Wednesday March 4th 2026
St. Ronan's Care Home, Innerleithen
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
An Innerleithen residential care complex is “like a second home” to its residents, inspectors were told on a recent unannounced visit.
Two representatives of the Care Inspectorate paid a visit to Scottish Borders Council-run St. Ronan’s Care Home on February 10 and 11.
The home provides residential and short-term respite care for up to 25 older people.
Accommodation is all on the one level with four units – Leepen, Caddon, Caerlee and Plora – based around a larger communal area known as Bon Accord.
Key findings were that people experienced very good care and positive outcomes.
Staff were caring, committed and knew people well and health monitoring was effective with good clinical links.
Care planning was good and was becoming more person-centred.
Leadership demonstrated strengths, “though more consistent oversight would have strengthened outcomes”.
It was found that the environment was “generally very welcoming” however further investment was needed within some areas around the home to bring it to the standard expected of a high-quality setting.
The home was rated ‘very good’ for people’s well-being and ‘good’ on leadership and its setting.
The report states: “During the inspection, it was clear people experiencing care benefited from warm and compassionate interactions with staff.
“Staff showed a good understanding of each person’s needs and preferences, providing support in a manner which was both considerate and attentive.
“Interactions were calm and unhurried, enabling individuals to receive care at a pace which felt comfortable and reassuring.
“These approaches demonstrated a solid commitment to person-centred practice and had a positive impact on the well-being and overall experience of those being supported.
“This emphasis on respectful care was affirmed during our conversations with people and their family members.
“We heard, ‘…this couldn’t be any better, like a second home, not home from home but the next best thing’.
“A family member spoke about feeling reassured by staff knowledge of their loved one’s care needs; ‘It’s a huge boost for us knowing (they) are here’.”
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