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GreatCall
Mobile company GreatCall released two new devices Wednesday which are aimed at seniors and those with special needs, the GreatCall Splash and the Jitterbug5. The former is a waterproof device that can call for help with the press of a button, while the latter is a basic, easy-to-use cell phone.
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The GreatCall Splash is a personal medical alert device with a large button that can quickly summon assistance or emergency services. It can survive up to 30 minutes in 3 feet of water, and you can wear it in the shower for extra safety. The Splash comes with a simple charging cradle that you can just set the device on to charge. It has a clip on the back to attach it to your clothes, and you can purchase a lanyard to wear it around your neck.
Reliable, user-friendly phones for seniors (pictures)
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You can pick up a GreatCall Splash for $50, and there’s a one-time $35 activation fee. You’ll need a $15 monthly subscription to 5Star, GreatCall’s emergency dispatch and assistance service, to use the device. For $20 per month, you can also get GreatCall’s Urgent Care and Link services. Urgent Care is designed for seniors to connect with a nurse or doctor for medical advice. Link is a smartphone app that friends and family can use on their phones to track the location of the Splash device.
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The Samsung-built Jitterbug is a simple cell phone for seniors that’s been around for several years. The Jitterbug 5 is the newest model, offering a longer-lasting battery and a dedicated 5Star button to quickly call for help. Like earlier models, it has a loud speaker, large buttons, and simplified design to make it as easy as possible to operate. The Jitterbug5 also has voice dialing for faster calling.
The Jitterbug5 will set you back $99, with the same $15-per-month service fee for 5Star. That plan gives you 50 airtime minutes every month too. You can also upgrade to a plan with more minutes with GreatCall. For $25 per month, you can get a GoPlan, which includes Urgent Care and Link services, plus 50 cell phone minutes.
You can purchase both devices starting today on GreatCall’s website.
