A Guide to Smart Doorbells and Key Safes For Older Adults
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Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, especially as we get older. Smart doorbells and key safes are two simple tools that offer security and peace of mind.
They help you see who’s at the door before you open it and allow trusted people to safely access your home when needed. Together, they reduce stress, improve safety and give you more independence.
This article explains how each device works, why they’re especially useful for seniors and how to choose the right one for your home.
What Is a Smart Doorbell?
A smart doorbell is usually an internet-connected device that lets you see, hear and talk to someone at your door through a screen like your smartphone or tablet.
The doorbell works by having a built-in camera and speaker. Your smart doorbell provider should offer a companion app that you can install on your device, which gives you access to live video, recording and other features too.
When someone rings the bell or walks up to your door, you get a notification. You can then open the app to see a live video feed and speak directly to the visitor through your device, whether you’re in your house or out and about.
Some models also include motion detection, night vision and recording options, so you can check who’s been near your door even if they don't ring the bell.
What Is a Key Safe?
A key safe is a small, secure metal box that holds a spare house key. It’s installed outside your home, often on the wall by the front door, and can only be opened with a code that you set.
This code can be shared with trusted family, neighbours or carers so they can access your home if you can’t come to the door or if there’s an emergency.
Lots of UK police forces and charities recommend using a secure key safe instead of hiding a key under a plant pot or doormat which can be risky.
Benefits for Older Adults
Stay in control of your front door
Smart doorbells help you decide who you want to answer the door for. You can safely ignore salespeople, canvassers or cold callers and only open the door when you want to.
Reduce stress and stay safe
Knowing you can easily check who’s at the door from your sofa, bedroom, or any other room, without rushing yourself, can reduce the risk of trips, falls, or putting yourself in uncomfortable situations.
Feel secure even when you’re away
Smart doorbells can notify you even when you’re not home. If someone rings the bell while you’re at the shops, visiting family, or even on holiday, you’ll still be able to answer and monitor your front door.
Make access easier for carers or loved ones
If you have regular visits from a carer, neighbour or family, a key safe saves you the trouble of having to get up and answer the door every time. It’s especially useful if you have mobility issues or medical conditions.
Get help faster in an emergency
If you fall or feel unwell and can’t get to the door, someone you trust can still get in using the key safe.
Like many others, you might choose to combine a key safe with a personal alarm service, both offered by HelpAlert, so emergency responders can access your home quickly if needed.
How to Choose a Key Safe
A good key safe should offer strong security, reliable access and dependable control over who can access your home.
At HelpAlert, we offer three carefully selected key safes that suit a range of homes, budgets and needs.
Supra C500 Pro Key Safe
This second generation model introduces enhanced security, specifically designed to improve home protection and safety.
Key features include:
- World’s first mechanical key safe to achieve the LPCB LPS1175 Issue 8 A5 attack rating
- Approved under the Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification
Supra S5 Permanent Key Safe
A practical key safe offering convenient access for trusted visitors without the need for power or internet.
Key features include:
- Push-button mechanical lock
- Over 1000 code combinations
- Supplied with weather cover and fixings
- Includes a 2-year manufacturer warranty
Master Lock Key Safe
An easy to navigate option with a large internal cavity and resettable code.
Key features include:
- Holds multiple keys
- 4-digit combination which can be reset, allowing thousands of personalised combination code options
- Durable design
HelpAlert Personal Alarms and Support
A key safe is a simple way to make sure the right people can reach you when needed, whether it’s a carer, family member, or emergency services.
When used alongside a HelpAlert personal alarm, it becomes part of a complete support system that helps you stay safe and independent at home.
With HelpAlert’s personal alarms, you can get access to features like GPS tracking and automatic fall detection as well as 24/7 access to our UK based response team.
We know that choosing the right support can feel like a big decision which is why we’re proud to offer a 14-day free trial with no contract and no pressure.
To explore our full range of features or get started, you can visit our website or speak to a member of our friendly team on 01273 055049.