New Initiative to Protect Deaf and Hard of Hearing from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Care & Repair Cymru and Wales & West Utilities (WWU) are working together to distribute accessible CO alarms to those who are vulnerable due to hearing loss.

The new initiative will protect older adults who are Deaf or hard of hearing from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by providing them with specialist equipment.

Carbon monoxide, an odourless and invisible gas, poses a significant threat to health and safety, especially for older individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Traditional CO alarms, which rely on sound to alert occupants, are not suitable for individuals who are Deaf or have hearing loss. Recognising this critical gap, Care & Repair Cymru and WWU have set out to ensure that these individuals have access to life-saving technology.

Case Study: Life-saving Technology for Mrs O’Reilly

Mrs O’Reilly, a 69-year-old woman with severe hearing loss and vertigo, lives alone in North Wales and relies on lip-reading for communication. She reached out to Care & Repair after struggling with moving around her home safely. Amanda Derbyshire, a Care & Repair Caseworker, assessed her home and recommended some grab rails to assist with her mobility.

Amanda said: “I visited her initially to look at rails and equipment needed around the home and obviously due to her hearing loss we went on to discuss technology that could benefit her, that’s when I mentioned the CO alarms that we could provide for free.”

After the CO alarm was fitted, Mrs O’Reilly explained, “Everything was very simple; Amanda came out to help me and she mentioned that with me being deaf she could provide a CO alarm. Within a matter of a couple of weeks I had it and was shown how to use it and everything.” She added, “I know for a fact that I wouldn’t hear an alarm in the night, so, it is handy. It’s like having a large watch on. It vibrates to wake me up to tell me there is something happening in the house. It’s very good, I’d recommend it.”

Through this innovative solution, Mrs O’Reilly’s is safer at home, empowering her to stay independent for longer.

Specialist Equipment

The project will distribute 60 specialist CO alarm systems, sourced from Bellman & Symfon, a leading provider of assistive listening devices. Each system includes a CO Detector Transmitter which can then be linked to a number of devices depending on what is required. It can send alerts to a pager, a bed shaker or other compatible device.

To be eligible for this equipment, individuals must be aged 50 or older, have hearing loss or be Deaf, and lack an existing CO alarm that meets their needs. Care & Repair Managing Better caseworkers will collaborate with partner organisations such as RNID and the British Deaf Association to reach those who may benefit from the initiative.

Managing Better

The CO alarms will be distributed as part of the Managing Better Project, a free home visiting service designed to provide advice and practical assistance to older individuals who have hearing loss, sight loss, dementia, or have suffered a stroke.

Managing Better caseworkers will integrate the distribution of specialist CO alarms into the comprehensive support they already provide. Caseworkers will conduct Healthy Home Checks to ensure the safety of the living environment, including the installation of these life-saving devices. These checks will help identify individuals who qualify for the CO alarm systems, ensuring that those most at risk receive the protection they need.

Managing Better is a collaboration between five Welsh charities, including Care & Repair Cymru, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, RNIB Cymru, RNID, and the Stroke Association.

Request a CO Alarm

If you or someone you know would benefit from one of these specialist CO alarms, please contact your local Care & Repair Agency.

The specialised CO alarms not only address a critical safety issue but also empower a vulnerable population with the tools they need to live safely and independently.

Together, we can ensure that no one is left unprotected from the dangers of carbon monoxide, regardless of their hearing ability. Join us in this important mission to create safer homes and healthier lives for all.