GreatCall Lively MobilePlus Recall

MedicalAlertBuyersGuide.org is reporting that GreatCall, a subsidiary of Best Buy, has recalled an undisclosed amount of units of their recently released Lively MobilePlus medical alert device.

The device, which was on sale via their website, is now listed as “Coming Soon” and can no longer be purchased. David Inns, CEO of GreatCall, wrote in a letter to Lively MobilePlus customers dated May 15th,

“Unfortunately, we have identified a quality issue in a limited number of Lively MobilePlus devices manufactured earlier this year. Out of an abundance of caution — and because your safety is our top priority — we need you to stop using the device immediately and return it to us. We want to help ensure your device is working when you need it the most.”

Affected users are being issued a full refund, a free jitterbug flip phone (requires $14.99 monthly service charge), and a $50 Best Buy gift card.

GreatCall’s medical alert products have been a popular option for seniors. The service was affordable, had a large customer base, and had great brand recognition with John Walsh as their spokesperson.

However, with the recall and a class action lawsuit in progress, we feel that there are better mobile GPS medical alert devices on the market. Here are a list of GreatCall Lively Mobile alternatives to consider if you’re looking for a mobile PERS button.

#1. Bay Alarm Medical

With GreatCall sidelined, Bay Alarm Medical is the only other medical alert provider offering a mobile GPS help button with 4G LTE.

The device is attractive and lightweight, water resistant, and has up to 72 hours of battery life before needing a charge. You can also add automatic fall detection and device tracking for an additional $10 per month.

Our testing clearly demonstrated that both response times and location tracking was extremely quick and accurate due to the device being on the AT&T 4G LTE network.

Pricing starts at $29.95/mo.  Learn more

#2. MobileHelp

If you’re looking for coverage both in and out of the home, Mobilehelp offers a nice all-in-one solution with their DUO system.

The MobileHelp DUO System includes both an in-home system as well as a mobile device similar to the GreatCall Lively. The system is incredibly easy to setup as everything is wireless and run off of a 3G cellular network. Not quite as fast or accurate as a system built on 4G LTE but it will be enough for you to get help if you need it.

Pricing starts at $41.95/mo. Learn more

#3. LifeStation

LifeStation also offers a reliable 3G cellular-based mobile GPS device.

The device from LifeStation offers a combination of GPS and WiFi to increase the accurate of location tracking. In our tests, we would still trust Bay Alarm Medical’s 4G LTE device as both units are similar in price but the LifeStation unit is still worth checking out.

Pricing starts at $29.95. Learn more

We’re confident GreatCall will eventually fix this problem and start offering the Lively MobilePlus soon. In the meantime, we highly recommend these alternatives as we believe they may offer similar, if not better performance, than the Lively MobilePlus.

For more information on how to choose the best medical alert system, read our comprehensive buyers guide.