Transitioning to a digital warden call system

How to move from analogue to digital warden call telecare systems.

The move to digital warden call and telecare is a critical necessity for housing and care providers. But the sheer scope of digital can make the practicalities seem challenging. In this blog post, we look at what defines a digital warden call system, how it differs from analogue and key considerations when upgrading to digital.

Armed with the right information, you can be ready for the switchover and ensure a seamless transition to digital telecare that:

• Is cost-effective
• Causes minimal disruption
• Makes the most of the benefits of digital to deliver your longer-term plans

What is a warden call system?

Warden call is designed predominantly for use within a supported, specialist or retirement living communal property:

• Residents are able to raise an alarm in the event of an emergency
• Support is provided by staff onsite or from an offsite monitoring centre
• Can be integrated with other functionality, such as a door entry systems or telecare sensors for incidents such as a fire or flood

What's digital warden call and telecare? 

Digital warden call and telecare operates over broadband rather than the analogue phone network.

While warden call has been in use within the UK for decades, operating over the analogue network (or PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network), that is now changing. BT announced plans in 2012 to implement a digital telecoms network, a major project scheduled to finish in January 2027.

But existing telecare equipment has been developed for analogue and is not fully compatible with the upgraded network. As a result, we’ve entered a new era of digital telecare.

Digital telecare is:

• Designed to operate safely over broadband, reducing the risks of first time call failures experienced with analogue equipment.

• Faster, more reliable and offers greater functionality – with many benefits for telecare users and housing providers.

Importance of a full digital upgrade

A full digital upgrade gives you the opportunity to completely reinvent how you support older people. It’s about much more than simply meeting the January 2027 switchover deadline.

Digital technology unlocks many new possibilities for warden call systems. Your service is no longer limited to voice calls as there’s an abundance of other features available, such as video communication. This enables you to meet the expectations of today’s society.

But you need a full digital upgrade to make the most of these advances, allowing you to:

• Protect residents with safer services
• Bypass the limitations and eventual failures of legacy hardware
• Integrate with other services for co-ordinated and person-centred support
• Monitor devices in real time, with a wealth of data-driven insight
• And much more

This means all elements of your telecare service need to be digital, from your warden call systems through to your monitoring centre.

With end-to-end digital, you can deliver robust, resilient and future-proofed services that can protect residents today – and meet evolving demands over the coming years. 

How long does an analogue to digital upgrade take?

The timings of your analogue to digital upgrade will vary depending on the size and scope of your project. A full transition can take anywhere from a few months to longer. This is impacted by the number of properties and residents involved, the complexity of your systems and how much preparation has been done.

For those without the time for a digital upgrade before the January 2027 deadline, an analogue to digital (A2D) converter can be a useful stepping stone. These can be installed in a matter of weeks, allowing your existing equipment to operate safely over the digital network while you plan your transition.

Key considerations when starting your digital journey

There are a number of considerations before investing in a new warden call system. While the opportunities are clear, the sheer scope of digital can make the practicalities of upgrading seem challenging. It’s important to ask the right questions at the outset to pinpoint your requirements.

Digital telecare – project basics

1. What are your objectives and what do you want to achieve with digital telecare?
2. What systems and equipment do you have currently – and what will you replace?
3. Do you know your budget?
4. Have you identified your highest risk equipment?
5. Who are your stakeholders and who will take ownership of the project?

What to include in your digital warden call specification

1. How is compliance with British Standards demonstrated?
2. How important is access to data, and how do you plan to utilise this in your organisation?
3. What are your security requirements for data and how will these be managed?
4. What protocols do you want to use and what are the requirements of your existing monitoring centre?
5. How will you manage the maintenance of your equipment?
6. What evidence is there of the supplier’s credentials?
7. How will digital equipment enable you to meet your future goals?
   

    

   [Find more details in our guide: Managing the Transition to Digital Telecare: How to plan and procure the right digital solution.]

Take the next step with confidence

The move to digital is a well-trodden path. Thousands of residents are already benefiting from faster, more reliable telecare, while monitoring centres have received millions of digital calls.

What matters for your own digital journey is selecting a fully digital warden call system that can meet your requirements today and your aspirations for the future – so you can build a service that genuinely improves lives.

Ready to start?
Speak to our team to find out how our digital warden call and telecare services can help you secure the right solution for your residents and your organisation.