Picture this: you fall, the paramedics arrive, and the door is locked. That is why the best key safes for elderly people are worth a look.

A key safe is a small locked box that holds a spare key, so the right people can get in fast if you live alone and have a medical emergency.

Below you will find our top picks, a buying guide, and answers on where to hide a lockbox and who should know the code.

How Lockboxes and Key Safes Help the Elderly

Key safe boxes, aka lockboxes, serve a great purpose. These strong metal boxes can safely store keys to your home. Most of them are suitable for outside use and are nearly impossible to crack. You get a great sense of security because it’s way better than hiding the key under the doormat or flower pot. Seniors and their caregivers can get real peace of mind that someone can get in if the elderly person needs help. Once you pick one, it helps to know about lockbox placement for emergency responder access so the key stays out of sight.

I want to discuss key safe lock box options available, and also the features they have so you know what to look for. Different types are made, some are easier to use, and some pride themselves in being extremely tough. Some key lock boxes you can hang on your front door, other can be wall mounted in a secure location. For a closer look at a wall-mounted one, I made a video showing you the Vewaci weatherproof wall-mounted lock box.

Key Safe Reviews

If you know you need a lock box or key safe, here are my top picks. But, if you’d like to learn more about them or want to read more detailed reviews, keep on scrolling!

Vewaci Wall-Mounted Key Lock Box

This one is mounted on a wall, so it stays put instead of hanging from a doorknob. It is the Vewaci Wall-Mounted Key Lock Box.

It uses a 12 digit combination keypad, and the code can be reset. That matters more than it sounds. After a caregiver, a cleaner, or a contractor has been in and out, you can change the code yourself. No locksmith and no extra keys cut.

The keypad buttons are oversized, which helps if your fingers are stiff or you have limited dexterity. It holds standard house keys, car keys, and access cards together in one unit. It is also meant for outdoor use, so it suits a spot by the front or garage door.

Now the downsides. Installation time depends a lot on your wall. Brick or concrete will take noticeably longer than wood or siding, and you will need the right drill bit. If that is not something you do, ask a neighbor or handyman to hang it.

No independent weatherproof rating is given. If you live somewhere very wet, put it under an overhang or eave to be safe.

What I like:

• Resettable code you control
• Oversized keypad buttons
• Holds keys and access cards

Master Lock Wall-Mounted Key Lock Box

This great product by MasterLock is the second wall mounted option on this list. It is made from high strength zinc alloy, which makes the box resistant to hammers, drills, saws and similar tools. It’s also weather resistant.

This key lock box uses 4-digit combination dials, which are set to 0000 in the beginning. You get a manual to learn how to reset the code whenever you want.

It’s extremely easy to use, and everything works smoothly. The instruction book is great and easy to understand.

What I like:

• Toughest product on this list
• Easy to change the code
• Screw kit for fast mounting

Learn how to set the combination in this video:

Master Lock Portable Key Lock Box

A key safe from a renowned manufacturer, this lock box is great for every type of use, indoor and outdoor. It has a large internal space in which you can store multiple keys and even access cards. I also like that it is portable and easily moved and installed because of the removable shackle.

It uses a 4 digit combination that is easy to set and reset. The dials light up automatically so they are great to use in low light conditions. Also, the size is quite good. This key safe fits a door knob easily, and it comes equipped with a special weather cover to prevent freezing and jamming.

It’s great value for money. The lock box is very sturdy and durable. Also, changing the code is straightforward, without difficulties.

What I like:

• Light up dials
• Portable
• Weather cover

Here is a quick video from Master Lock showing how to install and use this lock box:

Kingsley Guard-a-Key Lockbox

This fantastic product by Kingsley is one of the best key safes for elderly folks, and has more storage inside than most other key safes. It can easily fit 5 keys inside the casing. It is very durable, constructed from metal only. The locking mechanism uses a 4 digit code which gives you 10,000 options to choose from. Besides this, it is very sleek looking with a black body that camouflages well from potential burglars.

Besides the full metal construction, it has a weather resistant fortification making it great for all types of conditions and absolutely safe to keep outside. Another upside is that it has a side opening door. Unlike many others that have a lid that is taken off, this design makes sure you won’t lose anything since the door stays attached.

It’s bigger and more secure than it looks. The build is very high quality, and it gives you the sense that your keys are safe. The code is also very easy to set up.

What I like:

• Large storage space
• Quality build
• Sleek look

Here is how you set the code on the Kingsley Lock Box:

Waterproof Key Lock Box

Last is a plain, wall-mounted key lock box with 10 push buttons. You set the code yourself, so there is nothing to plug in and nothing to charge.

It is made of aluminum alloy, and it comes with a waterproof cover that keeps water and dust out. The mounting hardware is included, so you can put it on a wall or a door.

To set the code, you take off the white plastic cover inside, turn the screws to the numbers you want, and put the cover back. It comes with instructions. The same steps work any time you want to change the code.

The box measures 105 x 65 x 55 mm on the outside. The space inside is 70 x 40 x 25 mm, which is enough for a spare key or two.

