Alastrean Care Home

Tarland, Aboyne AB34 4TA
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7.6 24 Reviews
  • Alastrean Care Home, Aboyne
Alastrean Care Home is a beautiful home set in glorious Royal Deeside amid extensive gardens, approximately 30 miles west of Aberdeen. The house now provides residential and nursing care for ex-members of the RAF and other non RAF residents.

The emphasis at Alastrean is on ensuring a high quality of life and maintaining the independence and dignity that residents deserve. The home environment is friendly, welcoming and sophisticated, while the home still retains a warm, family atmosphere.

The home benefits from excellent facilities. A varied programme of entertainment, activities and visits is provided and residents enjoy close ties with the local community.

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Care Provided by Alastrean Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 51 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Teresa Kasza (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (51)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2010

Funding & Fees Guide for Alastrean Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £2,287 – £2,533
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £2,287 – £2,533
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care £2,287 – £2,533
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £2,287 – £2,533

  • These rates include £360.60 personal and nursing care. If the local council provides this, the
    Funder will only pay £1926.40 - £2172.40.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Alastrean Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Alastrean Care Home Reviews (24)

Total of 24, showing 1-20
7.6

Alastrean Care Home has a Review Score of 7.6 (7.600) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Alastrean Care Home has 24 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 13
  • 10
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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was only here for a few short months but the whole team took such great care of her. Mum had issues with mobility and communication and she was often frustrated, but the manager and the team took time to help with this.
I live overseas and the communication was really good, they facilitated video
calls to us and were proactive about any changes.
Mum loved to get her hair and nails done and this was easy to organise.
The setting of the property is just lovely with views from every window.
Friends and family and four-legged friends were welcomed.
Staff were easy to talk to, everyone knew Mum and we were encouraged to contribute to the care plan.
When Mum died the care and communication were excellent.

Reply from David Kerr, Communications Team at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review of Alastrean. It's heartening to hear how happy you are with all aspects of your mother's care, how pleasant an environment you have found the home to be overall and the great level of attention paid to communication during her time at the home. I'll be sure to relay this lovely feedback to the team.


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Review from Alison S (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

On the whole Balhousie Alastrean is a lovely home set in great grounds for those who can appreciate them. The staff are friendly and helpful.

Reply from Anna Gunn, Communications Team at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. We're so pleased to hear how friendly and helpful our staff have been and that you have been able to enjoy the beautiful grounds at Alastrean. We'll be sure to pass on your comments to the team.


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Review from Maureen A (Resident) published on 25 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My main complaint is the main meals, only two courses - soup only at lunchtime. I feel that the chef does not have the allowance to buy good quality meat and fish and he is disillusioned. Good food helps the body to recover and is very important.

Reply from Anna Gunn, Communications Team at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you very much for your review. All feedback is so appreciated and we are sorry to hear that you have been disappointed with the quality of the meal options. We understand this was immediately addressed by our Operations Manager and Hospitality Specialist. However, the Home Manager will be in touch to help with any concerns you have. Thank you again.


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Review from Valerie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Lovely home.
Music would be entertaining for the residents.

Reply from Melanie Brockway, Brand & Communications Executive at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review. We're very happy to see your ratings and will pass them on to our hardworking staff, along with your suggestion about music entertainment. Thank you once again.


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Review from D A (Next of Kin) published on 10 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a visitor, I’m always welcomed and treated with courtesy. Staff are most helpful and always upbeat. My friend is very happy at Balhousie Alastrean Care Home and regards it as her home and family. She speaks about the staff in very positive terms and appreciates that they have jobs to get done in
her best interests. She enjoys the food on offer and comments that kitchen staff are willing to accommodate requests. I am always cheered to see how contented she is.

Reply from Melanie Brockway, Brand & Communications Executive at Alastrean Care Home

What a wonderful review! It means the world to us and our staff to hear how happy our residents are and that you, as a resident's visitor, are welcomed and looked after too. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know that everything is as it should be for both your friend and your visit.


