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Ensuring Your Telecare Alarm Works During a Power Outage
17/12/2019
It’s important to have contingency plans in place for storms and power outages, especially for critical services like telecare alarms. These plans may include alternative communication methods or backup systems to ensure your alarm can still connect to help if needed.
During a power outage, whether your alarm button will work depends on the type of alarm unit you have and how it connects to the monitoring centre. All Task Community Care telecare units have a built-in backup battery, giving your alarm power for up to 36 hours (depending on usage) while mains power is restored. However, please note that having power does not always guarantee the alarm call will connect to the 24/7 monitoring centre. Here’s how your telecare unit is likely to function during adverse weather conditions based on the type of system you have:
1. Landline Telecare Unit
- Connection Type: Standard telephone landline (analogue system).
- How It Works During Power Cuts:
- Most landline systems will continue working during a power outage, as long as the landline is active.
- However, landlines only work if the telephone exchange has power. Severe weather, like lightning strikes, may damage phone lines or disrupt the service.
Tip: Be sure to follow the safety advice below to stay prepared for any situation.
2. Broadband/IP Telecare Unit
- Connection Type: Connects to the monitoring centre via fibre broadband or IP (internet).
- How It Works During Power Cuts:
- Your telecare system’s backup battery will keep the alarm powered for up to 36 hours.
- However, the alarm will only connect to the monitoring centre if your broadband router also has a backup battery. Without one, the system is unlikely to work during a power cut.
- If you’re unsure whether your router has a backup battery, contact your broadband provider to check.
Additional Protection: If your telecare system includes a SIM card backup, the unit can connect to the monitoring centre via the mobile network if the broadband fails.
Task Community Care Advantage: Our telecare units with SIM card backup use multi-network SIM cards, which connect to the strongest available network, giving you extra reliability during emergencies.
3. GSM Telecare Unit (SIM Card-Based)
- Connection Type: Uses a SIM card to connect to the monitoring centre (no landline or broadband required).
- How It Works During Power Cuts:
- The unit’s built-in backup battery ensures it stays powered for up to 36 hours during power outages.
- GSM units can make emergency calls to the 24-hour monitoring centre via the mobile network.
Example: Our TA74 GSM Alarm provides up to 36 hours of backup battery life, including up to 30 minutes of emergency calls.
Important Note: While GSM systems are reliable, there’s always a small chance of network outages if storm damage affects the mobile infrastructure of the SIM provider. Always review our safety tips to stay prepared.
4. GPS Locators
If you use a GPS locator instead of a telecare alarm, the device will work during a power outage as long as it is charged.
- How to Prepare:
- Make sure the GPS device is fully charged before a storm.
- Some GPS devices have a charging dock with a built-in backup battery, which will keep the device powered for a short time during power cuts.
Task Community Care Advantage: For example, the Task Personal Emergency Protection (PEP) GPS Location Tracker comes with a docking station that includes a backup battery, ensuring the device stays charged even during power cuts. This can provide extra reliability during storms or outages.
Important Note: Although rare, if storm damage affects the SIM provider’s network infrastructure, the GPS locator may not connect to the monitoring centre. Always review our safety tips to stay prepared.
Safety Tips for Telecare & GPS Locator Users
Pendant alarms and GPS locators are essential for staying safe during severe weather. Follow these simple tips to remain protected:
1. Test Your Alarm System
- Test your alarm system regularly (at least once a month).
- Before a storm, make an extra test call to ensure your device is functioning properly. Let the call-handler know you’re testing because of the weather forecast.
2. Be Prepared for Power Outages
- If the power goes out, press your emergency button if you feel unsafe or need assistance.
- Inform the telecare operator of your situation—they can reassure you and notify your designated contacts.
- Keep a mobile phone or home phone nearby as a backup.
- Ask a family member or neighbour to check on you regularly.
3. Always Wear Your Pendant Alarm
- Indoors: Wear your pendant alarm at all times, especially at night when trips and falls are more likely to occur.
- Outdoors: Avoid going outside during storms unless absolutely necessary. If you must, always wear your pendant alarm.
Range Tip: Task Community Care pendant alarms work up to 300 meters from the base unit, covering most homes and gardens.
4. Night-Time Safety Precautions
- Keep hallways and bathrooms well-lit to reduce the risk of tripping or falling.
- Use non-slip mats in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Need Help or an Upgrade?
