Telecommunications giant AT&T is moving into the wearable medical device market with the launch of EverThere, a small wearable device that can detect falls and quickly identify location, then automatically connect to a 24/7 call center for response and support using the AT&T wireless network.
EverThere has two options for service coverage: $99.99 for an 11-month contract, with a monthly service charge of $29.99, and $199.99 for no annual contract, with a monthly service charge of $29.99 and no cancellation fee.
The purchase of either option gives the customer an EverThere device, a charger, a lanyard and a belt clip. The personal emergency response system (PERS) is designed to be durable, lightweight, easy to set up and includes a rechargeable battery.
“EverThere offers powerful and reliable technology that can monitor for falls in and out of the home,” Chris Penrose, senior vice president of emerging devices with AT&T, said in a statement. “With the inclusion of AT&T’s nationwide wireless service, we are giving our customers greater peace of mind and the flexibility to go where they want and live active lifestyles.”
The solution is part of AT&T’s suite of remote patient monitoring (RPM) care solutions, including the company’s RPM software-as-a-service (SaaS) and an end-to-end managed RPM service. Together, these solutions provide a foundation for aging-in-place care.
“Today’s seniors are unlike generations past; they are on the go and committed to living active lives,” Tim Smokoff, CEO of Numera, the device manufacturer, said in a statement. “With EverThere, people no longer have to choose between safety and independence. We’re pleased to work with AT&T in offering seniors a service that can give them the peace of mind to live active lifestyles longer.”
The company also announced EverThere will be available to the health industry, including insurance companies, health care providers, home health agencies and assisted-living operators.
At least one-third of adults over 65 in North America fall each year, and this is a serious issue that often leads to many other severe and chronic concerns for older adults, according to a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We’re focused on helping to improve patient outcome by developing innovative mHealth services for both consumers and businesses within the health care ecosystem,” Chris Hill, senior vice president of advanced solutions for AT&T Business Solutions, said in a statement.
The company claims the response time when EverThere is alerted of an event—either by the customer or through its automatic fall-detection system—is within 5 seconds. The moment trouble is detected, an operator is in direct two-way communication with the customer.
At the same time, the Care Center notifies appropriate medical, rescue and emergency response services. Family members and friends identified by EverThere users are also notified of the situation within moments.