Carlingwark House

Buchen, Castle Douglas DG7 1TH
Review Us
8.9 16 Reviews
  • Carlingwark House, Castle Douglas
Situated in the market town of Castle Douglas, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Galloway and overlooking Carlingwark Loch, Carlingwark House is a warm, welcoming and friendly care home providing residential care for up to 30 older people and people living with dementia.

Everyone who lives in the home enjoys their own comfortable and spacious bedroom with en-suite facilities, and are encouraged to bring small items from home to help personalise their room. The home has some wonderful spaces to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Colleagues receive specialist training and mentoring and really get to know the residents, spending time understanding their life story and the things that are important to them. This helps the team plan an extensive activity programme and support people to enjoy days out in the local community.

Music plays an important part in everyday life at Carlingwark. with 'Playlist for Life,' a specialist music therapy that supports people living with dementia to enjoy songs that are personally memorable to them.

Carlingwark's mission is to enhance the quality of life for its residents by delivering compassionate care, fostering independence, and promoting overall well-being. The home believes in treating each resident with dignity, respect, and empathy, ensuring they feel valued and cherished.

Staff promote independence, dignity, and quality of life for every individual under their care. With a person-centred approach, the home tailors services to meet the unique needs and preferences of each resident, empowering them to live life to the fullest.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 30 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £941 – £941
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £941 – £941
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £941
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £941

Pricing excludes therapeutic therapies such as hairdressing and chiropody

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Carlingwark House to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Support you may be entitled to

If you choose a care home based in Scotland, you may be eligible for the Scottish Government's Free Personal Care funding of up to £267.10 per week if you’re over the age of 65. This support is not reflected in this fee amount.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Sharon Dodds (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 1998
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (30)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (30)

Parking

  • Free dedicated visitor parking spaces are available on-site for your convenience.

Carlingwark House Reviews (16)

8.9

Carlingwark House has a Review Score of 8.9 (8.856) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Carlingwark House has 16 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Carlingwark House
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Total of 16, showing 1-16
Review from Mary-Ann L (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Poor management and communication; management have no empathy and responsiveness to residents and family. Staff shortages and low morale it is clear that staff are overworked and unsupported which directly affects the level of care residents receive. Staff are very hard working and very kind but the
mental health and hygiene play a crucial role and are interconnected. Beautiful day outside residents confined to their bed or the building.
Reply from Georgea Buckle, Operations Executive at Carlingwark House

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear about your concerns regarding management, communication, and the overall care environment. Your observations about staff morale, mental health, and resident wellbeing are important and will be taken seriously.We want to assure you that we are looking into these matters closely to understand how we can improve. We deeply value our staff and residents, and we recognise the importance of providing a supportive environment for both.If you would like to speak further or share more details, we would welcome the opportunity to have a member of our management team speak with you directly. Please feel free to get in touch with us at your convenience.

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Review from E M (Friend of Resident) published on 22 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff nice and friendly. Place warm and good.
Reply from Georgea Buckle, Operations Executive at Carlingwark House

Thank you for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear that you found our staff friendly and the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Your feedback means a lot to us.

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Review from M B (Friend of Resident) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff brilliant, our friend says "very good and kiss cuddles" the staff keep him looking. Both of them find staff caring, helpful and make it feel "home" as much as they can room spotlessly clean and staff always available. Kiss cuddles for one member of staff in particular, brilliant sense of humour.
Reply from Georgea Buckle, Operations Executive at Carlingwark House

Thank you so much for the lovely words! We're thrilled to hear your friend feels so cared for! It means the world to us that our team helps make it feel like home, and we'll be sure to pass on the special thanks to the staff at Carlingwark!

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Review from C J (Relative of Resident) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
freidnly staff, good atmosphere, spotlessly clean.
Reply from Georgea Buckle, Operations Executive at Carlingwark House

Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so pleased you found the staff friendly, the atmosphere positive, and everything clean-your kind words mean a lot to us.

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Review from M S (Wife of Resident) published on 30 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Taking a long time to answer buzzing.
food - can be debatable.
Reply from Georgea Buckle, Operations Executive at Carlingwark House

Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear about the delay in responding to the buzzer and will address this with our team to ensure more timely assistance. We also take your comments on the food seriously and will continue working to meet varied preferences.

