smartphone + monthly charges Vs. niche dedicated device, installation and fixed line rental

The reason the monthly charges for a smartphone exist is because most are paid for entirely out of pocket and customers expect to be able to receive a highly subsidized device. The large part of these bills are actually paying for the finance agreement on this piece of technology. All the same it's worth remembering that even $40 per month costs would offer considerable financial advantages if they could keep patients healthy at home (and out of expensive hospitals etc).

The ongoing maintenance costs of a mobile connection is much less and easier to manage than a fixed line rental for low volume users - as can be seen by ever more homes "cutting the cord" in these recessionary times.

You can't be suggesting that the usability, cost, availability, support and open developer standards of the Apple iPhone (for example) are even comparable with those of the Intel Health Guide?

I agree wrist devices on the market and available today may not be ideal but they are improving, but you couldn't be suggesting that the Intel Health Guide is useful for patients with dementia?