
All the staff are lovely, kind, attentive, and engagingSusan F(Daughter of Resident/Service User)



All the staff are lovely, kind, attentive, and engagingSusan F(Daughter of Resident/Service User)



Cairdean House is a modern, purpose-built care home in the beautiful village of Colinton, Edinburgh. The dedicated team offers specialist nursing, residential and dementia care within a home that has been designed with the needs of people living with dementia in mind.
Cairdean House has a homely feel and has been recently refurbished to ensure a premium, contemporary and comfortable environment. There are lots of spaces where residents can relax and...
Care Provided by Cairdean House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- 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 90 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
Facilities
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
of care and support required by each individual. Premium rooms normally require an additional charge.
Nursing fees include the Funded Nursing Contribution (FNC) if you are eligible.
• All care and support including a monthly review of care plans
• All meals, snacks and drinks freshly prepared every day by our chef
• In-house café with homemade cakes, and a variety of speciality teas and coffees
• Use of in-house cinema
• Access to landscaped gardens
• Activities and lifestyle programme
• All utilities and other accommodation costs
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• WiFi internet access
appointments not covered by the NHS, toiletries, newspapers or magazines, any over the counter
medications that a GP wouldn’t normally prescribe such as paracetamol and indigestion relief, and any
other privately arranged healthcare. Should you require an escort to hospital appointments, we may apply
an agreed hourly charge for this service.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Cairdean House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Cairdean House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
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 £260.30 per week (if you are over the age of 65) and Free Nursing Care funding of up to £117.10 per week. This support is not reflected in this fee amount.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Care UK
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Angela Burns (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 2013
- Last Refurbishment: 2013
Room Information
- Single Rooms (90)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (90)
Parking
- Parking on-site
Cairdean House Reviews (124)
Cairdean House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.838) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Cairdean House has 124 reviews.
I feel my husband is well looked after due to being badly affected by Parkinson's Disease and dementia. However, there has been such a change of staff recently. A number of people who were very helpful to me, as well as my husband, have obviously moved on elsewhere. For a few weeks, my husband was given a bath occasionally, which he obviously enjoyed, and now I've been told that it will no longer happen due to health and safety reasons. The is very upsetting. He really needs to be taken to some of the weekly sessions. Certainly, he should be taken to the monthly church service that takes place in the cafe area. He has always been a church member.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Cairdean House - we were very happy to read your positive comments regarding your husband’s care. Regarding staffing changes, we are always working on this and I’m pleased to say that since your review we have recruited a very experienced team...
My husband has Lewy Body Dementia and has settled so well into Cairdean. The staff communicate very well with me and have worked hard with my husband to help him settle and reduce his anxiety. He is much younger than most of the residents but the activity team here have him joining in and enjoying so much. It has taken a lot of the pressure off me. I will comment on the rooms, which are bigger than the average we viewed, with windows easy for him in his chair to watch what’s going on outside. The wetrooms/bathrooms are also spacious.
We have been delighted with the care given to our Mum following her move to Cairdean House. The staff are really lovely and have made a real effort to get to know both Mum and us, her family. This has been very much appreciated. The permanent staff in the Unit demonstrate a very warm, genuine and professional approach to the care of the residents and our Mum has settled well, in spite of her advanced Alzheimer's.
There have been several incidences of very poor care for my gran since she moved into Cairdean approximately 4 years ago, with a number of complaints made. These standards have remained low, with a high number of agency staff in place on a daily basis providing no continuity of care which Cairdean allege to specialise in given its importance in dementia care. Staff have also been rude and very unhelpful on occasion and if I am being very honest, we would move my gran to another care home in the local area if she was fit enough to do so. I definitely would not recommend Cairdean to those looking for appropriate care for their loved ones.
Thank you for taking the time to submit your review. We take all feedback very seriously and although the vast majority of reviews for Cairdean House are incredibly positive, where an individual is unhappy with any aspect of their experience at the home, we will always work closely with them and...
We visited my Aunt. Were in a lounge and dining area only and were offered a cup of tea and cake, both very nice. I spoke to 2 care staff and a lady on reception who said she was an 'activities coordinator'. I can only comment on my brief experience. I was impressed by what I saw and the people I spoke to as they came across as attentive, considerate, professional and caring. My Aunt commented that she felt a little bored sometimes but she was happy.
Given that my wife has to be in a home - she suffers from Alzheimer's - Cairdean has been the perfect choice. I selected Cairdean for her, on the basis of a careful study of its consistently high rankings by the care inspectorate, and a visit to the home. The quality of care she receives is the most important aspect and I am full of admiration for all the staff who have been looking after her so well.
New manager rarely comes to meet the residents.
The food is satisfactory but a bit repetitive.
Thank you for your positive comments about Cairdean House, in particular, your excellent score for care and support. With regards to the manager meeting residents, we would like to reassure you that our home manager spends a lot of time with residents. She tries to vary her time throughout the home...
