Balnacarron Care Home

116 Hepburn Gardens, St Andrews KY16 9LT
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9.9 57 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

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 35 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

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

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1196
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1196
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1315
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1315

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Balnacarron Care Home 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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Olga Jankovska (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2020

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (33)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)

Balnacarron Care Home Reviews (57)

9.9

Balnacarron Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.897) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Balnacarron Care Home has 57 reviews.

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Review from D M (Husband of Resident) published on 28 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In the 10 months my wife has lived at Balnacarron the level of care has continued to be excellent. My wife is very happy and has a great rapport with all staff. Communication is very good between staff and myself regarding any concerns that may arise. My wife just loves the carers here and this is her
home now.
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Review from L A (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has received excellent care during her 3 years in Balnacarron. The staff know her and her needs personally. We receive regular updates by email and phonecalls & we are asked our opinion but feel reassured that they are best placed to care for her needs. Mum appears happy and settled and engages
with the staff and the excellent activities planned for the residents.
We would highly recommend it.
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Review from S D (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff very caring and helpful, nothing to much trouble!
Standards of housekeeping and food excellent, great activities.
One member of staff, in particular - she's in a class of her own! Such a caring, fun and vivacious person. She is the heart and soul of the home, Mum is very settled & happy.
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Review from Hayley D (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 5 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are all amazing and have really gone the extra mile for my gran in an extremely difficult time for her. They are consistently genuine kind and caring. I dont think we could of found a better care home for her. Staff engage with residents and visibly lift there mood and also make residents guests
feel at home - does feel like a big family!
Sending all my thanks!
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Review from Lynn B (Friend of Resident) published on 23 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Care, kindness and compassion given to my friend by the wonderful staff is second to none, they are also very willing to sit and have a chat should I ever have concerns about my friend they are then resolved quickly.
There is nothing nicer than having a cheery welcoming smile by the staff to greet
you at the door on entering.
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Review from Shirley B (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum moved into Balnacarron Care Home in February 2024 and has really thrived in the very sociable atmosphere. The home is very well managed and all the staff are very caring and empathetic with all the residents. There is so much going on, arranged by the very enthusiastic entertainment manager.
There are trips out on the minibus, regular church visits, live music sessions and a daily entertainment programme. Many residents are animal loves and they have many visits from pet owners with their well-behaved animals. My mum really has fun here and is safe and well cared for.
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Review from Karen Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
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 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 Catherine K (Sister of Resident) published on 8 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.897)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.897) out of 10 for Balnacarron Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.897 for Balnacarron Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (182 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 203 Ratings = 4.897
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Balnacarron Care Home is based on 17 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    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 35 registered maximum number of service users is 7, which has been reached with 17 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: 14 Mar 2025
How well do we support people's wellbeing?
Very good (5)
How good is our leadership?
Good (4)
How good is our staff team?
Very good (5)
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.

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Balnacarron Care Home

What types of Care is Balnacarron Care Home registered for?

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

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.

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