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<p>It is a known risk that some analogue telecare devices may not be digitally compatible
or perform as reliably on digital networks. In November 2021, the Technology Enabled
Care Services Association (TSA), the industry and advisory body for technology enabled
care in the UK, released a statement requesting service providers discontinue purchasing
new analogue-only units. Where there is an ongoing requirement to communicate in analogue
protocols, providers can procure ‘hybrid’ alarms that communicate in both analogue
and digital protocols.</p><p>Despite this, some telecare suppliers are still selling
analogue devices to private customers. Also, telecare service providers may be re-issuing
analogue devices to new customers, given the devices’ typical lifespan of five to
seven years, before replacing them with digital alarm devices at the end of their
lifespan. Alongside the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Department of Health and
Social Care is developing a Telecare National Action Plan which will set out actions
that a range of stakeholders, including telecare suppliers and service providers,
are expected to take to ensure the safety of telecare users in the switch to digital
lines. This will include actions to help telecare providers to better understand and
manage the risks associated with the use of analogue telecare devices and will be
published in the coming months, following stakeholder feedback.</p>
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