To have use of a personal telephone in their room helps residents stay connected, live more independently and retain privacy.
Why it’s time for change
With the UK’s telephone network going digital (due to the PSTN/Analogue Switch Off), it’s essential that the migration to digital landline services is managed within care homes, so that residents who depend on their landline continue have access to a reliable service.
Traditional landlines for residents have often been expensive, with minimum contract lengths of twelve months which had long been an issue for residents and their families.
What does the future of landlines look like?
Digital voice services are the “landlines” of the future – they work using internet connections rather than the copper phone lines which are being switched off (PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network, it’s the copper based network that delivers phone services and it’s due to be stitched off by Feb 2027).
Digital Voice is the name BT uses for its voice via the internet service. You may also hear it referred to as ‘VoIP’ or ‘IP phones’.
What are the options?
Well, many elderly residents aren’t keen to use mobile phones as their primary source of communication, as these devices can be too fiddly to use. They’re also dependent on signal strength etc.
A digital phone, designed specifically for the elderly, is the best option by far. The only difference to a traditional handset is a digital phone uses WiFi within the care home to connect, rather than a wired phone socket.
GHM Care has developed an “all-in-one” digital phone service that delivers great benefits for both residents and care homes.
What are the benefits for residents?
- A 30 day rolling contract – cancel any time – no more lengthy contract periods
- A big button handset that’s simple to use
- Residents can keep their existing telephone number
- No cabling is needed – just plug the digital phone into a standard power socket
- Free calls every month (2000 local, 2000 national and 200 international calls)
- The phone arrives already configured by GHM Care, so residents can start using it straight away
“I had been trying to find a phone solution for my mum since she moved into care. We had come to the conclusion that an IP phone was the way to go, but it was so helpful to have GHM Care do all the set up and admin. I was so impressed by how easy it was for her to start using the phone, the connection was seamless.”
What are the benefits for care homes?
- Care homes don’t pay anything for the digital service
- They can offer the new service to residents without worrying about cabling or structural work. (care homes just need to ensure bedrooms have a spare power socket and a WiFi connection for the phones to work)
- Residents and their families order and manage their telephones direct, so care homes don’t have to be involved at all
- GHM Care looks after everything!
“We finally have a solution where the day-to-day handling and installation of a resident phone doesn’t impact our buildings or resources. And we’re able to offer an even better service to residents. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Can my care home offer the IP phones to residents?
Absolutely! Care homes can register their details for free HERE and we’ll then send you everything your residents and their families need to know about signing up for their very own personal digital phone.