Blar Buidhe Care Home

Simons Road, Stornoway HS1 2UT
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8.7 57 Reviews
  • Blar Buidhe Care Home, Stornoway
Located on the beautiful island of Lewis, Blar Buidhe Care Home offers personalised nursing and nursing dementia care to older people.

With views across the island, this cosy home offers residents the choice of three sitting rooms as well as a comfortable dining area in which they can relax, socialise and dine.

By getting to know each individual resident at Blar Buidhe, staff take pride in being able to encourage everyone to take an active part in life at the home. Whether it be participating in the popular wellbeing and activities programme or supporting residents in embracing the quieter times, they are committed to helping residents to lead their best lives.

Community is also an integral part of life at Blar Buidhe, and the team works hard to support residents in building strong relationships in the Stornoway neighbourhood, organising regular events with local schools, charities and businesses in the area.

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Care Provided by Blar Buidhe Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 40 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Donald McIntosh (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Under 65 years
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (36)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2002

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public 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

Blar Buidhe Care Home Reviews (57)

Total of 57, showing 21-40
8.7

Blar Buidhe Care Home has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.701) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blar Buidhe Care Home has 57 reviews.

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Review from Alison Morag S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident from December 2019 to April 2020 when she sadly passed away. The care she received was excellent and it was comforting to know she was finally safe and in good hands. We the family were made welcome and every effort was made to ensure that we were happy and comfortable with
my mother's placement. The care she received towards the end was excellent and I can't thank the manager and staff enough for their kindness and consideration. My deepest thanks and apologies for not making this review sooner.

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Review from Sandra M (Niece of Resident) published on 20 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt has been a resident in the home for two years now and receives exceptional care. Her room is very comfortable and bright, and the lounge areas spacious and welcoming. She particularly enjoys the tasty and nutritional food and its always nice to be offered a cup of tea when visiting.
The staff
are wonderful, and the rapport they have with her is lovely to see. It is this and the daily worship that she is able to take part in that make this a home and not just a facility for the elderly.
Thank you for your care.

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Review from Seonag M (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been in Blar Buidhe since last October. I visit several times a day over these months. We, as a family, have been more than impressed by the care our father has received. The home is well managed and very clean. The staff - cleaners, carers and nurses - are excellent. I have witnessed
their patience and kindness in dealing with residents. Blar Buidhe has a lovely ethos and is very welcoming to family members. The food provided is tasty and nutritious. I was worried when I heard my father was to be admitted to the home but my fears were immediately allayed. Thank you all very much for the outstanding work you do!

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Review from D M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great support and sensitivity during end of life care to both the resident and the extended family. Made a very sad time in our lives easier. The staff were warm and very attentive.

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Review from A M (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent loving care both to the resident and family.

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Review from Anne M (Next of Kin) published on 24 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Blar Buidhe is a wonderful place of care, safety and compassion. My relative has been here for a while now and she has improved immensely.
She is gaining weight, looking healthier and feeling happier than she has for years.
Staff cannot do enough for her or our family and we love coming to visit
her.
The reputation of the home across the island has increased significantly under the current management.

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Review from Akex M (Regular Volunteer) published on 2 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous home and a well-respected part of our community. Staff and management are all lovely. It's a pleasure to visit members of my congregation and to see the wonderful care that they receive.

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Review from Derek M (Friend of Resident) published on 22 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A beautiful home. Cleanliness has improved in recent months and my friend lives in a clean and comfortable environment.
Staff are so welcoming and always take time to tell me how my friend is and also ask how I am.
The manager is always approachable and resolved any issues or queries immediately.
There are lots of new faces, but staffing appears to be settled and consistent.
I have been visiting Blar Buidhe for a few years now and it gets better every time!
Thank you to all who work there!

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Review from Ruth M (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our relative has been a resident in the care home for a fairly short time to date, but we have been very happy with the care received and the effort that has been made to meet individual needs. As a family we have been made to feel very welcome in the care home and that our contribution to our relative's
care is valued and appreciated.

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Review from Douglas M (Friend of Resident) published on 20 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely bright cheery home where my friend is well cared for and enjoys the most amazing meals.
Clean, fresh and well equipped. The staff are all so helpful and caring.
Thanks for all you do!!

