Dorset House

Coles Avenue, Hamworthy, Poole BH15 4HL
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9.7 76 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 (76)

Total of 76, showing 61-76
9.7

Dorset House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.742) out of 10, based on 33 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dorset House has 76 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Sarah C (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been at Dorset House for nearly 5 years. Incredible as she is very frail and I didn't think she would last this long. So it's a testament to the quality care given at Dorset House. The staff are lovely and genuinely care for the residents. They are treated with respect and dignity. Not
always easy in a testing environment at times.
They are good with activities and outings in the minibus.
Dementia is a horrible disease to live with, but I have no hesitation in recommending Dorset House.

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Review from Charles C (Son of Resident) published on 1 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been in care at Dorset House since May 2016. I have always found all the staff to be helpful, friendly and supportive through a range of issues with my father. My father is very happy and I couldn't ask for more.

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Review from Liz V (Wife of Resident) published on 2 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband was looked after pretty well but was very dehydrated on return home from respite. I suggest that a jug/beaker of water could be supplied to all, especially in hot weather. Also he had a fall which left him with a large bruise on his side. I was notified of this but felt it was minimised.
He didn't eat very well but that was his choice. The staff were kind and helpful. My husband enjoyed seeing the wildlife in the garden but was glad to get home.

Reply from Graham Brittain, Director of Care Services at Dorset House

Thank you for your feedback. Dorset House has, throughout the summer, put in place very comprehensive arrangements to ensure good hydration for all residents. Jugs of fluids are routinely taken around to bedrooms each day as well as the tea and coffee trolley twice a day and of course drinks at meal times. At Dorset House we also consistently offer ice lollies to residents on hot days to encourage a additional fluid intake. Falls are always noted carefully and information shared with relatives, however the staff try to present information confidently and calmly so as not to raise undue concern.


If you have any further concerns or queries I would be happy to respond - please email me directly: graham.brittain@care-south.co.uk.


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Review from N M (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall I would say that I am happy that dad is in Dorset House. Most of the time he is dressed well and clean. The one thing that I would say needs attention is the lack of activities and entertainment. The two activity ladies do their best but I have been to other homes in the area and there is something
happening every day. This is not the case in Dorset House. The residents are generally sleeping.

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Review from L M (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Every single member of staff treats mum with dignity and kindness. They are aware of her personality and treat her accordingly and she responds well to all the staff and despite her Dementia, she has said on occasions that "I like it here and everyone likes me" and I don't feel that more can be asked
of any care home.

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Review from R B (Son of Resident) published on 7 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The feel of the place is very pleasant and friendly. Personal care for my father over the past nine months has been very good. The staff are very professional and pleasant, friendly to residents and families. The home all been well kept and clean.

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Review from J C (Wife of Resident) published on 13 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Whilst husband was in Dorset House my family and myself were quite satisfied with most things. One concern; thought shower room would have been more acceptable to the majority of residents.
This conversation was agreed when talking to other families. Other than that no worries!

Reply from Simon Bird, Deputy Chief Executive at Dorset House

Thank you for your review and the feedback. We are constantly refurbishing and upgrading our homes and will look at the shower room situation at Dorset House to see if there is scope to make improvements in this area.


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Review from H P (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum has been in Dorset House since December 2017. She has settled in surprisingly well and now talks about the summer in the home.
The staff are very caring and I cannot praise them highly enough.

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Review from P H (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since entering the home my father's wellbeing has improved immeasurably. He is now well looked after and this is showing through in his general appearance and health condition. The staff, from management to the care nurses to the cleaners are magnificent - so attentive and caring toward all residents;
friendly and helpful to relatives and visitors.


The condition of the home from location to facilities to cleanliness and all round ambience cannot be faulted.


I would thoroughly recommend Dorset House to anyone.


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Review from Richard Y (Son of Resident) published on 16 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff was always friendly and always treated mum with respect and dignity. I am very grateful for care and kindness that my mum received from all staff and management.

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Review from S A (Niece of Resident) published on 9 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My uncle has been a resident at Dorset House for nearly a year and absolutely loves it here.
I would like to thank all of the staff for their professionalism and dedication to ensuring that my uncle is cared for to the highest standard.

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Review from Jane B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 18 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My nan has lived at Dorset House for seven months and we are very pleased with the care that she has received. Moving into residential care for the first time can be quite traumatic but nan and the family have been given a lot of support during this transition by all of the staff members.

Reply from Paul Beasley, Home Manager at Dorset House

Hi Jane, thank you so much for your brilliant feedback, is very much appreciated. We do aim to ensure all families and residents are supported as much as possible during a move into residential care at Dorset House, and it is great to hear this is working with our actions and support making a difference.


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Review from Anne-Marie G (Friend of Resident) published on 2 May 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been visiting my elderly friend at Dorset House every month for the past 8 or 9 years, often accompanied by my dog, who invariably gets a warm welcome. During that time I have always found my friend very clean and well turned out and - miracle of miracles because it wasn't always so! In the main,
she seems happy and generally pretty contented. She even admits to liking the food and the staff! I am always extremely impressed by the gentleness and understanding of the staff, who have a difficult job at times; I have seen them being pinched and harassed by "difficult" patients but I have never once seen them respond unkindly or inappropriately. My friend is 102 and hopefully, seems set for a few years yet!

Reply from Paul Beasley, Home Manager at Dorset House

Dear Anne-Marie, thank you for your very kind words it is very much appreciated. Our staff do strive to enable exceptional care to be given to all of our residents with our Care South HEART values always in the back of our minds. Am glad you and your very friendly Collie enjoy your visits and we look forward to seeing you both again very soon.


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Review from Chris (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 February 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been at Dorset House for six weeks. The staff are all very caring, and mum is looked after very well, always nice and clean. Have a few issues about her clothes not in her wardrobe but it is being sorted. It was a very hard decision to put mum into a care home, but the staff reassure me she
is fine and has settled well, which is very reassuring for me. All in all I think Dorset House was a good choice.

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Review from Anne S (Wife of Resident) published on 28 October 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband stayed at Dorset House for 4 weeks and settled in very well thanks to the staff. All the staff seemed to be aware of everyone's needs and on my visit I too got to know a good many of them. I found the lounges very attractive and inviting! In fact the whole house has a nice atmosphere.

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Review from Austin B (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 28 October 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I enjoyed my stay at Dorset House the food was good and staff changed my meal at lunch time to evening as this is what I'm used to. My room was very comfy and good size, i had a couple of unwelcome visitors late at night but staff sorted that for me.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.742)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.742) 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 33 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 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 4.742 for Dorset House is calculated as follows: ( (308 Excellents x 5) + (61 Goods x 4) + (18 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 388 Ratings = 4.742

  • 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 31 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 31 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.

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Bed Vacancies

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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.”