Medical Guardian vs. Lively Medical Alert Systems
Medical Guardian offers high-tech systems and excellent customer service, while Lively is known for their senior-friendly phones that double as medical alert systems.
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Lively and Medical Guardian are two of our top recommendations for medical alert systems. Our tech experts have tested several systems from both companies. We’ve found that they both offer reliable, discreet protection, and we are impressed with their long-standing reputation for excellent customer service, specifically tailored to older adults.
Lively is an ideal provider for seniors looking to turn their current mobile device into a medical alert system. You’ll want to be aware of Lively’s activation fees, which we will get into later. Medical Guardian offers high-tech features like a smartwatch-style device and discreet on-the-go systems, but the monthly service fees are some of the highest among leading medical alert providers. If you’re wavering between the two companies, we’ve dug into the product details and analyzed the fine print to give you a comprehensive comparison.
Trying out the Jitterbug Smart4
Getting Familiar With Lively and Medical Guardian
Lively
If you’re familiar with the popular senior-friendly flip phone, the Jitterbug Flip2, then you’ve probably heard of Lively.
One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2
The well-known company was established in 2005 by entrepreneur and investor Arelene Harris with the mission to make technology more accessible to seniors.2 Not only does Lively offer senior-centered cell phone service, but they also provide flexible, lightweight medical alert protection with the Lively Mobile2. In the last few years, Lively’s medical alert devices and cell phones have become available for purchase in multiple stores nationwide, convenient for seniors who prefer to avoid online transactions.
We like that Lively also offers the chance for your caregiver or loved one to check in with you through Lively Link, a free smartphone app that lets them monitor the wearer’s safety and health.
Medical Guardian
Geoff Gross, founder and CEO of Medical Guardian, was inspired in 2005 by his grandmother, who needed protection at home after experiencing multiple falls. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the company provides medical alert protection to more than 200,000 U.S. customers. With high-tech features, sleek equipment, and highly-trained call center representatives, Medical Guardian checks all the boxes of a top-tier medical alert provider.
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system
Lively vs. Medical Guardian Costs
If you’re budget-conscious like us, price is a major factor you’ll want to consider when selecting a medical alert provider. Both Lively and Medical Guardian have competitive rates compared to industry standards, but Lively’s Preferred plan is a few dollars cheaper than Medical Guardian's base packages.
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| Monthly service fee | $29.95 to $44.95 per month* | $32.95-$44.95 per month* |
| Device fee | Yes, for select systems | Yes, for all systems and phones |
| Activation fee | None | $35 (one time) |
| Shipping fee | $12.50 (waived on annual plans) | Free standard shipping |
| Automatic fall detection | $10 per month | $9.99 per month |
| Website |
*Monthly rates vary based on your chosen payment plan.
Lively Pricing
Lively has two health and safety packages to choose from for its medical alert system: Preferred and Premium. Each package comes with various health and safety features; we like that Lively offers different monitoring levels, so you can choose the plan that’s right for your budget and lifestyle. Prices for each package will vary between the phones and the mobile device. For phones, there are three plans to choose from. Below is a breakdown of Lively’s pricing for health and safety services with its medical alert system.
FYI: You can purchase Lively devices in-store at Best Buy, Rite Aid, Amazon, or Walgreens. This is great for older adults who prefer in-person purchases as opposed to online!
Lively’s Preferred Plan starts at $24.99 per month and gives wearers essential medical alert protection, including Urgent Response with 24/7 monitoring and access to Lively Link, an app that provides caregivers with location detection, activity monitoring, and more. We found that the app is excellent for caregivers and very easy to use. We could easily track our device, receive alerts for urgent response calls, and view our device’s status.
Testing out the Lively Link app's location tracking feature
The Premium Plan begins at $34.99 per month and includes everything in the Preferred Plan. It also includes:
- Nurse On-Call: This is an on-demand telehealth service that connects you with a registered nurse or board-certified physician.
- Care Advocate: A program that links users to a trained advocate who provides resources and direction on wellness, financial matters, and more.
Medical Guardian Pricing
Though Medical Guardian costs slightly more, the company provides more variety in devices and add-ons than Lively. Medical Guardian has five systems to choose from and offers both on-the-go, in-home, and hybrid monitoring. When purchasing a Medical Guardian device, you’ll have the option to select a monthly, quarterly, or annual payment option. The annual option offers discounted rates. Plus, they throw in free shipping, a free month of service, and a lockbox.
