Residents get to control 'outstanding' care home through Alexa

Residents are now able to control their care home by using Alexa to switch off the lights and change channels on the TV.

Livability Brookside House which has just been rated 'outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, recently introduced Alexa into the communal areas of the home and into some residents’ rooms boosting their independence as they are now able to control their environment, music, TV and computer as well as the lights.

In their report, inspectors highlighted the ‘overall caring and compassionate nature of staff and the management team’.

One resident told inspectors “the staff are kind and helpful. They have helped make this my home." Another resident said: "I get on well with the staff."

The care home in Edgware, North London provides accommodation and personal care for up to 24 people living with physical disabilities, sensory impairment and learning disabilities.

Inspectors heard that staff had supported two of the residents to get married, with one of their relatives revealing “the registered manager phoned me and said they had got engaged and were getting married in six weeks. On the day they got married, some staff came in on their day off to do their hair, etc. They made the day for them."

On the day CQC inspected, another person had been supported by staff to travel on the London Underground for the first time to meet a celebrity after they won the opportunity in a competition run by the care provider.

One person's care plan noted that they experienced foot pain and were awaiting a podiatry appointment. As an interim measure, staff introduced a 15-minute foot massage nightly before bed to assist with circulation, pain and relaxation.

Diane Cannas, manager of Livability Brookside House said: “We are thrilled to receive our latest CQC report of outstanding - it’s testament to the team and the person centred ethos that we have worked so hard to put in place.”

Majlinda Ndreca, the care home's deputy manager, revealed they do their utmost to support residents to achieve their goals.

She said: “Sometimes this can be a challenge, like with Lynn, who has loved swimming since she was three years old. Initially there was no funding to make this happen. However, our manager approached the local authority, the funding was approved, staff were trained in first aid, a rota was made for staff to be on duty on the swimming day, risk assessment was implemented and then two members of staff supported Lynn to go swimming once a week and she was overjoyed about this.

“This activity is great for her health, wellbeing and mobility. Now this is sustainable for Lynn, and two other service users have expressed that they wish to go swimming.”

CQC inspectors found the leadership of the home to be exceptional, with the registered manager and provider sharing a clear vision and very strong values.

A staff member said: "Managers are very supportive. The staff team is very good. We work as a team. People have fun here they love it."

Alison Murray, head of adult social care Inspection in London, said: “I am always delighted to see examples of Outstanding care and Livability Brookside House is no exception.

“From a wedding to a first journey on the London Underground, staff went out of their way to improve the lives of those in their care and they deserve lots of praise for that.”

You can read the report in full by clicking on https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-119324805

click here for more details or to contact Shaftesbury Brookside House