Verizon extends home health monitoring to FiOS-capable assisted-living units

Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) has found yet another application for its FiOS network: home health monitoring for senior citizens.

In tandem with Healthsense, a provider of WiFi-based home health monitoring systems, Verizon will provide home health monitoring and response systems to senior-living communities that are already served by FiOS in addition to other potential FiOS-served communities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Healthsense will install and maintain the systems, including monitoring devices and equipment, Wi-Fi technology, and 24-hour monitoring and maintenance services directly to the participating communities. Senior living communities that are currently served by Verizon FiOS will work with Healthsense to get the service.

Communities that sign up for Healthsense's service will be able to get access to three main services: alert systems to notify caregivers of emergency medical needs; electronic health monitoring and medication prompts; and remote vital-sign monitoring systems.

While there has been considerable talk about machine to machine systems for wireless networks, Verizon's move to bring healthcare monitoring over its available FiOS networks in assisted living communities illustrates how M2M can be used on a wireline-based network.  

For more:
- see the release

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