DIGITAL SWITCHOVER: The Department of Health and Social Care has published the below new information to support housing providers as telecare services continue to transition from analogue to digital technology.
The guidance has been developed in response to the retirement of the UK’s analogue telephone network and the implications this has for telecare and alarm services relied upon by many residents to remain safe and independent at home.
It is intended to help housing providers understand the key issues they may need to consider when working with telecare suppliers, alarm receiving centres, local authorities and other partners during the transition to digital services. This includes considerations around planning, resident engagement, service continuity, testing, resilience and ensuring that telecare services continue to meet residents’ needs.
The guidance may be particularly relevant to organisations providing sheltered, supported or extra care housing, and to those with residents who rely on community alarm or telecare services.
We encourage providers to review the guidance and consider how it may support their planning and preparedness activities.
The guidance is available here Telecare and the digital switchover: guidance for housing providers – GOV.UK.
Any enquiries relating to the guidance or its implementation should be directed to teresa.sutton@dhsc.gov.uk.
Social Housing Directorate | Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
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posted 20 October 2026