Submit a Review for Alastrean Care Home
Tarland, Aboyne, AB34 4TA
View Full Details of Alastrean Care HomeLatest Reviews for Alastrean Care Home
10 January 2025
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.
06 November 2023
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.
25 October 2023
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.
21 July 2022
Lovely home. Music would be entertaining for the residents.
10 June 2022
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.
25 April 2022
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.
14 April 2022
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.
07 March 2022
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.
01 November 2021
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.
16 June 2021
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.
14 April 2021
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.
14 April 2021
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.
04 November 2020
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.
27 February 2020
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.
13 March 2019
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.
13 March 2019
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.
01 October 2018
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.
26 September 2018
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.
13 September 2018
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.
13 September 2018
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!
Latest Reviews for Alastrean Care Home
10 January 2025
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.
06 November 2023
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.
25 October 2023
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.
21 July 2022
Lovely home. Music would be entertaining for the residents.
10 June 2022
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.
25 April 2022
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.
14 April 2022
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.
07 March 2022
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.
01 November 2021
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.
16 June 2021
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.
14 April 2021
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.
14 April 2021
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.
04 November 2020
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.
27 February 2020
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.
13 March 2019
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.
13 March 2019
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.
01 October 2018
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.
26 September 2018
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.
13 September 2018
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.
13 September 2018
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!