GreatCall Medical Alert Review: Splash

The GreatCall 5Star Urgent Response is a medical alert unit we have used for a few years.

We have used two Greatcall units as we started out with the 5Star and then replaced the 5Star with the Blue 5-Star Splash .

I have been very pleased with the units and am impressed by the use of the GPS technology. This was one of the features which originally attracted me to Greatcall when I was researching medical alert devices. The GPS technology allows the Greatcall unit and its’ owner to be mobile and trackable without the reliance on a landline.

Greatcall Offers Emergency Cell Phone Alternative

Do you have a family member who owns a cell phone, but the phone is miraculously never where the family member.

Or the cell phone is never charged?

Or the cell phone always seems to be missing in action?

The Greatcall Medical Alert Splash is a valuable alternative to add to your caregiving tool kit should you have a family member who is not cell phone friendly.

We have a cell phone ‘user’ who I believe is using the cell phone as a placeholder for papers on the kitchen counter. Occasionally the cell phone is moved, dusted and charged. Or the cell phone is hiding in the purse.

The Greatcall unit is small and lightweight. While it is recommended to charge the unit every day I have found the battery charge can last longer. It is unobtrusive and can be easily carried or placed on a nightstand. The unit could be easily attached to a belt, pocket, wheelchair, lift chair or worn as a necklace with a lanyard.

Greatcall Splash Positives

Pros

• Uses GPS technology
• No contract
•  No cancellation fee
•  Easily obtainable and no equipment to install
•  Small, lightweight easy to carry, attach to a garment or mobility assistant device
• 5Star Alert System
• IPX7 waterproof rating

Greatcall Considerations

• Should have access to a cell tower with a solid signal
• Size of call button should be considered

GPS Technology And Greatcall Website

A very useful feature with the GPS technology is the option to ‘find’ the user via GPS. An authorized user can call the help number and they will locate the user for you and page the user. This is a very helpful feature when the home phone isn’t being answered or you need to locate your loved one.

After the unit is activated on the website, the owner and any authorized users can add as much or as little information under the personal history. I found it helpful to add allergies, medications and pre existing conditions plus contact information for the various doctors. This information can be viewed by an authorized user as well as the device owner.

Great Call Customer Service And Activation

The unit is easily activated on the Greatcall website or through their activation line if you would prefer human assistance. After I activated the unit online,  a representative from Greatcall confirmed activation and was available for any questions or setup instructions. I recommend the unit based on its’ price versus feature options, ease of use and ease of functions. One additional bonus which I appreciated and sought was the no contract provisions. A monthly service charge applies but there are no restrictive contracts for the units’ use.

Where Can I Purchase The Greatcall Medical Alert?

The unit can be purchased online or in brick and mortar stores. The cost versus the peace of mind and security the device has offered combine to make this an affordable investment which I recommend to caregivers and family members whether you live five minutes or five hundred miles away from your loved one.