We’re passionate about helping our customers live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
For those with worries about having a fall or accident while alone, or who find it difficult to do everyday things like getting dressed, climbing the stairs or having a bath, through Home Assist we can give them a little extra help.
Karbon customers Michael Thirtle and Maggie Hynd are just two of the 267 Supported Housing customers who have benefitted from our recent £147,500 investment to upgrade their Home Assist Telecare system.
Michael, who lives in Prudhoe, and Maggie, who lives in Consett, have both had brand new digital units installed in their homes which will enhance their safety and wellbeing.
Michael, who is registered blind, would be ‘lost without his pendant’ and depends on the telecare system for his day-to-day safety:
“If I have a fall in the house, I can just press the button on my pendant and someone will respond on the system and come and help me.
“I can use it anywhere in my home which I couldn’t with the old system. This new system is also linked to my smoke alarm, so if there’s a fire, the fire service will be alerted and come and help me.
“It makes me feel safe. I’d be lost without it.”
Maggie has osteoporosis which affects her ability to get around her home easily. She’s lived alone since losing her husband three years ago, and thanks Home Assist for enabling her to retain independence and stay living in her home which she loves:
“When my husband passed away, my youngest son said he wanted me to come and live with him. But I wanted him and his family to live their lives and I’m determined to be independent too. I’m happy in my home and I didn’t want to move or go in a care home.
“My osteoporosis affects my back and my arm so getting around isn’t always the easiest. I can still do a lot of things, but needed something just in case I had a fall.
“The telecare system has been marvellous. I’ve got a pendant that I always wear around my neck. I just push the button and I get an answer almost instantly.
“It’s reassuring to have it. If anything happens you know you’re not on your own. It’ll help me keep my independence for as long as I can.”
What is Home Assist Telecare?
Home Assist Telecare is an essential service that allows customers to access immediate assistance in the event of an emergency. With just the push of a button, customers can connect to a 24/7 monitoring centre staffed by trained professionals who are ready to offer support, call emergency services, or contact a family member or caregiver.
Why upgrade?
By January 2027, the UK’s analogue phone network will be switched off and replaced by a modern digital system. This change has urgent implications for the UK’s 1.8 million telecare users, with most still relying on traditional phone lines and analogue alarms for their life-critical support service.
As these systems age and telecare technology advances, there is a shift towards digital systems, transmitting data using cellular services that don’t rely on physical phone lines. This offers a more reliable and faster service for our customers.
Key features of the upgrade
- Enhanced connectivity: Our upgraded system is equipped with advanced communication technology, like dual SIM cards able to roam on all four UK mobile networks, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. This reduces the risk of downtime and ensures that help is always just a button press away.
- Daily reminders: The system can be set up to support customers with managing their routines, helping them to remain independent.
- Improved range: The alarm can be raised from anywhere in the home or the garden within 300 metres of the base unit.
- SmartCare Response App: The system allows for tailored alert settings, so family members or caregivers can be notified immediately in the event of an emergency, providing them with peace of mind.
What this means for you
- The units are vital for keeping customers safe – you can use a pendant that can be worn around your neck for easy access in case of an emergency, such as a fall or an accident. You simply push a button and will be connected to a mobile responder service who can provide assistance.
- Telecare units support customers to stay safe and comfortable at home for longer.
- You no longer need to rely on a telecare unit connected to your home telephone - the unit can be installed anywhere in your home.
- The units have all been customised - they clearly show the number you would need to contact for support with the alarm.
- Maintenance can be completed remotely rather than needing an in-person visit from an engineer - this means less disturbance in your home.
Jon McDonald, Head of Supported Housing at Karbon Homes, was keen to make the system upgrade happen as soon as possible:
“We go above and beyond to ensure people can live happily and independently in their homes. The new system has enhanced the service that telecare provides, ensuring that we can continue to offer a life-critical service with enhanced features that so many of our supported housing customers will benefit from.”
Assistive technology provider Chiptech developed the new bespoke digital telecare units that have been installed in our customers’ homes, working with us to complete the switch over well ahead of the January 2027 deadline.
David Hammond, Chief Executive Officer at Chiptech said:
“We are delighted to support Karbon Homes as they upgrade to a digital telecare service using our Chiptech SEVEN digital base unit.
“We set up the units so they were delivered ready to communicate with Karbon Homes’ 24/7 monitoring service. We also enabled audio-assisted installation, meaning Chiptech SEVEN can be installed quickly by following simple instructions.
"The units include automatic monthly reminders for Karbon Homes customers to test their alarms, encouraging customers to stay familiar with their digital service should they need it in an emergency.
