Castle Dene

Throop Road, Bournemouth BH8 0DB
Submit a Review
9.5 102 Reviews
  • Castle Dene, Bournemouth
Castle Dene care home is located between Bournemouth and Christchurch. It benefits from great shopping facilities with Castle Point shopping complex near at hand. There are lots of local attractions and excellent transport links. The countryside is close to Castle Dene with access to a nature reserve. With Bournemouth’s sandy beaches and spectacular coastline just a few miles away, this area is an amazing place to live. The fantastic range of local amenities mean that there's always something for residents and visiting loved ones to enjoy.

The respected Bournemouth care home boasts plenty of spaces for residents to socialise and relax, including bright and homely living and communal areas as well as a spacious conservatory. The on-site hair salon is a favourite of residents and Castle Dene also offers a large landscaped garden, often tended to by green-fingered residents, which is a quiet, tranquil space for residents to enjoy.

The home has an Activity Lead who fills the days with interesting and enjoyable activities geared to the residents' wellbeing. But there is always the opportunity to simply relax with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Show Castle Dene on the Map

Care Provided by Castle Dene

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 50 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lana Wright (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (50)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 1997
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Castle Dene

  • 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 £1,175
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,275
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,300
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Castle Dene to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking

  • Parking available on site.


Castle Dene Reviews (102)

Total of 102, showing 1-20
9.5

Castle Dene has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.533) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Castle Dene has 102 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 74
  • 26
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

102
12
16
22
80

Review from Norma C (Wife of Resident) published on 10 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff in Castle Dene care home are wonderful. Very friendly and caring. If ever I have a worry regarding my husband someone is always there to help me. The food is great and the games they play are good.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review - We are so pleased to read how you feel about the care at Castle Dene the team take great pride in all they do and will enjoy reading this review. Thank you


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S K (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having seen the programmes today - 20 February 2025 - I felt driven to submit a review. My mother was a resident. It was with heavy hearts and guilty minds that we arranged for my Mum to go into the care at Castledene. She had dementia but was a lively, intelligent funny - sometimes awkward lady.
I cannot praise the home enough for the easy transition. As my Mum gradually lost memories she built new ones with the care and support she received. She was part of the big family there. My Mum died last year and the home were superb with my Mum and us. If you are in doubt about where your loved ones will get the best care - it is here. Do not worry they look after and love the residents and their families.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review - we are deeply sorry for your loss and send our condolences to you and your family. Thank you for your beautiful words about Castle Dene


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Julie J (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been here 10 months now and the Carers at Castle Dene have been very kind to her from day 1 helping her settle and looking after her needs very well. I have seen many acts of kindness by carers towards other residents at Castle Dene and everyone is treated as an individual.
Dementia is the
cruelest thing and the carers at Castle Dene have amazing patience, resilience and energy.
Our family are very happy with mum's placement here.
The management team are very approachable and hold regular relatives meeting to update families.
Senior care leaders are great and can problem solve most things if you ask.
The kitchen team provide nutritious meals and snacks and drinks throughout the day and make a huge effort for residents birthdays.
The effort made by all staff at Christmas was outstanding!
There are many activities, visits and trips out for everyone if they want to get involved.
So a big thank you to you all.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review. The entire home will enjoy reading this review, we will be sure to share this with them.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Joy F (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Although we were dubious about putting mum in a care home (she'd always said she'd hate it!) - she loves it here - keeping the staff amused with her humour! Staff are very caring and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. Thanks Castle Dene for your wonderful care of mum.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review. It is so heart warming to read, we will share this with the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Elizabeth R (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been with you for 3-4 months now and we, as a family, are really happy with her care at Castle Dene. Everyone is so friendly and we can visit at anytime. Mum is very happy there as well. The gardens are lovely and we are always made to feel very welcome.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review. We are so pleased your mother is happy and that you're always made to feel welcome.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Nigel B (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This has proved to be a most beautiful place for my relative to be cared for. The staff are superb with exception.
Thank you.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for review and lovely words. We will share this feedback with the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Rachel M (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad has been a resident at Castle Dene for 7 months now.
The staff have always been friendly, helpful and approachable whenever I have needed to discuss anything.
My dad's physical care whilst residing here has been excellent. He came from independent living and his physical health has greatly
improved in this time, the staff have always been very thorough and efficient in dealing with any of his needs or getting him any other medical help as needed.
My dad's mental health has also greatly improved in his time here as he gets lots of consistent positive interaction from the staff. I regularly visit at all sorts of times of day and have always witnessed staff being very kind to my dad and other residents, many times I have experienced staff providing exceptional care and kindness especially when some of the behaviours of residents with dementia can be challenging.
There is a great variety of activities and outings which are well thought out and my dad enjoys these.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your 5 star review. This review has been lovely to read and we look forward to sharing it with the team. We are so pleased to read how well your dad has settled in to Castle Dene, and that you find the care exceptional. Thank you.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Rodney M (Resident) published on 13 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I started at Castle Dene April 2024. I had badly swollen feet and legs but this soon improved, the care I received was excellent.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review. I am very pleased to hear you express that the care is excellent at Castle Dene. Thank you, we will share your feedback with the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Penelope S (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Got to say everyone is great.
There's always someone who will help to sort any problem.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review - we will share your feedback with the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lisa J (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All staff are well presented, friendly, caring and some staff excel at their job.
Mum is well looked after, happy and settled in the care home. Staff have a good understanding of how to manage mum. Always made welcome and asked to participate in activities.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review. We are so pleased your mother has settled in well at Castle Dene and that your always made to feel welcome.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D K (Son of Resident) published on 20 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

