Key safes, anyone use one?

[manicscousers]

Well, its that time of year again, mum's fallen and broken her wrist in 2 places, refuses to come live with anyone  ::)
She is being shunted out provided there is a care package in place, 4 visits a day. SHE HAS AGREED TO THIS, glory be. Only trouble is, she can't get to the front door easily, they won't go to the neighbours to pick up a key and a safe has been suggested. Any advice about these, please, she is very nervous as she lives in Kirkby and has had a downspout taken from the front 3 times so far this year. feel like I'm going out of my mind  :(

[manicscousers]

[Melbourne12]

You have my sympathy.  It's by no means a unique story (not that that's much comfort).  We had a keysafe installed for my old mum in the last couple of years of her life for access by care workers.  It worked fine.

It obviously needs to be strongly installed.  Ours had a combination type lock.  You can install them discreetly by putting something like a pot plant on a shelf to conceal the keysafe from casual view.

[ACE]

My wife works for social services, she would recommend anybody in your mothers position to have a keysafe. Just make sure the code is only given to the right people and change the combination regulary.

We got her father one after having to break in after he had a fall.

[Aden Roller]

Key Safe? Brilliant!!!!!!!!

Go for it.

• They are safe - as safe as the front-door lock itself.
• They allow easy / quick access by anyone who is given the code.
• They are waterproof - some have black covers.
• They can be mounted anywhere on an outside wall or in a porch
• They give a little bit more peace of mind and could save a broken down front-door - so cheaper in the long run
• You don't need the dearest

Just like a front-door you have to remember to close them properly when the key has been replaced.

[SamLouise]

Can I add to this and ask what may seem a stupid question? (no change there then)  Are the keys loose in the keysafe or are they on a retractable type wire/chain/string?

The reason I ask is because our son is ALWAYS coming home without his keys for one reason or another and my husband has decided he would like to install a keysafe in our front shed but ... I know the first time our son uses it, he'll bring the keys in, put them on the table and then go out again!!  If we're around, it's not too much of a problem, but we're due to head off on holiday soon so if he does it whilst we're away, there's no way for him to get back indoors. 

It would be great if there was one where the keys couldn't be 'taken away' from the safe after use. 

[Kea]

Can I add to this and ask what may seem a stupid question? (no change there then)  Are the keys loose in the keysafe or are they on a retractable type wire/chain/string?

The reason I ask is because our son is ALWAYS coming home without his keys for one reason or another and my husband has decided he would like to install a keysafe in our front shed but ... I know the first time our son uses it, he'll bring the keys in, put them on the table and then go out again!!  If we're around, it's not too much of a problem, but we're due to head off on holiday soon so if he does it whilst we're away, there's no way for him to get back indoors. 

It would be great if there was one where the keys couldn't be 'taken away' from the safe after use. 

Good to know I'm not the only one with an absentminded son!!!

[Melbourne12]

There's no reason why your should put the key on something like a diver's retractable lanyard, which would be long enough and strong enough to pull the key back in.  Mind you, the absent-minded one would still have to remember to shut the keysafe itself!

[cambourne7]

Hi

we had something like the emergency access key storage box for access to our site and it was brilliant my ownly suggestion might be to add something magnetic to it or a velcro pad and sometimes when you put the key back it in has a tendency to fall out :) and if your in a hurry and not looking it might be missed.

http://www.key-cabinets.co.uk/?gclid=CNe31_SwwqsCFYMKfAodCBMEug

cam

[steve76]

key safes are brill, but please do give the code to some neighbours or like Wise, as emergency services very often still have to break in as the codes are not passed on to them, can mean valueable minuets are lost..

[cambourne7]

I would also recomend that you write down all the medication there on and any conditions they have as well as people to contact in emergency and pin it on the fridge as if they are passed out they cant give this information and any ambulance crew need to know.

[Aden Roller]

You could put up a note with a MOB number on it next to the key safe - anyone needing to get in could phone you and then be given the access/pin number if they needed it - it would also alert you to any problem.

Just a thought.

Keys could be attached to a thin chain/wire or string to prevent someone forgetting to replace them.

One of those little "red buttons" connected to the phone line would enable someone needing urgent help but unable to reach the phone to contact someone.

PM me if anyone wants additional info about caring for an elderly relative or neighbour.
Pleased to help if I can.

[pumkinlover]

The two types I come across differ, some you punch the number in and the front comes off revealing the key. Need to do the same to put key back.
The other type are like a combination padlock and they have to be rotated to any other number when the carer or whoever leaves. I sometimes find these left open while carers are in the house which means a burglar could have a quick look! Also you have to ensure carers move the combination to soemthing very different not just one digit.
Another factor I'm sorry to say is they can be broken into, there was a spate in this area recently >:( >:( >:(
Still better than under the plant pot or a pebble.

That said they are a life line, ensure GP surgery knows and social services and ambulance if regular needs these services.

[manicscousers]

"Another factor I'm sorry to say is they can be broken into, there was a spate in this area recently"   
see, this is what worries us, she's 91 and if someone used the key to get in to rob her, what could she do?
The care package starts tonight, I've asked if they could phone her so she can slowly make her way to let them in, the o.t is going tomorrow to asess for grab rails, etc.
There is also a boy next door who keeps going on her majesty's service.
Wish she woud move in with one of the 3 of us that have offered her a home.

[ACE]

There is a lock that some of you might have come across that has a combination push button setup. We have one that is on an intercom to the courtyard. The person wanting to get in can have the combination or they speak into the intercom and you push a button inside to unlock the door wthout leaving your seat.

Here is the basic version without the push button keypad.

http://www.easygates.co.uk/cart/Details.asp?ProductID=131

[Aden Roller]

I'm surprised to hear that anyone has experience of the push button style key safe being broken into. Our local SS and NHS recommend them and our most respected lock centre sells them.

This is what Gloucester Constabulary says on it's website:

"A key safe offers a solution to concerns about key management and access control.
Information about the types of key safes available can be found on the internet but those that are accredited to a recognised police certification authority such as Secured by Design are preferred.

The key safe should be installed following the manufacturers instructions or by an authorised installer. Further information and advice can be obtained from your crime prevention design advisor at your local police service."

If in doubt go and visit a local lock centre and/or ask your community police officer for advice.  ;)

[pumkinlover]

I'm sorry if my reference to key safes caused concern Manics but having heard about this happening I thought best to mention, then you can -as suggested  by others -speak to community police and see what they recomend.
I do not know wether there was a type which was affected, so like I say ask locally.
I did not mean to suggest not to have one for that reason.
Being a carer can be difficult enough without extra worries.

[manicscousers]

They've been and measured for one today, I'm assured they are very safe, apparently Knowsley council put them in for free in her circumstances so that's nice. She's getting on with the carers so far so all's better than it was

[Aden Roller]

They've been and measured for one today, I'm assured they are very safe, apparently Knowsley council put them in for free in her circumstances so that's nice. She's getting on with the carers so far so all's better than it was

That's brilliant news... both lots.

I love the "for free"  ;) I think my mum & dads cost me about £30 to £40 and it was not a huge one then I had to put it in place too. So brilliant to have that one sorted!!

Although I am my parents carer we have had some additional support when I was whacked doing all-night stints and day time too when my father was very ill and my mum exhausted. The out-of-hours doctor decided "we" needed support and sure enough we got it for four whole days: nights and first thing in the morning so I could go home to sleep and not arrive back until mid morning. It was terrific. I was so grateful. The carers were excellent and I could stop worrying for a while.

I wish your mum a speedy recovery. The telephone is a wonderful invention - ours is heavily used.  ;)