Telecare Devices and Fall Alarms: What Families Need to Ask Before a Digital Landline Upgrade

Across the UK, the traditional landline network is being phased out. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be fully retired by 31 January 2027, with all landline calls moving to digital landlines. For most households, this simply means plugging a phone into a router via an adapter, instead of a wall socket. But for telecare device users, the change is more serious.

Around two million people in the UK rely on telecare devices such as fall alarms and panic pendants. Many of these systems were designed for analogue landlines, meaning they may stop working unless they are checked or upgraded.

That’s why families and carers need to prepare early. Confirming device compatibility and planning ahead can ensure telecare systems continue to work when they’re needed most – and help vulnerable users stay safe as the UK moves to digital landlines.

What Are Telecare Devices and Fall Alarms?

Telecare devices refers to technologies that help people live independently while ensuring assistance is available if something goes wrong. These devices allow users – often older adults or people with medical conditions – to alert carers, relatives or monitoring centres in an emergency. Most systems are simple to use and require only a single button press.

Common Types of Telecare Devices

• Personal alarms – These devices are typically worn as a pendant or wristband. If the user presses the emergency button, the alarm automatically contacts a family member or a monitoring centre that can arrange assistance.
  
• Fall-detector alarms – Some devices contain motion sensors and accelerometers that detect sudden falls. If a fall is detected and the user cannot press the button, the system automatically raises an alert.
  
• GPS tracking alarms – GPS-enabled telecare devices are designed for users who may wander or become disoriented, such as people living with dementia. These alarms allow carers to locate the user via GPS and track their movements in real time.

Why the Digital Switchover Threatens Telecare Devices

The reason telecare devices are affected by the PSTN switch-off comes down to one key issue:

Many telecare systems were built specifically for analogue phone lines.

Traditional telecare devices often connect directly to the home telephone socket and transmit signals through the PSTN network. When a household moves to digital voice, the call is instead transmitted over broadband using Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Because the underlying technology changes, older telecare equipment may:

• Fail to dial correctly
• Lose connection with monitoring centres
• Require configuration changes
• Need to be replaced entirely

Ofcom has introduced specific requirements for telecom providers to protect vulnerable customers. These include identifying users who rely on telecare and ensuring equipment compatibility before migration

Industry guidance warns that many older telecare devices are not compatible with digital voice services. That does not mean telecare will stop working entirely – it simply means equipment may need to be updated or replaced. The Government’s Telecare National Action Plan aims to ensure no telecare user is migrated without confirming their equipment will still function.

You can learn more about the switchover timeline in our recent blog.

Step-by-Step Plan for Families

To prepare for the digital switchover, families can follow a simple checklist.

1. Audit all devices

List every device connected to the landline, including:

• Telecare devices
• Security systems
• Fax machines

2. Contact providers

Inform your phone provider that a telecare device is in use. Also contact the alarm supplier to confirm compatibility.

3. Upgrade if necessary

If the alarm plugs into a phone socket, consider upgrading to a digital alternative – one that will connect via the internet.

4. Inform carers and family

Share guidance from official switchover resources and ensure everyone understands the plan.

5. Test and Keep Records

After installation, conduct test calls to ensure equipment still functions. Maintain documentation for devices, providers and test results. Regular reviews help ensure equipment remains functional.

Scam Awareness and the Role of CallGuard

While telecare focuses on emergency assistance, another major concern for vulnerable households is phone scams.

Fraudsters frequently target older adults through landline calls, attempting to extract money or personal information.

Phonely’s CallGuard protection features

Phonely’s CallGuard system includes several tools designed to reduce scam risk:

Anti-fraud introduction

When a call arrives, a message informs the caller that the conversation may be recorded and monitored. This alone deters many scammers.

Keyword alerts

Certain keywords – such as “bank” or “payment”- can trigger alerts to a trusted person if they appear during a call.

Trusted person support

A nominated relative or friend can join calls remotely if something feels suspicious.

Automatic call blocking

Known scam numbers are blocked automatically through continuously updated databases. These features help vulnerable users answer the phone with greater confidence. Telecare devices provide emergency support, while call protection systems reduce the risk of fraud.

Together, they form a stronger safety network for households.

Conclusion

The UK’s transition to digital landlines is inevitable.

While most households will experience little disruption, telecare users must prepare carefully to ensure their devices remain reliable.

By auditing equipment, families can ensure telecare systems continue providing the safety and independence they were designed for.

At the same time, the move to digital technology offers new opportunities to enhance protection – through tools like scam call blocking, trusted person monitoring and smarter communication systems.

With the right preparation, the PSTN switch-off does not have to be a risk. Instead, it can be a chance to upgrade safety, strengthen support networks and ensure vulnerable people remain connected and protected for years to come.

For more advice, explore Phonely’s digital landline guides or contact the Phonely team for guidance on preparing for the 2027 switch-off.