Neighbour leaves key in front door

[sicilianpizza]

My elderly neighbour often leaves his key in the lock on the outside of his front door either when he leaves his house or when he comes in.
I've knocked and returned it to him a few times and it's becoming more frequent and he has left them in overnight before. I worry that he will be burgled which could be horrendous for him, especially if he's in. He lives alone and has no family nearby but is still very active and walks to the shops every day. Are there any practical suggestions for helping him remember to take the keys out of the lock? I don't want to patronise him but think he would be ok with a gentle suggestion.

Could he wear it on a lanyard round his neck? That would mean he always has it with him.

As pp said , a long stretch keyring or something like this could help him remember

Agree, a lanyard or or something attached to his key that he can clip onto a belt loop or another piece of clothing. That way he will be attached to the door until he removes the key from the lock.

You’re very thoughtful and a good neighbour

Unfortunately being about to wan to the shops is no indication that he's ok cognitively. My late DMiL managed walking to the shops for quite some time, long after she had demented to you actually needed to pay for the things too...

Do you have any contact details for any of his relatives?

@TinyMouseTheatre no, he has no family in this country and just a few neighbours to look out for him. I'm sure it will get worse but not sure what we can do. I had to close his car boot for him as I passed today as he'd left it wide open and gone inside. He seems happy and well otherwise.

I'd suggest you contact your local social work department for a needs assessment. It sounds like he has a cognitive impairment & needs support. It is far more than getting him to remember to take the key out of the lock