Key and Alarm Code Holding

KEY AND ALARM CODE HOLDING

This Policy defines the control and management of keys to Service Users’ homes, and where appropriate details of Service Users’ intruder alarm codes, within Westminster Homecare:

1. Care Staff employed by Westminster Homecare may hold keys to Service Users’ homes under the following circumstances:

1.1 Where the Service User is unable to lock or unlock their own doors.

1.2 To respond to emergencies, such as intruder alarms being activated, or repeated non-response to scheduled visits by the Care Worker (ref. Policy No 408).

2. In all cases, a key may only be held by Care Staff with the owner’s written authorisation, and a copy of this authorisation will be retained in the Service User File. A dedicated form (Form No 4-12) is used for this purpose.

3. A Log is will be maintained at Westminster Homecare’s offices of all Service Users’ keys and alarm codes held by Care Staff. This Log is the direct responsibility of the Home Care Services Manager and will identify the following for each Service User:

3.1 The name and address of the Service User. 3.2 The doors and / or alarms for which keys are held. 3.3 The number of copies of each key held. 3.4 Where the key is normally kept (i.e. with the Care Worker, or held centrally at the offices)

3.5 The identity of the Service User’s allocated Care Worker. 3.6 Key numbers (if applicable). 3.7 The digital security code for any intruder alarm (as appropriate).

4. Each key will be individually tagged with a coded identity, the encryption for which is recorded in the Key Log, reference 3. above.

5. All keys will be physically kept in a safe, or secure lockable cupboard under the direct control of the Home Care Manager or designated deputy.

6. Where keys are required by Care Workers, then each key will be signed out at the beginning of each working shift, and signed back in at the completion of the shift by the Care Worker.

7. Under no circumstances will duplicate keys be cut from any master held by Care Staff without the express authorisation of the Service User. Any duplicate keys that are made will be documented in the Key Log, ref. 3 above.

8. If a key is lost then this must be reported immediately to the Home Care Services Manager who will investigate and, with the owner’s consent, may authorise a replacement key to be obtained from the Service User. If the lost key is subsequently found this will be returned to the Service User or held at the Organisation’s offices, according to the Service User’s wishes. The Key Log will be annotated in each case.

9. Upon termination of the Care Contract, or if the Service User is taken to hospital for an extended period, all keys will be either returned to the Service User’s next-of-kin, or given to the Local Authority. In these circumstances, The Home Care Services Manager is responsible for annotating the Key Log accordingly.

Policy no. 405, Updated: May 2008, Authorised: A Jones Page 1 of 1