Dorset House

Coles Avenue, Hamworthy, Poole BH15 4HL
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9.8 79 Reviews
  • Dorset House, Poole
Dorset House is a safe and homely residential and dementia care home in the heart of the Hamworthy community in Poole.

Dorset house has 48 single bedrooms and two double bedrooms plus plenty of communal areas where residents can socialise or relax, including six lounges and a lovely, large, secure garden.

The experienced and well-trained team at Dorset House provides compassion care for those who can longer live independently, helping people who are physically frail or those living with dementia.

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 Dorset 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 52 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Tracy Jennings (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (48)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (3)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

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

Facilities

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

Dorset House Reviews (79)

Total of 79, showing 1-20
9.8

Dorset House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.758) out of 10, based on 36 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dorset House has 79 reviews.

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Review from E L (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I went to visit Dorset House for the first time after visiting other care homes and was shown around it just felt perfect. The staff, grounds, rooms and facilities. The residents looked so at home, relaxed, happy and well cared for. So impressed. I decided to move my mum here. The home was very
quick in responding. They visited my mum in hospital and went through her wish list. Her room was really lovely with a garden view. The staff were so friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. Sadly my mum passed away the next day as she had been very poorly in hospital and was on the end of life path. She had a beautiful smile on her face, looking at a beautiful garden view. The staff were exceptional in the way they dealt with the situation and the family were treated with such love and kindness. My mum said on arrival at Dorset House that she wished she had come here a year earlier as she loved it and immediately felt at home.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Dorset House

Thank you so much for sharing such a touching and heartfelt message. We are deeply sorry for your loss and truly honoured to have been there for your mum and your family. It means so much to us to know she felt at home and at peace. Your kind words about our team and the home are sincerely appreciated.


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Review from Tracy P (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It was Mum's last wish not to pass in a hospital so we looked for a rest home where she would be comfortable and well looked after. After several viewings and recommendations, we viewed Dorset House. From the moment we walked through the door, my sister and I were bound over by their Care Manager's
warmth and the care and attention all the staff gave the residents, and the atmosphere encouraged, the residents all looked happy and content.
The Care Manager listened to all Mum's wishes and took care of all the arrangements for a smooth arrival from hospital into the care of Dorset House.
Unfortunately, her stay was all too short and one of the last things she said was she wished she had stayed sooner as she was so happy, content and well looked after.
I would have no reservations recommending Dorset House to anyone thinking of respite or long-term care for any of their loved ones, thank you all so much for making Mum's passing so peaceful.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your beautiful and heartfelt words. We're truly honoured to have been part of your mum's final journey and to know she felt happy, content, and at peace during her time with us. Your kind feedback means a great deal to the whole team at Dorset House.


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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the care provided to my mother by the home. I am informed and kept up to date with everything regarding the care of my mother. It is a lovely home and gardens, with plenty of recreational activities to keep the residents happy and occupied. The staff are very caring towards the
residents.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank for you for your review we are so pleased your happy with Dorset House. We will share this feedback with the team.


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Review from H Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always been received with a lovely welcome when visiting my mum. The care my mum receives is excellent I never have any course for concern knowing when I go home she is safe and secure. The food always looks very appetising and plenty of it. The home is always clean and tidy and most of all never
has any offensive smells. Though my mum doesn't always get involved with the activities the ones she does she really enjoys especially when the little children from muddy boots come to see them and the animals. All in all cannot fault Dorset house.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank for you this lovely review, we are so pleased to read that your mum receives excellent care at Dorset House. We will share this review with the team.


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Review from Stuart F (Friend of Resident) published on 3 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I had a great day seeing a dear old family friend and happy he is in such good hands at the care home.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your review, we will share your lovely comments with the team.


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Review from Wendy P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum has settled in very well. She is always saying that nothing is too much trouble for the staff and they are all lovely. The activity program is brilliant,
she enjoys the singers and loved the wreath making session the other day.
Thank you for helping my mum feel safe and more relaxed than she
has been for a long time. As a daughter I would like to say how impressed I am with the care and support I have also been given when needing advice/support about my mother's care. Several members of staff have shown such empathy and taken the time out of their busy day to reassure me when I am in need of help. I feel that if I needed help there would always be an open door, with a warm welcome and a listening ear. I love it when staff smile, say hello and ask how I am too. Well done and thank you all of you.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your lovely review. I am so pleased your mother feels safe and relaxed. We will share this feedback with the team.


