Clarity Transforms Home Phone Into Innovative Communications Platform Aimed at Physical, Social Well-Being of Older Seniors

LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwired - Jan 6, 2015) - Millions across the U.S. caring for aging parents or grandparents will never look at the home phone the same way again -- a breakthrough has arrived that transforms how older loved ones are cared for and moments are shared throughout generations. Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) unveiled ClarityLife -- a new innovative communications platform delivered through Clarity's Ensemble home phone that allows families to welcome aging parents or grandparents into their online social world and provides new insight and support for caregivers.

Designed primarily for older seniors living alone, ClarityLife is aimed at strengthening both their physical and social well-being. Through ClarityLife, seniors can receive email, text messages, photos, and videos on Ensemble's eight-inch tablet display. Importantly, ClarityLife keeps family members and caregivers in-the-know on the senior's daily activities through simple check-ins, medication reminders or appointment notifications.

"With ClarityLife, we are redefining the home phone for older seniors -- transforming a device they are familiar with into a vital social and wellness platform," said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. "ClarityLife connects generations by bringing seniors -- like my 88 year old mother who is not part of our family's online social networks into our social world by allowing her to see a photo or text from my daughter's travels on her home phone. And for the caregivers, ClarityLife provides us with peace of mind by knowing the senior is okay, reminding them about medication or important dates. Yes, this is a smart product for seniors, but it is equally life-changing for entire families."

How ClarityLife works
ClarityLife is a service available on the Ensemble® home amplified phone. The senior user has access to ClarityLife through Ensemble's tablet display, offering a variety of intelligent features all designed to keep the senior better connected with caregivers and loved ones.

For example, seniors can press the "Check-In" button to send an email or text message to designated family members or caregivers letting them know they are up and moving. The caregiver, who can receive the notifications on their smartphone, tablet or PC, will automatically receive an alert if the "Check-In" button is not pressed. Many seniors recognize that loved ones lead busy lives. ClarityLife's "Call Me" button sends an email or text message to loved ones asking them to call when they get a chance, allowing seniors to reach out without feeling like they're being intrusive.

Recognizing that medication compliance is critical to leading an independent life, caregivers can set medication reminders to appear on the ClarityLife screen. Should the senior forget to take a medication or test their glucose, for example, ClarityLife will automatically alert the caregiver. Similarly, ClarityLife lets loved ones set other important reminders for seniors, such as doctor's appointments, a grandchild's birthday or an upcoming visit from a friend.

"Did he take his blood pressure medicine? How was the doctor visit? These are the concerns so many of us with aging family members have on a daily basis," said Trads. "ClarityLife eases those anxieties by creating a simple, smart connection, using the home phone, between seniors and their loved ones."

Welcoming older seniors into your social world
While families today share text messages or photos, many older seniors are on the outside of this modern way of communication. ClarityLife changes this by allowing family members to share moments with their older loved ones on the senior's home phone. For instance, kids or grandkids can send photos to ClarityLife which then automatically appear on Ensemble's touchscreen display, ultimately turning the home phone into a digital picture frame. Personal videos can also be uploaded by caregivers or loved ones through ClarityLife's online interface.

Family member can send emails or text messages directly to ClarityLife. Seniors are notified immediately and the messages can be seen in large easy-to-read text. The senior can then reply or text new messages to family members using the on-screen keyboard.

"Many older seniors are not on Facebook or texting with family members, so they have been missing out on family moments," continued Trads. "ClarityLife allows you to welcome them into your social loop without the senior having to learn new technology. Through the home phone, they can now receive that hilarious text from your daughter or that awesome photo of your son at his basketball game."

ClarityLife is managed remotely by family and caregivers from any computer, tablet or smartphone. It features a sophisticated alert system that can be adjusted or tailored for specific family members, caregivers or home care workers. ClarityLife's dashboard allows loved ones to non-intrusively monitor the senior's daily activities and be aware should routines change or become out of the ordinary.

Ensemble also amplifies incoming voices so users can clearly hear and understand the conversation. It features a patented digital sound processing technology that functions like a hearing aid to make soft sounds audible and keep loud sounds in a comfortable range. Users can adjust the tone or amplification settings to customize Ensemble to their unique degree of hearing loss. Ensemble is also equipped with an answering machine as well as a speakerphone that makes for easy hands-free conversations.

Ensemble with ClarityLife can be purchased at www.clarityproducts.com/claritylife for $399.00.

About Clarity -- Smart for Seniors™
Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), creates smart communication solutions that help seniors live richer, more engaged lives. For more than 40 years, Clarity's innovative products -- such as amplified telephones, notification systems and assistive listening devices -- have helped people with hearing loss, low vision, limited mobility, dexterity issues and other health challenges. Clarity has pioneered many firsts -- from digital sound processing in 2005 to remote-access customer service in 2010. Millions rely on Clarity to communicate at home, at work and throughout their lives. For more information, please visit www.clarityproducts.com or call 1-800-426-3738.