Elementor #2597

Latest News

April 2022 – Alexandra Homes is officially an accredited Living Wage Employer

 


June 2021 – Ash View House Awarded 5 Stars for Food hygiene by South Glos Council.

 5-star food hygiene excellence at the Belfry Shopping Centre | Belfry Shopping Centre

 

 

 

April 2021 – Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership
Working with Families – Transitioning to ‘Outstanding’ Outcomes Online  Presentation

 

 

 

Alexandra Homes – COVID-19 Update 7 Jan 2021

 

Visiting Arrangements

Following the most recent changes in Government guidance, we continue to ensure our own guidance aligns to the same. Where we believe national guidance is subjective or not robust to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our staff and residents, we will add protocols to national guidance to help to quell the impact of Covid 19. At the present time, although the first vaccines are currently being rolled out on a programme of priority, the rate of Covid-19 community transmission still needs to be carefully managed and we at Alexandra Homes are ensuring that all the necessary and appropriate precautions are in place, to protect both our residents and our colleagues.

We remain committed to doing all that we can through the winter months to facilitate and promote safe visiting, across both Homes, particularly with the introduction of the much-promoted Lateral Flow Tests. We are working hard to identify and set up indoor visiting spaces, in addition to the existing options of outdoor visiting, and video calling. However, our risk assessments must formally consider the advice of the local Director of Public Health who also has legal powers to issue directions to care homes, which can include instructions to stop visits to the Home.

Temporary closure to visitors due to Covid-19

In the event of an outbreak of Covid-19 in one of our Care Homes or certain local lockdown procedures, the Home will quickly move to stop face to face to protect vulnerable residents, colleagues and visitors, and to follow local policy guidance.

During any Home closure where face to face indoor visiting is not possible, alternative ways of communicating between residents and their families and friends are discussed and offered, with each Home doing all that they can to keep residents in touch with families. Visiting will not be re-started until it is clear that it is safe to do so. We will share updates on the any changes to visiting with residents and relatives as quickly as we can.

Protecting our residents and colleagues – Testing

Our colleagues are all trained in infection prevention and control and are extremely vigilant to the symptoms of Covid-19. We have robust protocols in place should a resident and or colleague show any symptoms including isolation wherever necessary in line with government advice. Should your loved one display symptoms or test positive to Coronavirus, we would call and discuss the situation with you personally.

In recent weeks there have also been developments in the Lateral Flow Device testing (LFD), whereby designated members of family and loved ones, not more than 2 per resident, will be able to be rapidly tested before visiting.

Vaccinations

We are delighted to hear the news that Vaccine is currently being rolled out on a priority of need basis, and that the Government has stated that care home residents and those involved in direct care will be the priority for this. It will come as a great relief to many of our residents and colleagues, and to the nation. We will be liaising very closely with the Department of Health and Social Care on this, and will be doing all we can to ensure that our residents and colleagues, are some of the first in the queue when it is confirmed the vaccine is available. We are working now on guidance to support the vaccination programme.

Before Visiting

  • All visits must be pre-arranged at least 24 hours ahead with the Manager at the Home. This is to ensure there are enough colleagues to keep visitors and residents safe, and that all guidance can be followed.
  • Visits will be restricted to one single, constant person, where possible.
  • Visits may be cancelled at short notice if they cannot be safely carried out in accordance with government guidelines, the weather is inclement for outside visits or where the resident is unwell.
  • Alexandra Homes supports NHS Test and Trace and is keeping a record of visitors in the event contact tracing is required.
  • Visits will be restricted in time and frequency to ensure safety for residents, colleagues, and visitors.
  • Visits should happen in the open air wherever possible, but we recognise that for many residents and visitors this will not be appropriate during the winter months.
  • Visits will be restricted in time and frequency to ensure safety for residents, colleagues, and visitors.

