Maiden Castle House

12/14 Gloucester Road, Dorchester DT1 2NJ
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9.8 61 Reviews
  • Maiden Castle House, Dorchester
Maiden Castle House is a welcoming, purpose-built residential and dementia care home in the heart of Dorset's county town. The home's experienced and well-trained team provides compassion care for those who can longer live independently, whether that is someone who is physically frail or those suffering from dementia.

Maiden Castle House has 66 bedrooms split into two wings to ensure a home atmosphere. All rooms feature state-of-the-art ensuite facilities. There are plenty of communal areas including lounges, a quiet room and outside courtyards where residents can relax or socialise as they wish.

All residents can enjoy a wide variety of activities and entertainment in and around the home, plus outings in the Care South minibus to local landmarks and attractions.

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Care Provided by Maiden Castle House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 66 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Ashley Smith (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (66)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (66)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Maiden Castle House

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,365
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,605
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,490
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Maiden Castle House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Maiden Castle House Reviews (61)

Total of 61, showing 1-20
9.8

Maiden Castle House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.831) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Maiden Castle House has 61 reviews.

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Review from T B (Husband of Resident) published on 25 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife came into the home as an emergency admission after she refused to return home. Her dementia leads to very challenging behaviour but all of the staff have given 100% to help her settle in. It is very apparent that the staff are a team who all work for each other to provide the best possible care.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your review. We are really pleased to hear how the team are supporting you and your wife and will share this feedback with them.


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Review from L C (Great-granddaughter of Resident) published on 11 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful respite for my great-grandad. Attention to detail from the care staff was second to none and I was really impressed with the activities that were on offer.
The team were easy to communicate with, especially the manager who was professional yet personal and nothing was too much trouble.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for this 5 star review, we will share this with the home. We are so pleased to hear your great-grandad enjoyed his respite stay.


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Review from R C (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad, who had Alzheimer's, was at Maiden Castle House for a few months and spent his last days there. The care provided was excellent, and staff were consistently kind and respectful towards residents.
I was especially touched in the last few days and at the end when, not only was my dad cared for,
but so was I. I was made comfortable in his room so that I could stay with him and encouraged to make myself at home and help myself to what I needed. Everyone was incredibly kind and made the last few days as peaceful and comfortable as possible for both my dad and myself.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

We are all deeply sorry for your loss and send our condolences to you and your family. We will share your heartfelt comments with the team.


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Review from Richard C (Son of Resident) published on 16 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Thank you so much for the care and attention given to my late mother during her stay in Maiden House House. She quickly settled in and was made very welcome by all concerned. The staff were friendly and very helpful - nothing was too much trouble. Plenty of humour as well.
The chef would visit Mum
and ask what type of food she liked and would prepare accordingly. The home was modern, clean and warm and Mum especially enjoyed breakfast in her room with the morning sun beaming in.
Visiting hours were very flexible and refreshingly not too many restrictions were in place. She had her own belongings with her pictures mounted on the walls of her room. Wifi was good - important for a 99-year-old who liked her tablet!
Thank you again to the managers and staff for their very professional care.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. I am so pleased that your late mother was so well cared for at Maiden Castle House, feedback like this means so much to the team. Wishing you all the best for the future.


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Review from Simon I (Son of Resident) published on 25 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On a fundamental level, Maiden Castle House has provided my 94-year-old mother, who has dementia with Alzheimer's, with a comfy, friendly and secure environment in which to live since she arrived 3 months or so ago. But much more than that, they provide support and encouragement with genuine care and
professionalism. Meals and regular activities are very good indeed and provide Mother with very welcome social interaction and stimulation. All the staff are very friendly and kind, and the communal rooms and facilities are spotless, bright and airy. In fact, Mother herself has said what lovely rooms and lounges they are, and she clearly enjoys being there, even though she no longer remembers where 'home' itself is. The home has made life so much better for Mother, and we can feel secure that she is being looked after brilliantly.
Thank you to all at Maiden Castle House.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you so much for your fantastic review of Maiden Castle, feedback like this means so much to the team. I am delighted to read how well your mum is cared for at Maiden Castle and will of course share your comments with the team. All the best.


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Review from Sue W (Wife of Resident) published on 24 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and staff have been very helpful in trying to meet my husband's needs. My husband really likes the staff, who are caring and considerate. There is a wide selection of meals which he likes. The home is bright and cheerful and very pleasant. I would highly recommend this home.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your kind words, the team at Maiden Castle will be thrilled to read your comments. Wishing you all the best.


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Review from Maria G (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum had 2 weeks respite to get her back on her feet after a stay in hospital. She is now well rested and able to come home after the best care from excellent staff. They couldn't have done enough for her and would highly recommend it to anyone. I'd like to mention a couple of staff members in particular
who went above and beyond. Many thanks to you all and keep up the good work!

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

I am so pleased to read your review, how wonderful that your mum is back on her feet and fully recovered. Wishing you and her all the very best for the future.


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Review from Nick D (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was in palliative care at Maiden Castle House for a month. I have nothing but praise for the care, respect and consideration he received, and for the efforts the staff made to make his last days comfortable and dignified. At the same time, they were very attentive to the family and their emotional
needs. Visiting hours were flexible and we were able to spend precious moments with him.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I am sorry to learn of your father's passing. Your feedback will mean so much to all of the team at Maiden Castle.


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Review from Elizabeth L (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for 8 weeks of respite care, following my father's heart attack as he was her main carer and respite care was required as he was unable to look after her. She received excellent care from all members of staff, who encouraged her to participate in activities and to eat proper
meals (originally was only having soup and complan 3 times a day). She was well looked after.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave Maiden Castle House a review, it's much appreciated. I am delighted that your mother enjoyed her stay with us, we hope to welcome her back in the future. All the best.