“These upgrades mean enhanced safety, greater peace of mind, and a more comfortable living experience for service users. The new telecare system not only meets but exceeds the standards for emergency response services, reflecting Karbon’s commitment to their customers’ wellbeing."
Looking Ahead
This telecare system upgrade is part of our broader vision of using technology to improve the quality of life for our customers. We believe in creating communities where everyone can live independently while feeling secure, knowing that help is always close by.
We’re excited about these upgrades and the positive impact they will have on your daily life. If you would like to find out more about our Home Assist Telecare service, visit www.karbonhomes.co.uk/homeassist
We’re passionate about helping our customers live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
For those with worries about having a fall or accident while alone, or who find it difficult to do everyday things like getting dressed, climbing the stairs or having a bath, through Home Assist we can give them a little extra help.
Karbon customers Michael Thirtle and Maggie Hynd are just two of the 267 Supported Housing customers who have benefitted from our recent £147,500 investment to upgrade their Home Assist Telecare system.
Michael, who lives in Prudhoe, and Maggie, who lives in Consett, have both had brand new digital units installed in their homes which will enhance their safety and wellbeing.
Michael, who is registered blind, would be ‘lost without his pendant’ and depends on the telecare system for his day-to-day safety:
“If I have a fall in the house, I can just press the button on my pendant and someone will respond on the system and come and help me.
“I can use it anywhere in my home which I couldn’t with the old system. This new system is also linked to my smoke alarm, so if there’s a fire, the fire service will be alerted and come and help me.
“It makes me feel safe. I’d be lost without it.”
Maggie has osteoporosis which affects her ability to get around her home easily. She’s lived alone since losing her husband three years ago, and thanks Home Assist for enabling her to retain independence and stay living in her home which she loves:
“When my husband passed away, my youngest son said he wanted me to come and live with him. But I wanted him and his family to live their lives and I’m determined to be independent too. I’m happy in my home and I didn’t want to move or go in a care home.
“My osteoporosis affects my back and my arm so getting around isn’t always the easiest. I can still do a lot of things, but needed something just in case I had a fall.
“The telecare system has been marvellous. I’ve got a pendant that I always wear around my neck. I just push the button and I get an answer almost instantly.
“It’s reassuring to have it. If anything happens you know you’re not on your own. It’ll help me keep my independence for as long as I can.”
What is Home Assist Telecare?
Home Assist Telecare is an essential service that allows customers to access immediate assistance in the event of an emergency. With just the push of a button, customers can connect to a 24/7 monitoring centre staffed by trained professionals who are ready to offer support, call emergency services, or contact a family member or caregiver.
Why upgrade?
By January 2027, the UK’s analogue phone network will be switched off and replaced by a modern digital system. This change has urgent implications for the UK’s 1.8 million telecare users, with most still relying on traditional phone lines and analogue alarms for their life-critical support service.
As these systems age and telecare technology advances, there is a shift towards digital systems, transmitting data using cellular services that don’t rely on physical phone lines. This offers a more reliable and faster service for our customers.
Key features of the upgrade
What this means for you
Jon McDonald, Head of Supported Housing at Karbon Homes, was keen to make the system upgrade happen as soon as possible:
“We go above and beyond to ensure people can live happily and independently in their homes. The new system has enhanced the service that telecare provides, ensuring that we can continue to offer a life-critical service with enhanced features that so many of our supported housing customers will benefit from.”
Assistive technology provider Chiptech developed the new bespoke digital telecare units that have been installed in our customers’ homes, working with us to complete the switch over well ahead of the January 2027 deadline.
David Hammond, Chief Executive Officer at Chiptech said:
“We are delighted to support Karbon Homes as they upgrade to a digital telecare service using our Chiptech SEVEN digital base unit.
“We set up the units so they were delivered ready to communicate with Karbon Homes’ 24/7 monitoring service. We also enabled audio-assisted installation, meaning Chiptech SEVEN can be installed quickly by following simple instructions.
"The units include automatic monthly reminders for Karbon Homes customers to test their alarms, encouraging customers to stay familiar with their digital service should they need it in an emergency.
“These upgrades mean enhanced safety, greater peace of mind, and a more comfortable living experience for service users. The new telecare system not only meets but exceeds the standards for emergency response services, reflecting Karbon’s commitment to their customers’ wellbeing."
Looking Ahead
This telecare system upgrade is part of our broader vision of using technology to improve the quality of life for our customers. We believe in creating communities where everyone can live independently while feeling secure, knowing that help is always close by.
We’re excited about these upgrades and the positive impact they will have on your daily life. If you would like to find out more about our Home Assist Telecare service, visit www.karbonhomes.co.uk/homeassist
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