Alexandra Nursing Home

Since my wife was moved from the Brooklands unit to the Brambles Unit at the Alexandra Nursing Home I have noticed a marked change in the unit for the better from when she started to the present time, staff appear more relaxed, the unit appears to be more happier place. The staff are courteous and friendly to me and those who visit my wife.

Overall the home is good, although some staff responsiveness could be better. Weekend reception is excellent, however when visiting in the evening it was difficult to get the front door answered. This has improved in recent weeks. The activities coordinator is excellent and makes the home enjoyable to live there for the residents. He makes the real difference.

No problems whatsoever.

My family and I are very satisfied with the care my husband has received during his three-year stay. It is very challenging for the whole care team to keep my husband safe and well.

Everybody is very helpful and Im kept up to date on how Dad is and if he needs anything to keep him happy.

My father has dementia, said he never wanted to go into a home. First time in, he hated it - tried everything to get out. 2nd time, when Mum needed a break he said he would only go if he could come here. This time it's longer, probably permanent. Staff have been great helping us as a family adjust to the situation. Lovely, caring and dedicated staff.

My Dad was admitted to the Brooklands Unit at Alexandra Nursing Home at very short notice, and he was welcomed with open arms, despite having never stepped foot inside the building. We were shown the communal areas and taken to Dad’s room so we could see for ourselves where he would be sleeping. The caring started immediately when he became a bit unsteady on his feet and the staff grabbed the nearest wheelchair – I knew at this moment we had chosen the right home for Dad. They keep us informed of any changes to Dad’s health and will happily spend time answering our never-ending questions! The level of care and compassion from the staff is off the scale. Not only for Dad but this extends to me and Mum, as it can be quite overwhelming. We feel welcome to visit Dad as often as we would like and were encouraged to bring in homely things for his room. It looks like a home from home now. We cannot thank the wonderful staff for all their support and for making my dad feel so comfortable.

Mum has been in the Brooklands Unit for a few years now; she has advanced dementia, can't communicate verbally and is dependent on the staff for all aspects of her personal care. She has stayed healthy in the Brooklands, despite her dementia and they look after her very well. The carers are friendly and hardworking and do their best to provide entertainment that the residents will enjoy and also individual activities where they can. Mum loves music and the carers play music for her and sing with her. Due to my dad's own ill health, he has not been able to visit her very often over the last year 6 months, but he has peace of mind knowing that she is well cared for and safe.

Thankfully dad has now moved into another nursing home where he, and his family, are happy and he is enjoying activities and days out.

We couldn't have asked for better care for my father-in-law than in the Alexandra. From the moment he was transferred from hospital to the Main House he was treated with such dignity and respect and we as a family were treated with kindness and compassion. His room was fabulous and contained a bed settee in case my mother-in-law or any of us wanted to stay with him. We were all made to feel so welcome and nothing was too much trouble. It's those extra things like a stroke of a head, a hug, a cup of tea, a meal that makes all the difference. When we first viewed the manager was very open with us and answered all of our questions. A member of staff in particular made us feel like we were part of the family and laugh and settle down at what was an anxious time. My father-in-law wasn't in the Alexandra's care for very long but we can't thank everyone who cared for him enough.

We went to see our relative during the afternoon. She is always in the lounge until after lunch and chooses to be in her bedroom during the afternoon. She sits and listens to her favourite music, writes letters and does crosswords. We chatted about events of the week - she asked about our children and grandchildren. She always has something to say and is a joy to be with.

I have found the staff to be very caring and attend to the needs and requests of the patients and with empathy and good humour. My wife is fully settled in the home.

My mum is 89 years old with late-stage dementia and is a resident in the Brooklands Unit at the Alexandra Nursing Home. I am aware that recently the care home has received a “Requires Improvement” rating from CQC, but I have nothing but praise for the carers in the Brooklands Unit. Yes, they are under a lot of pressure but they are hardworking, caring and very attentive to my mum and all the residents in the Unit. I am sure management are doing everything they can to have their previous CQC status reinstated. During Covid, the supervisors have kept me updated on my mum’s care if they do have concerns about her. The staff are always pleasant and helpful when I chat with them. I cannot comment about the other two Units (The Main House and Brambles), but I am extremely happy with Brooklands.

Due to the coronavirus, I have been unable to see the interior of the home. At the moment I can only see her once a week but I can see she is being well looked after and I hope to see her more when the lockdown is lifted.

My Mother moved to the care home around May 2018 after being discharged from hospital and unable to cope at home even with home carers. Over the 18-months, the home managed her decline changing the level of care as needed. The management and staff were very attentive, and she became friends with many of them. Unfortunately, she passed away in December 2019, but this was handled with care and dignity. The staff could not do enough for her. The fact that staff came to her funeral, demonstrated the caring nature of the staff.

The home was clean and didn't smell like I think some homes can. Security on the door was goo,d but access for visitors could have been improved with a reception desk.

My Mother was in the Brambles unit as an emergency placement (not my choice) between June-August 2019. Whenever I visited it was always noisy with residents kicking off or urinating/messing themselves and often there were no suitable seats to sit on as cushions removed. It is one big lounge there and no quiet corners. The environment was making Mum worse she was very distressed and unhappy. If you are looking for a homely home this is not the place for your loved one. Mum is now in a beautiful caring home she is happy and settled what a difference.

Carer staff and management in the Brooklands Dementia Wing do an excellent job looking after my father and the other residents. They engage with the residents and really care for their wellbeing. For the last three years, I have felt assured that my father is being cared for and respected. When I have called to take my father out he is always ready for me, which means I can spend the time with him outdoors. I would have no hesitation in recommending Alexandra Nursing Home to others.

9. It is not a five-star hotel but good value for money and caring.

This review relates to the Brooklands Centre which cares for people with dementia. This unit is attached to the Alexandra Care Home. While it's true to say this is not perhaps the prettiest and best-decorated care home, the level of care is what's the most important and pretty good. The team go out of their way to take good care of the residents. They are careful, tender and compassionate. They go to great lengths to make sure that I am kept updated on what's happening. They also take the time to understand their residents, which helps them provide better person-centred care. I leave there feeling confident that they are taking good care of their residents.