As a visit to see my mum on Monday and Tuesday 14th and 15th October 2024. To see my mum with her diabetic tablets still on her table at 16.00 both days, a cold cup of tea, no water to drink. If she is asleep, they don't wake her for a hot drink. Her room is not up to standard. To see my mum like this
is very upsetting, I am a diabetic myself I know my mum needs her medication in the morning. So please could someone sort this out.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for the review, and your feedback will help us to continue improve our service. I believe home manager has been in touch with you and looking forward to having a care review meeting with you soon.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Mandy P (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The home is warm and friendly staff. My mother has Alzheimer's and my problem is that she is not being supervised or encouraged to take her medication. She has diabetes and high blood pressure so essential she takes these. On quite a few occasions the medication is there at 11.30am and we have even
witnessed it there at 4pm a few times. Her room is not always clean and I have now taken to taking photos of the cutlery left under her bed, dirty cob-webbed window and even a towel with faeces left on a chair. We as her family are a little upset about this.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for the review, and your feedback will help us to continue improve our service. I believe home manager has been in touch with you and looking forward to having a care review meeting with you soon.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Tracy M (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our Mum is at Castle Dene and my sister and I are very happy with her there. The Manager is running it with great care and with her team they do everything they can to overcome any problems that may arise. Mum is happy there and loved by the staff. With a kind and proactive Manager, it is most definitely
5 stars.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you so much for your wonderful 5* review of Castle Dene, the team will be absolutely delighted when reading your comments. Wishing you all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D R (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 15 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Visited my Mother-in-law today and was greeted by lovely staff. Throughout my visit, the staff were caring, professional and friendly. The care in the dining room was exceptional - it was lovely seeing the staff helping the clients with their varied needs. A lovely home where I hope she can stay.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, feedback like this means so much to the team and I will be sure to share it with them all. Wishing you all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Judith B (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having spent a few hours each day for 8 consecutive days, I have seen at close hand the amazing care given at this home. Mum had been here for 4 years but has now sadly passed away. During this time I have seen the staff - cleaners, kitchen, administrators, carers, and nurses - all treat the residents
with kindness, care, and most importantly, knowledge about each one. They have created a real sense of family - a big loving family. In Mum's final days, I observed carers pop in to keep Mum comfortable. They would speak to her in a friendly tone; gently stroke her face or rub her arm and she always managed a smile for them. There was a genuine love shared between her and them. Her passing was dignified, peaceful, and full of love. This is an extraordinary home - staffed by people who do care for their residents as if they were their own family. Thank you so very much for adopting my mum to be part of your family. I feel very privileged to have seen and shared part of it.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, your comments are so wonderful to read. I am so sorry to learn of your mother's passing, wishing you and your family all the best from everyone at Care South.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Dave B (Son of Resident) published on 10 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are always helpful and polite and provide a decent level of care in what are very challenging circumstances, with all residents suffering from varying degrees of dementia. They provide activities and engage with the residents on a level appropriate to the level of awareness of the residents have
always seen staff treat residents with respect even when they are being extremely difficult.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for leaving a review, your feedback is greatly appreciated by all at Castle Dene. I will ensure your feedback is passed on to the team. Thank you again.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Judith B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you to everyone at Castle Dene for the celebration you gave my mum for her birthday. Although she is living completely in the closed world of Alzheimer's where communication is limited to odd sounds and facial expressions, the staff still wanted to organize a party alongside all the other extra
activities they organise at Christmas.
They managed to coax her into having her hair done and made her look much younger than her 100 years! This gesture just reflects what an amazing team they are and how they act as a family.
Mum was taken into hospital not long after this and again the staff were our extended family. They supported me by reassuring and comforting me on the phone until Mum was able to go home. The amazing coincidence was when she returned from the hospital she was welcomed back by the same carer who had greeted her on her arrival 4 years ago!
The warmth and care from this special team over the last 4 years has never wavered.
We are very lucky - thank you.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Your comments will mean so much to the team at Castle Dene. I am so pleased you were all able to enjoy your mum's 100th birthday - how amazing! All the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was in Queensmead/Castle Dene for approximately 22 months and during her stay, she was treated with respect, understanding and kindness.
The staff were caring and nothing was too much trouble.
Unfortunately, my mother passed away in November in hospital and was visited by a member of staff
from Castle Dene, which myself and my family appreciated.
On the day of my mother's funeral, some of the staff attended along with a resident to show their final respects which was so kind and thoughtful.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I am so sorry to learn of your mothers passing, wishing you and your family all the best.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P D (Friend of Resident) published on 10 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thanks to staff and manager. I enjoyed my visit to Castle Dene to visit my friend. I was made very welcome by the friendly staff, and everything looked super!
The atmosphere was bright, cheerful and very positive.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your wonderful five-star review. I am so pleased to read your comments and wish you all the best for the future.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so pleased with my mum's care, Castle Dene Care Home is homely and all the staff go above and beyond to make my mum comfortable and happy. She is well looked after and eating and drinking better. She has a lovely room and staff make a real effort to get to know the family of residents as well,
even asking after my own health now the stress of caring for Mum has been taken off me. Thank you!