Buyer’s Tip: Lively and Medical Guardian run specials throughout the year. To make sure you’re not missing out, call their customer service line and ask if they are currently running any special deals or discounts. Representatives will make sure you get the best rate and may even throw in some freebies!
Your monthly rates with Medical Guardian will vary depending on the system and payment plan you select, but they typically range between $32.95 to $44.95 per month before add-on features.
Equipment From Lively and Medical Guardian
Between Lively and Medical Guardian, there are several medical alert systems to choose from. Lively also offers two cell phones that double as medical alert systems. We’ll take a closer look at each system below.
Lively Equipment
Lively’s medical alert system, Lively Mobile2, is a mobile unit, which means it can protect users within or outside the home. If you’re looking for an affordable mobile system, then Lively may be the provider for you. Keep in mind that mobile options need to be charged regularly, and they rely on strong cell service.
When we tested out the Lively Mobile2, a 24/7 response agent responded to our call in just 10 seconds, which is one of the fastest response times we’ve seen. The agents we spoke with were helpful and patient.
Charging the Lively Mobile2
In addition to the Lively Mobile2, Lively offers a smartphone (Jitterbug Smart4) and flip phone (Jitterbug Flip2) for users who don’t want a wearable alert system. We found that both phones were easy to use and packed with senior-friendly features, such as an Urgent Response button, list-based menu, and large buttons. Since 81 percent of older adults ages 60 to 69 use a smartphone and 62 percent of those over the age of 70 use one,3 it’s an excellent option for tech-loving seniors.
Testing out Lively's Jitterbug Smart4
| Lively Mobile2 | Jitterbug Flip2 | Jitterbug Smart4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $24.99 to $34.99 per month | $19.99 to $49.99 per month | $19.99 to $49.99 per month + data plan |
| Device fee | $79.99 | $79.99 | $119.99 |
| GPS location tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fall detection available | Yes | No | No |
| Water-resistant | Yes | No | No |
| Battery life | 80 hours | Up to 12 hours of talk time | Up to 12 hours of talk time |
| Best for | Seniors looking for one-piece on-the-go protection | Seniors who want a basic phone with medical alert features | Those who want a smartphone with safety features |
Medical Guardian Equipment
Medical Guardian has a diverse lineup of systems with different features and prices. One that stands out above the rest is MGMove. The sleek smartwatch-style device is excellent for active seniors who want extra protection. The wrist-worn gadget can send text messages, set calendar notifications, and track location. During testing, we found that the watch is lightweight and feels like a regular smartwatch, so no one knew we were wearing a medical alert system! We liked the health features, such as step tracking, and that the watch has a touchscreen.
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMove
The Mini Guardian, another standout system, is Medical Guardian’s smallest device and is great for seniors looking for simple, sleek protection on the go, with optimal battery life. In our testing, we wore the MGMini Lite while at home and running errands. It was only 0.7 ounces, about the weight of a pencil, and it was light and easy to wear. We often forgot we were wearing it!
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
| MGMini | MGMove | MGMini Lite | MGHome Cellular | MGClassic | |
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| Monthly price* | $39.95 | $39.95 | $44.95 | $37.95 | $32.95 |
| Device fee | $149.95 | $199.95 | $149.95 | $149.95 | None |
| GPS location tracking | Yes | No | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| Fall detection available | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water-resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | 5 days | 24 hours | 36 hours | 32-hour backup battery | 32-hour backup battery |
| Best for | Discreet mobile protection | Mobile protection for active seniors | On-the-go protection | At-home protection with no landline | At-home landline protection |
*Monthly rates will vary based on your chosen payment plan.
>> Read More: MGMini and MGMini Lite Review
Accessories and Add-ons
When it comes to accessories and add-ons, Medical Guardian takes the cake compared to Lively. Medical Guardian’s subscription packages are more customizable, while Lively doesn’t have any add-on equipment per se. Instead, their add-on features built into its plans through health and safety services. The one exception is fall detection, available with Lively Mobile2. (It costs $9.99 per month.) If you’re looking for add-ons such as lockboxes and wall buttons, then Medical Guardian is where you’ll want to look.
Remember that most of these add-ons will add a few dollars to your monthly service fee. For seniors who are content with simplified packages, Lively can deliver that.
Comparing the Fine Print
Warranty
- Lively’s products are covered by a standard limited warranty for one year after the purchase date. The provider will replace or repair any defective devices, but the warranty does not cover damage caused by the user.
