If you’re looking for a reliable way to keep your elderly or vulnerable loved one safe at home, you might be wondering if there are options out there that don’t need a telephone landline connection. We understand that fewer and fewer people are using traditional home phones, so it's important to explore alternatives. Choosing the right personal alarm system can offer both safety and independence your loved one values.
Thankfully, modern technology has made landlines unnecessary for many types of home monitoring. Systems like our Digital Personal Alarm offer a smart, reliable way to look after your loved one without the need for a phone line.
Jump to:
- How do traditional alarm monitors work?
- Compatibility issues with the Digital Switchover
- Digital personal alarms: a landline-free monitoring solution
- Why choose a landline-free monitoring system?
-
Giving families peace of mind
How do traditional alarm monitors work?
Many older models of home monitoring systems and alarms require a landline connection to send alerts to a monitoring centre when help is needed. Although they do work well, there are a few downsides that should be considered if you are looking into a solution that does require landline connection.
Downsides to alarms that need a landline connection:
-
Cost of a landline - Landline dependent alarms result in additional costs as the user has to pay to keep their landline up and running.
-
Dependence on landline service - With many people getting rid of their home phone lines, maintaining a landline just for an alarm can be inconvenient and costly.
-
Home and garden only - Alarms that rely on a telephone landline connected to a base unit have a limited range and will only work in the home and garden. Newer digital alarms have a greater range.
-
Limited features - Traditional alarms typically only send alerts when activated, without any ability to use GPS to identify the device's location in an emergency.
Compatibility issues with the Digital Switchover
One of the biggest downsides to relying on a landline-based alarm system is its compatibility with the UK’s ongoing Digital Switchover. Traditional phone lines are being replaced with digital alternatives, which means older alarm systems that depend on analogue connections may stop working unless upgraded. This change poses a risk to anyone using a landline alarm, as it may not function correctly once the switchover takes place.
Learn more about the Digital Switchover
BT have announced that by 2027 all analogue phone lines will be replaced with digital ones. Read our articles and guides to find out more about the digital switchover and what it means for personal alarms.
How could you benefit from a landline-free home monitoring system?
-
Futureproof - With the Digital Switchover looming, landline-free alarms are under no threat of being disconnected, allowing you to continue your service long into the future.
-
Peace of mind - Monitoring systems that use multi-network SIMs aren’t affected by landline outages or the Digital Switchover.
-
Greater flexibility - Out-and-about alarms work anywhere, making them ideal for homes without landline connections or older adults that like to stay active.
-
Advanced features - Our home monitoring systems can include features such as fall detection and GPS to keep you safer in and out of the home.
-
Easy setup - All you need to do is turn the alarm on and you’ll get voice guided setup instructions. No need to bend down and plug the base unit into a line socket or deal with any complicated installations.
Digital personal alarms: a landline-free monitoring solution
If you're looking for a modern, reliable way to help your loved one stay safe at home without needing a landline, a digital personal alarm is an excellent solution. These alarms use mobile network connections to provide 24/7 support, so there's no need for a home phone line.
Digital personal alarms are easy to use and come with wearable pendants, keyrings or bracelets that allow older adults to call for help at the press of a button. They can connect your loved one to a trained Emergency Resolution Team at any time of day or night, offering immediate support in the event of a fall, accident, or medical issue.
Some models even come with fall detection, GPS tracking, and mobile connectivity - ideal for the elderly who want peace of mind at home and when out and about.
Digital personal alarms use a built-in SIM card to connect to the mobile network, just like a mobile phone. This allows the alarm to work independently of any landline or broadband connection, providing a more flexible and reliable safety net.
As long as there’s mobile signal in the area, the device can communicate with a 24/7 Emergency Resolution Team, whether your loved one is at home, in the garden, or even out running errands. This mobile connectivity is especially useful in rural areas where landlines are less dependable or being phased out due to the Digital Switchover.
Digital alarms aren't limited to just one mobile network and will automatically connect to the strongest available network at the time. Their design also means that the base units have a larger internal antennae than a mobile phone, further strengthening their signal. So, for users in rural areas, your digital alarm will work harder to keep you connected at all times.
For families who want extra reassurance, Taking Care Sense can be added alongside a personal alarm. This discreet in-home monitoring system uses sensors to learn daily routines and spot any unusual changes, such as reduced movement or missed meals. It works in the background without needing elderly loved ones to wear anything or press a button, making it a valuable addition to a personal alarm system.
Why choose a landline-free monitoring system?
If you’re trying to decide between a landline-based alarm and a non landline-based system like our Digital Personal Alarms, here’s what you should consider:
Reliability and security
Landline alarms
Can stop working if the phone line is damaged, disconnected, or affected by the digital switchover.
Digital personal alarms
Use mobile networks to stay connected, offering more reliable coverage. They also have built-in batteries, so they continue to work during power cuts.
Ease of use
Landline alarms
Require the user to plug the unit in, leaving you to find the right wires and connections.
Digital personal alarms
Are wireless and have voice guided setup instructions making it easy for anyone to install.
Flexibility and installation
Landline alarms
Need a base unit to be plugged into a working phone line and are usually installed near a telephone socket, limiting where they can be placed.
Digital personal alarms
Are fully wireless, simple to set up, and work wherever there’s mobile coverage. All SIM and data costs are included in the costs and the SIM cards are prefitted, so your alarm is good to go straight out of the box.
Giving families peace of mind
As a friend or family member, you want to make sure your loved one is safe while maintaining their independence. With a digital personal alarm, you can feel confident that your loved one is being looked after every day, not just in emergencies.
Remember, you don’t need a landline to keep your loved one safe - there are other options available to you that provide a smarter, more reliable alternative that works without a phone line.
If you’re considering an alarm system for an elderly or vulnerable family member, Taking Care offers many solutions designed to offer peace of mind while allowing them to live independently.
Contact our team and discover how our smart home monitoring and personal alarms can enhance your safety and independence.
