Almshouse charities around the country do an excellent job of supporting those in need, especially when you consider the unique challenges they face, often occupying traditional or listed buildings. With technology progressing so rapidly, it is so important to ensure your almshouse’s personal alarm system is still sufficient in 2022. With the digital telephone switchover fast approaching, it has never been more important to think ahead.
The current analogue phone networks rely on physical components like copper wires to carry voice signals between users. This system is known as PSTN, or Public Switch Telephone Network. When you make a call, switches in the network create a circuit between the caller and recipient. The worldwide network is now almost entirely digital, meaning that only the oldest sections still use analogue technology. This digital network, known as ISDN, has all but replaced PSTN. However, even these digital calls still depend upon the old PSTN circuits. The current system is undeniably ageing. Due to more complex demands, the network is struggling to keep up. To meet the growing need, BT plans to retire both PSTN and ISDN by the end of 2025. This technology is called VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol. It allows users to make telephone calls via an internet connection. This system offers many benefits to users, including cheaper calls and faster connections, particularly over long distances.
If you are still using pull-cord alarms or other outdated systems, it is probably time for an upgrade to a newer, future proof system. Pendant alarms are a reliable, cost-effective solution to keep your residents safe. Users can choose to wear the pendant on a discreet wrist strap or a comfortable neck cord. Whenever they need assistance, they simply press the pendant button. A 24-Hour Monitoring Team will respond within seconds and arrange whatever assistance is needed. The pendants are waterproof for use in the bath or shower and, crucially, they are built to last. A standard pendant has a 7-year battery life plus an impressive range of 100 meters from the alarm base unit. Other types of devices, such as fall detectors, smoke detectors and GPS-enabled alarms offer even greater reassurance.
So if you have not updated your system in years, you probably need to act soon. With the digital telephone switchover, scheduled for completion by 2025, its likely the equipment in your almshouse use an analogue connection and will therefore be impacted by the switchover. But do not worry, the good news is that updating your system is quicker and easier than ever.
This article was supplied by Careline365. Their contact details are free phone 01603 964306 or via email at keyaccounts@careline.co.uk
First posted April 21, reposted February 22