Opinion: The analogue to digital switchover is an opportunity to improve care

Social care is turning to the digital side. Adrian Scaife, from Access Health, delves into how the change from analogue to digital phonelines could improve at-home care. 

The switch from analogue to digital phonelines has an impact for everyone; but it is particularly important for people who rely on devices connected to their landline to provide emergency support and maintain safe, independent living in the home.

The change has been planned for years, but last month the Secretary of State for Technology, Michelle Donelan, announced a pause in the changeover and the announcement of a new digital charter. Telecoms providers have now committed to not switch customers to a digital line until they are confident that devices, such as telecare alarms, will not be affected.

The announcement followed ‘serious incidents’ where telecare devices stopped working, which caused severe issues as both analogue and digital technology enabled care aim to provide support to people in their own homes, helping people to live more independent lives for longer.

To give an oversight of how vulnerable individuals will be affected, there are an estimated 1.8 million people who rely on such services provided by their local authority or self fund. It is vital that all these people are aware of the changes, how it impacts them and their options.

There is an urgent need to upgrade the analogue system. The existing copper network is becoming less reliable, with ongoing maintenance becoming more challenging. There has been a rise in failed alarm call attempts, with one provider reporting a failure rate of 11.5% for the first alarm attempt1 and these numbers are continuing to rise.

For most people, the switchover predominantly involves equipment changes in their home. There is a need is to ensure that everyone who relies on technology enabled care are moved onto services which are digital ready. This is where confusion may occur and where communication is essential.

It is also imperative that the new devices have back up processes in place for incidents such as a power cut, to ensure people are not put at risk. For example, in a power outage where a digital line is taken out of use, a telecare device should have a battery back up and be able to continue working using a cellular connection, such as the 4G network.

How can digital help?

The analogue to digital switch is an opportunity to make use of the growing digital technology advancements in health and social care support which are so common in many other areas of our lives.

As the demand for care continues to rise, supporting people through technology helps the health and social care sector to provide more joined up, preventative care and deliver better outcomes to users. Technology has the ability to alert changes in usual activity patterns, providing opportunities for early and preventative interventions that can help people avoid crisis events. This helps deliver better outcomes and provides positive reassurance to individuals and their family.

Whether it’s ensuring that someone with dementia has not left home in the middle of the night through door sensors, or monitoring changes in bathroom habits to reduce the likelihood of UTI’s. Technology in the home allows trends to be identified, supporting early intervention that can prolong independence and reduce the need for further intervention.

This proactive, and preventative approach to care cannot be achieved through analogue devices.

Ensuring this modern approach to care happens safely, requires all of those involved in delivering these changes to work together: the telecoms companies, technology providers, local authorities and most importantly – the people who require care and support.

That is why I welcome the news of this joint charter, to ensure negative impacts are minimised and that essential services continue to work effectively.

Digital technology enabled care will help bridge the gap between our growing care needs as a nation and the physical demands on already stretched care services, enabling new models of hybrid care to be delivered, maximising independence and delivering truly person centred outcomes.

Images: Adrian Scaif and Emily Whitehouse 

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