# Find a telecare provider

Source: https://www.keypedia.com/records/uk_mhra_guidance/uk-mhra/ea93c405-eb44-4745-9c73-3a3d1d56f163
Type: Detailed Guide
Published: May 13, 2025

> The UK MHRA guidance addresses the implementation and safety of Telecare services, also known as community or personal alarms, which facilitate independent living by alerting caregivers or call centers during emergencies. A critical focus of the current guidance is the national digital phone switchover. By January 2027, all UK analogue landline services will transition to internet-based Digital Voice systems. The primary issue identified is the potential for analogue telecare devices to become incompatible or unreliable on new digital networks, posing a significant risk to user safety. While no specific company violations are cited, the document emphasizes the responsibility of users and providers to manage this technological shift. Regulatory expectations involve ensuring that safety-critical monitoring systems remain operational. Required actions include: users must contact their landline providers immediately to verify device compatibility; local authorities should be consulted for home assessments and potential financial assistance; and analogue devices failing to meet digital reliability standards must be upgraded to digital-compatible versions. Compliance with these steps is essential to maintain the integrity of support systems for vulnerable individuals during the infrastructure migration.

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## Content

Telecare, also called a community alarm service or a personal alarm, is a support system designed to help people live independently and safely in their own homes where they otherwise might not be able to do so. Telecare alarm systems can alert call centres or carers if individuals experience a problem, such as a fall at home or outside, depending on the device and its connectivity. The NHS has further information on personal alarms, monitoring systems (telecare) and key safes . Get help with costs Some local authorities provide telecare services. Contact adult social care services at your local authority and ask if they provide telecare services. If they do, they’ll arrange a home assessment. Find local authority adult social care services Digital phone switchover All households in the UK are being moved from the old analogue landline service to a new digital, internet-based voice service, known as Digital Voice, by January 2027. This is called the digital phone switchover and it may affect telecare devices and personal alarms. Some analogue telecare devices are not digitally compatible or do not perform as reliably on digital networks and may need to be upgraded. If you or someone you know uses telecare, you should contact your landline provider in the first instance. They can help to make sure your alarm keeps working through the switchover.