Nestled in the charming village of Alness amidst the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, Redwoods is a custom-built care home, tucked within the walled garden of…
DementiaRespiteNursing
Care homes in Alness
Alness is a small, quiet Highland town with straightforward access to local services and one well-rated care home. It suits families looking for a calm, close-knit setting and those with strong ties to the Scottish Highlands.
Living in Alness
Green SpacesC
Limited — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Daily ConveniencesC
Limited — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
Care homes in Alness on the map
- Not rated
Care homes (1)
updated August 2026
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What care costs in Alness
Dementia (avg)
£1,458/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,458/week
Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.
House prices in Highland
The average house price in Highland is £221,000, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.
Average price by property type
- All property types
- £221,000
- Detached
- £344,964
- Semi-detached
- £211,204
- Terraced
- £170,564
- Flats & maisonettes
- £125,145
Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.
Types of care in Alness
Nursing homes
1 in AlnessNursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.
Dementia care homes
1 in AlnessSpecialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.
Respite care
1 in AlnessRespite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.
Is Alness a good retirement location?
Alness offers a peaceful retirement in a tight-knit Highland community. The single care home listed here is rated very good by the CQC, and everyday services—shops, restaurants and cafes—are within easy reach. It's a good choice if you value a slower pace, close family connections locally, and straightforward access to care; less suitable if you need a wide choice of homes or live far from the area.
Health & support
- Medical access: Alness has GP services; Raigmore Hospital in Inverness provides emergency and specialist care, reachable by road within reasonable distance.
- Safety: Recorded crime in the Highlands is below the Scottish average, making it a safer-than-average option by that measure.
- Family & connection: Consider whether your family and support networks are nearby—isolation can be harder to manage in a small, rural setting if you're far from loved ones.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Care-home fees in the Highlands are broadly at or below the Scottish average; Alness itself does not stand out as expensive by regional standards.
- Transport: Alness has bus links to Inverness and other nearby settlements; rail access is available in nearby Dingwall. The town is car-dependent for some outings but walkable for essentials.
- Housing options: One care home is listed here, with capacity of around 42 beds; choice of providers is limited to that single option.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: One public park is available locally; the wider Highlands offer walks and natural spaces. Community clubs and activities exist but are smaller-scale than in larger towns.
- Community: Social groups and befriending services operate in the area; the close community can offer genuine connection or feel small, depending on your preferences.
- Climate: The Scottish Highlands have a cool, wet climate with shorter daylight hours in winter; be prepared for regular rain and wind.
Things to weigh up
- Limited care-home choice: Only one care home is listed here, so your option is effectively fixed to a single provider and home.
- Rural isolation: Alness is small and quiet; if you rely on frequent hospital visits, specialist services or a wide choice of shops and restaurants, the distance to Inverness and limited local provision may feel limiting.
- Distance from family: If your support network is south of the Highlands, travel time and cost to visit may add up; weigh this carefully before committing.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Alness?
There are 1 care homes listed in and around Alness on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Alness cost?
Care homes in Alness range from around £1,458 per week, with averages of £1,458 for dementia, £1,458 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
Which care homes in Alness are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
0 of the 1 care homes in and around Alness are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Alness?
Homes in and around Alness offer dementia (1), nursing (1), respite (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Alness offer dementia care?
1 care home in and around Alness offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Alness offer respite care?
Yes — 1 care home in and around Alness offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
Can I get council funding for care in Alness?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Highland Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Alness?
A care home's weekly fee in Alness usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Alness may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Alness?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Alness?
Start by shortlisting homes in Alness by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Alness?
Care homes in Alness are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in Highland?
If you're widening your search beyond Alness, nearby areas with care homes include Invergordon. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Talk to a Alness care expert.
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