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Review from M H (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
From the day I came to the home to view it as a potential care home for my mum, I have been impressed by the care and interests shown by the care staff and management. Any concerns or worries I've had since Mum and Dad moving in have been taken seriously and dealt with as promptly as possible.
The
food is delicious and varied and of a good standard. I am completely confident that my parents are being well cared for and treated with upmost respect.
Reply from Georgea Buckle, Operations Executive at Carlingwark House

Thank you for taking the time to share your kind feedback. We are pleased to hear that you have been impressed with the care, attention, and support provided by our team. Ensuring the wellbeing, dignity, and comfort of our residents is our highest priority, and it is reassuring to know that you feel confident in the care your parents are receiving. Your comments are greatly appreciated and will be shared with the team

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Review from Mark N (Nephew of Resident) published on 16 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
There has been a great improvement in the home overall. The staff have always been great and the redecoration and cleanliness of the home make it nicer for the residents. The meals are now very good and I have noticed the residents seem happier. Overall, a great improvement and staff and management
must be commended.
Reply from Phil Benson, Executive Director of Operations at Carlingwark House

Thank you so much for your positive feedback. We're thrilled to hear that you've noticed such great improvements at Carlingwark, from the redecoration and cleanliness to the quality of the meals and the overall happiness of the residents. We are proud of our staff and management, and your recognition of their hard work means a lot to us. We're committed to continuing to provide the best care and environment for our residents, and we truly appreciate your support and kind words!

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Review from Richard R (Son of Resident) published on 11 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My father has been resident for over six months now and seems quite settled, staff doing a very good job and it is good to see new investment going into the home following the recent inspection.
Would recommend here to any future families without hesitation.
Reply from Phil Benson, Executive Director of Operations at Carlingwark House

Thank you for your kind words and recognition of the work being carried out at the home. We're really pleased that things are going well for your father!

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Review from S S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The home is warm and comfortable.
Staff are friendly and cheerful although they do seem stretched on some days.
Catering has turned a corner in the last couple of weeks and the meals are lovely.
Rooms are kept clean and tidy.
Reply from Antony Hall, Managing Director at Carlingwark House

Thank you for your comments. We are so pleased that you have seen an improvement in the home. I will make sure all the staff are made aware of your feedback. Thank you.

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Review from Evan M (Son of Resident) published on 14 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Management and staff are always very helpful and curteous.
I am 100% confident my dad is in good hands.
Reply from Lynn Billingham, Sales, Marketing and Customer Serviice Manager at Carlingwark House

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review for Carlingwark House and your lovely comments, which I will pass onto the team.

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Review from Fiona H (Niece of Resident) published on 25 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My initial experience of Carlingwark House care home was for the six years my mother was a resident until she passed away 3 years ago. The care and support given to her during her years there were excellent.
In very difficult times for the care home sector, my elderly aunt was accepted as a resident
in June 2020. Once again the care and support and the professionalism of the management and staff has made not only my aunt feel safe, secure and content but has given me, as her relative, peace of mind that she is being very well cared for.
For the ratings, I would like to mark 'excellent' on all but as in all jobs, there is always room to improve.
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Review from Jayne M (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 January 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with everything.
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Review from Avril M (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the care my mother receives at Carlingwark. Everywhere is kept clean and tidy. My mother is treated with respect and it's just like one big happy family. The staff are all very good and caring and work extremely hard. Seniors and management keep me informed if there were any issues
regarding my mother. The meals are excellent and there is always a good choice.
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Review from Frances E (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent care home. My late mum was only there for a short time whilst receiving palliative care. The staff are all very friendly, knowledgeable and caring. They looked after both my mum and us and were sympathetic to all our needs. The place is very clean and food excellent. Unable to comment on activities
as not used but they seemed to have a good variety on offer.
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Review from Iona W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to express my appreciation for the level of support and care provided, particularly during mum's final months. I have always been impressed by the genuine fondness shown to mum throughout her stay, the desire to meet her needs and to make her as comfortable as possible always, keeping me
informed if any worries/issues emerged. The staff really pulled out all the stops when it was needed most and their empathy, warmth and professionalism really shone through.
I shall forever be indebted to their dedication and support to my wonderful mum, to myself and to all my family members. It really made the difference.
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Review from Stephen D (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 20 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care provided is exemplary and fulfils the needs of their client/service user to the full. One couldn't really ask for any more!
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Current Review Score: 8.9 (8.856)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.9 (8.856) out of 10 for Carlingwark House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.056 for Carlingwark House is calculated as follows: ( (42 Excellents x 5) + (42 Goods x 4) + (14 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (4 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 107 Ratings = 4.056
  2. 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 4.8 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Carlingwark House is based on 8 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 = 3.8
    2. 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 30 registered maximum number of service users is 6, which has been reached with 8 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Inspectorate (CI) Rating

Date: 25 Mar 2025
How well do we support people's wellbeing?
Adequate (3)
How good is our leadership?
Adequate (3)
How good is our staff team?
Adequate (3)
How good is our setting?
Adequate (3)
How well is care and support planned?
Adequate (3)
Care Inspectorate is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in Scotland. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

No Bed Vacancies

Posted: 22 Sep 2025

We currently have vacancy's available for spacious and comfortable rooms within our care home. Residents receive personalised care and support from our compassionate caregivers, including assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and healthcare monitoring.Contact us today to arrange a viewing of the home and to meet our team!

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carlingwark House

What types of Care is Carlingwark House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Carlingwark House have?

There are 30 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Carlingwark House?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Carlingwark House to the centre of Castle Douglas?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Carlingwark House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Carlingwark House has an Enhanced Service - more info.