Very happy with care for my father who is being treated with dignity and respect. Bright and airy communal area with easy access to the garden although it doesn't seem to be used that often. Staff, however, are always happy to help my father into a wheelchair to enjoy the outdoor space when I visit.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and happy. I visited over 10 care homes in the south west of Edinburgh before making a decision to place my father in Cairdean House. This is by far the best one in my opinion because it feels more like a cosy hotel, not a care home.
Visit regularly with my wife to see my ex-neighbour. It seems a nice establishment. Lovely surroundings and modern building.
Our friend only has good things to say about the home after visiting others in her search for a placement.
The management take the time to speak to you on a level basis.
My mother has been at Cairdean for eight weeks. She settled in really well - it took only a couple of weeks actually. Cairdean staff are really friendly and efficient. The home is like a 5-star hotel. There are plenty of activities at certain parts of the day but I would like to see the residents make more use of the gardens on a nice day.
I visit my sister once a week. The staff are very good.
Other than that we are pleased that he is in Cairdean and pleased that the quality of the staff during the day shifts is consistently good.
We are pleased you feel Cairdean is a lovely home and we appreciate your constructive feedback. We constantly strive to provide continuity of care, and on the whole staff are allocated to one suite. However there may be times when we have to move staff around due to sickness and annual leave to...
It is my opinion that Cairdean House is a very warm, friendly place to live. The staff, on the whole, are caring and professional. I have seen a high turnover of staff in the two years I have been visiting the home, especially the activities team.
We are delighted with the positive comments and scores for the care and support we provide and we are grateful for your constructive feedback. We recognise that there has been some staff turnover over at the home, however, this has improved in recent months, as has our use of agency staff, and we...
Mum has lived at Cairdean for a short period of time, but the nursing staff and carers are genuinely kind and attentive and really do show an interest in relatives and family alike.
The rooms are a good size and nicely decorated.
Activities and food seem good too.
I have been here for 15 months and enjoy being here. Unfortunately, my family rarely visit me or telephone me so I depend on my neighbours to visit. I can go to church which I enjoy, and the activities and outings which mean fresh air.
I do spend a lot of time in my room sorting out photographs as I spent a lot of time abroad and I prefer my own company but love talking to people.
Since my aunt moved in I would say her life has improved greatly, plenty for her to do, well cared for in a lovely environment.
The rooms are bright with huge windows, and the staff are very caring and seem interested in getting to know visitors, as well as residents, feels like one big family.
Carers show a good level of support to residents and are kind and prepared to chat and listen. On occasions, I have had to ask why my mother does not have her hearing aid in or is not wearing her spectacles. Part of the problem is due to the handover between the night shift and day staff. Each resident should have a list of items in his/her room so carers know exactly what is required at the start of each day. Overall I feel my mother is in good hands and happy at the care home.
Thank you for your positive comments and scores for the care we provide your mother at Cairdean House. We are sorry to hear there have been some issues with your mother's hearing aids and spectacles. Extra time is set aside for a thorough handover between shifts, however, we are grateful for this...
There seems to be a good range of activities and opportunities for trips.
There is an opportunity to remain in the quiet of the residents own rooms and there is no pressure to partake in activities so the element of choice is respected.
The range of meals is generally good but the range of green vegetables seems somewhat limited. More use of bright colours might help dementia residents. There seems to be quite a lot of creams/pale colours rather than primary colours. Generally, however, the home is of a high standard and seems to be well run.
We are delighted with the positive comments and scores for the care and support we provide and grateful for your constructive feedback. Our chefs always ensure a range of fresh vegetables are available to residents during mealtimes, however, we will be pleased to carry out a resident survey...
Communication is good, facilities are very good and the food is fine.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (42) & Events (0)
- 29 May 2026
Care UK’s commitment to supporting residents has been nationally recognised, as the organisation took home the large care provider of the year accolade at the 2026 Care Home Awards. At...
- 29 May 2026
Residents in Care UK homes love getting out and about in nature where they can and, for one Dorset-based home, they’re celebrating World Bee Day with a buzz! Wimborne-based home,...
- 29 May 2026
Colleagues across Care UK are celebrating after being shortlisted in eleven categories at the Stars of Social Care Awards, the most the company has ever been shortlisted in at the...
There are no upcoming events for Cairdean House.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Cairdean House.
Meet the Team (1)

I’m proud to be the home manager at Cairdean House care home. I’ve been a qualified nurse for over 40 years and have managed care homes for the past 18 years. Along the way, I’ve completed my SVQ 4 in management, all mandatory training and hold certificates in working with children with special needs and in inclusion skills.
I chose to work at Care UK because of its strong reputation as a good company. In my role, it’s important to be open, honest, organised, and to have a good sense of humour. Having strong listening skills and responding to issues in a timely manner is essential.
My favourite part of the day is walking around the home, chatting with staff, residents and relatives, and looking for ways to continue improving our environment. One of my proudest achievements was commissioning a care home from a building site into a luxury care setting.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see residents enjoying some well-deserved self-care, feeling happy and getting involved in activities. It’s also great to receive good ratings from external and internal inspections.
Outside of work, I enjoy music, singing and spending time with my granddaughter.
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