Dorset House

Coles Avenue, Hamworthy, Poole BH15 4HL
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9.7 77 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 (77)

Total of 77, showing 21-40
9.7

Dorset House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.745) out of 10, based on 34 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dorset House has 77 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from R P (Son of Resident) published on 4 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother, who is in her mid-nineties, suffers from severe Alzheimer's/dementia and was discharged from the hospital to Dorset House on a discharge-to-assessment arrangement after having a series of (known) falls at home, which led her to be hospitalised. The team at Dorset House gave my mother excellent
care and support in helping her with her needs due to her condition. When visiting Dorset House, I’m always welcomed and told how well my mother is responding to being in a vibrant and stimulating environment, which she was not experiencing at home living on her own, where she had become quite withdrawn. The rooms are bright and clean, and my mother really enjoys the freshly made meals. She also enjoys taking part in the many varied activities that the team organise. The manager and all the staff are always friendly and approachable and take time to discuss any questions that I’ve raised.

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

Thank you for your wonderful five-star review! I will pass on your feedback to all of the team at Dorset House; I wish you all the best!


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Review from K T (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Making a choice and selecting a residential home should not be underestimated. We selected Dorset House due to the following - The money has evidently been spent in the best interests of the residents, on hand unlimited snacks, appropriate activities, homemade food and plenty of it. Money spent on staffing
allowing for almost a one-to-one experience for the residents, speaking of the staff, they are wonderful angels with a jolly atmosphere filling the care home, enveloped with empathy.

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

Thank you for taking the time to leave Dorset House a review. I am delighted that you felt the home deserved a 5-star rating for the overall experience you received. Your lovely comments will be shared with the team.


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Review from J S (Son of Resident) published on 8 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My lovely dad went into this home in July 2022. He had dementia but he was still relatively with it. For the initial two weeks, he was crying and wanted to go home which was very distressing. I would visit several times a week and take him out for a half of Guinness to the pub, so I was there a lot.
I had removed him from another home. I am so glad I did. There are other homes which are shinier and newer but I made the right decision choosing Dorset House. He ended up liking being there and said it was like a 'holiday camp' I won't list the staff by name (they know who they are) but they do such an important job and were so good to my dad. I can't praise them enough. I'll miss my visits.

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, feedback like this means so much to the team. Wishing you all the very best.


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Review from Pam P (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Can’t thank the staff enough for the care they gave our mother. Lovely warm and friendly atmosphere. Mum felt very safe and looked after and talked highly of everyone. She even got cups of tea in the middle of the night. So a great thank you to all of you.

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

Thank you for your wonderful five star review, the team will be thrilled! I'll be sure to pass your comments onto all the staff at Dorset House. All the best.


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Review from Mike C (Son of Resident) published on 11 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is well and truly looked after. All her needs are met to a true high standard, from personal care through to food and drink and activities, long may it continue for her.

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

Thank you for your wonderful five star review! I am so pleased that your mum is enjoying the food and activities within the home. Wishing you and her all the very best.


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Review from Raymond A (Husband of Resident) published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dorset House came highly recommended by some dear friends of ours for the high level of care and compassion shown to residents. My wife has been a resident since October 24th, 2021 through the difficult time of the COVID-19 outbreak. I have always been deeply blessed by the loving care she has been
shown and the warmth of welcome I have received. The staff are really wonderful at organising activities. Thank you to the wonderful management team.

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

Thank you for your 5 star review, I am so pleased with how your wife has settled into Dorset House, I will pass on your comments to the team.


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Review from S P (Friend of Resident) published on 29 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have visited a few times and always experienced the same high standards. I can only comment on the communal rooms so did not feel able to give a standard, however, the communal rooms are excellent, I do not know the charges made or the management so cannot comment.

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

Thank you for your kind review of Dorset House, I will be sure to pass your comments onto the team. Wishing you all the best.


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Review from J T (Wife of Resident) published on 18 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent caring care. Happy attitude of the staff. The home is part of the local community in Hamworthy and Poole. The home and its staff are welcoming and friendly and clearly very fond of the residents that they care for. They are kind and considerate to me in all communications, in person or by
phone and always keep me informed.

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

Thank you for your lovely 5-star review, I am delighted with your comments as will the team be. All the best.


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Review from S C (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has only been in Dorset House a week and all of the team there are excellent. From the beginning of making the enquiry to move Mum in on respite, they couldn’t be more helpful. She has made friends, loves the food and really likes staff. Every time we visit, she only has positive things to say,
which is amazing and she is now talking about going out on trips and maybe staying as a permanent resident. Thank you to everyone at Dorset House, I really value everything you are doing and we, as family, can’t thank you enough.

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

Thank you so much for your kind review, the team will be delighted. I hope Mum continues to enjoy her stay with us and in particular enjoys her trips out. All the best.


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Review from C P (Son of Resident) published on 16 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm very happy with my mother's care. She has settled in well and loves the garden and the minibus trips.

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

Thank you for leaving a review, I am so pleased that your mother is settling in so well at Dorset House. Wishing you both all the best.


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Review from S H (Niece of Resident) published on 8 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Overall my aunt is well looked after. I appreciate the hard work of all the staff in what is not an easy job. I find her room rather bland and could do with a revamp, in fact, the whole place could do with brightening up - a paint job.

