CareCalls supports people at earlier stages of care who want to stay independent longer — especially where memory, routines, or home safety need a nudge. Anyone can use it privately; publicly funded setups may need a professional referral. This page sets out when the service tends to work well and when another approach may be better.
| Scope | Applies to |
|---|---|
| Repeat reminders and check-ins | Yes |
| One-off reminders | Yes |
| Live professional calls | No — see our services page |
Who can use CareCalls?
CareCalls is available to anyone who wishes to use it. If you pay privately, the decision is between the person receiving reminders and check-ins and those supporting them.
If the service will be funded by a local authority (or similar public programme), we may require a referral from a health or social care professional. To see what might be available in your area, use the public funding checker or funding enquiry.
For who typically benefits, see who CareCalls helps and how. The sections below are recommended criteria — not strict rules — to help you decide whether to try it.
When is CareCalls a good fit for remembering tasks?
CareCalls can prompt almost any task — medication, hydration, meals, locking up, and more. It works best when:
- Messages are short and simple — an initial prompt to start an activity, not long step-by-step instructions.
- Short-term memory is the main challenge — it may be less effective if someone cannot hold instructions for the last few minutes (working memory).
- The person wants to stay independent and is willing to act on a prompt — it is less effective if they routinely resist the task.
- One person needs many different prompts through the day or week, each with its own message and time.
- Exact, consistent times matter — the schedule runs whether or not someone is visiting that day.
- One-off events (for example a GP appointment) suit the free one-off reminder service as well as repeat schedules.
When are check-ins and alerts appropriate?
CareCalls can alert your support network if a reminder or check-in is not acknowledged after retries. That can shorten the time before someone checks in when there may be a health problem.
It is most useful when the person might be unable to communicate, reach the phone, or respond — not as a substitute for emergency services.
Important limits:
- You need at least one alert contact who can follow up in person or by phone if prompts are missed.
- CareCalls does not call emergency services or send anyone to the address.
- For how alerts work, see why you received an alert and how to set up and use alerts.
What does the call receiver need?
- Minimal technology — they only need to answer a landline or mobile call or read and reply to SMS where required. Supporters can set up and manage the service online or by phone.
- Support network details are required only if you use check-ins to verify wellbeing. For prompting alone, alert contacts are optional.
- Phone or SMS — choose what the call receiver prefers. Text can suit hearing difficulty or anxiety about answering calls; a phone call is often harder to miss because of sustained ringing. See how the service works.
- A working handset, active line or mobile service (for example BT, EE, or Vodafone), and reliable coverage.
- Slow to reach the phone? Extend ring time in the manage dashboard after setup.
- Call screening or blockers? Whitelist the CareCalls delivery number or use inbound diagnosis.
CareCalls is not designed to solve isolation or loneliness on its own. It can support safety and routine; it does not replace human company.
What information is needed to set up?
You will need contact details, at least one schedule, and (if used) alert contacts. Most people finish in about 5–10 minutes. Full checklist: what information you need to set up a service.
Still unsure whether CareCalls is appropriate?
CareCalls is built so you can set up, try, and cancel quickly and at low risk:
- Three ways to try before you subscribe — instant demo, one-off reminders, or a 30-day free trial on repeat service.
- Watch the person closely during the trial if you are uncertain.
- Contact us to talk through concerns.
If you go ahead, read how to get the most out of CareCalls.