Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Somerleigh Road, Dorchester DT1 1AQ
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9.8 29 Reviews
  • Somerleigh Court Nursing Home, Dorchester
Somerleigh Court is an award-winning nursing home in the heart of Dorchester.

The team provides long-term nursing care (including dementia-friendly care), plus convalescence, post-operative care, holiday stays, physio rehabilitation and palliative care. The home has a vibrant and caring environment, with 40 generously-sized rooms each with TV, telephone and WiFi facilities. The on-site chef responsible is for creating appealing and nutritious menus to suit the preferences and dietary requirements of all residents.

Somerleigh Court has Platinum Status in the Gold Standards Framework in Care Homes – this is the highest rating, which they have held consistently since 2012. Needs-assessed fee contributions are available where applicable.

The home’s registered nurses and healthcare assistants work under the supervision of a dedicated home manager.

Care Provided by Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 40 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Kerry Mason (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (40)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (40)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Please contact the home for an assessment.


Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • They operate an open visiting policy with no set times to visit.


  • Parking
  • Parking on-site.


Somerleigh Court Nursing Home Reviews (29)

Total of 29, showing 1-20
9.8

Somerleigh Court Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.836) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Somerleigh Court Nursing Home has 29 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother unfortunately passed away but we would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff, management, cleaners and the nursing care he received whilst in their care.
Their compassion and professionalism were second to none and I would strongly recommend Somerleigh Court to anyone in need of
care.

Reply from sharon Hill, General manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home, we will be sure to share this with the team as this will mean so much to them. It was our privilege to care for your brother, we learnt so much about him in the short time he was with us which ensured that we provided the person-centred care he needed at this time in his life.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum lived here for nearly 2 years and passed away in June. I have been impressed by the level of care over that time. I have always felt welcome when visiting Mum, dog in tow. When there was difficulty it was resolved quickly with a can-do attitude. During Mum's end-of-life care, the staff were really
kind and thoughtful in many small ways that made her passing as comfortable as possible.

Reply from sharon Hill, General manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind review. It was a privilege to care for your dear mum, thank you for entrusting her into our care. We will share all of your thoughts and this positive review with the staff we know that it will mean so much to them.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum became a resident of Summerleigh Court in May 2024. She settled in straight away. All the staff are friendly and welcoming. They all care for Mum brilliantly and treat her with dignity, Mum thinks they are wonderful. Mum has a comfortable bedroom with all her bits from home. The staff inform me
straight away of any health worries. We feel like part of the Somerleigh Court family. Thank you.

Reply from sharon Hill, General manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind words, we always try our very best to make everything we do personal to each resident in the home. Dignity and respect are at the forefront of all we do. We will share this review with the staff as it is so important for them to be appreciated and it re-affirms to us that we are doing a great job in caring for all of the residents that live at Somerleigh Court.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother was a resident at Somerleigh Court for the final month of her life. Mum loved the food, staff, activities and most of all the brilliant care. I cannot recommend Somerleigh Court highly enough, her final days were dignified and our family were always welcomed.

Reply from sharon Hill, General manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for such a lovely review, it was a pleasure to care for your dear mum. Our staff will be so pleased to hear that you found us all so welcoming and we will make sure that we share your comments with them.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Bought a flat with access to the care home facilities and lived there a few years before moving to the home because of the effects of dementia. Loved all the carers and support, so continuity was perfect. (My mother also bought a flat and ended up spending her last few days in the care home where they
were outstanding to us all as she died.) It has now been a few years that my uncle has been in the home and his needs are more care being bed-bound. His room is lovely and clean and personalised with dementia interaction suggestions from the activities team. He loves his food and most importantly I trust them with his safety and security.

Reply from Sharon Hill, General manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

It is with heartfelt thanks from all the team at Somerleigh Court in sharing your review, more than anything it is so important that such positive comments are seen by all, we know that the staff will feel that all their hard work is worth the time and effort they put in to ensure that your loved one is cared for with dignity and respect at all times. Living in our village apartments and then coming into the care home was a very natural part of living at Somerleigh, as you say continuity is key. Thank you once again for such a lovely review and we will ensure that this is shared with all the staff.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad has been well looked after since moving into Somerleigh Court. The care from personal care to involving him in some of the laid-on activities has been very good. Have been impressed by the attention to detail on the room layout in ensuring Dad had what worked best for him and his needs. Great job
Somerleigh staff, thank you.

