Analogue to Digital Countdown: 11 Months to go. Digital Telecare in Housing
Digital Telecare in Housing
With the approaching deadline of January 2027 for the national switch-over from analogue to digital telecare, housing providers across Scotland are in the midst of a significant transformation. We are exploring how this change is being managed, with a particular focus on the practical realities of legacy systems and the varied approaches taken by housing partners to migrate to digital telecare solutions. This transition is driven not only by technological necessity, but also by the evolving needs of residents, funding models, and the desire for more tailored support.
Legacy Telecare Systems: Challenges and Context
Historically, warden call systems have provided uniform support across communal areas and many of these systems are now decades old and difficult to replace without substantial disruption. These setups frequently include additional integrated equipment such as lifts, fire detection, key cabinets, and door entry systems. Typically, alarms and alerts from both residents and equipment are routed via PSTN (analogue) telephone lines to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) for monitoring, either on-site or remotely. The management of these systems varies by tenure type, with staffing models ranging from 24/7 coverage in care homes and very sheltered housing to minimal or no cover in retirement and general needs housing.
There remains an expectation among residents for the support historically provided by these systems, even as housing providers remodel their services. However, while safeguarding remains crucial, digital technologies enable more flexible, resident-focused support instead of blanket coverage.
Practical Steps for Migration
The recommended starting point for housing providers to undertake this type of migration is to create a comprehensive asset register detailing telecare equipment, connections, and suppliers. This facilitates informed decision-making regarding upgrades and strategic planning. Useful information to collect includes scheme name and address, tenure type, system phone numbers, communication provider, ARC monitoring details, number of sub-units, types of integrated equipment, supplier information, and equipment lifespan.
Case Studies: Decommissioning and Digital Transition
The Digital Telecare Playbook features several case studies from councils and housing associations that have successfully transitioned to digital telecare:
- Highland Council: Removed all warden call systems and replaced them with bespoke, dispersed digital alarms, as detailed in their published case study. This approach provided tailored support to residents and improved outcomes.
- Link Group: Transitioned all residents to dispersed digital alarms, receiving positive feedback for the discreet and personalised nature of the solution.
- East Dumbartonshire Council: Undertaking a major project to replace warden call systems with digital dispersed alarms, with presentations available through sector meetings and the Digital Telecare Playbook.
- East Lothian Housing Association (ELHA): Assessed resident need and found only 25% required telecare. Those opting in received dispersed alarms and ongoing support from the council, while others benefited from reduced service charges. This collaborative model reduced costs and administrative burden for ELHA.
- Castlehill Housing Association: Adopted a “just do housing” approach, digitally upgrading four care schemes and referring retirement housing residents to the council for telecare, following asset identification and options appraisal. Only 30% of residents wanted telecare, streamlining service delivery and empowering resident choice.
Emerging Trends and Guidance
The migration to digital telecare is increasingly characterised by collaboration between housing associations and local authorities, asset auditing, and a focus on resident choice and need. Funding changes are prompting tenure reviews and shifts in telecare provision, with some providers offering telecare as a paid service and others referring tenants to councils for devices and support. The sector is moving away from blanket coverage towards tailored, flexible solutions that respond to individual circumstances.
The transition from analogue to digital telecare in Scotland’s grouped housing is far from uniform, with approaches varying by provider and setting. The Digital Telecare Programme stands ready to support housing providers with guidance, case studies, and opportunities for peer learning, to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the January 2027 deadline.
Contact Us
If you are a housing provider or Council with housing stock, and you aren't already engaged with us, register for access to our Digital Telecare Playbook and download our Housing Resource Pack using the link below.
For further information or support to access the Digital Telecare Playbook, please contact us at digitaltelecare@digitaloffice.scot