- When we reached out to customer service, we learned that the company offers a limited 90-day warranty covering malfunctions or technical issues. Medical Guardian offers a protection plan for $6.99 per month. If your equipment is damaged or lost, they will replace a base unit once per year and help buttons twice per year. Without the protection plan, you could pay up to $350 to replace a damaged or lost unit. With that in mind, we think the plan is worth considering!
Return Policy
- Lively has a 30-day refund policy. If you are unsatisfied with your device or service for any reason, they will refund you the activation fee, the first month's service charge, the cost of the device, and the applicable taxes. The shipping fees are not refundable, and you will have to pay a $10 restocking fee for the return.
- Medical Guardian does not offer a 30-day return policy like Lively. After a 14-day trial period, they will give you a prorated refund for unused months of service that you prepaid.
Contracts and Cancellations
The good news is that neither provider requires a long-term contract. That means you can bow out of service whenever you need to without penalties. They will refund you for any unused months of service you already paid for.
Medical Guardian or Lively: Which Is Best Suited for Me?
We don’t take on a one-size-fits-all approach to medical alert systems. Each older adult has a unique budget, lifestyle, preference, and reason for purchasing a medical alert system. Medical Guardian and Lively are both excellent providers with A+ ratings4 from the Better Business Bureau.5 Though we think choosing one over the other depends on what you’re looking for.
Lively offers cell phones with built-in medical alert capabilities that are specifically made for aging adults. Medical Guardian, on the other hand, has two at-home systems and three on-the-go systems that fit any lifestyle, from home users to more active aging adults. The Lively Mobile2 is affordable, has the Lively Link app for caregivers, and simple. Medical Guardian devices, like the MGMove, have the MyGuardian app and fast response times.
Below, we’ve listed out which provider we recommend for various seniors.
Lively is best suited for:
- Seniors looking for a mobile system
- Older adults who would like 24/7 access to a medical professional
- Seniors who want to turn their current smartphone into a medical alert device
- Those who have strong cellular coverage
Medical Guardian is best suited for:
- Tech-loving seniors
- Those who want a dedicated in-home system
- Older adults who don’t mind paying a little extra for all the bells and whistles
- Those who want a discreet, smartwatch system
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Reviewed Medical Guardian and Lively
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system
Our tech experts spent 100 hours testing and evaluating Medical Guardian and Lively systems to determine the best products and plans for seniors. We used our deep industry knowledge and research to weigh device and plan costs, safety alert features, ease of use, customer service and overall value. Here’s a look at our testing process:
- Our team researched the devices of Medical Guardian and Lively via their websites and called customer support to get more details, answer our questions, and take note of their level of support and response time. We evaluated whether contracts are required, service fees, activation, free trials, return policy, protection plans, and more.
- Then, we ordered systems from both companies and set them up in our homes. We used the systems over a week-long period, using the devices at home, on walks, and while running errands. During testing, we evaluated all aspects of daily use, including signal strength, coverage range, speaker volume, water-resistance, durability, equipment weight and more.
- We made 10 test calls to each emergency response center to find average response times. We also simulated 10 falls while wearing a fall detection pendant to determine its accuracy and response times.
After our testing period ended, we evaluated Medical Guardian and Lively using the following criteria:
- Pricing and value: Seniors living on a fixed income seek affordable plans that work with their budget. We evaluated monthly rates, equipment fees, additional costs, and any senior discounts or promotions.
- Contracts: Neither company requires long-term contracts, making them a great option for those who don’t want an expensive commitment.
- Plan options: Seniors have different needs and budgets so companies that offer more plan options bring more flexibility to choose the features you need most.
- Reliability: We tested the products’ reliability and coverage area by using them in several different locations.
- Customer service: A strong and responsive customer service is a must. We tested availability, ways to connect with customer service, level of support in answering questions, and overall support quality.
The Bottom Line
You really can’t go wrong with Medical Guardian or Lively. Though we aren’t big fans of Lively’s device and activation fees, their monthly prices are very reasonable, perfect for seniors looking for mobile monitoring. Medical Guardian has various devices that cater to active seniors looking for sleek equipment. There are also more basic systems for homebodies. However, you’ll want to remember that high-tech devices have higher monthly subscription fees. With no long-term contracts, both providers offer flexibility for customers, which we appreciate!
To take a closer look at these two providers, head over to our hands-on Medical Guardian review and our latest Lively review.
TMA. (2020). Five Diamond Designation.
Wikipedia. (2020). Arlene Harris (inventor).
AARP. (2020). Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage.
Better Business Bureau. (2020). Medical Guardian, LLC.
Better Business Bureau. (2020). Great Call.