By understanding how your telecare unit works and following these safety precautions, you can stay protected during severe weather. If you have questions or need to upgrade your system, we’re here to help:
Tel: 01 8435889 / Tel: 24-Hour Monitoring Centre (non-emergency line) 01 843 5924
Email: info@taskltd.ie
TASK Connect Launches in Northern Ireland, Expanding TASK Community Care Group
24/11/2023
Ireland’s First Telecare Company TASK Community Care Expands with the Launch of Fully Owned Subsidiary “TASK Connect” in Lurgan, Northern Ireland
TASK Community Care, Ireland’s first telecare company and now a leading provider with over 45 years of experience in personal alarm technology, is excited to announce the opening of its fully owned UK subsidiary, TASK Connect, situated in Lurgan, Northern Ireland.
The establishment of TASK Connect not only signifies a significant milestone for TASK Community Care who provide 24-hour monitoring to tens of thousands of personal alarm clients, but also underscores the company’s dedication to strengthening its presence in the UK market. The decision to establish a fully owned subsidiary in Lurgan, reflects a strategic move to better serve the company’s expanding customer base in the United Kingdom.
A testament to this commitment is the introduction of a user-friendly online ordering process for monitored personal alarms and GPS trackers on the new TASK Connect website, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. This initiative showcases the company’s dedication to delivering accessible and efficient services to its UK clientele.
Managing Director of TASK Connect, Toni Bunting expanded on this, stating, “Our online product range will steadily expand as we solidify our presence in the UK market. Concurrently, our core focus is on refining operations, honed through years of dedicated service to TASK Community Care customers, ensuring an even more streamlined and customer-centric service for all our customers in the UK.”
This strategic and customer-oriented approach underscores the TASK group’s steadfast commitment to innovation, excellence, and meeting the evolving needs of its valued customer base.
Having recently secured a competitive tender with one of Northern Ireland’s eleven councils in its first year of operation, TASK Connect has swiftly established its success and effectiveness in the market. This significant achievement, realized through collaboration with its Irish counterpart TASK Community Care, not only showcases TASK Connect’s commitment to growth but also highlights its dedication to excellence. This early success sets a promising trajectory for TASK Connect, solidifying its potential to emerge as a leading company in the UK telecare and GPS monitored alarm industry.
For more information and to explore the range of telecare and GPS solutions offered by TASK Connect, please visit the official website at taskconnect.co.uk.
For media enquiries or further information, please contact: communications@taskconnect.co.uk.
The 50 Plus Show Cork September 12th & 13th 2023
11/09/2023
The 50 Plus Show Cork takes place on Tuesday September 12th and Wednesday September 13th 2023 10am - 4pm.
Location: The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Cork
TASK Community Care are in attendance located at stand 18. We will be demonstrating the latest in Telecare / Independent Living Technologies and GPS Personal and Asset locators. Information available on grants for over 65's.
If you are in the Cork area over these days please drop by, it is set to be a great event.
www.taskltd.ie
The 50 Plus Show RDS Industries Hall Dublin 14th & 15th April 2023 [UPCOMING EVENT]
11/03/2023
TASK Community Care are delighted to once again exhibit at this years 50 Plus Show at the RDS Industries Hall Dublin on April 14th and 15th 2023.
The 50+ Show is Ireland's only dedicated event addressing the needs, interests and cocerns od people 50 and over. All under one roof over 2 days in the RDS.
We will be showing the latest in Telehealthcare technologies Including:
- Socially Monitored Alarms
- Personal and Asset GPS Locators
- Independent living Technologies
- Falls Prevention alarms
- Dementia support systems.
This is sure to be another great event, please drop by and say hello to the team.
We will be located at stand 76
Living Well for Longer Expo Event
11/03/2023
Healthy Laois & Age Friendly Laois
Thursday, 13th April 2023, 4-8pm
Portlaoise College, Mounthrath Road, Portlaoise Co.Laois R32 N735
Showcasing the supports, services,groups and activities available to all ages in Laois
- HSE Health Screening
- TASK Community Care - Assistive Technology Demonstrations
- Support Groups
- Health Age Friendly Homes
- Healthy Cooking Demos
- Grant Information
- Activity Hub Stands
- Community Groups
For more info & to Pre-Register:
Contact:
We hope to see you there!
Community Safety Awareness Day Tipperary
24/01/2023
TASK Community Care are delighed to exhibit at the upcoming Community Safety Awareness Day at Moyle Rovers GAA Club on Sunday 29th January 2023.
On the day bikes and trikes will be property marked in a theft prevention campaign.
