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 41-60
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 Katie F (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Moving mum to Maiden Castle was the best move we as a family ever made. I find the environment and atmosphere there wonderful. The manager knows that I have had some bad experiences with mum in other care settings and has taken all those worries and anxieties away. She makes it her business to call
me to keep me updated on mums health and arranges so many calls for me with mum. Nothing appears too much. I’m constantly in the know. Mum is so happy there and really feels at home. The staff are exemplary and the last year I’ve noticed that there’s an even bigger emphasis on more meaningful activities. Mum's overall mental health is so much better. The devotion is a rare find in any care setting and I feel so lucky. It’s the first time in four years that I’ve been able to sleep with the knowledge she is being well looked after and safe. I simply cannot thank this wonderful home enough from the fantastic management, carers, kitchen. Eternally grateful.

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Review from P C (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Despite current restrictions, the staff have gone above and beyond to keep me and Mum connected with regular visits and video calls. The staff are always very friendly and professional. Mum is very happy here.

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Review from H P (Resident) published on 2 November 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff always very helpful. More than enough food. Very happy reading my books.

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Review from Joanna A (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has recently moved in, and the whole experience and care have been very good. Every member of staff we have spoken to has been very caring and respectful to us as a family and to our mum. They seem to cater for mums needs well, and we see a great difference in her since moving in.

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Review from S B (Friend of Resident) published on 25 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My friends seem very happy at Maiden Castle House. They are well cared for by the lovely members of staff.

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Review from Marion D (Regular Volunteer) published on 29 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Social distancing was in place for a visit outside under canopy around a table. Sanitiser at the table and in the entrance at registration. Staff member very kind and respectful to the resident who was new to the environment. Timed appointment available and adhered to. Well kept outdoor space, table,
and chairs cleaned for the next visitor. I was made welcome and encouraged to visit again, which I will do. Thank you.

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Review from Carolyn H (Wife of Resident) published on 8 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care was good and the place was kept very clean and the staff were kind and helpful. Far too many things disappeared from my husband's room, especially high-quality clothes, shoes etc, never to be found. My only real criticism is that my husband never had anything to do. Mostly he just stood in
his room looking through his drawers. I appreciate that keeping morale high by keeping patients occupied requires staff to supervise, but he was very unhappy due to the feeling of uselessness and aimlessness. Occupation is important.

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Review from Marcella D (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very impressed with the home and it always smells nice and clean. I am always greeted by the lady on the front desk who is welcoming and friendly and always helps with any questions I have. The care staff are also excellent and always very helpful - nothing is ever too much for them. Mum has blossomed
since arriving at Maiden Castle. I do not visit very often as I live overseas, but she seems very happy and well cared for, even with her dementia. I can't thank you all enough.

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Review from Debbie V (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad moved into Maiden Castle House in January 2018. When you arrive you have a welcoming smile from all staff who let you in. Staff are cheerful, willing, caring, courteous and always friendly when you visit. When visiting the care shown to residents is exceptional. COmpassion, dignity and a lot of
patience is given. Maiden Castle House is a wonderful care home. It is bright, homely and clean. Recently themed areas have been put in place alongside pictures and wall art to give more stimulation. The food is of a high standard with choices each day and is varied and plentiful.
Beverages are there on tap if required.
There are daily activities for anyone who wants to join in.
I am more than happy with everything at the home and the running of it. I can go home knowing htat Dad is being cared for 24/7.

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Review from Alan C (Son of Resident) published on 14 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall care is of satisfactory standards, sometimes the lack of staff is a problem at Sunday tea time. The choice could be improved but overall it's good.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your review, your feedback is very important to us. In respect of the comments you have raised regarding Sunday tea time and food choice, I will review these with the Home Manager on my next visit to the Home.


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Review from J S (Wife of Resident) published on 14 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The home has seen many improvements since the arrival of the new manager at the end of last year. I am still of the view that there are times when staffing is inadequate but that this could probably be solved by a timetable review. I still feel that cleanliness in the kitchen area is poor. There is
a lack of tabards for residents at mealtimes and the paper towels dispenser is often empty for long periods. There is a shortage of cups/mugs in the kitchen despite me putting at least half a dozen in the cupboard over the last few weeks - they just disappear. The waste bin in the kitchen area is often full/overflowing. Perhaps a carer could be made responsible for this area? The provision of incontinence pads problem is still a bit hit and miss but staff have tried to resolve this issue. Most of these things have been raised at resident/relatives meetings and are probably still on the manager's to-do list.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your review. Your feedback is very important to us, the points you have raised will be discussed with the Home Manager and actions reviewed on my next visit to the Home.


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Review from David R (Son of Resident) published on 8 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is happy there and she is well looked after, the staff are cheerful and helpful. It is a new building and well maintained. It does not smell like some care homes.

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Review from Caroline W (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved into Maiden Castle House in January from a previous care home where sadly she was unsettled and unhappy and they could not 'meet her needs'.
Today my mum is happy and settled in a beautiful, bright, happy and caring home, we are so grateful to all the staff for the care they give Mum.

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Review from Tony M (Son of Resident) published on 26 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We have been really impressed with the standard of care and attention shown to my father since he moved into Maiden Castle House in November. Dad loves the range of activities, the food is excellent and he is delighted there are Church services for him to attend. The staff are caring and courteous and
are always friendly to visitors. Excellent work.

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Review from Peter P (Husband of Resident) published on 26 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff have a wonderful person-centred attitude. They treat everyone as individuals, with kindness, respect and the required dignity that we all desire! The communication and feedback they give are relevant, up to date and given without prompting. The staff do everything to make my wife comfortable,
attend to all of her needs and encourage or take any opportunity to make sure that her dietary needs are given. In all I feel contented when I go home, knowing that she is being cared for with kindness and embraced for all that she is.

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Review from S G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Maiden Castle Care Home is a very welcoming place. There is always someone to greet you and make you feel welcome. No matter how busy they are they are never too busy to say 'hello'. The care shown to the residents is exception, kindness, compassion, dignity and patience are evident whenever I visit
along with laughter and caring.
Maiden Castle House is a wonderful care home, the staff are amazing - dedicated and thoughtful and making all the residents feel important and special. It's a great place to spend the last years of your life, knowing that you will be cared for and loved.

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Review from Anthony A (Nephew of Resident) published on 8 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The welcome from all the staff, the care being shown and given to my aunt and the food choice and quality are all excellent.

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Review from Joan A (Sister of Resident) published on 31 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister is a resident in the Maiden Castle Care Home and on my visits I am very impressed with everything at the home. The warm welcome, which is received is lovely, all staff are very friendly and helpful, all residents happy and cheerful, activities are there for those who wish to join in. The food
is excellent, beautifully cooked and presented very nicely.
I am more than happy with everything at the home and the running of it.

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Review from Jane S (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has resided in Maiden Castle House for eighteen months. I can not fault it. The staff are all so kind and caring, and are genuinely fond of the residents. There are so many activities arranged. The decor is superb. Food is of a high standard, varied and plentiful. The cleanliness is excellent. We
are thrilled that Mum is in such a happy care home and we highly recommend it.

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Review from Richard B (Son of Resident) published on 25 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our family member has resided here since 2014 and her dementia and physical capabilities have got considerably worse but her care and many carers are excellent and there's nothing that is too much trouble. The carers genuinely seem to care even when some residents are very challenging. Keep up the good
work.

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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.

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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.”