Reply from sharon Hill, General manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review.
we aim to ensure that all our residents are treated with dignity and respect at all times. We pride ourselves in making sure that all are cared for as individuals and what is important to them is important to us here at Somerleigh Court. I will pass on your thanks and comments to the team, they will very much appreciate your comments and review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother was a resident at this home for the last few weeks of her life. The care and compassion shown to her and the family was exemplary. Her cat was allowed to stay with her; this was so important for Mum's well-being and demonstrated real person-centred care.
This was a difficult time for Mum
and for us, as her health deteriorated, but the highly skilled and amazing ream at Somerleigh delivered care with kindness and sensitivity. Under the circumstances, our experience was the best it could have been, and for that, we will be eternally grateful.

Reply from sharon Hill, General manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review.
It is so important to us to have lovey feedback; your mum was very special to us having lived here in the village for many years and came full circle into our care in the nursing home. It was a privilege to care for her, Alice the cat, and to have had such a supportive family.
We miss her dearly.
I will ensure that this is shared with the staff; it will mean a lot to them.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad stayed at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home for nearly four weeks of respite care. My mum joined him for two weeks after major surgery to aid in her recovery.
All the staff were excellent at caring for them both.
The home's food was excellent and plentiful.
The activities team offered a
variety of different activities, including Mother's Day afternoon tea which we were also invited to attend.
We would recommend Somerleigh Court for anyone looking for long or short-term care for a family member.

Reply from Kay Jerrams, Head of Care at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Hello Lucy, thank you for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure looking after mum and dad, and everyone has said they are missing them and wish them well. Glad you enjoyed the mothers day afternoon tea. Best wishes.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Could not recommend Somerleigh highly enough! Took such lovely care of our dad in his final days. Such warm staff and genuine people, even checking up on us after he had passed. Also, such a lovely position, and feel the building felt like a loving home.

Reply from Kay Jerrams, Head of Care at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. I will pass this on to the staff here at Somerleigh. Caring for your lovely dad was a pleasure.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Somerleigh Court is the most calm and peaceful home that we were lucky to be able to find for our uncle.
He was really cared for, and his last few weeks were peaceful and pain-free. All our expectations were exceeded on every count. We were able to visit at any time and were always made to feel welcome
by the lovely staff. Their kindness and care for our uncle were genuine and reassuring, and we were kept informed at all times.
Somerleigh Court far exceeded anything we had previously experienced, and we are very grateful to everyone.

Reply from Kay Jerrams, Head of Care at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Dear Gillian, thank you for your lovely comments; I have passed these on to the staff here. It was a pleasure to care for your uncle. Regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is very well cared for at Somerleigh Court and is very fond of all the staff. They go above and beyond to make her comfortable and respond to her needs. I am so glad to see the return of more entertainment since the lockdown. They are very much enjoyed by all the residents.

Reply from Lesley Brock, General Registered Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your review; receiving feedback from families, visitors, and residents are very important.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Sommerleigh Court has met all of our expectations in looking for a care home for my dad, who has dementia. This is the only place that he has settled. The staff are very friendly and kind and understand Dad's needs and are also very supportive of our Mum. It's such a friendly place with lots of activities
for Dad and (Mum) to enjoy.

Reply from Lesley Brock, General Registered Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind words; it is always a pleasure to receive such positive feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Having been residents in a flat at Somerleigh Court with great support from the close care team, the move into the nursing home was made so much easier for au all by the kindness and understanding of staff who knew Mum. The level of care in the home has been good from nursing, activities, housekeeping,
admin and maintenance staff. Alwats helpful, friendly and supportive of Mum and the family. There's such a friendly atmosphere throughout Somerleigh. We are also pleased that Mum has really enjoyed the recent outings and the activities, which have been organised in the home.

Reply from Lesley Brock, General Registered Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your review and kind words. We are aware that moving into a care home is a big decision, and we are so pleased to see how well our residents from our Somerleigh Court village settle into the nursing home when the time is right for them. Having our team work in the village and nursing home is a great reassurance for our residents.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have found all the staff very friendly and helpful. Requests for drinks etc, for my mother, have been answered efficiently and with a smile.

Reply from Gordon Collins, Registered Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. They are very much appreciated, and we are pleased you and your mother are enjoying the Somerleigh Care experience. I am glad you were able to recognize, even though Covid masks remain in place, that there is always a smile and time for residents and visitors here at Somerleigh Court.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent home. All rooms are ensuite. Lovely staff. Food good usually. Supper, (haven't seen lunch) usually has choice and pudding. Mum has gained much-needed weight there. Much improved mobility and health, so staff are now able to take her into Dorchester. Our family feels very included, unlike in
her previous care home.
Parking on-site is basically non-existent for visitors though, even for disabled visitors, but a big public carpark right next door.

