Drumdarroch House Care Home

Mill Road, Insch AB52 6JA
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9.9 65 Reviews
  • Drumdarroch House Care Home, Insch
Located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, just off the A96, Drumdarroch House Care Home is a one storey, purpose-built care facility with a homely atmosphere for 41 clients. Drumdarroch enjoys an open aspect on the edge of the village of Insch with fantastic views of woodland, Dunnydeer Hill and the remains of the Dunnydeer Hill Fort.

The home has close links with the village and the surrounding areas - these links are encouraged and fostered by way of events and activities throughout the year. Both bus and rail services are within easy walking distance of the home which is appreciated by visitors and relatives.

Each client benefits from a large, comfortable room with en-suite toilet facilities. There are television and telephone points in every room as well as a modern nurse call system. Clients can personalise their own room with their own small furnishings and pictures to help them feel right at home.

Catering staff provide tasty, nutritious, well-balanced meals with the flexibility to accommodate specific dietary requirements, particular client favourites and individual choice at all times.

Drumdarroch's friendly and caring staff are skilled in delivering a quality service to clients. Each client has an allocated named nurse and key carer to assist them in all of their care and social needs.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 41 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Wendy Stephen (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2000
  • Last Refurbishment: 2020
  • Number of floors: 1

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (37)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)

Parking

  • Free Parking on-site

Drumdarroch House Care Home Reviews (65)

9.9

Drumdarroch House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.866) out of 10, based on 30 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Drumdarroch House Care Home has 65 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Drumdarroch House Care Home
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Total of 65, showing 1-20
Review from Anne A (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found the care in Drumdarroch House for my mum to be excellent. The staff are really kind and caring. The rooms are always spotless and the food looks very appetising. Mum is unfortunately unable to participate in the varied activities going on but really enjoyed the recent Summer fete. We admired
the lovely flowrs which have brightened up the entrance.
Reply from Veronica Gibson, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of Drumdarroch. The manager and all of her staff team at the home will be so pleased to read your kind words. We are very proud of the whole team and the care and support they provide every day.

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Review from G M (Son of Resident) published on 18 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a family we are very happy with the care home and all the facilities.
All the staff and management are friendly and helpful and there is always activities to do if you wish.
Reply from Veronica Gibson, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of Drumdarroch. The manager and all of her staff team at the home will be so pleased to read your kind words. We are very proud of the whole team and the care and support they provide every day.

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Review from N H (Son of Resident) published on 18 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I did a great deal of research before choosing Drumdarroch as a care home for my aunt and my mother, of seven other homes in the area, Drumdarroch was so fare ahead on several counts that the decision was easy.
Nothing has changed my view in the six years since. Care is compassionate. The staff are
patient and supportive, even when one of my family member residents is difficult, as she can be.
The fee is high. The peace of mind it brings the family is the benefit.
Reply from Veronica Gibson, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of Drumdarroch. The manager and all of her staff team at the home will be so pleased to read your kind words. We are very proud of the whole team and the care and support they provide every day.

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Review from S H (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum has been a resident for 9 months . She is well looked after always clean and well dressed The staff are so kind and caring and they have so much compassion and patience with Mum. Drumdarroch staff make you so welcome when visiting with a cup of tea and a home bake. The Care Home is so clean and
tidy and the gardens are beautiful.
Reply from Veronica Gibson, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of Drumdarroch. The manager and all of her staff team at the home will be so pleased to read your kind words. We are very proud of the whole team and the care and support they provide every day.

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Review from Susan P (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home manager and her staff do their very best to give care and consideration to the residents
Reply from Veronica Gibson, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of Drumdarroch. The manager and all of her staff team at the home will be so pleased to read your kind words. We are very proud of the whole team and the care and support they provide every day.

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Review from D S (Son of Resident) published on 9 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home is always clean and my parents needs are very well cared for.
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Review from N F (Son of Resident) published on 9 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Warm, welcoming home. My mum is always very well cared for. Good home cooking, excellent homebakes, Mum especially likes the rock cakes. Manager and staff all very good.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you very much for your excellent review of Drumdarroch. We're very happy to hear that your mum is living the home baking.

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Review from Fiona G (Regular Volunteer) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I really can't say enough about Drumdarroch, the staff are exceptional. The genuine care and compassion they have with each and every resident shines through on every visit I make. There is nothing that is too much and great effort is made to show each resident how important they are. I have been
visiting Drumdarroch for 2years now with my Therapet so have got to see staff in action and see how they pull together as a team to make the residents have a good experience every day
Reply from Veronica Gibson, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to review Drumdarroch. This really means a lot to the team in the home. We are extremely proud of the whole staff team at Drumdarroch.

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Review from K S (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident for almost 4 years now. My overall experience has been very positive and I feel reassured that my mother is getting well cared for in a secure and friendly environment. I would have no hesitation in recommending this well-managed care home to any other families looking
for a caring nursing home.
Reply from Veronica Gibson, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to review Drumdarroch. This really means a lot to the team in the home. We are extremely proud of the whole staff team at Drumdarroch.

