Balnacarron Care Home

116 Hepburn Gardens, St Andrews KY16 9LT
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9.9 54 Reviews
  • Balnacarron Care Home, St Andrews
At Balnacarron Care Home, located in the beautiful town of St Andrews, the team provide personalised residential and residential dementia care to older people.

Balnacarron boasts a selection of specially designed dining areas that provide the perfect space to share meals with fellow residents, or family and friends. The catering team prides itself on ensuring that each meal is an enjoyable experience for every resident and visitor to the home.

Meanwhile, the professional care team at Balnacarron take the time to learn about each resident’s individual hobbies and interests, supporting them to lead an active and fulfilling life. In addition to the range of activities available, residents are encouraged to take an active role in the St Andrews community, from building relationships with neighbours in local community groups and schools, to arranging sightseeing trips in the local area.

With a focus on kind and sensitive care, each member of the team at Balnacarron Care Home is on hand to offer all the support that residents need. From settling in to finding their feet, they apply their experience and compassion to ensure the home is a genuinely happy place to live for each and every person.

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Care Provided by Balnacarron Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 35 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Olga Jankovska (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (33)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2020

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Balnacarron Care Home Reviews (54)

Total of 54, showing 1-20
9.9

Balnacarron Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.874) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Balnacarron Care Home has 54 reviews.

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Review from Karen Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad had been a resident at Balnacarron for a year. The staff were exceptional, providing him with comfort, dignity and respect. My dad was a strong willed man, and was given the time + space to make his own decisions, always. After being hospitalised, Dad wanted to come home as he called it, to end
his life. The end of life care he received was incredible. On the night he died, I was moved by the emotion and care shown by staff. An outstanding staff to trust your parents to.

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Review from J G (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents ended their days in Balnacarron - my dad dying there this month. The level of care, compassion and love shown to both my parents by the staff was exemplary. The care each of them received during their time there was faultless. Always clean, always treated with respect and dignity and
individual needs catered for above and beyond expectations. I and my wider family only have good things to say about the entire team at Balnacarron.

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Review from D M (Husband of Resident) published on 3 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From day one, my wife was made to feel so welcome and as her husband, I too was given a very warm welcome. The carers are always enthusiastic, happy, friendly and respectful to her varied needs. She interacts very well with all staff, is treated with dignity and also interacts with the varied activities
on offer. I receive regular updates regarding any medical needs, communication is excellent. From management, carers, activities team, kitchen staff and housekeepers, all have been outstanding. My wife settled in quickly and amazingly well, I am happy we chose Balnacarron Care Home, it is now her home with an extended family, even feels like my second home on my frequent visits.

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Review from L A (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been in Balnacarron Care Home for over two years now and we continue to find the care and support she receives excellent. She is encouraged to be as independent as possible from activities and diet catered to her personal needs. Every single staff is welcoming and is aware of her specific needs.
Recently, Mum was ill, we were informed immediately and she was given outstanding medical care. As a result, she remains happy there.

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Review from Lynn B (Friend of Resident) published on 20 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Balnacarron Care Home is a really good home, clean, tidy and well-managed, every aspect of the residents' care is always attended to.
At a recent relative's meeting, the manager was discussing the new garden project of having a fence installed and new seating area, this will be great for the residents
to get outside to sit in the garden and use the lovely summer house for their cups of tea/coffee.

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Review from Catherine K (Sister of Resident) published on 8 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister has been in Balnacarron for 18 months. She is settled and happy with her surroundings. The care that she receives is excellent. I would recommend this care home.

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Review from John A (Husband of Resident) published on 3 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have got to say that Balnacarron Care Home very good, caring staff and a very good management team that will listen to any complaints you have and I've got to say, I have not made many of them and they are dealt with immediately.

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Review from M A (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is well catered for and cared for, there are no issues and she wants for nothing. Very pleased with the service.

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Review from M K (Friend of Resident) published on 18 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A close family friend was a resident at Balnacarron for four years during that time the care she received was excellent. The staff were so kind and patient always willing to help in any way they could.
I would highly recommend this care home to anyone.

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Review from M D (Son of Resident) published on 8 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Balnacarron provides a warm, kind and caring living environment for my mother. The staff are friendly and welcoming when I visit. Any issues are generally dealt with promptly. There are a range of activities on offer as well as occasional trips out on the minibus e.g. to the pantomime at the local theatre.

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Review from Emma M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 29 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My gran has been in the home since December 2022, I have had no issues, the staff are friendly and great with my gran, they interact with me and keep me updated on everything, extremely happy, the events lady is full of cheer and amazing at her job and also a special mention to another staff member
who video calls me regularly.

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Review from E G (Nephew of Resident) published on 22 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had two relatives at Balnacarron Care Home over the last four-plus years and I have always been impressed with the level of care given and the level of commitment and care from the staff has been second to none.

