Digital Telecare: Into the 21st century, or back to the 1990s?

By Richard Parkinson, Director at FarrPoint

A very 90's experience

I bought my first PC in the early 90s. In those days you needed to be a techie to set up and use your new computer: manually configuring blocks of memory, installing drivers, constantly tinkering to keep it running. Fortunately, this kind of hassle is just a memory. You can buy a new laptop or tablet now, take it out of the box, switch it on, and you are up and running. You don’t need to be a computer scientist to use it - It just works.

Digital Telecare shouldn't be complex, but it is

Recently, I have often found my work with digital telecare reminding me of these early experiences in computing. Helping telecare providers with questions and concerns about protocol and equipment compatibility, security testing, connectivity, and other technical issues. The move to digital telecare is a huge change in a sector that offers lifeline services, so there was always going to be a need for careful planning and implementation. However, we shouldn’t need to spend time and effort delving into detail to check that a digital telecare solution will do what it says it will do – it should just work.

The Analogue Switch-off is just around the corner

2025 and the analogue switch-off is looming. The sector needs to make the move to digital as straightforward as possible so providers can maintain a reliable service offering. What does this look like? Use of recognised technology, security and data standards; manufacturers working together to test compatibility; and sharing of technology and operational best practice. Much of this work has started, but there is more to be done. In the meantime, you’re likely to need the help of a friendly techie.

If you have any questions about digital telecare or how FarrPoint could help, please get in touch with Richard Parkinson.