SWINDON'S adult social care team came up with a clever way to help an elderly woman with memory loss issues.

A relative of the vulnerable pensioner got in touch with the borough council for advice on how to keep her safe while still letting them live independently.

The woman kept leaving her house without keys or shoes, so she either left the door unlocked or locked herself out.

A council spokesman explained: "It was likely the issue was being caused by a lapse in memory, so it was thought the individual might be able to respond to verbal prompting.

"Enter, Alexa. An ‘Alexa’ device was put in the person’s home, attached to a door sensor, with a routine set up that meant every time the door opened, Alexa would remind them to ‘please remember your shoes and keys’.

"Not only did this simple but effective use of technology help the person to recognise the prompts, it also brought an unexpected uplift in their mood.

"Sometimes simple changes, can have an enormous difference."

The family member said: “They love it. They find it hilarious when Alexa talks to them, it keeps them in a happy mood!”

The family have now bought their own device and set up daily prompts like “remember to have a drink” and just a simple “I hope you’re having a nice day” to keep their relative company.

To find out more about social care in Swindon, visit the council's website www.swindon.gov.uk/socialcare