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

I am delighted to know that your mother has settled into life at Castle Dene so well, thank you for taking the time to leave a review.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.533)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.533) out of 10 for Castle Dene is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 22 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 4.533 for Castle Dene is calculated as follows: ( (177 Excellents x 5) + (58 Goods x 4) + (16 Satisfactorys x 3) + (8 Poors x 2) + (2 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 261 Ratings = 4.533

  • 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 Castle Dene 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 50 registered maximum number of service users is 10, 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: 19 Sep 2024

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • 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 (9)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (1)

Lana

Lana Wright

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

“Prior to joining Care South, I worked in a residential care home for 14 years where I started as a Care Assistant and progressed to Manager of the Dementia Community. I have a number of formal qualifications, such as an NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social care and in 2021, in my previous role, I won Manager of the Year at our annual awards.


My Mum was a Community Carer and gave me the push that I needed to go into the care industry, I have never looked back and love working in such a rewarding industry because every day is different. I get to meet people who all have different stories to tell, and I love making a difference in people’s lives and making sure that high-quality care is delivered daily.


I am extremely excited for the future of Castle Dene and very proud to be the Registered Manager of such a wonderful home.”


Frequently Asked Questions about Castle Dene

What types of Care is Castle Dene registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Respite Care are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Castle Dene provide?

Palliative Care & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Castle Dene have?

There are 50 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Castle Dene?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access & Gardens are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Castle Dene to the centre of Bournemouth?

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