The people who know a care home best are the people who live there and the families who spend time there.
That is why the latest review milestone at St Olaf Care Home means so much to the team.
St Olaf Care Home in Nairn has achieved a 9.9 out of 10 Review Score on carehome.co.uk, based entirely on feedback from residents, relatives and people with direct experience of the home.
At the time of publication, this is the highest current carehome.co.uk Review Score among care homes located in Nairn. St Olaf's profile includes 63 published reviews overall, with its current score calculated from 20 reviews submitted during the past two years.
What the carehome.co.uk score means
Carehome.co.uk calculates each Review Score using two main measures: the average ratings given in recent reviews and the number of positive reviews received during a rolling 24-month period.
Reviewers can rate areas including care and support, dignity, colleagues, management, food and drink, activities, cleanliness, safety and the overall experience of the home.
The result is therefore not based on one comment or a single visit. It reflects a continuing body of recent feedback from people who have experienced life at St Olaf first-hand. Scores can change as older reviews leave the two-year window and new feedback is published.
Feedback that goes beyond a number
The 9.9 score is worth celebrating, but the words behind it say much more about everyday life at St Olaf.
Families repeatedly describe a home where residents are known properly, where relatives feel welcome and where colleagues take time to understand individual routines, abilities and preferences.
One family member wrote:
"We are part of the St Olaf family now."
Another, reflecting on the difference they had seen since their mother moved into the home, said:
"This is the happiest I have ever seen my mum."
Reviews also highlight the warmth of the welcome, the quality and variety of the food, the activities available and the reassurance families feel knowing their loved one is receiving attentive support.
Care shaped around the individual
St Olaf provides personalised nursing care, dementia care, residential care, palliative care and respite or short stays.
The home's approach begins with getting to know the person beyond their care needs. This includes understanding their preferred routines, relationships, communication, interests, personal history and the things that help them feel safe and comfortable.
Care plans are shaped around each resident and reviewed as their circumstances change. Families are encouraged to contribute their knowledge and remain involved where appropriate, helping colleagues provide continuity and support that feels familiar.
Recent reviews include positive experiences from families whose relatives stayed at St Olaf for respite care, as well as feedback about permanent care, nursing support and compassionate care at the end of life.
Those different experiences share a common theme: people feeling listened to and reassured during what can be a significant and emotional time for a family.
A home where families feel welcome
Moving into a care home affects more than the person making the move. Families want to know they can ask questions, remain involved and continue spending meaningful time with the person they love.
Feedback about St Olaf regularly refers to relatives being warmly welcomed and included in life at the home. That might mean joining an event, enjoying time together in one of the lounge areas, taking part in an activity or simply visiting for a quiet conversation.
The home has six lounge and dining areas, an on-site hair and beauty salon and secure landscaped gardens, giving residents and visitors a choice of spaces in which to spend time together.
Food, activities and everyday life
Daily life at St Olaf is shaped around personal choice. Residents can take part in activities, continue familiar interests, enjoy time outdoors, socialise with others or choose a quieter day.
Reviews mention regular entertainment, outings, exercise, flower arranging, games and the quality of food available within the home.
These details matter because a good care home experience is not only about meeting clinical or practical needs. It is also about helping someone retain their routines, personality and sense of connection.
That approach reflects the wider principles behind Life at Meallmore, where meaningful activity is led by the interests and preferences of the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all calendar.
Recognition for the whole St Olaf team
A score of 9.9 is not created by one department. It reflects the contribution of colleagues across nursing, care, hospitality, housekeeping, activities, administration, maintenance and leadership.
Every part of the home contributes to how residents and families experience their day, from the care provided and meals served to the welcome at the door and the condition of the environment.
Care in Nairn and the Highlands
St Olaf is located on Cawdor Road in the historic seaside town of Nairn. The 41-bedroom home provides care for older people in welcoming surroundings, with en-suite accommodation, comfortable shared spaces and secure gardens.
Residents and families come from Nairn and surrounding Highland communities, while the home also supports people looking for a short period of respite care or a longer-term move.
St Olaf is one of Meallmore's homes serving families across the Highlands and Islands, alongside homes in Inverness, Alness and elsewhere in the region.
Find out more about St Olaf
Choosing care is a personal decision, and an online score should always be treated as a starting point rather than the whole picture. Families are encouraged to visit, meet the team, see the environment and talk openly about the care and support their relative may need.
To learn more, discuss current availability or arrange a visit, explore St Olaf Care Home in Nairn.
A huge congratulations to Kath and the entire St Olaf team on achieving a 9.9 out of 10 carehome.co.uk Review Score, currently the highest among care homes in Nairn.
