A cutting-edge digital platform and connectivity hub for next generation social care
OUR INNOVATION
Developed in partnership with local authorities, Care Surround enables seamless deployment and integration of Amazon Alexa smart property devices for social care services.
Around two million people in the UK use telecare – systems that allow older and vulnerable people to live independently and with dignity. Operating on the analogue telephone network, a telecare home hub can connect a user to an Alarm Response Centre (ARC) if they need help.
THE CHALLENGE
The switch-off of the analogue telephone network in January 2027 presents a critical challenge.
Telecare providers, including local authorities and private companies, must ensure their services are ready for the new digital network. This may mean extensive (and expensive) patching and upgrading - or if the system isn’t digitally compatible, it may need replaced.
THE SOLUTION
Our product, Care Surround, is a uniquely innovative system that ensures reliable, cost-efficient connectivity between care providers, users and ARCs.
Beyond merely replicating existing services, Care Surround allows for the introduction of expanded features such as alerts or personalised care plans, setting a new standard for social care in the digital age.
HOW IT WORKS
Traditional telecare typically relies on wearables such as pendants or wristbands which, when pressed, connects a user to an Alarm Response Centre (ARC) through a base unit.
Care Surround replaces this set up with an innovative software platform and home connectivity hub, powered by Alexa Smart Properties.
When help is needed, Alexa connects the user to an ARC. The connectivity hub includes cellular connectivity as a backup to broadband, ensuring service continuity during a power cut, or for users without home internet access.
BEYOND BASIC CARE
Care Surround goes beyond the traditional 'call for help' model. It enables care providers to enhance their services with voice control, interactivity, alerts and tailored offerings, creating opportunities for more personalised and proactive social care.
PROVEN IN PRACTICE
In 2024, Glasgow City Council deployed Care Surround with Amazon Alexa in over 100 homes. Additional deployment is planned for 2025 with other local authorities across Scotland and further afield.
FUTUREPROOF AND COST EFFECTIVE
Care Surround modernises and safeguards telecare systems, providing a reliable and efficient solution for the switch to digital while laying the foundations for future technological advances.
BENEFITS
OF THE CARE SURROUND PLATFORM AND HUB
Care Surround offers a range of benefits designed to meet the needs of both care providers and users:
Seamless
integration
Easily manages thousands of Alexa devices, ensuring an efficient and reliable service
Scaleable
and adaptable
Ideal for large scale organisations while remaining suitable for single-user individual homes
Dependable
connectivity
A robust and dependable connection to Alarm Response Centres (ARCs), even without broadband access, thanks to cellular backup
Enhanced
service potential
Enablement of new services, moving away from a reactive ‘call for help’ service to include personalised care plans and custom alerts
Flexible
Over time, add and integrate additional services and other devices to expand functionality
Supports 'BYD'
(Bring your own device)
Allow users to access social care using their own personal devices, reflecting a growing trend for flexibility and independence
TECH SPEC
Care Surround is built on a robust and flexible platform for seamless performance and adaptability:
Proven
compatibility
Full integration and interoperability with cloud ARCs, including local government’s shared ARC platform
Future
ready
A foundational data structure built for scalability, enabling new solutions as they become available, including big data and AI
Inbuilt
resilience
Cellular connectivity provides a dependable backup to broadband
Technology
agnostic platform
Designed to support the development of commercial complimentary offerings, enhancing functionality
and competitiveness
Quality and
security certified
ISO27001 and ISO9001 approved, with cyber security certification
coming in early 2025
Device
compatibility
Currently optimised for Amazon Alexa, with additional devices and peripherals planned for future integration