Nineteen percent of the UK’s current population is aged 65 and above, 3.6% of whom live alone. This means that the safety and security of more than two million elderly people is at stake, as with their age-related vulnerabilities are increased risks of potential health emergencies, burglary, or assault. A key safe is one practical solution that can help bring peace of mind not only to these elderly people but their loved ones as well.
Also called lock boxes, key safes are invaluable in ensuring the wellbeing of elderly parents or relatives living on their own. Storing spare keys where they can be easily accessible to trusted individuals who need to enter an elderly person’s home – particularly useful in emergencies when immediate access to the home is needed. For this reason, they can be considered safety devices, facilitating quick entry into the house to provide assistance to its elderly residents.
Locksmiths are specialists when it comes to locks and lock-related issues including safes. In this blog, a safe specialist from a locksmith Bradford service provider Lock & Key explains what a key safe is, the benefits it offers the elderly, and what to look for when choosing the right one.
What is a Key Safe?
As the name implies, a key safe is a small wall-mounted version of a metal safe designed specifically for storing spare keys. They are usually unlocked using a PIN code or combination. Intended for use by family members, carers, and during emergencies by first responders, key safes are typically installed on an exterior wall outside the house eliminating the need to rely on the elderly resident to answer the door.
Seniors are especially vulnerable to slips and falls, which often need urgent medical attention. In such situations or during any other emergency when they are alone, carers and first responders can quickly gain access into the house.
Why Elderly People’s Homes Need a Key Safe
Quick and Easy Access During Emergencies
Seniors are especially vulnerable to slips and falls, which often need urgent medical attention. In such situations or during any other emergency when they are alone, carers and first responders can quickly gain access into the house. Having the keys readily available avoids having to break the door down or smash a window. In the rare event that a key safe malfunctions, some locksmith providers offer 24/7 emergency lockout service, arriving promptly to help regain entry into the home.
Reassurance for Family Members
Knowing that a key safe is installed in their elderly parent’s or relative’s home brings peace of mind to both adult children and the senior resident. Should anything untoward occur, a trusted neighbour, carer, or first responder can easily enter the house.
Convenience Without Compromising Security
Intruders know to check under doormats and flowerpots for spare keys, thus hiding house keys in those places can actually make it easier for unwanted visitors to enter your home. Modern key safes are a far better alternative – they are made with tamper-proof materials and equipped with locks that offer a high level of security. However, even with a secure key safe, it’s still important to take proper precautions, such as ensuring that only trusted individuals know the access codes and that it is regularly changed.
Supporting an Independent Life for Seniors
Most elderly people prefer to remain independent as doing so gives them a sense of purpose – something that’s vital for their mental health and overall quality of life. A key safe supports this independence whilst providing the reassurance that help can come quickly when needed. Additionally, lost keys need not be a cause of worry as trusted individuals can still access the home if such a situation arises.
Compatibility with Modern Safety Devices
The effectiveness of key safes is greatly enhanced when used with other advanced safety and monitoring technologies such as mobile health solutions that directly alert carers and family members, and security systems that connect to a professional monitoring service.
What is the Right Key Safe for Your Elderly Loved One’s Home?
There are four key factors to consider when choosing the key safe that best suits the needs of your senior parent or relative. These include:
● Durability: It should be made from strong, tamper-proof and weather-resistant material like steel.
● Locking Mechanism: It should have an efficient and trouble-free PIN or combination lock. Avoid digital locks, as elderly users tend to find them to be too complicated.
● Location: Securely install the key safe on a wallnear the front door. It must not be openly visible to passersby, yet conveniently accessible to those who need to use it.
● Size: Choose one that has enough space to store several keys, if needed.
Conclusion
Helping our elderly loved ones live independent lives as long as they are able is gifting them with dignity and purpose. A key safe is a simple and practical tool that can make this possible. By keeping spare keys in this secure metal box, it becomes much easier for carers to provide regular support or respond to any emergency that may arise. In addition, the usefulness of key safes can be optimised when integrated with high-tech safety devices and personal alarms. Not only does it become more effective in ensuring the safety and security of seniors living independently, but it also enhances family members’ peace of mind.
Getting the right one is crucial so seeking the help of a skilled safe locksmith for selection, installation, and maintenance is highly recommended. Speak to one and find out more – do it today!
