Another day, another mHealth program for the senior population.
The latest to jump into this fast-moving market is AT&T, which announced a partnership this week with Numera, a Seattle-based provider of digital health and wellness solutions, to provide the wireless network and location services provider for the Numera Libris home health management and emergency response system.
The mobile platform targets active seniors and those with chronic conditions who need home-based telehealth services. Designed as a "personal health gateway," Numera officials say Libris combines the company's Numera Net telehealth-telecare platform (including biometric sensors and devices) with automated fall detection, location tracking, two-way voice and mobile emergency response services.
"Unlike traditional PERS, which target individuals in their 80s, Libris offers an adaptive, personal health gateway for the healthy aging population as well as those living with chronic conditions, " said Tim Smokoff, Numera's CEO, in a Feb. 21 press release. "This goes beyond fall detection, enabling these consumers and their family members to better manage their healthcare needs and ultimately to stay healthier and independent longer. Now individuals can stay connected to their health professionals between office visits from wherever they are through mobile health and safety monitoring done both in and outside of the home."
"Incorporating continuous monitoring of an individual's activity, location and important health measurements, the Numera Libris system breaks new ground in bringing together personal safety and telehealth in a mobile device," added Chris Penrose, senior vice president of emerging devices at AT&T, in the release. "With the addition of wireless connectivity, the Numera Libris creates an affordable solution that connects individuals with their caregivers in an efficient manner."
Numera's Libris platform continues an effort launched last April when the company acquired BlueLibris, a developer of personal health monitoring and safety technologies. The cornerstone to that technology is a small, wearable device that allows for two-way, hands-free communication through a cellular network, GPS location tracking and automated fall detection algorithms. At the time of the acquisition, company officials said they wanted to integrate Libris with Numera's core platform of PC, smartphone and home hub gateways and its social engagement platform.
Shortly after that acquisition last April, Numera unveiled the Home Hub, a low-cost home gateway that supports a broad range of wireless and cloud-based telehealth services, including different connectivity options, the ability to connect up to four wired devices and an unlimited number of wireless devices, and the ability to have multiple users upload through a single hub.
Officials estimate the telehealth market will top $1 billion by 2016 and grow to $6 billion by 2020. Part of that growth is fueled by the senior and chronic care markets, who prefer their homes over an assisted living facility.
Earlier this week, Robert Bosch Healthcare announced a partnership with GreatCall to develop consumer-facing home healthcare solutions, with an emphasis on the senior and chronic care market.
