A House Key and Access Checklist: Locks, Alarms, and Entry Systems

It is one of those practical details that is easy to overlook in the middle of arranging care, but getting home access sorted before day one saves a surprising amount of hassle. Your loved one's carer needs to be able to come and go safely and securely, family may need access, and in an emergency the right people need to be able to get in quickly.

None of it is complicated. Here is a simple checklist to make sure keys, locks and entry systems are all sorted before care begins.

Keys for the carer

Your loved one's live-in carer will need their own means of getting in and out, for shopping, appointments, outings and their daily break. Before they arrive, it helps to have:

• a set of keys cut and ready for the carer
• keys for any additional locks, such as a back door, a porch, or a communal entrance in a flat
• a quick explanation of anything particular about the locks, such as a door that needs a knack, or a bolt that is used at night

It is worth having a spare set cut too, so there is always a backup if a key is mislaid.

Key safes

Many families use a key safe, a small, secure lockbox fixed to an outside wall that holds a key and opens with a code. These are genuinely useful, particularly for allowing access to family, other carers providing cover, or emergency services if needed.

If you use one, a few sensible points:

• fit it somewhere discreet rather than right beside the front door in plain view
• keep the code shared only with those who genuinely need it, such as the care provider, close family, and trusted key holders
• change the code if anyone who knew it no longer needs access
• make sure the care team knows the location and code, so cover carers can get in

A key safe is often the simplest way to manage access for everyone involved, while keeping things secure.

Alarm systems

If the home has a burglar alarm, the carer will need to know how to use it, so it does not cause stress or false alarms.

• write down clear instructions for setting and unsetting the alarm
• provide the code, and explain any quirks
• note what to do if the alarm goes off accidentally, including any monitoring company details
• if the system is old or troublesome, it may be worth servicing or simplifying it before care starts

Entry systems and flats

If your loved one lives in a flat or a building with communal access, there are usually a few extra things to sort:

• a fob, key or code for the communal entrance
• instructions for any intercom or door-entry system
• details of the building manager or concierge, if there is one, and how to reach them
• any parking or access arrangements the carer should know about

Emergency access

It is worth thinking, calmly and in advance, about how someone would get into the home quickly in an emergency. With a live-in carer present, someone is almost always there, which is reassuring in itself. But it still helps to have:

• a key holder or two among trusted family or neighbours
• the key safe code known to the right people, if you have one
• a note of who to contact for access, kept where the care team can find it

Planning this quietly in advance means no one is ever locked out at the worst possible moment.

Keeping access secure

A quick word on security, because access and safety go hand in hand. It is sensible to:

• keep track of who holds keys and who knows any codes
• retrieve keys from anyone who no longer needs them
• avoid leaving keys in obvious hiding places outside, such as under the mat, which a key safe neatly solves
• let the care provider guide you on their own procedures, as a good provider will have secure, sensible arrangements for managing access

How your care provider helps

A reputable live-in care provider takes access and security seriously, and manages it carefully as part of setting up your loved one's care. Keys and access details are handled responsibly and shared only with those who need them, and cover carers are given the access they need to step in smoothly when required. It is all part of keeping your loved one, and their home, safe and secure.

Sorted before day one

Getting keys and access organised before care begins is a small job that makes everything run more smoothly from the very first day. Your loved one's carer can settle in and get on with providing wonderful care, without anyone hunting for a spare key or puzzling over the alarm.

Our guide to the live-in care starter checklist covers everything else worth having ready before day one.

If you have any questions about getting your home ready for care, we are always happy to help.

Book a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900.