St Modans Leading the Way in Scottish Care

St Modans Care Home in Fraserburgh has achieved the highest possible Care Inspectorate ratings, Grade 6, following an unannounced inspection. In Scotland, Grade 6 is defined as Excellent and signals sector-leading practice with outstanding outcomes for people. This recognition reflects what families, residents and colleagues experience every day at St Modans. Care that is thoughtful and consistent. A team that is confident and compassionate. An environment designed to help people feel calm, connected and respected.

Innovation that changes daily life

A centrepiece of St Modans’ approach is its therapeutic sensory room, opened in 2024 and now woven into daily life. One year on, independent coverage has highlighted clear benefits. Residents living with dementia or brain injury experienced improved relaxation, better sleep, and more meaningful interactions with loved ones. There was also a reported correlation between use of the room and reduced need for medication.

The room combines colour and music therapy with carefully chosen equipment, including an infinity tunnel and an interactive bubble tube. As one resident put it, it feels “very relaxing” and like being “miles away from the busy room.” Families have noticed the difference too, using the space to share calm, joyful moments across generations.

Outcomes, not just activities

From the outset, the St Modans team set out to measure impact, not just provide an activity. Early analysis tracked individual stories and care notes, including changes in medication use where appropriate. In one documented example, a resident’s recorded use of certain medication fell markedly across three months while engaging with the sensory space. The focus was personalised plans, calming stimuli and one-to-one support that respected each person’s preferences.

This is what Excellent looks like in practice. In the Scottish framework, Grade 6 denotes performance that is sector leading and supports outstandingly high-quality experiences and outcomes. It is the level others can learn from, and it is sustained by modern, effective practice across the whole service.

What the inspection noted

Coverage of the inspection and first year of the sensory room underlines three things. First, a calm, homely culture where colleagues are present, prepared and proud of their work. Second, a design-led environment that reduces anxiety and supports connection, including for families and grandchildren who enjoy the room together. Third, a willingness to plan meticulously, gather feedback, and keep improving the model over time.

Leaders at St Modans have credited staff, families and the local community for helping bring the space to life. That partnership, and the team’s discipline in planning and review, were part of what impressed inspectors and external observers.

Why this matters for the Scottish care sector

Across Scotland, the Care Inspectorate evaluates services against key questions using a six-point scale. Grade 6 means Excellent, and it is reserved for services that demonstrate sector-leading practice and outstanding outcomes. That is why St Modans’ achievement matters. It shows what is possible when clinical care, thoughtful environments and true partnership with families all pull in the same direction.

The sensory room is not an add-on. It is a practical tool that supports wellbeing, helps people feel safe and regulated, and invites meaningful moments with loved ones. The early evidence shared publicly points to fewer distressed episodes, better rest, and more positive visits, especially for people living with dementia or complex needs. These are the outcomes families feel and remember.

A consistent standard of care

Beyond one room, the story at St Modans is consistency. Consistency in medication protocols, personalised planning, and day-to-day hospitality that makes life feel normal and homely. Consistency in leadership that sets clear expectations, then invests in colleagues to meet them. Consistency in measuring what matters, then sharing the learning across the wider Meallmore family.

St Modans will continue to refine the sensory programme, deepen the use of personalised plans, and share good practice with peers. For residents and families, the promise is simple. A home where you are known well, where small details are done with care, and where new ideas are tested carefully because they help people flourish. That is the standard that led to sector-leading grades, and it is the standard the team is committed to maintaining.