Thousands of alarms used by older people could suddenly stop working

Millions of people in the UK are asked to check that many life -saving devices will not be affected by a planned transition that will make it useless.

Approximately 1.8 million elderly adults and disabled people or health conditions use personal alarms in the UK. Potentially saving device gives the owners a means of calling help if they have an accident at home.

Usually on the wrist, around the neck, they are worn on a switch.

However, thousands of people may have stopped working, or network providers will be soon because they switch from analog fixed lines to digital telephone systems.

The deadline for this is January 2027, but many households have already taken action.

Many devices that require a traditional fixed line will become useless after the key.

Open picture in the gallery

Which consumer rights group? Now warns that three major personal alarm sellers have potentially risk their lives by selling devices that do not work after the transition.

Most importantly, the Surersafe was that the three devices that required an analog line. Then, none of the product listing is mentioned about digital transition or risk.

Carelin365 and LifeConnect24 also continued to sell analog products, but they explain that they will not soon be compatible on the lists. Which? He asked why they continued to sell them.

Sue Davies, which? Consumer Protection Policy President, “The last date for the transition is approaching rapidly and the majority of the United Kingdom migrated to digital networks. Shocking that some telecare providers may continue to sell analog products when they may be at risk.

“Which? These sellers reported that their products should be removed from the sale immediately. Government and regulators, including trade standards and product safety and standards office, should take decisive measures to prevent the sale of these devices and if companies continue to do so.”

Last year, the conservative government asked all providers to pause non -volta network migrations after the death of two vulnerable people who have failed personal alarms when their fixed lines were closed.

Open picture in the gallery

This means that anyone with an affected device should inform the network provider when they try to pass. The provider will then be obliged to wait until the person will have a functional and harmonious device after the key.

Sureresafe spokesman said: “Suresafe has been a mobile alarm provider since 2015, 99% of all the alarms sold are SIM -based and completely digital ready.

“The remaining need for analog devices is very limited, where there is no mobile signal or the Internet and an analog line remains.

Carelin365 and LifeConnect24 Spokesperson: “We have been preparing for digital transition for many years, and as a result, the majority of the products we sell are digital devices.”

“However, there is a small minority of vulnerable consumers that an analogue device may be the only way to ensure the safety and stayed during the transition to digital.”