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Review from Teresa B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We spent a lovely few hours at Dorset House for their Christmas Fayre. We had such a wonderful time. The house was decorated so beautifully for Christmas, the staff were very friendly and helpful. We went in to the dining room where there was a tombola and we were served drinks and a mince pie. They
even had a wonderful singer who was singing Christmas songs. I had such a lovely time and it was so nice to see my Nan enjoying herself as well.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the Christmas Fayre at the home.


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Review from R D (Grandson of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good standard of care, great staff and management, great atmosphere and Christmas party. Very clean and a newly decorated dining room makes for an all-round cheer up. Friendly residents too!

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your 5* review. I am really pleased you enjoyed the home's Christmas party and that you like the newly decorated dining room. We will share your feedback with the team.


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Review from L M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is a lovely care home with very welcoming friendly staff, and a lovely atmosphere. They care for my nan really well and nothing is too much trouble. Always have lots of activities on and lots to do. I would recommend Dorset House to anyone.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your 5* review. It will be a pleasure sharing this with the team.


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Review from Theresa D (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Grandad has been at Dorset house since May 2024 and has settled so well.
He loves all the activities on offer and has made great friends with the other residents and the staff. The staff are all very welcoming and support us fully with grandad's care.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your 5* review. The team take great pride in all they do.


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Review from Kenneth P (Son of Resident) published on 4 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been living very happily at Dorset House for almost a year. Every time I visit, I see the care and affection the staff have for the residents, and I enjoy seeing mum taking part in the wide range of social and leisure activities. I never knew she was so competitive! She's having a great
time, and I know she is being very well cared for by the excellent team.

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Review from M R (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved mum from another home as not satisfied with the care she was getting, even though it was like a 5 a star hotel. At Dorset House, there is so much more going on daily and she is so happy. My mum has dementia and just sat in a chair before and when we arrived cried, now we have to go looking
for her as always doing something and so happy, she has even been out on day trips. The staff are all lovely and most been there a long time and really get to know mums needs. There doesn't seem to be any agency staff which is nice so all staff know all residents. Everyone is always smiling. The bedrooms are not en-suite but as most need a hand with bathing or showing its not a problem. They have a sink in the rooms, which are more than ideal and some like mums have a garden view, but she is never in her room now, always in one of the several lounges or day room, but still a lovely cosy room.
Thank you everyone for making mum smile again.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your review. I am pleased to hear how well your mum is settling in to Dorset House.


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Review from Peter R (Husband of Resident) published on 25 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has been in Dorset House for 19 months.
When, several years ago, my mother was ill, my wife researched suitable care homes for her.
Consequently, when I needed a care home for her (my wife), all the work had been done for me.
Since my wife has been staying in Dorset House, she has received
the very best care and treatment.
I cannot fault the staff on any level and am eternally grateful for the way in which they treat her.
Although she is now non communicative, I can tell that she is as happy as a person can be in the circumstances.
My thanks go to all the staff at Dorset House.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your 5* review - the team will be so pleased to hear your feedback.


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Review from A M (Friend of Resident) published on 25 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited my friend at Dorset House in October and, as always, impressed that there is never any unpleasant smells as you walk into the home. The place is always clean and tidy with modern and comfortable furniture in the lounge areas. My friend's room was also clean and tidy and she appeared to have
everything she needed to hand. She doesn't take part in activities, but the rest of the residents appear to be enjoying themselves at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party event. The staff are always lovely, efficient and easy to talk to. I have no hesitation in thinking my friend is in the best place for her.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your review - the team will be so pleased to hear your feedback.


