UK | Seniors across the UK have been warned about possible changes to telecare devices such as personal alarm pendants or buttons.
Seniors may be aware that communication providers are retiring the analogue landline network and replacing it with a digital landline network. The digital phone switchover means that some traditional analogue devices, such as telecare units that are currently connected to the analogue landline network, may fail to work effectively. Upwards of two million people in the UK use telecare, the most common example being personal alarm pendants or buttons. Telecare services play an important preventative role across health and social care, helping individuals live independently in their homes for longer and reducing the likelihood and need for hospitalisation or more formal care.
The digital phone switchover is industry-led, and BT and VMO2 have jointly launched a national communications campaign, which commenced on 2 June 2025. The campaign is targeted at telecare users and their support networks and will be delivered across different channels including TV, radio, streaming services, and newspapers. The main objective of the campaign is to identify telecare users. Identifying telecare users means communication providers can put extra steps in place to ensure devices continue to work following the switchover. The campaign call to action is ‘if you or someone you know uses a telecare alarm; you must call the landline provider’. DHSC have identified care workers (particularly domiciliary/home care workers) as a key group of people who might be asked about telecare in response to the campaign.
Care England said it recognised the significant impact the digital switchover may have on individuals who rely on telecare services, as well as the providers who support them. To help navigate this period of change, Care England has developed a suite of resources designed to inform, guide, and assist care providers. These resources aim to support the identification of those using telecare, raise awareness about the switchover, and offer practical steps to ensure continued service delivery and safety for those most at risk.
The Care England and CCoE White Paper marks the culmination of a year-long research project. Care England and the CCoE’s joint aim was first to understand the cyber threats facing the care industry and, secondly, to road-test a package of affordable and effective cyber security solutions with a sub-section of Care England members to develop an off-the shelf all-round cyber security offering designed by the sector for the sector to give time pressured care provider leaders reassurance that they are adequately protected against the ever-growing cyber threat.
On 25 March 2024, Care England used its monthly meeting with DSIG to discuss the Digital Switchover with Orbital Net. The session provided an overview of the Switchover and a Q&A where Care England members provided insight into their experience of switching over from analogue to digital.
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