Product Review: The 5Star Urgent Response Medical Alert
The 5Star Urgent Response from GreatCall is a great choice when it comes to mobile medical alert systems. These new MOBILE PERS (personal emergency response systems) are redefining the medical alert marketplace (something The Senior List has been advocating for the past few years). The 5Star device operates on a cellular network (Verizon), and is very simple to use. As you can see, it has one (1) button! Push it once to connect to the emergency call center… Hold button down to connect directly to 911. This unit is priced right, and there are no contracts that keep you locked in.
Product Info: 5Star Medical Alert System
- Name: 5Star Urgent Response from GreatCall
- Website Info: 5Star Urgent Response from GreatCall
- Auto Fall Detection?: No
- Equipment Cost: $49.99 (retail) plus a $35 (one time) activation fee
- Monthly Cost: $14.99 per device
- Features: Lanyard is available (but not posted on website), Belt Clip (available for a nominal charge), Easy to use (1 single) Panic Button, Untethered 24/7 Monitoring on a Cellular Network, GPS Tracking is Available (for family and/or caregiver monitoring), Unlimited Access to GreatCall’s “LiveNurse” program, and an Online Portal to help manage contacts, device features, etc. (called myGreatCall.com).
Review: 5Star Urgent Response Alert From GreatCall
The 5Star Urgent Response Alert System is a great little device, and 5Star definitely makes our “recommended” list. This is another “untethered” mobile alert device that uses Verizon’s cellular network for coverage (you’re not bound by a connection to your land-line connected device). You’re able to walk around the yard, down the street, or down to the shopping mall (anywhere there’s a cell signal). As you can see there is only one large emergency button… and that’s it. Press once to be connected to the GreatCall call center, or hold it down (for 5 seconds) to be connected to 911. GreatCall’s call center monitors 24/7, they’re located in the USA, and GreatCall claims that their personnel is “trained in CPR and 
other emergency procedures“. There is no limit to the number of times your loved one can depress the emergency call button (says Bonnie- one of GreatCall’s customer representatives). If the user is anxious and needs to be connected to their caregiver, loved one, or nurse… A GreatCall operator will patch them through.
The 5Star can not be used as a mobile phone. After all, there are no numbers to dial out. You either connect to GreatCall’s call center, OR you connect directly to 911. The pricing plan is also simple (which we like). At $14.99 per month, it’s one of the least expensive options for your loved one. For a device with GPS tracking, and a US based (trained) call center The Senior List thinks there is good value here. We also like the fact that when you pay for this unit, it’s yours. All you do is activate it (there is a $35 activation fee) and pay your monthly service plan. You can terminate when you want… and you don’t have to worry about returning equipment, or cancellation fees.
When we pressed the alert button we were connected to a live operator within 6 rings. The sound quality on the 5Star was as good any basic cell phone might be (while on speakerphone). One thing to consider about this unit or others like it: Aging adults that have hearing loss could have trouble hearing the device (although we had no issues with it at all). The operator we spoke with was courteous and professional, and when the conversation ended she reminded us how to disconnect from the call center (by depressing the call button again).
On of the other considerations for the 5Star alert system is it’s use for younger kids. We could see this device being used in lieu of a cell phone for a younger (pre-teen) that doesn’t need a phone quite yet. The 5Star could be used as a back-up device if they get into trouble, lost, etc. AND you could pin-point where they are using the built-in GPS technology on board. That piece of mind is easily worth the $14.99 per month to a lot of consumers out there. Our only concern would be that kids could abuse the call button (showing off for their friends) or they could easily lose the device. It might be worth it though, if you were looking for a safety-net for your child…
The Bottom Line:
We really like the 5Star medical alert system. This is a “must consider” device if you’re looking for a mobile medical alert system. This is not a device that you’d bring into the shower or bath with you. IF you need a waterproof pendant option, this is not for you. In most cases however, this device would be a great solution both inside and outside the home. If you’re looking for a mobile medical alert option with GPS location tracking (in case of emergencies) The Senior List thinks the 5Star is definitely worth a look, and we would recommend this device for someone that needs a mobile medical alert device.
Video:
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About TimOnTech
questions:
1. does a family member need a special app to track my location?
2. would the app work on both androids and blackberrys?
3. I see references to phone apps, but can’t seem to find details, pricing, etc. on your site.
4. I am 72, walk a lot all over the state, and have been wanting to find a device which could locate me!
5. Please say it is available in a wrist strap design!
thanks
Hi Jan: For your first 3 questions, we’d have to refer you to great call, however my understanding is that the GPS enabled location service is web based (accessed via a web page online) and not “app” driven on a mobile device. This service is included at no additional charge.
From GreatCall “The Online Locator Service is an important safety feature that’s included at no additional charge. Authorized friends or family members can log on to this secure website to locate a 5Star subscriber or even a misplaced device. Using enhanced location tracking technology with GPS, you can view the subscriber’s location on a map 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
As for the wrist strap idea; This device is too big to be warn on the wrist. You can wear it around your neck via a lanyard, on your hip via a belt-clip, or in your hand bag. Contact me through our website if you’d like to try this device out. Best, Amie
Good review of this product but I am wondering how good it is for a senior with a true medical emergency? No fall protection is understandable, but pressing the button and waiting for their phone to ring and then what if the person is unable to speak (such as after a stroke)? Does 5Star automatically call 911 for you? It sounds like this might be a good general use tool but perhaps not for true medical emergencies, what do you think?
Thanks
You raise some good questions Jeff. Perhaps we’ll check-in with the manufacturer to see if they want to chime in… None of these devices are perfect for every situation. In the case of a severe stroke even a traditional medical alert pendant may not be depressed… but at least it’s readily available. For most medical emergencies this device would probably do the trick.
I am extremely interested in becoming a distributor of your product. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss.
We only review these products, not sell them. You would need to be in touch with GreatCall directly to discuss distributor relationships.
Okay – Called customer service and they said their computers were down – to call back in an hour and they could recheck. He had no explanation why I got that message and this is the second time I’ve had it in a week. I inquired about buying the system and would there be any refund if it didn’t work out here – he said it would work irregardless of what the site told me. I question that. They will refund the price of the $49.95 unit within 30 days but you will be stuck with the $35 activation and shipping fee. So thinking best for me to hold on this for awhile. At the moment have the Freedom Alert but having something that would also work outside also is my goal.
Tiffyann,
Make sure you “like” us on Facebook for an opportunity to win our review unit. We’ll be giving it away + a month of service. No guarantees (because it will be a random drawing), but it’s worth a shot. http://www.facebook.com/TheSeniorList
Loved the idea behind this product. However when I decided to purchase it they ask your zip code. I live 35 miles out of a large city and they said no service here. So not the best for a GPS tracker if you aren’t in the center of a city. All other products work out here including Verizon so wasn’t impressed with that aspect. Back to the drawing board – again. Thanks so much for your reviews on these products – it does help.
Tiffyann – Our understanding is that the 5Star from GreatCall actually uses the Verizon Network so that is surprising. We recommend that you call their customer service number to discuss coverage in your area. Let us know what you find out! Best, Amie