The trade-off is that it is a plain mechanical box. It has no alarm and no way to log who opened it. If you want a record of visitors, this is not the one. Also, pressing the buttons by feel takes a steady finger, so try the code a few times after you set it.

What I like:

• Easy to operate
• All-metal build
• Code easily reset

Buying Guide: What Lockbox Features are Important for Security and Convenience?

There are certain features you need to consider when choosing the best outdoor key safe. Depending on your situation, different products may best fit your needs. So, what should a key safe be like?

Secure and Tamper Proof

You need a product that serves its purpose, and can’t be broken into easily. There’s no point in having a key safe lock box which a thief can easily crack. All the products I reviewed are very secure.

Discreet and Easy to Hide

It’s good if a key lock box blends in. You don’t want one that screams that it has a key to your home inside. Also, it should be easy to mount and hide in any place you find suitable.

Large Enough to Hold Several Keys

The product you choose has to have enough room inside. There are different options available which can hold from one to more than five keys. But larger space inside equals a larger lock box and then it becomes more difficult to hide it.

Easy to Use

The lock type has to be simple for you and other people who are going to use it. It’s bad if it takes a lot of time just to open the lock box and get the key.

Durable to Last a Long Time

Most of these products are very sturdy, made from steel. You want it to be able to withstand all types of weather: hot, cold, rain and even snow.

Affordable Too!

This is also important for many. You need a reliable product which will keep your keys safe, but won’t go too hard on your budget. I had this in mind when I chose the products to review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Does a Lockbox Work?

A key safe lock box is very simple to use. It’s a sturdy metal vault with room inside to place your key (or several of them is you buy a bigger box). The lid is then closed and the vault locks. When you want to access your key again you enter the code and the lid opens.

Best key safes for elderly have codes that are easily set and reset. When you buy your key safe, the manufacturer gives you a user manual explaining how to set your code for the first time, how and when to change it, and how to lock the box securely after placing a key inside. As featured in the reviews above, key safes can have push down buttons, combination keys, or a spin dial for example.

Are Key Safes Really Safe?

Yes, they are quite safe. The steel used to make a lock box is very tough. There are two ways of opening the box: entering the code or breaking it. And it’s very hard to break it, it makes a lot of noise and consumes a lot of time. It’s a lot easier for a thief to break a window or knock down your door. A key safe is not burglar-proof, but it is a better choice than a key under a mat. Pick a sturdy one and mount it well.

However, you should be careful when setting the code and locking the box after use. A common problem with some key safe boxes is that people forget to shuffle the numbers after placing the key back inside. This only returns the lid back into its place without locking the box, so be careful not to do this.

Are Key Safes a Good Idea for Seniors?

Some seniors greatly value their independence and like to live alone. But even the toughest people sometimes need help. If a family member is not near, and a neighbor that keeps a spare key isn’t home, what then? This is why key safes are a great idea for seniors.

Key safes offer a piece of mind by keeping a spare key outside your home. If you get locked out by accident, you don’t have to call a locksmith. Also, the combination for opening the key safe can be shared with anyone that needs it. The code can be easily changed anytime so you always have control who has access to the house.

Where Should I Hide a Lockbox or Key Safe?

It is a good idea not to leave your lockbox in plain sight. Unless you are using one that you hang on your door knob, but even then it’s not a bad idea to hang it on your back door. If you have a key safe which is supposed to be mounted, always do that. Never leave it unfitted, hanging in a bush or behind a flower pot. You don’t want anyone to be able to steal it.

When deciding where to mount your key safe lock box you should consider a few things. It shouldn’t be obvious that an older person lives there. Your lockbox shouldn’t be seen from the road. It’s also not a good idea to put it at eye level or right beside the door. That makes it pretty obvious for potential burglars.

On the other hand, when you choose a hiding place, it needs to be quickly accessible. You should always mount it to a hard surface, and you should place it beside a window box, drainpipe or someplace similar to make it less obvious. This way you get increased safety but also provide quick access to anyone that needs it.

Who Should Know Where Your Key Safe is Hidden and the Code?

You should share the location and code of your key safe lock box only with people you trust. These are the people who will be there for you when you need it, if you fall down, have an accident or feel ill. This includes family members, neighbors that you trust, or medical services.

They should be able to quickly access your home anytime when you call. And if by any chance the code falls into the wrong hands, it can be changed easily.

Final Thoughts

Key safes are amazing products that make it easy for elderly to get help when they need it most. They eliminate the need of making copies of the key. Considering the specific needs the elderly have, I would say that the MasterLock 5401D Key Lock Box (Amazon Link) is most suitable.

It’s very easy to operate, with enough space inside. It’s also very easy to mount wherever you want and the build quality is amazing. But be certain you won’t be making a mistake if you choose any other of the best key safe lock boxes featured on this list.

Do you have any tips to share about getting access to seniors during emergencies? Have you used any key safes or lockboxes? Please feel free to share your tips and advice in the comments below!