Using Digital Technology, IoT, and Connected Platforms to protect vulnerable and elderly people, reduce care dependency, and deliver peace of mind for families and care providers across the UK.
Connected Care is the application of Internet of Things technology, digital connectivity, and smart monitoring platforms to help local authorities, care homes, and housing associations protect vulnerable and elderly people. Independently, safely, and without reliance on ageing infrastructure.
For nearly two million people across the UK, telecare services are a lifeline. Panic buttons, alarm call systems, and connected care devices have long depended on the traditional phone network to function. With the PSTN switch-off now confirmed for January 2027, that foundation is disappearing and the window to act is closing fast.
dbfb has partnered with Iris IoT to deliver a joined-up suite of Connected Care solutions. At the heart of this is the Genus Care frame, a fully digital managed service that replaces phone-line dependency with resilient mobile and broadband connectivity, while adding a range of monitoring, alerting, and wellbeing benefits that traditional telecare simply cannot match.
people rely on telecare services that the Department of Health and Social Care describes as vital to preventing, reducing, or delaying the development of care and support needs.
January 2027 is the confirmed date for the PSTN switch-off, after which traditional phone-line-based telecare services will no longer function as they do today.
of telecare users are at risk of losing their protection the moment their telephone line goes digital, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
infrastructure replacement required. The Genus Care frame connects via mobile and optional broadband. No traditional phone line needed.
Millions of vulnerable and elderly people rely on devices that connect through a phone network that is being switched off. Unlike broadband upgrades or mobile transitions, many telecare users are unaware of the risk, and many organisations responsible for their care have yet to act.
The PSTN switch-off is not a distant problem. It is a fixed deadline, and the cost of inaction is not inconvenience. It is the loss of protection for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
The Genus Care frame, developed by Iris IoT and delivered as a fully managed service by dbfb, provides a complete suite of digital connected care services without the need for a traditional phone line. It combines dbfb's resilient connectivity with intelligent monitoring, SOS alerting, and wellbeing features that enrich the lives of users while giving families and care providers genuine peace of mind.
The approach is built around people: simple to use for the individual, straightforward to manage for care teams, and designed to work reliably in the moments that matter most.
Connects via mobile and optional broadband for maximum resilience, directly mitigating the PSTN switch-off.
Supplied and supported by dbfb, including connectivity, device management, and ongoing technical support.
Goes beyond basic alarm calling with monitoring, wellbeing features, and family connectivity built in.
Every alert is directed to a real support circle. Technology supports people; it never replaces them.
Ensures that in any emergency, help is always within reach. The integrated SOS button on the Genus device, a paired Bluetooth button, or a GPS fall alarm all connect instantly to the user's personal support circle. Real-time notifications confirm who is responding, giving users and families confidence that every call for help will be answered.
• Integrated SOS button on the Genus device
• Paired Bluetooth button and GPS fall alarm support
• Instant notifications to a personal support circle
• Confirmed response so users know help is coming
Seven built-in sensors track the living environment continuously, measuring temperature, humidity, air quality, movement, and daily rhythm. When anomalies are detected, whether an unexpected absence of activity, a temperature outside safe limits, or unusual air quality, Genus raises an alert automatically, enabling early intervention before a situation becomes a crisis.
• 7 built-in sensors measuring environment, movement, and daily rhythm
• Automatic alerts for temperature, air quality, and behavioural anomalies
• Daily rhythm monitoring with anomaly detection
• Supports proactive care rather than reactive response
Connected Care goes beyond safety. Genus enables video calls from any phone, tablet, or PC, so users stay connected to the people who matter to them. Medication reminders help individuals manage their health independently, while the Genus App lets family and friends share photos and messages directly to the device, reducing isolation and keeping loved ones close.
• Video calling from any phone, tablet, or PC via the Genus Portal
• Medication reminders for individuals, families, and care teams
• Photo and message sharing through the Genus App
• Reduces isolation and supports independent living
dbfb brings together deep expertise in digital connectivity and IoT with Iris IoT's specialism in connected care technology, giving local authorities, care homes, and housing associations a single, trusted partner to navigate the PSTN switch-off and deliver better outcomes for the people in their care.
dbfb and Iris IoT provide a joined-up solution covering device, connectivity, and ongoing managed service support under one relationship.
The Genus Care frame operates entirely over mobile and broadband. No telephone line dependency, no deadline risk.
Monitoring, wellbeing, and family connectivity features that enrich lives, not just protect them.
We listen first, and we are open, honest, and transparent throughout every conversation. The result is always clear, jargon-free technology that genuinely works for the people using it.
why choose dbfb
A good cloud telephony service should be easier to move to, easier to manage and easier to get help with when something goes wrong.
With dbfb, planning, migration, support and ongoing changes sit with one team that understands your setup, your call flows and the impact communication issues can have on the working day. UK-based support is there when your teams need it, while dedicated account management helps keep your service reviewed, supported and aligned as your needs change.
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Users, numbers, sites, opening hours, routing and reporting are considered together, so the setup reflects how your teams and customers actually communicate.
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Number porting, configuration, devices, app access and training are coordinated through one team, helping keep migration clear and controlled.
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The wider services behind cloud calling can be considered when needed, making it easier to identify the cause of an issue without passing it between service providers.
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Regular account reviews help identify changes in usage, call quality, reporting and future requirements, so your cloud telephony continues to support the way you work.
FAQS