Sector-Leading Success for St Modans Care Home in Aberdeenshire

There’s cause for celebration at St Modans Care Home in Fraserburgh, after receiving the highest possible rating – Grade 6 – from the Care Inspectorate following an unannounced inspection.

This outstanding result places St Modans among the highest-rated care homes in Scotland, with inspectors commending the home for its sector-leading outcomes, person-centred approach and dedication to improving wellbeing. The team were described as “real assets to the home”, with their compassion, innovation and professionalism shining through in every aspect of care.

It’s an incredible achievement for the whole team and a proud moment for Meallmore – one that reflects our wider vision of being Scotland’s most trusted care provider, creating great places to live and work.

A Home Where Innovation and Care Go Hand in Hand

One of the standout features in the Care Inspectorate’s report was the home’s dedicated sensory room – a specially designed therapeutic space that opened last year and is already transforming lives.

The room offers colour and music therapy, using state-of-the-art equipment like an infinity tunnel, an interactive bubble tube, and colour-changing lights – all curated to support relaxation, reduce anxiety and promote emotional wellbeing.

For residents living with dementia or brain injuries, the outcomes have been exceptional. Families have described more meaningful visits, calmer interactions and more shared moments of joy. One resident summed it up beautifully:

“It’s the most magical room, very relaxing and makes you feel miles away from the busy room. I enjoy having my music on and watching all the lights change colours.”

Designed with Purpose, Driven by People

The Care Inspectorate praised the intentional and consultative approach taken when designing the sensory room – a process that involved research, engagement with specialists, and ongoing feedback from residents and families.

This dedication to thoughtful design led to measurable results:

• A significant reduction in falls
• Reduced reliance on medication
• Fewer incidents likely to result in harm

The inspectors described the room as having a “sector-leading impact” and commended the team’s commitment to ensuring that people not only live safely but live well – particularly those navigating complex cognitive needs.

Leading the Way in Dementia Care in Aberdeenshire

St Modans is now recognised as one of the leading examples of dementia care in Aberdeenshire – a result of years of dedication from the team, strong leadership, and a culture that always puts residents first.

This inspection result is not just a tick in a box. It’s a powerful endorsement of the ethos that underpins life at St Modans: that people deserve to live with dignity, joy and a sense of purpose – whatever stage of life they’re at.

Whether it’s through innovative spaces like the sensory room, or simply through daily acts of kindness and connection, the team continues to raise the bar for what high-quality care looks like.

Everyone at St Modans should feel enormously proud of what they’ve achieved – not just in terms of grades, but in the lived experience of residents and their families every day.

This milestone reflects the core values that guide every Meallmore home:

• Creating welcoming environments
• Acting with accountability
• Recognising our colleagues and residents
• Engaging in continuous improvement

Congratulations to the team at St Modans – and thank you for leading by example.