Telecare provider launches digital personal alarm that works during network outages

Two technology-enabled care (TEC) providers have teamed up to launch an innovative digital personal alarm that works during network outages through using two multi-network SIMs.

The assistive device is also designed to combat the impact of the digital phoneline switchover that is due to be completed by 2025.

The new TakingCare Digital Personal Alarm has been developed by personal alarm provider TakingCare in partnership with telecare manufacturer Chiptech. It uses two multi-network SIM cards to ensure instant and resilient connectivity in case of a mobile network outage.

Openreach’s digital phoneline switchover involves the replacement of analogue telephone lines with digital ones. This means that personal alarms that rely on the telephone landline may no longer be compatible with the new digital system, potentially leaving older, vulnerable people unable to call for help.

The Digital Personal Alarm has two multi-network SIM cards that connect to different Core Network Providers. Both SIM cards have 2G and 4G connectivity, meaning they use a roaming algorithm to automatically connect to the strongest available mobile network, switching to a different Core Network provider in the event of an outage and providing round the clock connectivity.

The Digital Personal Alarm is worn around the neck as a pendant or on the wrist and has a button which can be pushed in case of emergency, connecting the wearer to TakingCare Personal Alarm’s 24-hour Emergency Resolution Team.

Andrew Ridpath, Head of Customer Experience at TakingCare Personal Alarms, said: “Earlier this year, one of the UK’s biggest Core Network Providers went offline in an unplanned outage. This meant that anyone using a digital personal alarm relying on mobile network connectivity from this single network provider was unable to call for help through their alarm device.

“At TakingCare Personal Alarms, we’re constantly evolving and improving our product range so customers have the confidence they can reach our Emergency Resolution Team any time.”

TakingCare’s Digital Personal Alarm is available for £3.74 per week with optional fall detection. The subscription includes 24-hour monitoring from three UK-based Emergency Resolution Centres.

Andrew added: “With more and more analogue landlines already being replaced, digital personal alarms are an instrumental way of keeping older people safe and ensuring around the clock connectivity. Most digital alarms rely on a single Core Network Provider, which is why we’ve gone one step further to create a resilient personal alarm product that uses two multi-network SIMs, making it purpose-built to remain operational even in case of a network provider outage.

“While the digital switchover brings new opportunities for telecare such as smart home monitoring, we recognise that there are new challenges too.

“Our Digital Personal Alarm addresses the critical challenge of providing resilience and reliability, and is the first digital personal alarm in the UK to have two multi-network SIMs, so that customers will always be able to connect their personal alarms, even in case of an unplanned outage.”

In July, TakingCare launched a telecare monitoring device called TakingCare Sense, which acts as a preventative measure to help older people to live independently at home. It works by alerting care providers, family members or friends of changes to routine, prompting them to check in on their elderly relative.

The assistive technology device learns the distinct daily routines of users, which then prompts a wellbeing check-in call if any changes are detected.