Care alarms and telecare
Guide reference: HG-0052
Quote this reference if you contact us about this guide.
Approx. 3 min read
Plan, test, and fix pendant alarms and telecare on a digital home phone. Tell us before we place your order if there is a care alarm on site.
Don't worry if you or someone you care for relies on a pendant alarm. Most alarms can work on a digital home phone when your alarm company confirms compatibility and tests with you.
Quick answer
Tell us before we place your order if there is a care alarm on site. Speak with your alarm provider about digital line compatibility. Simple Telecoms does not support care alarms, but we can help with the phone line when it is connected correctly.
More detail
Care alarms and telecare devices call a monitoring centre when someone presses a pendant or when a scheduled test runs.
They need a working phone path, usually plugged into Phone1 on your router or telephone adapter.
The UK digital switch means many homes now use a digital line instead of old copper wiring. Alarm companies must confirm each model still works.
Simple Telecoms does not support care alarms. Your alarm provider owns the alarm equipment, monitoring, and any upgrades.
Hybrid Home2Phone does not support care alarms. If you rely on a pendant alarm, plan a Physical digital line or ask your alarm company about a mobile or battery-backed upgrade.
Digital home phone with your own broadband can work when the alarm provider approves it, but your broadband and adapter must stay online.
Power cuts stop digital phone lines without backup. Plan ahead with your alarm company and See Telecare alarms and power cuts
Use the linked guides below for setup before go-live, fault checks if tests fail, and emergency planning during outages.
Where to start
Read using your phone with a care alarm before you order or switch provider.
Tell us about any care alarm before we place your order.
Get written confirmation from your alarm provider that your model works on a digital line.
On go-live day, connect the alarm exactly as the provider instructs.
Run a monitoring centre test the same day.
If tests fail later, See Care alarm not working
Plan for power cuts with telecare alarms and power cuts and emergency calls during a power cut.
Keep your alarm provider support number handy.
Common mistakes
- Ordering a phone service without telling the alarm company.
- Choosing Hybrid Home2Phone when a pendant alarm is on site.
- Reporting alarm faults to Simple Telecoms instead of the alarm provider.
- Skipping the monitoring centre test after setup.
- Assuming 999 will work through the alarm during a power cut without a backup plan.
Things to know
- See Using your phone with a care alarm for Ofcom reporting and order planning.
- See Care alarm not working for step-by-step fault checks.
- See Telecare alarms and power cuts for outage planning.
- See Emergency calls during a power cut for 999 when the electricity is off.
Frequently asked questions
Which guide do I read first?
Start with using your phone with a care alarm if you are planning a switch. Use care alarm not working if tests fail after setup.
Does Simple Telecoms fix alarms?
No. We fix the phone line. Your alarm provider fixes the pendant, base unit, and monitoring.
Will my alarm work on digital?
Only your alarm company can confirm. Many models need reprogramming or replacement.
What about power cuts?
Digital lines need mains power. See Telecare alarms and power cuts and keep a charged mobile for 999.