Free Accessible Carbon Monoxide Alarms for people aged 50+

Older people across Wales who are Deaf or hard of hearing are being urged to come forward for potentially life-saving support, as part of a partnership between Care & Repair Cymru and Wales & West Utilities.

Thirty-six specialist carbon monoxide (CO) alarm systems are available to vulnerable older people, who may not be protected by standard audible alarms with eligible individuals encouraged to apply or seek a referral before the end of March.

The specialist vibrating and visual CO alarms will be distributed as part of Care & Repair Cymru’s Managing Better Project , a free home visiting service offering advice and practical help for people over the age of 50 who have hearing loss, sight loss, dementia, or have had a stroke.

Carbon monoxide poses a serious threat to people’s health, due to being odourless, colourless and invisible, when undetected, and traditional CO alarms rely on sound alerts, which may not be effective for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This project aims to remove that barrier by providing accessible technology that ensures alerts can be seen or felt, not just heard.

Care & Repair Cymru is distributing the specialist CO alarm systems, with each system including a CO detector transmitter that can be linked to a range of compatible devices depending on individual need, including vibrating pagers, bed shakers and wearable alert watches, ensuring users are notified both day and night.

To be eligible for this equipment, individuals must be aged 50 or older, have hearing loss or are Deaf, and lack an existing CO alarm that meets their needs.

Case Study: Michelle’s story

“My name is Michelle and my husband is Anthony, we’re both Deaf. Originally, I come from Cardiff and he’s a valley boy. We’ve lived here about 28 years; this is our first home together.

“I went to an event run by Wales Council for the Deaf, which is where I met Mandy from Care & Repair. A lot of people up the road have had Care & Repair so I wanted to have a conversation about what they could do for us. We spoke about handrails that we could have and then also about CO alarms. Only a few weeks ago Mandy came and measured up for handrails, gave me the new CO alarm and explained how it worked.

“I have a vibrating pad to put under the pillow for while I charge the watch during the night, so if the CO alarm goes off it vibrates the pillow. In the daytime I can wear the watch, if that goes off then we can get out the house quick.

“Anthony’s waiting for a knee replacement and I have vertigo, so my balance is all over the place. So, it’s much better with the rails, much safer.

“A lot of Deaf people get equipment from the local authority or Wales Council for the Deaf, but it’s not like this watch or the handrails. I’ve told my friends about the CO alarm and watch, it’s worth having.”

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 remaining alarms will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

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.