Care home to use AI technology to enhance wellbeing of residents

A CARE home which is due to open in Whitchurch in May will use the latest technology to look after its residents.

Cedar Lodge in Eastfield Lane, formerly known as Eastfield House, is a 45-bed care home which is being developed by the Urban Village Group.

The building, which dates back to 1880 and has been derelict for a decade, has undergone a £12m transformation.

Pain scanning technology, designed to enhance the comfort and wellbeing of residents, called Paincheck, will be installed.

By using AI technology to support a modern pain assessment framework, it will identify the presence of pain, even if it is not obvious to the carer — for example, if the resident cannot communicate verbally.

A smart phone camera, when pointed at a person’s face, will analyse the image using AI-driven facial recognition to record facial muscle movements, which are indicative of pain.

This forms a base for caregivers to implement pain management interventions for the ongoing monitoring of their effectiveness over time.

An edible foam making machine, called AIR with Flavour, will allow residents who suffer from sever dysphagia to experience an improved quality of life.

The system turns liquid into intensely flavoured foam bubbles which can be placed in the mouth and dissolve without being swallowed. This allows people to experience a taste of their favourite flavours without the need to swallow. The home will also be fitted with advanced medication management and care planning software to ensure people receive the correct care and support.

Rooms will be equipped with acoustic room monitoring technology. This enables the care team to respond promptly when an individual moves around their room, providing a sense of security and peace of mind for residents and families.

Samantha Crawley, the chief executive of EQ Care Group, which will run the home, said: “Our leadership team is handpicked, each demonstrating emotional intelligence coupled with years of sector experience, ensuring that every person receives heart-centred and personalised care.

“We can’t give too much away as we are hiring 90 new team members, but I will say that everyone must bring something special with them and explain what it means to them.

“This opens conversations about what we care about, showcases empathy and warmth so we know that everyone at Cedar Lodge really cares. These are the people I would want to look after my mum if I was choosing a care home right now.”

EQ Care Group intends to work closely with local groups, businesses, and community organisations to integrate the lodge into the community.

For example, children at Whitchurch Primary and Pre-School will be involved in the naming of the care home’s rescue dog.

Ms Crawley added: “We are thrilled to bring Cedar Lodge to the community of Whitchurch.

“We provide exceptional care in a setting that feels like home, and we believe Cedar Lodge and the team there, will continue to deliver this promise every day.

“Cedar Lodge is a community. We will have our own lovable resident dog and serene sensory gardens; the home offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

“Our love of animals enriches the lives of the people who live here, providing companionship that enhances everybody’s quality of life.

“Our core values of ‘Your Way, Every Day’, is borne out in the homes which we operate, enabling people to live life to the full, whether that is a desire to go to a trampoline park, having swimming lessons, or have your ears pierced at the age of 84 — we support you to make these and other dreams happen.”

The group is hosting a drinks and canapes evening at the Elephant Hotel in Pangbourne on April 3 from 6pm to 8.30pm.

The event has been arranged so that community groups and societies can meet them and explore how to work together.

For more information and to attend the event, email Julia
.berry@bracebridgecare.org