Access Compass guide

Home & garden safety: wandering, secure boundaries, RADAR keys & Lifeline

Practical steps to secure home and garden, prevent wandering, and access local OT, telecare and funding.

Who it's for: Parents & carers, Adults, Professionals

✓ Verified Last checked 7 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.

Step by step

Quick wins indoors

Fit window restrictors; door contact alarms on exits; store keys safely (adult-accessible). Balance security with fire safety (thumb-turns; clear escape routes).
Garden boundaries & water safety

Secure, well-maintained fencing; self-closing, lockable gates; remove climb points (bins/branches/trellis); cover or fence ponds/hot tubs.
Night-time wandering

Use bed-occupancy/door sensors to a telecare hub (Lifeline/AT) and keep bedtime routines predictable.
Managing triggers & helpful routines

Notice challenging moments (doorways, waiting, noisy rooms). Use a simple cue -> task -> tiny reward; keep a calm 'safe space' available.
ID & safe travel

Consider a discreet ID wristband and, if appropriate, GPS. For car restraint issues, book a specialist fitting for additional-needs seats.
Funding & assessments

Ask OT for home safety/adaptations. Children's DFGs (not means-tested) can fund secure boundaries/gates, bathroom changes and 'safe space' works.