Wasn't sure where to put this but here will do. My Mum is fairly elderly and lives on her own. She hadn't been well recently and I had a phone call asking me to come over, to let myself in as she couldn't get out of bed. Set off immediately, really relieved she lives very close and I have the key. Key in the lock, tried to open the door, only to find the bolt was on.
Luckily she managed to get out of bed to let me in and I think she was dehydrated so managed to get her OK quite quickly. But it brought it home to me that if she hadn't been able to get up and it was something really serious where time was of the essence, I'd have been stuck outside trying to kick the door in or ringing 999 for help.
So I've just ordered a pair of bolt cutters which I'll keep in the car for emergencies. Just thought I'd put up in case there is anyone else who has elderly parent on their own who puts the chain on. It's something we just hadn't thought about. Also I remember a friend's Grandad died suddenly at home. He was the carer for his wife with Alzheimers. My poor friend couldn't get her to take the chain off and had a nightmare. I remember her telling me but I didn't make the mental leap to Mum having her chain on and not being able to get in.