10-second breakdown:
GreatCall took an unconventional approach to their medical alert system. One single product on the market which is focused towards active seniors on-the-go. If you have a robust lifestyle or a loved one that loves to move, the GreatCall Splash is definitely worth a look!
The good:
By far the most mobile device on the market. You can take the Handy Splash 5Star anywhere and it’s just as useful as it is at home.
GPS tracking may sound creepy, but for the loved ones of an active senior, it’s peace of mind. Caretakers and designated family members will be able to find users in the event of an emergency no matter where they are.
It’s waterproof and can be used in the swimming pool or the shower (a common place for slip and fall injuries).
Small hardware that isn’t cumbersome or style-cramping.
The bad:
Cell phone reception (Verizon specifically) needed for the device to function. If you live in a poor reception area, this wouldn’t be a great choice.
The battery could be a little better and daily charging is recommended by the supplier.
Automatic fall detection doesn’t come standard, but it is available.
How it works:
The GreatCall Splash only has a single web page and a separate shop page dedicated to it but it’s easy to navigate and has everything you might want to know. The web page explains how the Splash stacks up to competitors, some user testimonials and a handy advertisement video.
It isn’t hard to get your hands on a GreatCall Splash, you can call in, have it shipped to you for free or even go out and buy one in store. You read that right, GreatCall put it’s Splash in stores, including your local Walmart Pharmacy, Best Buy, Rite Aid and Sears. GreatCall does require that you purchase the device in full before you get to use it but it’s cheaper than similar products offered by competitors and it does come with a one-year limited warranty.
Choosing a product couldn’t be easier, GreatCall only offers one. Henry Ford summed it up pretty well when he said, “You can have any color as long as it’s black.” The GreatCall Splash may be the sole offering but it packs in plenty of features that competitors can’t touch. The Splash is comparable to mobile devices from competitors, it’s a single unit smaller than a smartphone with a single button on the front. It has a GPS built in and the included speaker and microphone can put you into contact with GreatCall’s ‘5Star Agents.’
While most competitors require you to carry two devices on your person, a pendant or wristband and the mobile station, GreatCall wrapped the two up into one small package. All you need is the Splash and you’re good to go. The Splash is powered by Verizon’s cellular network so there’s no need for a landline and while most help buttons are waterproof, the splash is one of few mobile devices to be waterproof as well.
GreatCall may only offer the Splash but you can choose from three different plans. Think of it like a car, three different SUVs in front of you might all be the same base model, but they have different prices because some have optional features.
The first plan is the ‘Basic’ and it comes with GreatCall’s ‘5Star Urgent Response.’ This is GreatCall’s standard medical alert offering, if you need help anytime 24/7 you can hit the button and an agent will get on your call ASAP. All 5Star agents are trained in CPR and emergency procedures. It doesn’t need to be an emergency call to reach out, you could be lost and alone and they’ll help out!
GreatCall’s next step up is the ‘Preferred’ plan. Preferred includes the 5Star Urgent Response included in the basic but steps it up and includes ‘Urgent Care’ and ‘GreatCall Link.’ Urgent Care gives you access to registered nurses and board-certified doctors 24/7. You can get medical advice and even get some prescriptions right from the device. There’s no insurance necessary and no co-pay or appointment needed.
GreatCall Link is a smartphone app that loved ones can use to check up on their seniors. It alerts you when an emergency call is made, shows you the power level of the Splash device and can even show you the device’s current location via the GPS.
The ‘Ultimate’ plan includes the three perks above and tosses in ‘Device Replacement’ and ‘Fall Detection.’ The Splash comes with a limited warranty already but the upgraded Device Replacement goes even further and will send you a new Splash if the previous one was lost, stolen or broken. There still is a small replacement fee but it’s nowhere near paying the full price for a new one.
The Fall Detection feature will call out to the 5Star Urgent Response Center if any abnormal sudden movements are detected.
The basic plan is the cheapest and the prices go up from there. All of the prices are very competitive with their competition especially when you factor in the include Urgent Care and Drop Detection of the higher tier plans. No matter which one you go with there will be an activation fee up front though.
Similar to smartphones, you can also purchase a few accessories for the Splash including a wristband, additional charger and even a car charger. Battery life shouldn’t be much of an issue, standard charge is estimated to last you 96 hours, but you can never be too safe.
Although GreatCall has an unconventional setup there’s no denying they offer state of the art medical monitoring. Every time you call in you’ll be speaking with a CPR and emergency procedure trained 5Star agent and two of the more comprehensive plans even include direct access to medical staff loved ones can use to get an opinion anytime, anywhere.
For complete rankings of all medical alert systems, go here.
http://authority.org/medical-alert-systems/greatcall-splash/ http://authorityorg.tumblr.com/post/149120465812
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