there to purchase the Lively Mobile Plus because of the previous research, and I had just received my new AARP Bulletin and turned down the corner of the page for the ad. I wish I called sooner.”

You can find reviews for the Mobile2 device on the Best Buy website, where it has an impressive 4.6 overall rating. You can also find a few reviews scattered throughout the Lively website, such as here and here.

If you’re a little worried about some of Lively’s negative reviews, keep in mind that there are no long-term contracts, cancellation fees, or restocking fees. If you give them a try and decide they aren’t the right company for you, simply cancel your service and try a different medical alert system company.

Final thoughts on Lively medical alert systems

Lively has the best medical alert system for you if you’re looking for a tech-forward option, especially if you already use an Apple Watch or an Alexa-enabled device. Their Mobile2 device is a great choice for those who want a more traditional medical alert system but also want all the non-emergency support Lively is known for. Their Jitterbug phones also offer emergency support and may be the best choice for someone looking for something in between.

Be mindful of the potential difficulty associated with the Apple Watch and Alexa services. If you anticipate setup to be a challenge, don’t want to deal with updating your devices, or don’t want to rely on separate cellular or Wi-Fi service, you’ll want to consider the Mobile2 device instead.

If you’re looking for a wide range of systems with fall detection, you may want to consider other brands with more options, like LifeFone. For a brand with highly rated customer service and reliable products, consider Medical Guardian and its line of medical alert systems. Or, for our all-around best pick of medical alert system companies, MobileHelp‘s product line comes in at the right cost with all the features many customers are looking for.