Key access to a patient’s home

It is sometimes necessary for Hospice at Home to hold your door key, for example if you are confined to bed or live alone, making access to your home difficult.

If it looks as if we shall need to hold your door key we will:

• Fully discuss with you any difficulties in gaining access to your home.
• Discuss the situation with the District Nurse
  
• Encourage you to use a secure method of entry, for example installing a key safe.
  
• Ask you to sign a Key Receipt form if, after all options have been explored, you still wish us to be given possession of your house keys.
  
• Ensure that your key is kept securely in the Hospice at Home office between visits.
  
• Return the key to you if you are admitted to Hospital or residential care, even temporarily, and ask for your signature recording this.