4 Safety Items Seniors Need in Their Vancouver Home

The majority of people wish to live in the home of their choice as they get older, which is referred to as aging in place. Often, though not always, this involves staying in a home in which they have lived for many years. However, a home that was adequate when you first bought it may not meet your changing needs as you grow older. Home repairs for seniors can facilitate aging in place by adding important devices that help keep you safe, both now and in the future.

1. Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Whenever you burn carbon-based fuels, which include coal, gasoline, oil, natural gas, wood, or propane, carbon monoxide is produced as a byproduct. It is a poisonous gas that is virtually undetectable by human senses because it has no odour, taste, or colour. Carbon monoxide kills by preventing oxygen from binding to the red blood cells, causing asphyxiation. Usually, carbon monoxide isn’t a problem because the home ventilation system releases it safely from the house. 

A blocked chimney, a malfunctioning furnace, a generator located too close to the house, or a car running in a closed garage are all conditions that could cause the carbon monoxide level in a home to rise to dangerous levels. Carbon monoxide detectors alert you to levels that are elevated but not yet deadly so you can evacuate the house and call for help.

There are many different kinds of carbon monoxide detectors. They can be hooked to an electrical source or run on batteries. They can be combined with smoke alarms so that you only need one unit. There are also CO detectors that hook directly into the heating system and have the capability to contact emergency personnel for you.

2. Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lights are both a safety and security feature. They remain off most of the time but when they detect movement, they suddenly turn on. This means that you always have light when you need it when you come home after dark. Furthermore, if someone were to trespass on your property and attempt to burglarize your home, the sudden flash of light would startle them. Motion sensor lights have been shown to be an effective crime deterrent.

3. Security Cameras

If someone does approach your home, whether during the day or at night, security cameras allow you to see who it is so you can decide whether or not you want to grant them admittance. In the event that someone does carry out a crime against you, security cameras can play an important part in identifying the culprit so he or she can be arrested and prosecuted. However, it may not come to that because the very presence of security cameras on a property may be enough to dissuade potential criminals from targeting you and your property.

4. Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors alert you to a fire by setting off an alarm when smoke particles in the air reach a certain level. Chances are good that your home already has smoke detectors. However, smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years or so, so if the detectors in your home are older, you may want to have them replaced.

You may also want to upgrade your smoke detectors. For example, there are hard-wired smoke detectors with a battery backup that should continue working under any circumstances. This can be helpful if the conditions that caused a power outage also start a fire. People with hearing loss may not be able to hear a traditional smoke detector, so you may want to consider one equipped with a strobe light to give a visual warning in addition to an auditory one.

Handyman Connection Performs Home Repairs for Seniors

Repair services in Vancouver from Handyman Connection include installing safety and security devices for aging in place. Find out more about how you can benefit from these home updates.