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Review from Stewart G (Son of Resident) published on 25 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The first review following my mother's move to Alastrean. The move was made under difficult circumstances but handled extremely well by the stand-in manager and care staff. Our early anxiety with the move was quickly replaced by relief when we noted how well she had settled in and how happy and content
she was with her surroundings and the attention given. Over the past few weeks, we have become more familiar with the visiting conditions and met more of the care staff who are all very friendly and professional - well done, and thanks to all the staff.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We're really happy to hear that your mother is settling in well. Will definitely pass this on to the team at Alastrean House.


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Review from S A (Sister of Resident) published on 14 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My experience is as a weekly visitor. I am not the principal member of the family who is responsible for our brother's care but support my younger brother who has PoA. I find the staff extremely caring and helpful when greeting us at the door and informing us of how my brother has been health-wise.
My brother appears happy, his personal care is excellent and the activities coordinator thinks of imaginative ways to engage with him.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for writing this review. We're delighted to hear this. Our staff, including activities teams, work hard to give person-centred attention to residents so they will be delighted with this feedback.


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Review from June R (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

During most difficult times during covid-19 and various storms from November 2021 until now, with power outages and fallen trees, the staff have never failed in their care and attention to my mother's needs. Despite being very busy, everyone is cheerful and willing to answer any queries. Such a lovely
place to live in beautiful surroundings. You should all be very proud of what you do.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for this lovely review. You're right, the power outages have been very challenging, but staff rose to the occasion brilliantly. Our lovely relatives helped too!


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Review from Patricia F (Sister of Resident) published on 1 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Care for my brother has been excellent. The staff are so caring and patient.
Reception for visitors was lovely and relaxing and the staff took time for us too.
A great place to be when care is so good.
Staff treat my brother with great kindness and dignity.
So glad he’s safe in these lovely surroundings.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you so much for this lovely review. It means the world to our hardworking staff at Alastrean. And yes, the surroundings are amazing!


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Review from Isla F (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Granny moved to Balhousie Alastrean Care Home almost 8 months ago and, though it’s been a huge adjustment for her, as family, we have seen a big improvement in her wellbeing.
The carers and nurses look after her so well and, also reassure us as a family that, she is okay. I have been able to phone
any time and speak to her whenever I have asked, it’s never been an issue.
Knowing she is safe and cared for is a huge reassurance for us as a family.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for reviewing Alastrean, and we're so glad to hear your Granny has improved. Our care team will be delighted with your kind words.


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Review from Isobel B (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Balhousie Alastrean is set in beautiful surroundings, which lift the spirit when arriving to visit a loved one. It's only a month since Dad moved in, but since then, his health, mood and mobility have improved enormously. Moving a parent into a care home is one of the most difficult things to do in
life, and it's fraught with worries and concerns. At Alastrean they are consistently helpful, and my experience so far is that they try really hard to address any issues and always with a smile. The staff do a grand job, especially during this difficult period of time, with coronavirus dictating so much of what we may and may not do.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, Isobel, that's lovely to hear, and we're delighted your dad has settled in so well. We'll be sure to pass this on to the hard-working team at Alastrean.


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Review from Claude J (Son of Resident) published on 14 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was at Balhousie Alastrean house, and the care that she received was second to none! The staff were always caring and professional and even in the Covid crisis, they took time to keep me and my family informed of how my mother was doing. They are truly a wonderful team.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, Claude. They really are a wonderful team, and we'll be sure to pass on your comments to them.


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Review from Dawn S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I think this is the best care home in Scotland. All the staff care deeply about the residents’ health, safety and happiness. The only problem is the laundry staff who don’t check pockets. Twice my father’s hearing aids have gone through the wash and once his shaver! Apart from this, I’d give Alastrean
top marks. My father is happy which is more important than anything. After all, it’s only stuff! People are what matter.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're pleased to hear your father is happy there. Apologies for the laundry mistakes - this has been highlighted to staff.


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Review from Jilly M (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall I'm very satisfied as long as there are no further changes in the boss! All staff are friendly, kind and do what they can in the hours given to them. Activities are not really encouraged and those offered are boring. What happened to painting and more creative things? The kitchen could do with
a shakeup, something that tastes.