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Review from D I (Son of Resident) published on 19 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carers were magnificent. Respectful, friendly and fun. My mum felt loved and was very happy in Balnacarron Care Home. Perhaps personal hygiene, really mainly fingernails and sometimes clothes and cleaning could be a bit better. Entertainment and animation was fantastic and makes a huge positive
difference to well-being.

Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Balnacarron Care Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review regarding your late Mothers's stay at Balnacarron Care Home, we are delighted that you found many aspects of her care to be of a high standard and I am very sorry that you felt there was an area we could improve upon. We will discuss your concern with our team and ensure that appropriate actions are taken, thank you again for bringing this to our attention.


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Review from Ele A (Niece of Resident) published on 5 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am extremely pleased with the care, kindness and compassion that my aunt is treated with.
Every member of staff is welcoming and thoughtful and it makes such a difference to everyone around them.
They are first class at keeping in touch with anything concerning my aunt and sending newsletters so
we can see what activities they have been doing.
It's a lovely place to visit and my aunt seems content and settled.
Lastly, I should add that it is extremely clean and always smells fresh.

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Review from Judi S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved into Balnacarron Care Home after a short stay in the hospital and I was immediately reassured by the care home manager that her current and future needs could be met. The home is very well-run, clean, comfortable and welcoming.
Since moving my mum has grown in strength and confidence and
her appetite is improved with modifications made to her diet. Weekly GP surgeries within the home are much appreciated and communication about my mum's wellbeing has been faultless with all staff very aware of how residents are day to day.
During visits, I see all staff without exception go out of their way to care for and entertain residents with great kindness.

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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is very happy and comfortable in Balnacarron. Her strength, confidence and happiness has returned since living there. All the staff are very attentive and caring, the food is very good and her room is large, quiet and comfortable with a lovely view of the garden. I am very confident that she will
be well cared for now and in the future. It is nice to see her happy and healthy and this is thanks to the care and dedication of all the staff there, from the home manager to the carers, kitchen staff and cleaners, an excellent team. Thank you.

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Review from R F (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 27 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

A good atmosphere and is well-managed.
A levelled garden would make an enormous difference to the quality of residents' lives, including my brother-in-law. They could enjoy the fresh air and a lovely outside space. Research does make it very clear that being in the air, sunshine and nature are all
valuable with particular references to dementia.

Reply from Julie Caygill, Hospital Liaison Team Administrator at Balnacarron Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely feedback about Balnacarron. It is very unfortunate that our outside space is on a slope and there is very little we can do to make this accessible to our residents. I would like to reassure you that we take every opportunity to encourage and support our residents to spend time outside in the sunshine and will often visit the local parks and beaches.


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Review from J L (Wife of Resident) published on 26 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Safe environment for patients with heart and dementia problems. Kindly staff, always making one feel they have all the time in the world for you even though they are very busy. Good, regular meals.

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Review from Douglas Y (Friend of Resident) published on 12 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Have found the staff friendly and helpful.
Have been very obliging at catering requests.

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Review from L G (Son of Resident) published on 1 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum has been a resident of Balnacarron since August 2020 - she was admitted during lockdown and the first year of her residence was tough with limited visiting and additional pressures on the staff and residents. The overall service then was very good, but not excellent, and the home faced issues
trying to get a permanent manager in place.
Since the appointment of the new Home Manager at the beginning of this year the home has moved into the 'excellent' bracket. The Manager leads from the front and is highly organised, which has given the staff a boost, and reassurance to the residents.
The Activities Coordinator should also be mentioned - she gives her role 110% and brings the light of happiness into tired eyes, as she encourages residents to actively participate in events and activities.
Balnacarron is a happy home and is on the side of residents and families when dealing with the enhanced bureaucracy that has resulted from the pandemic.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.874)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.874) out of 10 for Balnacarron Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.874 for Balnacarron Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (146 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 167 Ratings = 4.874

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Balnacarron Care Home is based on 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 35 registered maximum number of service users is 7, which has been reached with 14 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Inspectorate (CI) Rating

Date: 22 Aug 2023

How well do we support people's wellbeing? Good

(4)
How good is our leadership? Good

(4)
How good is our staff team? Good

(4)
How good is our setting? Good

(4)
How well is care and support planned? Good

(4)

Care Inspectorate is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in Scotland.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Balnacarron Care Home

What types of Care is Balnacarron Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Respite Care are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Balnacarron Care Home provide?

Palliative Care & Convalescent Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Balnacarron Care Home have?

There are 33 Single Rooms and 1 Couple/Companion Room.

What are the Facilities & Services at Balnacarron Care Home?

Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Balnacarron Care Home to the centre of St Andrews?

1.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.