We visit hundreds of care homes each year and with limited budgets and resources, it’s easy to see how a lot of the tech care homes are using is…let’s just say ‘getting on a bit’.
And that’s fine to a certain extent, but unfortunately there comes a time where that might result in data loss, security issues, false efficiencies and worst still…no service at all.
We’ve put together this quick guide so you can take a look at some of the systems or tech you are using to see if it’s time to move on. The good news is there are savings and efficiencies to be had too.
Check #1 – WiFi
Many of the older care home WiFi solutions, including the once popular Samsung networks, are no longer manufactured, leading to growing difficulties in software updates, support and replacement kit.
This wasn’t a huge problem until recently but now security patches are no longer issued, your WiFi network might now be more vulnerable to attacks.
If your WiFi is more than 5 years old, your options include:
- Continuing with a system that has performance and security issues.
- Using available funds to upgrade parts of their network.
- Investing in a new enterprise-grade system
- Foregoing WiFi (OK…not really an option).
These options only really offer temporary fixes or come in at a fairly hefty price tag. However, there is a new, more affordable option available to care homes…and that’s WiFi as a Service.
Like lots of other solutions consumed monthly, WiFi as a Service allows Care Homes to obtain the necessary network infrastructure and managed services through an affordable, scalable, and constantly updated subscription. Subscription packages are flexible: Care Homes can make a one-time payment for hardware and pay monthly for managed services, or opt for a comprehensive Wi-Fi as a Service plan.
Check #2 – Telephone Systems
With legacy analogue systems soon to become obsolete and a number of once popular manufacturers no longer supporting their systems, telephone systems are a must check.
For example, Samsung stopped manufacturing and supporting their telephone systems some time ago and so no more software enhancements are available. This has probably resulted in systems lacking features, handsets causing issues.
Any analogue based telephone systems and lines will also stop working as part of the Big Analogue Switch Off in 2027.
Another issue care homes are facing is the provision of resident telephones. Either they too are analogue lines and will soon stop working, or they’re effectively pinned on to the care homes main system making billing, cabling, general support an area of concern.
For resident telephones, there’s good news (which is way more cost effective for everybody). GHM Care now has a resident telephone service that not only future proofs residents for the Analogue Switch Off but uses the latest in digital technology to avoid cabling and unpopular long-term contracts.
The new IP telephones bypass the need for a physical telephone line and instead use the internet to make and receive calls. Residents can access rolling 30-day contracts for the first time ever, get free calls and the big button phones arrive fully configured by GHM Care. Residents can even bring their home phone number with them.
Care homes don’t pay anything for the service and can offer the new service to residents without worrying about expensive cabling or structural work. Homes just need to provide a power supply and WiFi connection for the phones to work (even more reason to check your WiFi in step one).
We also provide a range of VoIP hosted telephone systems for care homes. With our systems, you no longer need to worry about hardware or maintenance. Calls are made over the internet (with free calls to UK numbers…just think of the money you could save with that alone), with more features than a traditional telephone system and you can make calls from multiple devices if you’re mobile around the care home.
Check #3 – Connectivity
If your home is still using analogue based connectivity, this will also stop working in 2027 as part of the Big Analogue Switch Off. It could also be really slowing your productivity down.
Many of our care home customers are switching to lease lines, FTTP or SoGEA connections. All provide lightning fast speeds, better coverage and with leased lines, the coverage is 100pc your own. You need to have access to FTTP to install it but we can check that for you and if not, SoGEA is a great alternative.
Check #4 – IT Devices
Are some of your devices still running on Windows 10 or XP? If so, it’s worth noting Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10 in on October 14th 2025. Your computers won’t suddenly stop working (your computer could actually continue to operate just fine) but having no updates to run is a concern. In time, more and more vulnerabilities will appear making your system very attractive to hackers.
The simplest option is to upgrade to Windows 11 which is free for Window 10 users, but your PC will need to meet certain hardware requirements. You’ll probably already know if your PC is eligible for upgrading to Windows 11 as you’ll have received loads of notifications and pop ups.
You may also notice that new technologies such as printers and software won’t work with older devices.
Don’t rush your procurement process though. Speak to us about which devices are best for each user so you can get as many years out of them as possible.
The next step?
Why not get one of our free care home audits. We’ll check what systems you’re using, let you know if any will become obsolete and of course tell what savings and efficiencies you could make with any new equipment. Email us at info@ghmcare.co.uk to get booked in.