St Olaf
care home

Choosing a care home is an important decision, and at St Olaf we want residents and families to feel listened to, supported and reassured from their first conversation with us.

St Olaf Care Home is located in the historic seaside town of Nairn, within the Scottish Highlands. Our 41-bed home provides personalised nursing care, specialist dementia care and short-stay respite care in comfortable and welcoming surroundings.

Our colleagues take time to understand each resident as an individual. This includes their health and care needs, preferred routines, communication, relationships, interests, personal history and the things that help them feel safe and comfortable.

Care plans are developed around the resident and reviewed as their needs or circumstances change. Families are encouraged to share their knowledge and remain involved where appropriate, helping us provide care with greater continuity and understanding.

Residents have access to fully furnished en-suite bedrooms, six spacious lounge and dining areas, an on-site hair and beauty salon and secure landscaped gardens. Selected suites also include a small kitchenette and dining facilities.

Daily life at St Olaf is shaped around personal choice, with residents free to take part in activities, continue familiar hobbies, spend time with others, enjoy the gardens, welcome visitors or choose a quieter day. Read more about life at Meallmore.

Personalised nursing care in Nairn

St Olaf provides 24-hour nursing care for residents whose health needs require ongoing support from qualified nurses.

Care is personalised around each resident's health, medication, mobility, communication preferences, routines and overall wellbeing. The home can support people with a range of needs, including residents affected by strokes or Parkinson's disease, subject to an individual assessment.

Modern care technology helps support residents' safety, comfort and mobility while allowing people to retain as much independence as possible.

St Olaf also works with local healthcare services and has access to allied health professionals, including physiotherapists and podiatrists, where appropriate.

The aim is to provide dependable nursing care within an environment that remains relaxed, comfortable and genuinely homely.

Specialist dementia care with understanding

St Olaf provides specialist care for people living with dementia within a dedicated and supportive environment.

Our colleagues take time to understand each resident beyond their diagnosis. Learning about the person's life story, relationships, routines, communication preferences and interests helps care feel familiar, meaningful and reassuring.

Compassionate communication, consistency and purposeful engagement can help residents feel more comfortable and connected.

Families can provide valuable insight into the memories, routines and relationships that matter most to the resident and are encouraged to remain involved where appropriate.

Care is continually reviewed so that support can adapt while protecting dignity, comfort and individual choice.

Respite care and short stays

St Olaf offers respite and short-stay care for people who need temporary support.

A respite stay may be helpful following illness, while a family carer takes a break or when someone would like to experience life at St Olaf before considering a longer-term move.

Care during a short stay is personalised around the resident's health needs, routines, abilities and preferences.

Residents staying for respite care can enjoy the home's meals, activities, communal areas, salon and landscaped gardens.

Availability and suitability should always be discussed directly with the home before arrangements are confirmed.

En-suite bedrooms and selected suites

St Olaf offers 41 fully furnished en-suite bedrooms designed to give residents privacy, comfort and personal space.

Residents are encouraged to bring suitable photographs, decorations and familiar belongings to help their bedroom feel individual and recognisable.

Selected rooms are larger suites and include a small kitchenette and dining facilities. These features are available in selected accommodation rather than standard across every bedroom.

A private bedroom gives residents somewhere to rest, welcome visitors or enjoy quieter time away from the communal areas.

Individual room requirements, suite availability and accommodation preferences should always be discussed directly with St Olaf.

Six lounge and dining areas

St Olaf has six spacious lounge and dining areas, giving residents a choice of comfortable places in which to spend their day.

These spaces provide opportunities to enjoy meals, socialise with other residents, take part in an activity or spend time with visiting family and friends.

Residents who prefer quieter time can relax in their bedroom or another peaceful area of the home.

The choice of communal spaces allows daily life to feel more flexible, helping residents follow routines and dining preferences that suit them.

Activities, hobbies and meaningful daily life

Meaningful activity is an important part of life at St Olaf, but participation is always guided by the resident's preferences.

The Activities Coordinator arranges opportunities that help residents continue familiar hobbies, enjoy social interaction and discover appropriate new interests.

Activities reflect residents' abilities, routines and past experiences rather than following a one-size-fits-all programme.

For some residents, a meaningful day may include a group activity or time with friends. For others, it may involve a personal hobby, a quiet conversation, time outdoors or relaxing with family.

The focus is not simply on keeping people busy. It is about creating enjoyable experiences that support confidence, connection and wellbeing.

Freshly prepared meals and sociable dining

Nutritious and enjoyable food is an important part of residents' health, comfort and daily routine.

Meals are prepared by the home's catering colleagues and take account of individual dietary requirements, preferences and care needs.

The six lounge and dining areas give residents a choice of comfortable places in which to enjoy their meals.

Mealtimes can provide valuable opportunities for conversation and companionship, while residents who prefer a quieter dining experience are also supported.

Accessible gardens and outdoor wellbeing

St Olaf has secure landscaped gardens where residents can enjoy fresh air and time outdoors.

The gardens are easily accessible and provide attractive places to sit, relax, spend time with visitors or enjoy the changing seasons.

Residents who are interested in gardening can also take part in suitable activities according to their preferences, mobility and individual support needs.

The home's location in the seaside town of Nairn also helps residents remain connected to familiar Highland surroundings and the wider local community.