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Review from A R (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is now so deaf and blind, it is very difficult for new people to communicate with her. Since coming to Dorset House, despite her increasing frailty, she is so much happier. The staff all try to get to know and understand her, and she has great confidence in them, and has recovered some of
her confidence in herself. There is a lovely relaxed and unhurried atmosphere here and the opportunity to knit again with assistance has really helped my mother to feel like herself again.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your lovely words about Dorset House - we will be sure to share this with the team.


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Review from Lynne M (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has only been a resident for a few months, but as a family, we are all very happy with the care she receives. The carers are excellent and always have time for her. She's being very well looked after, the food is especially good and her room is always lovely and clean. She is very happy there.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review. We're thrilled to hear that your mum is happy and well cared for. Your feedback about our team, the food, and the cleanliness is greatly appreciated.


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Review from Neil F (Son of Resident) published on 25 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was admitted to Dorset House from the Hospital and was very frail through Pneumonia and many falls at home. The staff have helped him regain his confidence with his mobility, and have fed him so well, that he has put much-needed weight on. They have encouraged him to join in with Activities
and generally start socialising again. This was always a temporary placement and he has now moved into permanent care, elsewhere in Dorset due to family reasons. If he could have stayed at Dorset House, I would have been more than Happy. I can not thank all the staff enough for their care, their commitment, their friendship and laughter. Very welcoming Home.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your feedback, I am so pleased with how Dad's stay at Dorset House went - the team will be thrilled to read your comments. Wishing you all the very best.


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Review from J M (Wife of Resident) published on 1 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was admitted to Dorset House from hospital in April. I received a phone call the same day to say he'd arrived and settled it. I visited the next day and was shown the lounge, garden and his bedroom. The staff were very courteous and helpful nothing was too much for them. I visited the home
4 times a week due to the bus times, I could only stay 45 minutes but my husband understood this. At first, he kept saying he wanted to come home - this was impossible due to the lack of amenities and getting upstairs. Eventually, he accepted this and was happy there. He was known for walking around the corridors and garden. Then at 3:00 pm was the highlight - tea and 2 chocolate biscuits. The staff were superb no fault or worries, though any problems they phoned me.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, to which I am delighted to read. I am so pleased your husband has settled so well at Dorset House. I will be sure to share your feedback with the team. Thank you again.


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Review from C B (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 23 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On arrival, the staff were professional and pleasant and also asked if we would like to be taken to the room. Everything was much cleaner and there were no unpleasant smells. We are very pleased with how Dorset House has changed under new management. The Duty Manager talked to us and assured us my brother-in-law
would have a wonderful birthday with cake for the next day. She also reassured us as we had not been able to visit for a while.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your wonderful 5* review, I am so pleased your brother-in-law has settled in so well at Dorset House. I will be sure to share your review with the team. Many Thanks


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Review from P W (Wife of Resident) published on 16 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

On the whole a happy place for the residents to be in and always given a very nice welcome at the entrance, this is important to me and somebody is around if you need them, especially to use the bathroom and carers are always very patient with the residents.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for taking the time to review Dorset House, I will ensure your feedback is shared with the team. Wishing you all the best.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.758)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.758) out of 10 for Dorset 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 36 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 34 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 4.758 for Dorset House is calculated as follows: ( (340 Excellents x 5) + (63 Goods x 4) + (18 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 422 Ratings = 4.758

  • 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 Dorset House is based on 34 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 52 registered maximum number of service users is 10.4, which has been reached with 34 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: 1 Sep 2022

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)

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Meet the Team (1)

Tracy

Tracy Jennings

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2024

Tracy started in the care industry in 2012 and worked her way up to Registered Manager by 2017, having achieved her Level 5 Qualification. She is committed to ensuring high standards of care and attention to detail are delivered to all residents. She is passionate that they live in a happy and relaxed environment.


Tracy says “I believe the most effective way to bring out the best in a team is to be a good role model and work with staff to ensure they have a voice which is heard; engaging the team in decisions and processes which affect both them and the residents. I focus my work on the belief that, if my team is happy and supported in their work, this will be reflected in the care they provide to our residents.”


Frequently Asked Questions about Dorset House

What types of Care is Dorset 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 Dorset House provide?

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

How many Rooms does Dorset House have?

There are 48 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Dorset House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, 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 Dorset House to the centre of Poole?

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