Those taking part are asked to make a donation to the Tipperary branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.
If you are in the area please drop by 10am -3pm
Covid-19 Crime Prevention Advice Notice
03/04/2020
Covid-19 Crime Prevention Advice notice issued by An Garda Síochána. This has been developed to ensure all individuals are alert to bogus callers, online scams and home security.
Looking after our customers during COVID-19
18/03/2020
COVID-19/Coronavirus Customer Notice
18 March 2020
For over 45 years, TASK, and the communities we serve, have faced various challenges. We have come through them all, thanks to the commitment of our team, our customers, and the dedication of the community groups we work with. The interests of our customers, our people and our communities are at the centre of everything we do, and this is particularly important during these challenging times.
With this in mind, we wanted to reassure you, that we are putting in place a number of robust measures to enable customers to receive telecare and pendant alarm units, while prioritising health and safety.
We understand that the alarms and installations are a lifeline for many people, and we take this responsibility extremely seriously. Our CareLink™ team, including our dedicated installers, continue working tirelessly to support our customers.
TASK's 24-hour CareLink™ monitoring centre is operating day and night. Robust contingency plans are also in place, to ensure an effective continuous service throughout the duration of the COVID-19 global pandemic and beyond.
As a result of Covid-19, we have made some changes to the installation service that customers should be aware of;
TASK installers will now deliver units to customer's premises but will not carry out an installation unless this has be pre-agreed. Customers can also opt for equipment to be delivered by An Post. Full installation instructions and details of telephone support will be included with each alarm unit.
Where a customer needs TASK to install the alarm, our installers will wear a face mask, and will disinfectant the monitored alarm and any surfaces they have touched before leaving the premises. Customers must also remain in another room during the installation, or at least 2 metres away from the installer at all times.
To further mitigate against the risk of Covid-19, TASK installers will complete the installation/keyholder form by telephone with the customer.
For forms requiring a signature, including the installation/keyholder form, our installers can temporarily do this on behalf of the customer to avoid unnecessary contact. The installer will stay at least two steps away. A copy of the signed form will subsequently be sent to customers.
Special arrangements for customers impacted by Covid-19 have also been put in place.
In these difficult times, we want you to know that you can rely on us to keep you connected 24-hours a day, when it matters most.
TASK will keep all customers up-to-date through this website and via our Social Media channels.
©Copyright TASK Limited 2020
Updated 20 March 2020
TASK Sponsors Regional Stroke Conference 2020
09/03/2020
It's great to be sponsors of this year's Regional Stroke Conference, which is taking place on Mon 30 March 2020. A very worthwhile event to attend. The purpose of the event is to promote awareness around stroke, aphasia and brain injury; rehab and recovery. Also up for discussion on the day will be how support can be provided for families and carers, risks and prevention, healthy lifestyle, medical advancements in various treatments and stroke survivor stories.
The event is hosted by South Tipperary Stroke Communication Group in association with The Irish Heart Foundation. We hope to see you there and all are welcome to attend. For further information on the event, please contact Martin on 087-6101628. Details o the event are also included in the Regional Stroke Conference event Poster below:
The event is hosted by South Tipperary Stroke Communication Group in association with The Irish Heart Foundation. We hope to see you there and all are welcome to attend. For further information on the event, please contact Martin on 087-6101628. Details o the event are also included in the Regional Stroke Conference event Poster below:
Telecare Alarms With CCTV Now Available
04/03/2020
Telecare with CCTV - Activates when emergency button is pressed
Telecare with combined CCTV is now available from TASK. The live (CCTV) visual monitoring will only be activated, after a client has pressed their emergency pendant alarm button for help. The system allows for visual monitoring of shared areas, in or around the home (hallway/kitchen/driveway etc). Trained CareLink call-handlers can then assess the situation, often more accurately, to determine the type of assistance that is required. Recordings can be made available in line with GDPR data protection laws, after the event.
Using CCTV technology in conjunction with your monitored telecare alarm can allow for added peace of mind and security, for instance with front/rear door CCTV monitoring, along with two-way voice communication. Trained CareLink call-handlers will take the appropriate action as and when necessary.
Additions to the system can include a KeySafe or automatic door release. This can allow the monitoring center to provide a code and/or open doors to the dwelling, in the event of emergency services requiring access. This removes the need for forced entry if key holders are not available.
To find out more about TASK's CCTV with telecare, call us on 01 8435889 (ROI) or 02890 360280 (UK)