During a Visit

  • Visitors must follow any guidance or procedures put in place by the Home, to ensure everyone complies with infection prevention control.
  • Visitors are required to complete our health screening questionnaire which includes questions on whether they have any Covid-19 symptoms (a high temperature; a new continuous cough; a loss or change to your sense of smell and taste).
  • If you currently have or have had Covid-19 symptoms in the last 10 days, please you and anyone who you have had contact with, will not be allowed to enter.
  • You should not attend if you are unwell with symptoms other than Covid-19 to avoid passing on any other illnesses to the residents.
  • If you have been advised to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, you will not be allowed to enter so please do not attend.
  • All visits are supervised, and discreetly observed to ensure compliance with infection prevention and control measures.
  • Visitors must wash their hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser gel when entering and leaving.
  • Visitors should avoid coming into contact with other residents or colleagues.
  • Visitors may be offered a visit that is outside, to limit the spread of infection, depending on the facilities at the Home and local infection rates.
  • Visitors will be asked to wear face masks, gloves and or aprons.
  • Social distancing (between visitors and residents, colleagues, and visitors from other households) must be maintained at all times – during the visit, and around the Home building and grounds.
  • Seats will be provided 2 metres apart in a designated area and these must not be moved.
  • Gifts should be left with colleagues and given to resident’s once they have been sanitised.
  • No opened food items should be brought back to the Home. Any foodstuffs brought back to the Home must be shop bought only and in the original packaging, unopened. The packaging will then be appropriately cleaned before being given to the resident.
  • Visitors will not be able to use facilities such toilets (unless for emergencies), to limit the spread of infection.

Personal Protective Equipment.

Please be assured that, we maintain a robust supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in both our Homes and colleagues, residents and visitors are using this in accordance with the Public Health and Government guidance and we remain confident in our supply chain, ensuring every Home has what they need.

Keeping up to date with the latest news

With developments happening continually we are keen to keep in touch with you as best we can. If you have any questions or queries, please do get in touch with the Home Manager.

 Yours Faithfully

John Duggan

Registered Manager

 

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

We (Alexandra Homes) are actively responding to the ongoing threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, in line with Governmental legislation and advice.

We are committed to protecting the health and safety of residents and employees during this unprecedented and difficult time, and so are actively monitoring and reviewing continuity plans to ensure the support we provide is not compromised. 

We are actively communicating with all employees of Alexandra Homes, to ensure that everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities. 

The current situation is subject to change, and so the guidance we provide will change too. A letter explaining our current position and to offer assurances was sent to involved family members, friends and professionals on 16th March. Update: We are currently discouraging visitors from

entering the service, unless authorised by a member of the management team. 

We will continue to monitor and adapt our continuity and contingency plans in line with instructions and guidance from Government and Public Health England.

For further information: 

For example, if you are someone closely connected to someone we support, please contact Joe Holmes 

Email: Jh@aspergercare.co.uk

Tel: 0117 9678054 / 0117 9353599 

Or, 

If you have concerns about the Coronavirus itself or wish to obtain further information, please visit:

Social Story for Coronavirus

www.carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the-Coronavirus.pdf

NHS

https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

Public Health England (PHE)

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

We will be updating this web page as and when required.

 

December 2018 –ALEXANDRA HOMES RECOGNISED AS AN INVESTOR IN PEOPLE 

Alexandra Homes, a registered Care Home for People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Mental Health conditions has been awarded accreditation against the Investors in People Standard, demonstrating their commitment to realising the potential of their people. The service was set up in April 2004 and is registered with the Care Quality Commission, who monitor and regulate the services provided. Currently, the company owns two registered homes, Alexandra House in Knowle, Bristol, rated Good by CQC and Ash View House in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire, rated Outstanding by CQC.

Investors in People is the international standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results. Underpinning the Standard is the Investors in People framework, reflecting the latest workplace trends, essential skills and effective structures required to outperform in any industry. Working with clients across the globe, Investors in People enables organisations to benchmark against the best in the business on an international scale.

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Alexandra Homes, Investors in People accreditation is the sign of a great employer, and an organisation committed to achieving success by realising the potential of their people. should be extremely proud of their achievement.”

Commenting on the award, John Duggan, Director and Registered Manager, said: “this is our fourth cycle of reaccreditation with the Investors in People organisation and we are very proud of our achievements in gaining and retaining accreditation over the years. We are particularly pleased to be recognised as an organisation committed to the learning and development of staff and the way this positively impacts on the care and support we provide to our residents.

