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 21-40
Review from S S (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Since the new manager started, the home as a happy atmosphere, the staff are happier and there have been lots of new things such as coffee mornings, silent auction sales etc. The manager is very approachable, always has time to speak with you and always goes about and interacting with residents.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide your feedback. It is greatly appreciated.

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Review from K E (Resident) published on 12 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are always on hand to help if needed. Areas are always clean. Activities are always on for residents. Food is good.
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Review from T P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Moving my grandmother into Drumdarroch was a very good experience, the staff were kind and allowed us to set the room up as we wanted. The welcome card and gifts were very nice and my gran is being well looked after. The food looks and smells delicious with plenty on offer at each meal time. Both nurses
I have met are really lovely and all staff are very much resident-led, so if my gran wants to have a long lie this is no problem. We are only one week into her staying at Drumdarroch but so far it has all been very positive. Even though my gran is maybe not the easiest person right now, as a family we have been kept in the loop and reassured at every step.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. We are extremely proud of everything the manager and all of the team at Drumdarroch do. Your feedback means so much to us all.

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Review from A M (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Going into the home to see my mum it is a better-feeling environment and friendlier staff. The management are always ready to speak to you and answer all our queries.
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Review from I H (Son of Resident) published on 9 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother is being cared for with dignity, and respect, and she feels safe and is very happy with the kindness and empathy shown to her by all the team here. The facilities are scrupulously clean and the friendliness and warmth of the staff have been consistently outstanding. Thank you.
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Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The quality of care is excellent. The staff are knowledgeable, caring and helpful in all aspects of care.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you very much for reviewing Drumdarroch. All of the team do such a wonderful job, it's lovely for them to hear such positive feedback.

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Review from M S (Friend of Resident) published on 11 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend received outstanding care at Drumdarroch House Care Home. All the staff have been very professional and welcoming making everyone feel at home. Especially important to acknowledge the professionalism, integrity and advice given during end-of-life care.
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Review from Graham M (Son of Resident) published on 21 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lots of improvements to the home itself, for example new slip free wooden flooring throughout the home and new blinds in each room. All this was done quickly and smoothly with little disruption.
Also lots of person to person improvements taking account of residents, staff and relatives opinions, for
example making playing games for the residents bespoke to what they like rather than a group take it or leave it.
Lots of activities to promote the home for example bake days which raised funds for the home and was very enjoyable to participate in.
Reply from Andy Prior, 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 E S (Next of Kin) published on 21 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Since new management has been in place, I see a positive change at Drumdarroch House. Staff appear to be happier, and there has been a positive change in record keeping. I feel happier regarding my Mum’s care. I feel if I have any concerns, I can approach the staff, or manager and feel that my concerns
will be listened to and addressed. I am my mum’s voice, she is unable to speak for herself.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to review Drumdarroch. It's great to hear how happy you are with the manager and her team.

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Review from Denise F (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother always says how happy she is there and that the staff are funny and kind. I have always found the staff to be efficient, professional and helpful. The rooms are orderly and there always seem to be events and activities on.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

We very much appreciate your words of praise for the carer & the whole team at Drumdarroch. They all work hard to ensure the highest standards of care are provided. These reviews are a lovely way to recognise this hard work.

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Review from Harry F (Son of Resident) published on 19 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the care that my mother has received here over the years. She has always been treated with patience and respect and seems content and happy these days. As her dementia and physical capabilities have worsened, the staff have increased the level of support to keep her safe and comfortable.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to review Drumdarroch House Care Home. These reviews really help us to ensure our standards are maintained at the highest level.
Kindest Regards.

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Review from C D (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My experience to date at Drumdarroch House Care Home has largely been positive with a reasonable amount of care and attention being applied by staff. The level of cleanliness is good and the food is to a good standard. Activities are interesting and at times fun to take part in. The only real area for
improvement is the outlook from Mum's room which currently looks at bin storage. I have asked the question more than once about relocation to another room when one becomes available but this has not happened despite there being several departures from the home.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review Drumdarroch Care Home. I am glad your experience to date has been largely positive. I am very sorry to hear you are not happy with the outlook of your mum's room. As you will be aware, the bin storage area is screened with 6 ft fencing. Following some discussions with the home manager, we will be looking at renewing this fencing and installing additional planting outside your mum's room.
Kindest Regards, the Director.

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Review from M M (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 15 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
All staff management and volunteers are doing a marvellous job tending to residents and more so during the stressful times of covid. They are always very helpful when I visit. I certainly couldn't cope if I was to take on the job of caring even for my family member. I thank them one and all, very much.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to review Drumdarroch Care Home. It is extremely encouraging to hear such positive remarks about the staff team at Drumdarroch. We are extremely proud of the manager and her team.
Kindest Regards, the director.

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Review from Hazel B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was in Drumdarroch Care Home for around fifteen months until her death in December 2022. Mum always looked clean and tidy when we visited her and we, as a family, would say she blossomed in the care of the staff there. She was encouraged to take part in a variety of activities and enjoyed being
in the company of the other residents. The staff were always smiling and friendly and they endeavored to make sure all Mum’s needs were met. During Mum’s final days, the care and kindness extended to Mum and our family was second to none. The nurses, carers and managers took care of us as well as Mum so well. First Class! We are so pleased that Mum got a place in Drumdarroch.
Reply from Andy Prior, Director at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you very much for completing your review of Drumdarroch Care Home. It's honestly one of the nicest reviews we have received as a group. We are immensely proud of the hard work our managers and staff do every single day. Comments like yours truly make everything they do so worthwhile. I too am pleased that your mum felt so cared for and that she blossomed whilst there as I know the manager and all the team at Drumdarroch are.