Reply from Gordon Collins, Registered Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your review and your kind words. We are very pleased to hear that your mum is enjoying her time with us here at Somerleigh Court and that her health and welfare seem to be greatly improved since her admission.
We are aware of the parking issue and are seeking remedies to address this. We will and do make every effort to ensure that disabled visitors are able to visit, and I am sure that if we are given a little notice pre-visit, we can, and will, organise easier access for disabled visitors, for other visitors as you rightly point out there is a large public car park next door.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was an owner of a flat linked to the home for many years and received support from the home daily. Recently, due to poor health, became a resident of the home. Given the present circumstances, my mum could not have had better support, it was obvious that the care and respect given to her right
up to her last days, was not just doing the job, but she was part of the family within the home. The family received excellent support. I cannot thank them enough for the care they gave my mum.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Somerleigh Court since May 2019 and has been very well looked after, she has always been clean and well presented. Her conditional has been well catered for and she seems in better metal health than when she was admitted. During the extremely difficult C19 crisis, the staff when
spoken to on the phone have kept us informed and Mum seems cheerful. Perhaps when the crisis has eased, it could be looked into how to use WhatsApp video calls more?

Reply from Karen Wells, Senior Admin Assistant at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind review of the care your mother has been receiving, especially at this difficult time with such restrictions in visiting. We are looking into providing more time spent with WhatsApp video calls and hope to have extra devices to enable communication with families and loved ones in the future. We really appreciate the positive reviews sent in as it gives the whole team a boost, so thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband has been at Somerleigh Court since November 2018 and during that time the staff have always been very welcoming and keep me up to date with any happenings. They are lovely, the way they treat the residents, always bright and cheerful and explaining what they are about to do.

Reply from Karen Wells, Senior Admin Assistant at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

What a lovely review we will ensure that your husband continues to receive that care that he so deserves at this time in his life, being apart from your loved one at this time can be very difficult and worrying. We will continue to keep you informed and remain the cheerful and welcoming team that you describe. Thank you. Head of Care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

There are many things that are admirable about Somerleigh Court, yet others which one should not ignore. On the positive side, we are hugely grateful for the kindness, caring and humor of so many of the careers, nurses, activity staff, cleaners, office and maintenance staff. We much appreciate the special
facilities granted prior to Covid-19 and ready access to visiting at all times. A small minority of carers, however, can be brasque and unthinking. Little things but important to residents are sometimes forgotten, such as access to telephones, books, remotes, radios. Response to buzzer in erratic, but worse in the offer lengthy time before the action actually materializes. As for the food - fruit enable are excellent that much remains standard institutional fare. Laundry arrangements need looking into, pale and dark clothing is, at times, washed together. Articles of clothing go missing sometimes permanently. Recently there has been much attention given to refurbishment, however, on a personal basis it could be that closer involvement of some members of senior management with the residents themselves, would also be a real value.

Reply from Lesley Jane Brock, General Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your feedback which I welcome in helping to improve our service. As General Manager of Somerleigh Court, your experience of our ‘kind and caring staff’ means a great deal to me, as this is an aspect of our business we pride ourselves on. Equally, I always encourage residents (and their families) to come to me directly with any feedback (positive or otherwise), so that any issues can be addressed quickly and satisfactorily. We also instigate regular audits, spot checks, with our management team working on the floor, alongside colleagues. I am currently looking into the points you raised – so thank you again. In the meantime, I hope everyone who lives and works at Somerleigh Court is enjoying the recent refurbishments we have introduced.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good hame.
Locked down early so I have not seen my mother, but she is well cared for.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.836)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.836) out of 10 for Somerleigh Court Nursing Home 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 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 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 4.836 for Somerleigh Court Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (97 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 116 Ratings = 4.836

  • 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 Somerleigh Court Nursing Home is based on 10 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 10 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: 2 Apr 2020

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

2 Bed Vacancies

posted 18 Mar 2025

Please contact the Home for additional details.


Awards / Recognitions (3)

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Meet the Team (1)

Kerry

Kerry Mason

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2024

At Somerleigh Court our dedicated team provide award-winning levels of care. For over a decade, we have been rated at the highest level by the Gold Standards Framework for the end-of-life care we provide, putting us among the top 15% of nursing homes nationally.


We are rated as ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) across all five assessment criteria; ‘safe’, ‘effective’, ‘responsive’, ‘caring’ and ‘well-led.’


Frequently Asked Questions about Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

What types of Care is Somerleigh Court Nursing Home 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 Somerleigh Court Nursing Home provide?

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

How many Rooms does Somerleigh Court Nursing Home have?

There are 40 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home?

Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Somerleigh Court Nursing Home to the centre of Dorchester?

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