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Review from Sue W (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum has been residing at Maiden Castle for just over 3 years. The care she has received has been exemplary and all other residents look very happy.
Sadly Mum died in November, but we could not fault how we were supported by all the staff the day we were all there to be with Mum. They made sure
we had somewhere to be together and checked on us regularly, as we couldn't all be in Mum's room at the same time.
All the staff take pride in the job they do and are always cheerful.
Thank you.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you so much for your wonderful 5 star review. I am so sorry to learn of your mother's passing, receiving feedback such as the above will mean so much to the team at Maiden Castle. Wishing you all the very best.


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Review from S W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident for 8 months, she has received excellent care from everyone the whole time she has been here. The carers and staff are all very patient and kind. They do a lot with all the residents and try to include everyone. Mum is well looked after.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review. The team will be absolutely delighted with your comments, thank you and Merry Christmas.


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Review from Amanda D (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum loves being here. She is so well cared for, and all the staff are always very kind and cheerful. Mum can be anxious, but this does not seem to be a problem now with residents and staff around to chat with and help her.
Mum loves taking part in a huge variety of activities, particularly enjoying
meeting the donkeys, owls and alpacas. My brother and I are so grateful for everyone involved in making Mum feel so cared for and at home.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your wonderful five-star review. It's so lovely reading your comments, and I will be sure to pass them on to the team at Maiden Castle.
Merry Christmas.


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Review from Liz D (Friend of Resident) published on 4 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Today, visited a resident with her husband on their 65th wedding anniversary. It was wonderful; we had a very unexpected lunch set up for us. The activities organiser had taken the resident shopping for a gift and card for her husband.
It was a very special time for them, although the residents had
no idea of the occasion.
Just so many, many thanks for helping her husband cope with a difficult day.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I am so pleased the team created a special memory for you all. Wishing you all the best.


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Review from Sharon C (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident for eighteen months, settled in well, happy with the environment, staff are helpful, lots of care and activities to assist with her dementia.
Own room for relaxing but uses communal day room for meals and company.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your five-star review, it means so much to the team to read feedback like this. I will be sure to pass it on to the team.


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Review from G B (Husband of Resident) published on 24 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I observe this as a well-regulated home that seeks to provide both the support and interests that stimulate residents and are relative to age and social background.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It's so pleasing to see you rated the overall experience at Maiden Castle House as 5 star. I will pass on your lovely comments to the team. All the best.


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Review from Barry W (Husband of Resident) published on 24 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has been a resident for over two and a half years, all this time I have found both the home and staff excellent. Every single one is most helpful to both residents and my frequent visits. I would certainly recommend this home to everyone.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your excellent feedback, I am delighted that you would recommend Maiden Castle House. Wishing you all the best.


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Review from B P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Friendly and welcoming, good communication and lots of nice activities.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Maiden Castle House. I am so pleased to read your comments, and I wish you all the best.


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Review from Ed G (Son of Resident) published on 22 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As always Mum is being very well looked after. Thank you for your continued support.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your 5 star review, the team at Maiden Castle House will be delighted. Wishing you all the best.


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Review from Gaynor T (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum wasn't managing well at home and it was finally decided she needed full time care. Oh my what a change to her there has been. At home she had become miserable, nothing was ever right anymore; she was very lonely. Within a few days of being in the home she became a different person. She loves
all the staff, says how kind and caring they all are, and she joins in with the activities which she enjoys very much. My Mum has now gone back to how she used to be years ago. She is happy and so am I. I can't thank all the staff enough for what they do. Everyone is always so smiley, it's like they all love the job they do and what a difference to the atmosphere that makes. I love going to visit her now whereas before I never knew what I might be faced with next. It has certainly made my life a whole lot easier and I am so delighted my Mum is so happy. Well done to the manager and the whole team. They have all been amazing.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I am so pleased to read your feedback. All the best!


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Review from Dee W (Friend of Resident) published on 10 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful home, the environment is lovely, very welcoming and clean. The whole team from the very top are wonderful the home manager was extremely supportive and met with me several times whilst transitioning to my partner moving to care. The activities were wonderful. I won’t stop recommending
this home to friends

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for leaving a review, I'm so pleased you would recommend us, wishing you all the best.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.831)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.831) out of 10 for Maiden Castle House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 20 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.831 for Maiden Castle House is calculated as follows: ( (199 Excellents x 5) + (36 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 237 Ratings = 4.831

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Maiden Castle House is based on 20 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 66 registered maximum number of service users is 13.2, which has been reached with 20 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 11 Jun 2021

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Requires improvement

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (7)

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Meet the Team (1)

Ashley

Ashley Smith

Job Title: Home Manager

“Prior to joining Care South, I was a painter and decorator but have now been in the care industry for ten years. I started at Maiden Castle House as a Care Assistant and gradually gained regular promotions to now being appointed as the Home Manager.


There is nothing better than seeing happy residents, and the memories and friendships you make with them. Every day I look forward to the challenges the day may bring, I have worked here for a third of my life so I am particularly passionate about the home continuing to be as successful as possible.


I am a proud dad to my twins, Archie and Myla. I love my free weekends adventuring with them and my partner, Leah. I enjoy running, most sports and spending time with my extended family. I am a positive person who is always looking forward to the future and all the exciting journeys you can embark on.”


Frequently Asked Questions about Maiden Castle House

What types of Care is Maiden Castle House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Physical Disability, Sensory Impairment & Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Maiden Castle House provide?

Own GP if required is an additional type of care provided.

How many Rooms does Maiden Castle House have?

There are 66 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Maiden Castle House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Maiden Castle House to the centre of Dorchester?

0.7 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.