A key safe provides a secure place to store spare keys outside. It’s much safer than hiding keys under a rock or someplace where you think burglars won’t think to check (unfortunately, they know all the tricks and hiding places).
A key safe has two big benefits. One, it provides a safe place to store keys for emergency access. Say you or a family member loses the house key or forgets it somewhere; you can still get into the house using the spare keys. It’s much better than storing spare keys inside the house.
The other benefit is that you can choose not to carry keys with you. This is especially helpful for a forgetful family member who tends to lose things frequently (we’ve reviewed a couple of key finders here). You lock the house, and leave keys in the keysafe. That way, you don’t have to worry about losing the keys.
An elderly-friendly key safe should be easy to use with large buttons that are easy to press.
What to Consider When Choosing a Keys Safe for Elderly
A. Type of Key Safe
The best key safes are the wall-mounted ones with pin code access. These safes have several advantages.
One, they are highly secure since only the person with the right combination can access the keys. It’s better than hiding a key in a fake rock that anyone can get if they discover it.
Two, the pin code access saves you the trouble of carrying yet another key with you. This is especially useful if you are using a key safe to avoid carrying keys. With a pin code or combination lock, you don’t have to worry about losing an important key.
Three, a pin or combination access key safe lets you reset the code as many times as you wish to maintain security.
If you are on a budget however, and you live in a neighbourhood with little or no burglary, you can get a fake rock key safe or some other kind of cheap diversion safe.
B. Size
How many keys can you put in the key safe? If you only want to store a spare for the front door, you can make do with a small key safe.
If you want to store multiple keys, get a bigger key safe.
Also, check the size of keys that can fit in the safe. Most key safes are designed to fit standard size Yale type keys.
C. Build Quality
Get a well built key safe that can withstand burglar attacks including sawing, cutting, bending and other types of attacks. The safe should also come with a robust wall mounting kit to ensure a burglar won’t pry the whole thing off the wall.
It’s not just burglars you need to worry about; the weather matters as well. Because you’ll be installing the key safe outdoors, it needs to withstand the elements, especially moisture.
Make sure the safe doesn’t leak water inside, as this could cause your keys to rust. We also recommend getting a wall-mounted key safe with a weather cover that protects the keypad from dust and moisture. Unprotected buttons can quickly become difficult to operate.
D. Easy to Use
Finally, make sure the key safe is easy to use, especially for seniors with reduced mobility or arthritic fingers.
The buttons should be large and easy to press. Most key safes don’t have a backlit keypad, so we recommend installing it in a well lit area (e.g., near a security light) to provide sufficient illumination when it’s dark.
Also, check how easy it is to change the pin or combination. If it’s a tricky process, set the code for them and make sure they can remember it. You may need to write the access code down and have them carry it in their purse, wallet or bag.
Best Key Safes for Elderly: Top 5 Reviews [UK Market]
1. NRS Healthcare Supra C500 Key Safe
It’s a bit pricey but the Supra C500 is one of the best and most secure key safes. It’s made from a heavy duty stainless steel and zinc alloy shell that protects it from various burglar attacks.
A weatherproof cover protects the safe and keypad from moisture and other elements. The cover also disguises the safe, making it a less tempting target for burglars.
The C500 key safe mounts on an external wall using the included masonry screws. The screws are accessible only from inside the safe, so no one can unscrew the safe and carry it away.
Once you mount the safe, it’s easy to set the access code. You use the numbers 0 to 9 and two letters, A and B, to set the pin code. We recommend setting a code that is at least 4 digits long; six is even better.
This creates plenty of possible combinations, making it harder for a burglar to guess the correct code.
Setting a long code also counters one of the security vulnerabilities of these types of key safes. You can enter the code in any order as long as the numbers are correct. If you set a 9243 code, 2349 will also open it. A long six-digit code greatly reduces the risk of a correct guess.
As for size, the C500 key safe can fit most Yale keys and other smaller keys. You can also fit an access card or two inside. A hook inside the safe provides a handy place to hang keys.
What we like about it:
- Police-approved.
- Strong and secure shell.
- Weatherproof.
- Can hold several keys.
2. MASTER LOCK Key Safe
If you are looking for a key safe that’s a bit cheaper but still high quality, we recommend the Master Lock key safe. It’s about half the price of the Supra C500.
The metal body can withstand all sorts of attacks, and the safe itself secures to the wall using long screws.
Similar to the C500, the Master Lock safe comes with a weather cover to keep out moisture and the elements.
The buttons are easy to operate. Remember that you can enter the code in any order, so it’s important to set a long code to reduce the risk of a burglar guessing it.
Setting a new code is easy. You simply open the front and use the included tool to set your preferred access code. We recommend setting a code with at least 6 digits.
As for size, the Master Lock safe provides plenty of space to store keys. You can hang a bunch of keys from the hook and store a couple of access cards, if you have any.
With an interior height of 3.5”, the Master Lock safe can fit most key sizes.
What we like about it:
- Good value for money.
- Durable and secure metal construction.
- Easy to use.
- Spacious.
3. Nestling Combination Key Lock Box
Looking for a cheap combination key safe? We recommend the Nestling combination key lock box, one of the cheapest key safes online.
As expected for the price, it’s much smaller than other key safes. Interior dimensions are 2.7 by 1.5 inches. It only holds one or two keys. You can also put in a single key fob.
Build quality is also not as good as that of pricier key safes. We don’t recommend this key safe if you live in an area with serious security issues.
But for most homes, the Nestling key safe is good enough. It comes with four wall mounting screws, though some users decided to buy their own better quality screws. A removable rubber cover protects the safe from the elements.
Setting a combination is easy. Just remember to set one that’s at least 4 digits long to ensure a burglar doesn’t guess it.
What we like about it:
- Low price.
- Easy to reset code.
- Comes with a protective rubber cover.
4. Sentinel Push Button wall mounted Key Safe
This is another key safe with good value for money. It’s big, well made, and secure, but the price is not too bad.
The metal shell is made from aluminium and steel, making the safe lightweight but strong. A shutter door keeps out the elements, ensuring the buttons don’t get stuck and protecting your keys from rust.
The code access works pretty much like other key safes. You set your preferred code and then press the right buttons – in any order – to open the door. For added security, set a code with 4-6 digits.
One of the most impressive features of the Sentinel key safe is how spacious it is. It easily holds several Yale keys. It’s also one of the few key safes that can hold large keys. It can also fit several keys plus a garage or car key fob.
The only complaint from some customers is that the included screws are too small to install the safe securely on the wall. You may want to get longer screws. For a stone or brick wall, get masonry screws. For a timber wall or surface, get wood screws.
What we like about it:
- Very spacious.
- Secure and durable construction.
- Includes a weather cover.
- Affordable.
5. Bird Key Rock
If you don’t need the security of a lockable key safe or want something cheap to hide keys in, we recommend the Bird Key Rock.
It is a fake rock that holds two Yale type keys. It looks realistic enough to fool most people. For better security, we recommend placing it amongst other rocks so it doesn’t stand out.
Something to keep in mind is that the interior is not watertight. While rain will wash off without getting inside, be careful not to place the rock in a place that can pool with water.
For added protection, some users wrap their keys in plastic before putting it inside the rock.
Overall, the Bird Key Rock is not exactly the most secure key safe, but it’s a cheap option if you live in a place with few or no burglaries.
What we like about it:
- Cheap.
- Realistic.
- No installation required.
