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.

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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 21-29
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

  • 22
  • 7
  • 0
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Date Published

29
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5
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19

Review from Lisa H (Sister of Resident) published on 8 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother was cared for at Somerleigh Court in the last 4 weeks of his life.
He had a brain tumour and was only 38.
Despite the fact the staff were not used to caring for someone so young, they soon adapted and were wonderful, not just with him, but also the family.

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Review from Christine M (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was at Somerleigh Court for the last 4 months of her life. She was happy and secure. The staff were responsive, caring, warm, friendly and at the same time, provided professional, expert nursing care.
They went to great lengths to get mum home from hospital so that they could ensure that
her last few days were "at home". Staying there with mum for 48 hours gave me an insight into the wonderful 24/7 care which is given to each patient. I would recommend it unreservedly.

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Review from Brian S (Son of Resident) published on 15 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I visited my mother regularly at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home driving five-year residence. Staff and management were always welcoming, helpful and professional. My mother's care was consistently good and appropriate as her dementia progressed and I was comforted to know that she was is a secure and
caring environment.

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Review from Carol P (Wife of Resident) published on 16 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Overall, I have been very pleased with my husband's care. The staff are always happy to help with any problems I may have. I would like to see more activities provided to stimulate to avoid boredom. Sometimes my husband will be sat in his chair for up to 8-10 hours with nothing to do, but I understand
this is going to be addressed soon. I have just completed a dementia course and found this most interesting and informative. Overall, my feelings of the home is very good and would have no problems recommending Somerleigh Court Nursing Home to anyone.

Reply from Graham Oakes, Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your review.
We have now recruited the final member of our Activities Team, making the team the largest it has ever been which will ensure that all our residents will have more one-to-one time and opportunities for group activities.
I was particularly pleased to see that you would recommend Somerleigh Court to anyone looking for care and that you enjoyed joining the Dementia Awareness course.
Thank you.


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Review from Joyce F (Wife of Resident) published on 9 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was a resident in Somerleigh Court for two years suffering from dementia. We were very pleased with the home and the way he was greeted on admission, made to feel at home. It was most helpful that one can visit at any time. all staff extremely helpful, cheerful. General running of the home
good. Rooms clean and tidy with en-suite facilities. Food varied and good nursing staff attentive and approachable. Reassuring to be kept in the picture of my husband's health. Entertainment was varied, music, singing, quizzes and outings for those who could participate. A sensory garden for summer days.

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Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was a resident in a flat for 7 years and had carers attending for 4-5 years several times a day. He was treated to a high standard, with dignity and a very personable affection and respect from all staff. All staff greeted both dad, myself and my sister at every meeting in the grounds and
were friendly, interested and caring.
He died in the June after a 2 week illness and his end of life care was faultless - the staff looked after him so thoughtfully and compassionately and also looked after us as well. We are tremendously grateful and would highly recommend both flats and care home.

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Review from John U (Husband of Resident) published on 31 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has advanced Alzheimer's disease. She has been at Somerleigh for 18 months following the closure of her previous home by CQC. The rooms are light and airy. The temperature is well regulated. The staff are always helpful, the proportion of agency staff has decreased with good effort.

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Review from Carole K (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad was admitted into Somerleigh Court Nursing Home after spending 3 and half months in another care home which at this time I cannot discuss as he was severely neglected.
The care managers were absolutely fantastic, I cannot fault their understanding and empathy about my dad's situation. Sadly
my dad has now passed away but he got to spend the last month of his life with wonderful staff who were absolutely beyond praise! I will be forever in their debt for making my dad's final stage in life easier for me and my children to bear.
Thank you to you all at Somerleigh Court, all the carers and nurses and management staff, you should all be very proud and I would be happy to recommend Somerleigh Court to everyone who has a loved one that needs nursing care.

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Review from Matthew (Son of Resident) published on 12 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was treated with great care and dignity at the end of her life at Somerleigh Court. I have nothing but the highest praise for the standards of professionalism and care the staff displayed to my mother who suffered from advanced dementia. I was able to visit my mother at all times and always
felt she was being kindly cared for in a safe and clean environment. Thank you.

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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.’