Northern Enterprise Awards 2021

22 | Northern Enterprise Awards 2021 Oct21674 Best Digital Telecare Technology Provider 2021 Inspired by the founder’s fiercely independent grandmother, Eveline, CEO James Batchelor established Alertacall to help others to remain at home for as long as possible. Recognised as the Best Digital Telecare Technology Provider of the year, Alertacall has pioneered technological principles that have enhanced the lives of tens of thousands of people, working in partnership with organisations across the social care and health sectors. Technology is revolutionising all aspects of our lives. Whilst it would be easy to focus on the efforts of the largest technology firms – those that are moving towards new developments seemingly without pause – it is crucial to look at how technology can be used to help solve very real problems that impact people. All people, at all stages of their lives. One area which has been brought into greater relief, not least because of the pandemic, is how technology can be utilised to help those in later life. In this way, digital telecare solutions like those from Alertacall truly stand apart, to help older people and those with additional needs maintain their independence and feel safer within their own home. As one of the leading digital telecare companies, Alertacall specialises in assistive technology that, first and foremost, prioritises the individual who uses it. Functionality is paramount, alongside ease of use and reliability. However, as Martin Cutbill, Business Development Director, explains, technology isn’t a one size fits all solution. Everyone has different needs, different priorities, different requirements. Alertacall was established and continues to grow on the back of creating several options that cater to all who need its services. “Alertacall’s digital telecare products have features that mean they are more versatile than most devices currently available. Our standard core pendant alarm has a range of up to 300m. This extended range means there is no issue with signals being detected wherever they are in the home, and even in the garden. More advanced options include a version with a built-in falls detector and has GPS capability, meaning it can be used outside of the home and is not dependent on being in close promptly to a base station. “However, it is well known that many older people are reluctant to have a wearable alarm, or indeed may have one, but often do not wear it. For these individuals we have another option. Our OKEachDay service bought by individuals, or by health and social care providers, delivers customer contact through specially developed touchscreen and a highly trained contact centre team.” From here you can start to see the building blocks of what has made Alertacall a leader in this sphere. The pandemic has brought new challenges for organisations responsible for managing independent living and, indeed, a greater demand for the solutions offered by Alertacall. There is now also an increasing need to address loneliness and social isolation and improve communication for all, as Martin takes a moment to comment on further. “For many of the organisations we work with, our services have been described as ‘invaluable’ over the last 12 months. Lockdown presented organisations with many unique and difficult operational challenges, such as shielding procedures, changing work practices, and a need to avoid face to face contact. The OKEachDay service has helped maintain regular contact with individuals with higher needs during this period. Through either the device or contact with our team, we were “Professional advancement is important to us, with many team members progressing through the organisation into management or leadership roles.”