Care homes will need to ensure that all their TV systems are able to support a digital signal to continue delivering TV to residents’ rooms and communal areas after switchover. This may mean upgrading or replacing the existing communal TV aerial systems. In addition you, or your residents, will also need to make sure that TV sets are upgraded to digital. Most residents are likely to qualify for assistance to convert one television set through the Switchover Help Scheme.
There are a number of different digital TV service providers. Availability will vary depending on where you live.
Where digital TV services are provided using Freeview you will need to re-tune your TVs and boxes at each of the two stages of switchover and if you find you have lost any TV channels. In addition, you should re-tune on a regular basis to make sure you pick up any new channels and services that become available. If you have satellite or cable on all your TV sets, you won’t need to re-tune your equipment.
All residents who have lived in a care home for six months or more are eligible for assistance to convert one television to digital through the Switchover Help Scheme. They will receive information through the post in the months before switchover happens where they live.
Most people will be asked to contribute £40 towards the help. The service is free for people who are eligible and also get pension credit, income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance.
The Help Scheme will not fund any works that may be needed to the communal aerial system.
For more information visit the Help Scheme website.
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Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 10am - 4pm. Extended opening hours on switchover dates.
