Accessible Home Security for the Physically Challenged

It takes all kinds of modifications to make a home accessible for someone who physically challenged: portable wheelchair ramps, grab bars, handrails and more. However, the changes you make should not end with safety features. Security is also a major issue. The changes that make a home more accessible can also be a signal to burglars that this home is less protected than the average. Paying attention to security will help keep you feeling safer and more secure in your home.

Don’t Give In To the Temptation to Camouflage Wheelchair Ramps

While some individuals are concerned that the wheelchair ramps can take away from the curb appeal of a home, giving in to the temptation to camouflage them with shrubbery can be a security risk. Like it or not, an individual who is physically challenged can easily become a target for home invasion and shrubbery near the entrance to a home provides hiding places for intruders to lurk.

Don’t Do the Hidden Key Trick

Burglars are pretty savvy and know that many people still hide keys to their home outside. Even if you have regular home health care workers, friends and family who come by regularly, resist the temptation of hiding a key under a flower pot, in the mail box or in a fake rock. Chances are the wrong person will find it and use it. A keypad door entry for your home is a better investment. You can assign different codes to each person who needs it and you never have to worry about losing keys.

Signage Can Help Make Your Home Secure

Any modifications made to your home to make it more accessible will tell burglars that the person inside may not be a physical threat to them if they are at home when a break in occurs. However, you can easily counteract that perception with some signage of your own. Post a “Beware of Dog” sign, regardless of whether you have a dog or not. It is a big deterrent to the burglar casually looking for the right house to break into.

If you invest in a home security system to help keep your home safer, be sure to post the signage that is provided. Homes with security systems are 3 times less likely to be broken into than homes without. Fake home security signage is not a big deterrent because seasoned burglars know to look for external keypads and cameras because it has become common for people to only buy the signage.

These suggestions are easy ways to help increase the home security of any physically challenged individual. After all, isn’t feeling safe and sound in our own home something everyone wants?

Many thanks to our guest blogger and their expertise on home security for the physically challenged.  For questions about accessibility products call Handi-Ramp in Libertyville, IL (800) 876-RAMP.