Bathroom Emergency Package

Do I need Internet?

For best performance and to ensure good quality video calling, you will need a Broadband Internet connection. The Alcove Carephone comes with an Alcove Controller which connects to your Broadband router using an Ethernet cable.

How do I know where to put the sensors?

If you buy the installation service, our installation partners will set up everything for you according to your exact requirements. Our standard package of sensors is designed for a typical one bedroom home – we would advise to put one movement sensor in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room. Door sensors may be put on the front door, fridge door or medication cupboard door. Installing yourself is not complicated but there are some simple guidelines and instructions we can provide for you after purchase. Additional sensors can be purchased if the house layout is different and you want to monitor more rooms.

What do the sensors actually do?

The information from the sensors is used generate text message alerts if something unusual happens, e.g. you don’t get up when you normally do, you haven’t opened the fridge all day, you are in the bathroom for over an hour etc.

Are the sensors invading privacy?

The sensors detect movement or door openings but they do not know who is moving or opening the door. They are not cameras watching or recording, but can simply help signal when something might be wrong. Light touch monitoring to give you peace of mind. If someone is unable to push a button to call for help, the sensors can be really useful to detect incidents, accidents or changes in condition over time.

Where do the text messages go?

They go to up to 3 phone numbers of your choice in an escalation chain. If the first person does not respond to the message, it will automatically be escalated to the next person in the chain. People often buy the emergency call centre connection as the last number in the chain to make sure a response is made in a real emergency.

What other sensors are there?

There is an incontinence sensor to pick up quickly when someone might need changing after wetting the bed. There is a chair occupancy sensor which can raise an alert if someone who is immobile falls out of the chair or wheelchair. There is a bed occupancy sensor which can raise an alert if someone leaves or falls out of their bed.

Will the Alcove Carephone help in an emergency?

If you buy the “help” function, you get a 24/7 connection to an emergency call centre. Any time you press the red help button, a failsafe call will be made to a careline monitoring centre who will make sure a response is made in case of a real emergency. If you buy the Alcove Button, this can be pressed in an emergency or will automatically raise a call if it detects a fall.

Can I use my own tablet?

Unfortunately not. We only supply Alcove Carephone software on specially selected tablet devices, chosen for the quality of their front facing cameras and compatibility with the Alcove fall detector / panic alarm button.

How do I add or change my contacts?

When you buy the Alcove Carephone, you will be guided through a process to set up all your contacts before delivery. You will need names, images, email addresses and/or phone numbers. You can change your contacts at any time by contacting Alcove support via email, webchat or phone.

What do my contacts need to call into the Alcove Carephone?

You can make a voicecall or send a text message to the Alcove Connect using any phone (smart or not). The Connect has its own phone number which any approved caller can use. To make a video call, you need to login to the Alcove application on any Android smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer (as long as it has a webcam and speakers) using the Chrome browser.

Can I use my Alcove Connect to do other things?

The Alcove Connect is a specially made communication aid. It is adapted to make it accessible and simple to use for all so all functionality has been locked down. Even the home button has been disabled. While that means you can always make calls and see messages, it also means you cannot use any other standard tablet applications. 

Do I have to pay for calls?

Video calling is absolutely free but voice calls (both incoming and outgoing) cost about 5p per minute. We include a 100 minutes a month in your service package but you will need to buy additional minutes if this limit is exceeded.

Can I take my Alcove Carephone out of the house with me?

The Alcove Carephone comes with an Alcove Controller which can be connected to any router using the supplied Ethernet cable. However, you will not be able to use Alcove Carephone on a Wifi network without this Controller.