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Review from I B (Friend of Resident) published on 9 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This last year and a half due to the pandemic has been a trying, stressful time for the manager, keeping up morale (residents and staff) and the environment safe. Following all the restrictions, extra paperwork and continuing to maintain high standards of care.
Well done to you all.
Residents are
grateful and happy to be seeing family.
The couple of outings on the bus have been a great lifter of spirits.
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Review from Craig T (Son of Resident) published on 5 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When considering care homes for Dad, Drumdarroch House was highly recommended. Therefore we were pleased when a room was offered in February.
On arrival at Drumdarroch, the staff were excellent at welcoming him to his new home, during an emotional and confusing time for him. Conversations with Dad
over the following weeks proved he was settled, comfortable, and well attended to. The staff at Drumdarroch were good with updates on his wellbeing in the period before family visits resumed. We feel the care home has skillfully managed all the difficulties of the pandemic.
We have found the pod visits to be as safe and relaxed as possible. Currently, visits are becoming more frequent and flexible and are a good focus in his weekly schedule.
He is enjoying the meals and looks better for it. Minibus outings have also recently resumed and he enjoys these very much.
The staff are experienced in the challenges of dementia and our family are heartened that Dad is now in this safe, caring environment.
Reply from Mary Glendinning, Projects at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you very much for your very kind words about Drumdarroch Care Home. We are very proud of all our staff and the way in which they make everyone welcome and feel part of the home while giving you the confidence your Dad is treated with the utmost care and respect. It has been a very difficult time for everyone and Drumdarroch staff have worked hard to ensure that everyone living at Drumdarroch were able to keep in touch with their loved ones. We are all pleased that restrictions are now being lifted and families can get together once more. Your feedback is very much appreciated by us and the staff at Drumdarroch Care Home. It's always nice to know what people think and feel about the care being given and if there is anything that is being missed. Thank you once again we really appreciate the time you have taken to give us feedback. Regards, Priority Care.

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Review from Helen T (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care of my mother during the Covid-19 pandemic has been extremely good. Drumdarroch House management has been careful, considered and understandable. I have had regular phone calls with updates when necessary and I have found the staff to be helpful and very kind.
Visiting has been difficult at
times to fit in around my work but, when possible, I have been offered alternative time slots which was appreciated. The set-up for visiting is well thought out and has met with all the government regulations on social distancing, hand hygiene and PPE.
Drumdarroch seems to have been a bit slower in opening up to visitors than other care homes in the area. I feel my mother has been kept safer because of this. Although unaware mostly of what is going on around her, she is content and has been looked after in a way I am happy with. I would highly recommend Drumdarroch House Care Home!
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Review from Ian D (Friend of Resident) published on 17 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Residents are happy in their environment. Staff are friendly and caring and have performed exceptionally well throughout the very difficult pandemic period. The restrictions on visiting have been difficult but the current relaxations have given residents a boost. That said, there is an understanding
that the restrictions have been necessary. The management of the Covid situation has been very successful and is worthy of a mention.
The residents enjoy good meals and the introduction of ‘snack boxes’ has gone down well. The re-introduction of a dedicated activities person has been greatly beneficial. The revival of outings on the nursing home bus has recreated a bit of excitement. Residents are looking forward to the day when outside entertainment can be accommodated.
Overall, I would imagine, from a resident’s perspective, that Drumdarroch House Care Home is a good place to be.
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Review from Raymond C (Son of Resident) published on 17 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been a resident at Drumdarroch House since 2015 and is extremely happy with all the care and attention she receives. All staff are very good to her and attend to all her needs in a very professional and caring way, she is always commenting that the girls are very good to her and very hard working
with nothing being a problem. Mum speaks highly of the meals provided saying that there is plenty of variation and the food is always good (Mum likes her food!)
Drumdarroch is well organised and have good systems in place for keeping relatives and friends updated on all aspects of what's going on. They have worked exceptionally hard during Covid keeping all residents and relatives safe and updated at all times.
Well done to all at Drumdarroch, keep up the good work.
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Review from Scott B (Son of Resident) published on 17 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother moved into the Drumdarroch House Care Home at the end of May in trying circumstances due to the Covid restrictions. The staff took great care in ensuring my mother settled in by treating her with the utmost kindness and respect. Until visits could be commenced I was able to get updates whenever
I needed to. Since the restrictions have reduced I have been able to visit my mother in the home's garden whenever I have wanted and found her in excellent spirits, well-groomed and smartly dressed. Before going in my mother had lost a lot of weight, I am pleased to say that since arriving in Drumdarroch she has put on 2-3Kg.
Because of Covid, I have not been inside the home, so I am unable to comment on those facilities or the food.
I have marked them good as I had to make a choice.
Reply from Mary Glendinning, Administrator at Drumdarroch House Care Home

Thank you for your very positive review of Drumdarroch. We are very proud of our team and their dedication during these very difficult times. Your thanks to all of the team is hugely appreciated and they are made aware of your comments. Your positive feedback is appreciated especially during these difficult times for all staff working in the care sector. They do such an excellent job every single day and it makes it all worthwhile when you hear such words of praise from a family member

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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.

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.