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 41-60
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

  • 51
  • 24
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Date Published

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Review from L K (Wife of Resident) published on 9 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very kind and friendly care staff who always made time to talk. Good food. I was welcomed immediately and treated with respect and I thoroughly recommend the care home. I had a lovely time visiting, it felt like a happy place with a good team spirit. Thank you for looking after my husband so well.

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Review from M C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the very first contact with the Dorset House staff, we have been impressed with their efficiency, professionalism and friendliness. We received the warmest of welcomes when we viewed the home and the home manager worked tirelessly to liaise with an out of area hospital and social services staff
team to ensure a swift and appropriate admission to the home for Mum.
Mum was settled in with such loving care that on the first evening there - she said she was happy and showed that she was satisfied that a good choice of placement had been made.
Every member of staff we have met regardless of their role or job title has exuded the same caring attitude towards us all. We are very pleased with everything and most importantly - Mum says it’s lovely - and the food is great! What more could we want?

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

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I am delighted to hear that Mum is settling well and I will be sure to pass on your fantastic review to all the staff at Dorset House. Many thanks again.


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Review from E B (Husband of Resident) published on 7 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Over the last two years, I have not been in the home other than the gardens outside and the area provided at the rear of the building because of Covid. This service for the visitors was good and I was satisfied with it on the whole.

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

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am pleased that you're satisfied with Dorset House. All the very best.


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Review from Keith B (Son of Resident) published on 5 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was due to visit my mother who is a resident in Dorset House on Wednesday but came down with Covid a few days before. I was partly concerned as, in my Mothers Day card, I had put that I would be visiting that day. I rang the home and arranged for my brother to take my place for the visit and asked
to book in a FaceTime call instead. This the staff were able to arrange for the same Wednesday. This duly took place with the resident entertainment member of staff in attendance to make the, more difficult chatting (where mum is fairly deaf) more easily achieved. I am full of praise for all the staff with whom I have come into contact. In my marking below I have only put satisfactory in some sections as I have not been able to see sufficient, other than the one interview room, so far.

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

Thank you for leaving your review. I'm sorry you came down with Covid and hope you're feeling better. I am delighted to hear we were still able to facilitate a visit with Mum albeit virtually. Wishing you a speedy recovery.


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Review from Fiona G (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was a resident at Dorset House for just under three years and I can honestly say that he could not have been in better hands during his time there. Not only did the team at Dorset House manage the Covid pandemic with great skill and efficiency (not a single case occurred), they are incredibly
caring and dedicated and ensured that my father settled in well and was treated with dignity and compassion at all times. The home has always welcomed visitors (Covid rules applied) and I was always made to feel part of the Dorset House family. The building itself is a little dated, but always clean and the importance lies in the quality of leadership, the team of staff and the happiness of the residents. I can't recommend them highly enough.

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Review from Gillian B (Wife of Resident) published on 22 October 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband has been in Dorset House for over two years and we have been extremely pleased with the care he has received. His brother-in-law (his sister died of dementia several years ago) is in a different care home and although posher is always short-staffed and I don't think is nearly as good as Dorset
House.

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Review from R C (Son of Resident) published on 22 October 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All staff are very helpful. Mum is very happy there and enjoys the activities.

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Review from Michael S (Son of Resident) published on 24 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum, at her own request, went into care at Dorset House five years ago aged 92. She naturally took time to settle in but was made very welcome by the staff there.
About three years ago Mum had some issues with one particular staff member but these issues were resolved and the staff member has left.
I
think the facilities at Dorset House are in need of a major update, but despite this the care given by all the staff there is first class and nothing is too much trouble.
Mum often remarks how well they look after me and how good the food is. During the recent Covid crisis many care homes had infections and sadly deaths but Dorset House, because of the prompt measures taken by management (ahead of National Measures), managed to keep Covid out.
So well done to all staff who worked so hard in very challenging circumstances, to care for with dignity frail and vulnerable people.
Dorset House is home to many residents and all the staff do their very best to make it really feel like home.

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Review from Margaret S (Wife of Resident) published on 21 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am always greeted by smiling faces, the staff go out of their way to help me. My husband is always well presented, he is not the most easy person but the staff always look after him with great care.

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Review from Alyson G (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dorset House cared for my dad with compassion and genuine love. The staff are amazing, full of fun, happy to help with anything. Always cheerful and smiling. My mum is living in Dorest House at the moment, and I couldn't be more reassured about the support she is receiving.

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Review from S M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 16 December 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Much happier and content in this care home than a previous one.

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Review from J N (Son of Resident) published on 23 November 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dorset House may not be the most luxurious of care homes but it does have some of the best staff. From the manager to the care staff to the kitchen, laundry and throughout it has wonderful people. The staff are local and many have been there for a number of years - they do actually care. I'm also impressed
by the administration. During the covid pandemic, they have managed very well enabling garden visits during the summer while building a room for autumn/winter visits - excellent forward planning. Thanks.

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Review from Susan G (Niece of Resident) published on 28 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Aunt was at Dorset House for nearly two years and in that time she blossomed and was very happy with the care she got and she loved the big garden. The staff was always kind to her. Very sorry when she had to leave as she misses the staff and friends she has made there.

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Review from Graham C (Son of Resident) published on 27 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Although the rooms are generally rather small and most have no ensuite toilets, the standard of care is faultless. Our mother has been a resident for many years now and is content and happy here. We have never found faults with any of the carers, who work together as an excellent team.

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Review from Angela P (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother moved into Dorset House about 20 months ago, when still fairly able. She felt safe immediately and enjoyed the good food, she even put some weight on.
Sadly about 12 months ago, her condition deteriorated considerably. She has been cared for by a lovely team of carers who have given her dignity
and a high level of care now she needs it most. We are so thankful she lives at Dorset House.

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Review from N D (Respite Resident) published on 7 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having had a hip replacement, I spent a week at Dorset House after leaving hospital. The word care is in every aspect of the day and night. The staff are really super at what they do. Nothing is too much trouble and they made me feel special, as they seem to do with each of the residents. Very tasty
meals and a very homely atmosphere. All in all, five star.

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Review from Debra C (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I think my Mum enjoyed her stay in Dorset House, especially the garden. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The only thing was that I don't know whether Mum had a shower as her towels were unused. Also, I did ask for her hair to be washed and blow dried, but this wasn't done.

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Review from P B (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father is very content living at Dorset house. He appears to enjoy his surroundings and the care workers who care for him.

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Review from Michael S (Son of Resident) published on 1 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother became a resident of Dorset House last year. During that time she has been cared for very well. She is always presented clean and tidy and the staff always show care to my mother. She's settled in well with the other residents. She has joined in leisure activities and goes for trips in the
van. If Mum is poorly at all we are phoned immediately which is very reassuring. Her room is always clean and washing is done as required.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is in Dorset House. I have always found them to be proffessional and caring. Knowing that she is looked after properly gives me great peace of mind.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.745)

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)

Top 20 Mid-size Care Home Groups 2025

Recipient: Care South

Date: Friday 31 Jan 2025 More details

Top 20 Mid-size Care Home Groups 2024

Recipient: Care South

Date: Wednesday 31 Jan 2024 More details

Top 20 Mid-size Care Home Groups 2023

Recipient: Care South

Date: Tuesday 28 Feb 2023 More details

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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.”