Reply from Gillian Drummond, Brand and Communications Manager at Alastrean Care Home

Thank you for your review - we're glad your experience has been a happy one. We make sure to feed back all comments to staff, so will certainly make them aware of your comments on the activities. Many thanks again.


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Review from Karen H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have only been having dealings with Alastrean for 6 weeks, however, I find this home to be run in a very professional and friendly manner. Lovely, fresh environment set in a grand building with a history and decorated in a very contemporary manner. Beautiful landscaped gardens. All staff are very
friendly and helpful and have a caring disposition for the residents, which is extremely important. Various lounges all with good quality furniture. Even a pamper room, up to date equipment in the allocated bathrooms and excellent facilities available in each individual “flat” helping the residents make it feel like their home.

Reply from Louise Byars, Executive Manager to Tony Banks at Alastrean Care Home

Dear Karen
Thank you for your review of Alastrean House. I am delighted to hear you have been happy with the excellent care our team provide, as well as the facilities and equipment. I agree - it is a beautiful setting!
I'll ensure your comments are passed on to the team and hope to see you on your next visit.
Kind regards
Louise Byars - Executive Manager to Tony Banks


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Review from S J (Niece of Resident) published on 13 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Balhousie Alastrean is clearly understaffed. I cast no aspersions on the care staff who have to prioritise resident safety. For example, on days of particular shortage, residents are kept in bed all day. The call bell typically goes unanswered for 10 minutes. In any 40 minute visit, the bell will be
operating 30+ minutes as one call follows another. On average, visitors wait 10 minutes to be let in. Other homes are better staffed and fees are lower - so it can be done. If there is an emergency, there is no resilience in the Alastrean system, so health and safety is an issue.

Reply from Louise Byars, Executive Manager to Tony Banks at Alastrean Care Home

I'm really sorry to hear about your experiences of Alastrean, which does not reflect the excellent standards of care we expect at Balhousie Care Group.
I will ensure your feedback is passed on our Head of Operations for investigation.
Kind regards
Louise Byars - Executive Manager to Tony Banks


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Review from Andrea (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 1 October 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Myself and my daughters have been up to visit granny and granda on a few occasions and they are very happy so many things going on and it’s great as we have been able to get involved too!! The staff have all been friendly and helpful we look forward to visiting soon and see what’s happening.

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Review from Fergus K (Grandson of Resident) published on 26 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really friendly staff and a great building and grounds. It feels more like a 5-star hotel. I have eaten there myself on a number of occasions and it has always been great. There is now loads of entertainment for the residents and the other families and friends have all been lovely.

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Review from Clare C (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandma was extremely sad when she moved to Alastrean but it has been the best thing for her.


The staff are so good with her and she is always smiling now.


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Review from Gillian R (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandma is a resident here. She is so happy and very, very well looked after. She has a beautiful bedroom. I haven’t seen her looking so well and happy like this for a number of years. The whole home is gorgeous! It actually feels like I’m sitting in a 5 star hotel when I go to visit her. Keep up
the good work!

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Current Review Score: 7.6 (7.600)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 7.6 (7.600) out of 10 for Alastrean Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.5 out of 5 from 3 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 4.056 for Alastrean Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (13 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 36 Ratings = 4.056

  • 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 3.544 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Alastrean Care Home is based on 3 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 = 3.25

    • 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 51 registered maximum number of service users is 10.2. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 10.2 = 0.294

  • 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: 2 Oct 2024

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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (2)

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Meet the Team (1)

Teresa

Teresa Kasza

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2023

Teresa has worked at Alastrean for a number of years and has a wealth of knowledge, about both your loved one’s needs, the staff and the home itself.


Frequently Asked Questions about Alastrean Care Home

What types of Care is Alastrean 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 Alastrean Care Home provide?

Palliative Care, Physiotherapy & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Alastrean Care Home have?

There are 51 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Alastrean Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Alastrean Care Home to the centre of Aboyne?

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