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Review from Claire R (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 22 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When looking for a care home for my Mother-in-law, Drumdarroch was our first choice because of the reviews and we were thrilled when she was offered a place. Sadly, my Mother-in-law only had 10 months living at Drumdarroch, but in that time was shown love, care and kindness that you wish for. My Mother-in-law
settled very quickly in Drumdarroch and thoroughly enjoyed her time there. She often spoke about the kindness of the staff and loved the food in the 'restaurant'. The family would also like to thank staff for their kindness when she passed.
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Review from R I (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granda has been a resident for a few months now and we are very happy with his care. The staff are always very friendly and helpful.
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Review from T H (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mom moved to Drumdarroch from a previous really bad experience in care. The difference is absolutely amazing. Like night and day! Calm, efficient, bright, cheerful and well managed. Albeit early days and mom is not ready to engage in activities. I am sure with the support offered she will soon be
joining in. I really feel we have found the ideal home for my mom and look forward to lasting relationship with all the staff at Drumdarroch.
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Review from G B (Son of Resident) published on 3 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very well cared for in her final days. Made very comfortable and staff very caring and efficient.
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Review from B R (Husband of Resident) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Unbelievable. I was so taken back by the close team work. I now have a real understanding of the dedication of the staff members I now feel so much more relaxed about my wife's life and the amazing care given to all residents.
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Review from J M (Regular Volunteer) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been visiting Drumdarroch for several years with children from a nearby nursery setting, to share intergenerational sessions with the residents which are enjoyed, and engaged in, by all generations. The staff have always supported our visits and we feel welcomed, nothing is ever too much trouble.
Seeing relationships form between children and residents is wonderful! I, along with the children look forward to our weekly visits, thank you so much for accommodating us!
Reply from Veronica Gibson, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to review Drumdarroch. This really means a lot to the team in the home. We are extremely proud of the whole staff team at Drumdarroch.

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Review from Anne G (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been a resident for a few months and the care she has been given has been great, everyone is very kind friendly and helpful when asking questions.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We will make sure all of the team at Drumdarroch are sent your review directly. It means so much to us and them to hear such positive feedback. Kind Regards

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Review from Duncan T (Friend of Resident) published on 26 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can honestly say that all the staff at Drumdarroch Home managers, nurses, carers, cleaners right through to the maintenance person are a fantastic team, so helpful, and nothing is too much bother for them. The home also has a very high standard of cleanliness. There always seems to be some sort of
entertainment/ activities going on as well with plenty of food and refreshments throughout the day. I would thoroughly recommend Drumdarroch to anyone looking for a care home for themselves or a relative.
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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my mum became a resident, she and all our family have been made to feel so welcome and included. Their motto is 'If this is your mums new home, it is also yours' - and that is exactly how we have been made to feel. The management, nurses and carers always stop to say hello and engage in conversation.
Nothing is ever too much for them. They have certainly made the hard decision so much easier.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are so glad Wendy and the team have made you feel so welcome. They all do a wonderful job and they love to hear such positive feedback. Kindest Regards

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Review from L P (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As my mother only just moved into Drumdarrock House this review is based on her welcome. The manager and staff have been most helpful and welcoming. My mother's room was arranged by ourselves but there was a lovely welcome card and flowers given for her arrival. Since then we have had only the best
attentive updates on my mother's current stay and very grateful to have found her a room.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you for reviewing Drumdarroch. We are so pleased you chose Drumdarroch for your mother. The Manager and her team will be thrilled to read how happy you have been with the welcome your mother has received. Kindest Regards

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Review from C T (Niece of Resident) published on 13 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Welcoming! No matter when I visit my aunt I am always made very welcome. Drumdarroch has been a "live-saver" not only for my aunt but myself also. She has such good care, that I feel safe to go visit my family without worrying about her safety. It's been treated with a makeover recently so it is modern,
fresh and a good space wherever you turn. All the staff are friendly and professional. As well as indoors the outdoors are tidy, pleasant and now solar panels too!
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Honestly one of the kindest reviews we have ever received. Thank you from all of us at Priority Care for taking the time to leave such a clearly heart felt review. The Home Manager and the whole team at Drumdarroch will be as thrilled as we are to read it. Kindest Regards

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.866)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.866) out of 10 for Drumdarroch House 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 30 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 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 4.866 for Drumdarroch House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (306 Excellents x 5) + (43 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 351 Ratings = 4.866
  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 Drumdarroch House Care Home is based on 30 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 41 registered maximum number of service users is 8.2, which has been reached with 30 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: 23 Aug 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?
Very good (5)
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 (1)

Meet the Team (1)

Wendy

Wendy Stephen

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2023

Hello, I'm Wendy Stephen, the Home Manager at Drumdarroch Care Home.


I qualified as a State Enrolled Nurse many years ago in Oldham, Lancashire, and worked as a night nurse in the local hospital.


I continued my career in nursing working for the MS Society for almost 10 years, which is when I started my journey within the care home environment, as a staff nurse working up to Home Manager Peripatetic Manager Quality Management and latterly Regional Support Manager. During this time I completed a conversion course to a first-level nurse followed by a degree in Nursing.


During my career, I have experienced working with a variety of homes which have been under focus and require support to improve standards to allow them to improve their grades and also homes which have good grades to ensure that they maintain the required standards.


I bring my years of experience to Drumdarroch and share this to ensure that I continue to support staff, residents and relatives whilst supporting staff to maintain the standards already embedded.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drumdarroch House Care Home

What types of Care is Drumdarroch House Care Home registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Drumdarroch House Care Home have?

There are 37 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Drumdarroch House Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Drumdarroch House Care Home to the centre of Insch?

0.3 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 Drumdarroch House Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Drumdarroch House Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.