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FAQs – Taking Care Anywhere

What do I need to set up Taking Care Anywhere?

Everything you need is provided with your order. You will receive easy to follow set up instructions, although you may need to bend down to plug the base unit into a mains electricity socket.

Does the location-aware GPS pendant work in the home and garden, as well as out-and-about?

Yes. The location-aware GPS pendant will work anywhere in the UK, excluding the Channel Islands, where there is a 3G (black or white pendant) or 4G (black pendant only) mobile network to communicate, subject to atmospheric conditions, radio interference, buildings, or other forms of interference that can block the pendant's connection to GPS satellites. The multi-network SIM is pre-fitted like a mobile phone and provides the best possible coverage.

You should wear it at all times and use the backup pendant only when the location-aware GPS pendant is charging. In some cases, the mobile signal may not be strong enough indoors for you to speak with the Emergency Resolution Centre through location-aware GPS pendant. In this situation, you will still be able to speak with the Emergency Resolution Centre through the base unit. When you set up your Taking Care Anywhere, Taking Care will ask you to test the equipment from different locations in your home and garden so the range and signal is fully tested.

What network does Taking Care Anywhere use?

When you are out-and-about, the black location-aware GPS pendant uses the 3G or 4G network to communicate. The white location-aware GPS pendant uses the 3G network. The Taking Care Anywhere pendant uses a multi-network SIM that connects to the strongest available network.

When the location-aware GPS pendant is within range of the base unit, it will communicate through the unit's 2G or 4G multi-network signal.

The 3G network is being gradually phased out over the coming years, with the Government requiring that all 3G networks are switched off by 2033. While the mobile network operators are making changes at different times, you don’t need to worry as your GPS location-aware pendant and in-home unit are set to "roam" to find the strongest signal that is available for you at that time. There is therefore no immediate issue and we expect 3G networks will continue to operate successfully for many years to come.

What happens if the location-aware GPS pendant cannot connect to a mobile signal at home?

If a mobile signal cannot be found, the location-aware GPS pendant will switch to using the base unit to call the Emergency Resolution Centre.

Are the pendants water resistant?

Yes. The location-aware GPS pendant is water resistant up to 1 metre / 3.3ft for 30 minutes (IP67 standard). The backup pendant is water resistant up to 1.5 metres / 4.9ft for 30 minutes (IP68 standard). You can wear either pendant in the bathroom or shower where slips are common.

What is included with the Taking Care Anywhere order?

Your order includes the location-aware GPS pendant with wireless charger, cable and plug.

The location-aware GPS pendant comes with a hypo-allergenic stainless steel chain and a split ring, so you can choose to wear it around your neck or on a key ring or belt.

You will also receive a backup pendant and a base unit. An easy-to-follow user guide is included that shows you how to set up and test the personal alarm service. 

Can I wear the location-aware GPS pendant if I have a pacemaker?

If you have a pacemaker then you cannot wear the pendant around your neck and fall detection will need to be turned off. This is because a mobile device should not be placed near a pacemaker.

If you have a pacemaker, tell Taking Care when you place your order by telephone or select the pacemaker option when ordering online. Taking Care will turn off the fall detection feature. You should attach the location-aware GPS pendant to the supplied split ring, which can be attached to a belt clip or keys, so it is not worn around the neck. The location-aware GPS pendant must be kept at a minimum distance of 25cm from your pacemaker at all times. If you have any questions or concerns, Taking Care is happy to help. Call Taking Care on 0800 085 8032, Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm, to speak to an advisor.

Does the Taking Care Anywhere detect all falls?

The fall sensor in the location-aware GPS pendant may not detect every fall as it is designed to detect hard, unobstructed falls. If you are able to do so, you must ensure that you press the emergency button on the pendant each time that you fall.

The fall alarm sensor uses an algorithm to recognise the difference between ‘hard’ falls and other movements. Like many similar devices on the market, it cannot guarantee to detect all falls because it is dependent on where it is worn and the amount of shock or impact from the fall.

The location-aware GPS pendant must be worn around the neck for the fall detection to work. Fall detection must be turned off if you have a pacemaker. Although advanced technology is used to detect a fall, the pendant has been designed to detect only serious falls with a heavy impact.

The backup pendant does not detect falls.

How long does the location-aware GPS pendant battery last?

The battery will last one to two months with standard use before it needs to be recharged. Voice messages and lights indicate when the battery is low at approximately 20% capacity. It is recommended the pendant’s battery is charged after an emergency activation

How long does the battery in the backup pendant last?

The backup pendant has a 5-year battery life with typical use. A low battery report is automatically sent to Taking Care's Emergency Resolution Centre when the backup pendant battery reaches 20% capacity. When the battery needs replacing, Taking Care will send you a replacement backup pendant for free.

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