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

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I am pleased that your Aunt is being so well looked after. We appreciate all your feedback. All the best.


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Review from Julie E (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 2 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having seen the bigger/posher home prior to this one, it wasn’t until we had a visit here that we realised bigger isn’t better. Dorset House is a home, it’s alive, and the staff are easy to get on with. All seem to be part of a big team. The office staff are helpful. The manager is informative and accommodating.
My mother-in-law moved from sheltered in Kendal to Dorset House in June. She hadn't visited the home before. She has settled in so well. Enjoys the days out. Is eating more than she’s ever eaten. She is really happy there. Today we joined her for the summer fayre. A lovely few hours was had by all. I’m happy we couldn’t afford the bigger home. I can’t express the home vibe enough.
Nothing is too much bother.

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

Thank you for your wonderful five-star rating; the team will be thrilled! Wishing you all the very best.


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Review from J E (Resident) published on 21 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have only moved here in the last week. Everyone is very helpful from the chef, activities team, maintenance, carers, nurses, admin, home manager, housekeeping and any others I've forgotten. All first class.

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

Thank you for your five star review, it means so much to the team. Wishing you all the best.


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Review from R B (Son of Resident) published on 15 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We bought our dad to the home in November 2022 due to his health. We as a family felt that he was treated with dignity and respect. He always enjoyed a coffee and ginger nut biscuit looking out at the garden. The staff were always on hand and friendly. We as a family would recommend the staff and the
home to others. Great animal activities, he always enjoyed them.

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

Thank you for your kind review, I will be sure you let the team know. Wishing you and your family all the best.


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Review from Allison H (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely excellent in all ways, the care was exemplary, the meals were amazing, the room was excellent, management and staff were excellent although only there for a week my mother didn't want to leave. Five-star service.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your 5* review, it means so much to the team to read reviews like this, thank you!


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Review from Lyn D (Wife of Resident) published on 20 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was placed in Dorset House until a home package was found, after a long time in hospital. What a lovely place Dorset House is, everyone is happy, helpful and very caring. My husband greatly improved in the few weeks he was there and I would recommend Dorset House to anyone.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Dorset House

I am so pleased to read your husband has improved since his stay with us at Dorset House, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.


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Review from Glynis H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that my mum has received at Dorset House has been exceptional since she was admitted two months ago. After several placement moves and a period of poor health, it was such a relief that she settled so quickly. With the support and kindness of the staff, she is progressing physically and emotionally.
The manager and her team have created a caring ethos that is nurturing and stimulating. My mum is enjoying all the activities and it's lovely to see her so relaxed and happy after such a difficult time.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Dorset House

Thank you for your lovely comments, it really is wonderful to read how well your mum has settled at Dorset House. I will ensure the team is passed on your feedback, wishing you all the very best.


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Review from J D (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When the time came that Mum could no longer care safely for herself at home, even with family support, my initial thought was how will she cope without her family and who will care for her as I had.
From her first day earlier this year, she was welcomed with open arms by every member of staff. Not
once has she ever said I want to go home, which I was dreading.
The staff go above and beyond their duties to ensure all residents' care and needs are catered for. Always keeping residents entertained with activities and trips out, something Mum missed when she was at home, she now has the confidence to do these things again.
The summer months were wonderful being able to sit in the lovely gardens with her new friends, something she had missed so much.
I know Mum is safe, happy and well cared for in Dorset House with a home-from-home environment which is just what I wanted for her. So happy we made the right choice.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I am absolutely delighted to hear how well your mum has settled into life at Dorset House, it really is a wonderful home and am so grateful of your comments. Wishing you and Mum all the best.


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Review from Mark N (Son of Resident) published on 30 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been very pleased with the care and support of my mother for the last four years. It has been a very difficult time for Dorset House, managing all the challenges pertaining to the pandemic but they did so admirably. The staff who work in this home are lovely, friendly, kind, thoughtful and work
very hard. The facilities are very pleasant, clean and bright. Mum always looks nice and is definitely well cared for. Thank you to everyone at Dorset House.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your kind words, it really does mean so much to all of the team at Dorset House. I am so pleased to read that mum is enjoying her stay with us. All the best.


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Review from Rachael B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was with Dorset House for 6 weeks before passing away. She was suffering from late-stage Alzheimer’s and had been stuck in hospital for over 4 months due to bed shortage during Covid. She had a lovely room at Dorset House overlooking the pretty garden. Although Mum was unaware of where she was,
the staff were all extremely kind and helpful to her and they made her as comfortable as possible. I and my sister found the staff always happy to talk to us and to keep us informed of Mum's care. Special thanks to the staff who helped us through the tears!

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for taking the time to leave Dorset House a review. I am so sorry to learn of your mum's passing, thank you for your kind words, it means everything to the staff.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.745)

Review Score Change Log

Please note changes are only recorded per day, so if 2 or more changes occur in the same day, it will only show the result from all the changes, not an individual breakdown of all the changes

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.745) 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 4.7 out of 5 from 34 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 32 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 4.745 for Dorset House is calculated as follows: ( (318 Excellents x 5) + (63 Goods x 4) + (18 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 400 Ratings = 4.745

  • 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 32 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 32 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.”