About Smiddybrae House
Smiddybrae House is a care home for older people located in Orkney, operated by Orkney Islands Council. With 32 beds, the home provides residential care for older adults across the Orkney Islands area. At its most recent Care Inspectorate inspection in April 2025, Smiddybrae House achieved an average grade of Very Good, scoring 4.6 out of 6 on the regulator's quality scale, reflecting a strong standard of care and service delivery.
The home specialises in supporting older people living with dementia, as well as those with frailty-related needs. This makes Smiddybrae House a suitable option for families seeking dedicated, person-centred care for loved ones who require specialist support in these areas.
As a council-run facility serving the Orkney Islands community, Smiddybrae House offers local families the reassurance of a well-regarded home with a proven track record of quality care in this island setting.
Care Inspectorate Grades
Care homes in Scotland are graded on a 6-point scale (1-6) across five key questions. Grades range from Unsatisfactory (1) to Excellent (6).
Care & Support Provided
Location
Vetquoy Road, Dounby, Orkney, KW17 2HH
5 Questions to Ask on Your Visit
When visiting Smiddybrae House, consider asking...
- 1.What happens if my relative's care needs increase significantly -- will they have to move?
- 2.How do you handle concerns or complaints from families?
- 3.What does the monthly fee cover and what will cost extra?
- 4.How do you keep families informed about their relative's day-to-day wellbeing?
- 5.What happens if my relative is unhappy here?
5 Things to Look For on Your Visit
When you visit Smiddybrae House, look out for...
- 1.Do staff greet residents by name and stop to chat?
- 2.Are residents dressed, up and occupied, or sitting alone in front of a TV?
- 3.Does the home smell fresh and feel clean without being clinical?
- 4.Do residents look comfortable and at ease, or anxious and withdrawn?
- 5.Does the manager answer your questions openly or deflect?
Helpful Guides
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