For further information, and to obtain a full copy of the report, please contact John Duggan on 0117 9353599 or jd@aspergercare.co.uk.

IIP LOGO BLUE CMYK

 

November 2018 –  Unannouced CQC inspection at Alexandra House.

 

CQCgood800

May 2018 –  Unannouced CQC inspection at Ash View House.

We are thrilled to announced we received outstanding CQC rating for Ash View House.

 

CQC inspected and rated outstanding RGB 


May 2018 – Annual Improvement & Development Feedback 2018 available to download

Ash View House Feedback     Alexandra House feedback

 

April 2016 –  Unannouced CQC inspection at Alexandra House.

Alexandra House obtained an overall ‘Good’ rating from the CQC inspection.

To view the full report click on the image below.

cqc-ah

 

March 2016 –  Unannouced CQC inspection at Ash View House.

Ash View House obtained an overall ‘Good’ rating from the CQC inspection.

To view the full report click on the image below.

cqcashview

 

July 2015 – Alexandra Homes awarded the Investors in People Standard, demonstrating our commitment to realising the potential of our people.

Which means we can display the logo below on our stationary & web site.

IIP LOGO BLUE CMYK

To read the full report from Investors in People click HERE

 

Sept 2014 – Open day / Garden Party at Ash View C.

Resident’s Friends & Family were all invited to celebrate the 10th year of Alexandra Homes.

Excellent Food, a Jazz band and Sunshine made it a day to remember. 

Thank you to everybody invloved. Photos will be in the next magazine.

  gardenparty1

 

May 2014 – Another supported living House purchased

Ashview C house purchased at the rear of our current homes Ash view D and Ash View E.
Its in the process of being refurbished – schedule to open in Summer 2014.

 

November 2013 Two Supported Living Flats Purchased

2 new supported living flats, located in Brislington purchased.

 

Another Supported Living Flat Purchased

Posted in on Thursday 10th June 2010

We are pleased to announce that we were able to support one of our residents to ‘move on’ into one of our new flats in the community, under a supported living scheme.

Consultant Psychologist Joins The Team

Posted in on Thursday 10th June 2010

We are pleased to announce that we have contracted the services of a Consultant Psychologist to work with the staff teams across Alexandra Homes, to enhance the specialist service we offer our residents. The Consultant has specialist knowledge and significant experience of working with people with Asperger Syndrome and Learning Disabilities. In addition to providing advice, training and support to the staff, the Consultant will have a significant role in our on-going process of reviewing and developing the quality of care and support we offer our residents.

Another Excellent Star Rating

Posted in on Thursday 10th June 2010

We are pleased to announce that following an unannounced ‘Key Inspection’ in April 2010 by,  the Care Quality Commission, Alexandra House retained its 3 Star Excellent rating. The Inspection Report will soon be made available on the CQC website.

Consultant Psychiatrist Joins The Team

Posted in on Thursday 25th February 2010

We are pleased to announce that we have contracted the services of a Consultant Psychiatrist to work with the staff teams across Alexandra Homes, to enhance the specialist service we offer our residents. The Consultant has specialist knowledge and significant experience of working with people with Asperger Syndrome and Learning Disabilities. In addition to providing advice, training and support to the staff, the Consultant will have a significant role in our on-going process of reviewing and developing the quality of care and support we offer our residents.

BCC Quality Monitoring Report December 2009

Posted in on Thursday 18th February 2010

Bristol City Council carried out a Quality Monitoring Inspection of Alexandra House on 02.12.09. The visit was very positive and the report outlines many areas of good practice. A copy of the report is available upon request.

CQC Annual Service Review – April 2009

Posted in on Thursday 18th February 2010

The Commission for Social Care Inspection carried out an Annual Service Review for Alexandra House on 22.04.09. The outcome of the review was that there were no changes to their current inspection plan and the 3 Star rating remained in place. A Key inspection of the Home is due by 22.04.10

Yvonne Hin – Wins The Ted Gully Award

Posted in on Thursday 18th February 2010