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Review from M C (Friend of Resident) published on 29 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

On each visit, the resident is always clean and tidy in appearance. Fluids, whether it be water or juice are always at hand. I enquired recently about redecoration of the bedroom and bathroom which was dated and worn looking. Within 10 days this work was carried out satisfactorily. I would comment that
having 1 maintenance person in such a big home is unacceptable and this should be investigated. Care staff are amazing.

Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Blar Buidhe Care Home

Thank you for your very positive comments about Blar Buidhe. We currently have one full time Maintenance Operative, which is the same as all other homes of this size and find that work will be completed in good time, which you have kindly confirmed. I can also confirm that we also use local contractors for additional work as the need arises.


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Review from John M (Friend of Resident) published on 5 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely bright warm home where residents are cared for with kindness and compassion. Lots of activities going on to stimulate the mind and body. It’s always a pleasure to visit and no ask is ever too much.

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Review from F M (Friend of Resident) published on 14 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is always a pleasure and delight to visit Blar Buidhe. The staff are always welcoming and friendly. Every resident is cared for with the highest degree of kindness and compassion. Regular activities bring meaningful stimulation to the residents and there is lots of choice available.
The food is
always excellent and everyone enjoys their meals and the social aspect of mealtimes. The home is clean, fresh and bright. The manager leads a dedicated team of nurses and care staff who are committed to providing the very best of care to our island community.

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Review from Eilidh T (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for a number of years. She is safe, secure, happy and well loved by all staff.
Staff are friendly, approachable, empathetic not only to residents but their families. There is a good sense of fun and positive familiarity.
I consider the staff at Blar Buidhe more of a family
influence than my own are. A family feel throughout.

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Review from Marina C (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Lovely location.
Attentive staff who are very welcoming and have time for every resident and visitors.
Food excellent.
Refreshments excellent.
Handymen on site for everything which is no trouble.

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Review from D B (Relative of Resident) published on 26 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are very caring, supportive, compassionate. Great sympathy shown towards residents.
A bright and positive atmosphere with regularly planned activities taking into account preferences of residents.
Good communication and liaison with relatives of residents.

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Review from Rhoda G (Wife of Resident) published on 25 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am extremely happy and relieved that my husband is this excellent facility. Every member of staff is caring and the manager leads an excellent team. I would recommend Blar Buidhe in Stornoway highly.

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Review from J M (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since becoming under new management (January 2018), Blar Buidhe has improved immensely.
I have been asking for three years for my Mum’s room to be decorated. The new manager has ensured this has happened, allowing my mum to live in a far more pleasant environment.
My mum is getting out and about
now and family are involved in social events for the residents which is great for both.

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Review from A M (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Even though this is the first week we can see a difference in mums mood and confidence.
The team have taken such good care of her from day - 1 - Asking about her preferences and checking on the important details.
She has relaxed and I'm sure she'll soon get used to her new surroundings. Thank you
to the whole team for your welcome.

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Review from H F (Respite Resident) published on 21 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always good to be here. Staff are very warm, friendly and helpful.

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Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.701)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.701) out of 10 for Blar Buidhe Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.1 out of 5 from 5 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 4.576 for Blar Buidhe Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (46 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 59 Ratings = 4.576

  • 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 4.125 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Blar Buidhe Care Home is based on 5 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 = 3.5

    • 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 8 = 0.625

  • 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: 28 Jun 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.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (7)

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Meet the Team (1)

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Donald McIntosh

Job Title: Home Manager

“For me, it’s going above and beyond to ensure that all residents, staff and visitors are treated with dignity, respect and compassion - A smile costs nothing!”


Donald is a Registered Nurse with experience in delivering quality care and support in both acute and emergency environments. He uses this experience to provide the Residents of Blar Buidhe with the highest possible standard of care and quality of life.


Donald shares HC-One’s vision in aiming to provide the kindest care for each and every Resident, that’s why he joined Blar Buidhe as Home Manager. He extends his kind caring approach to his colleagues, offering support and guidance to ensure that his team are providing a safe and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.


He uses his knowledge of rural living to build a strong bond with the local community and organise regular events and activities at Blar Buidhe for all to enjoy.


When asked what he enjoys most about his role, Donald remarked:


“Leading a team that demonstrates and promotes a culture of kind care.”


Outside of work, Donald spends most of his spare time sailing, fishing or with his family.


If you would like to find out more information about Blar Buidhe, Donald has an ‘Open Door Policy’ and would be pleased to welcome you for an informal discussion.