Gainsborough Care Home

53 Ulwell Road, Swanage BH19 1LQ
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8.4 48 Reviews
  • Gainsborough Care Home, Swanage
Gainsborough Care Home offers a home for life in Swanage, providing affordable residential, respite and dementia care. Gainsborough is set in a picturesque Purbeck seaside town, just a stone’s throw from Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast.

After being completely refurbished to a very high standard Gainsborough is fully equipped to deal with a range of needs and requirements. Gainsborough has three comfortable lounges and the dining room mean there is plenty of space for group activities, or somewhere to find a quieter spot.

Residents and visitors are welcome to use the free Gainsborough wi-fi. Visitors often bring in their own devices and use the wi-fi to show loved ones videos and photos, and to play games.

There are bedrooms on the ground floor and the first floor. The first floor is fully accessible, by stairs or a lift.

All rooms have en-suites or a washbasin in the room. Some rooms have en-suite wet rooms. The rooms without en-suites have accessible bathrooms or wet rooms nearby.

Residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms with their own photos and furniture. Personal possessions help residents feel Gainsborough is a home-from-home, and provide extra stimulation and time for reminiscence.

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Care Provided by Gainsborough Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 48 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Schizophrenia
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Dawn Hand (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (48)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (48)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2014

Funding & Fees Guide for Gainsborough Care Home

  • 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 £844 – £1,470
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £844 – £1,470
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Gainsborough Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors welcome anytime


  • Parking

  • Ample parking


Gainsborough Care Home Reviews (48)

Total of 48, showing 21-40
8.4

Gainsborough Care Home has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.404) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Gainsborough Care Home has 48 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 25
  • 19
  • 3
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

48
0
0
5
43

Review from Jane L (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother broke her leg in 2019 after the last in a long series of falls. The care home she had been in previously could not accept her back with increased disability, we were offered 2 different care homes within Swanage - I am so glad we chose Gainsborough Care Home! My mother thinks she is in a hotel,
the food is wonderful and everyone is so kind. I have also seen how good it is when visiting. I now have no fear of going into care myself if I ever need to.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

So happy to hear that you are happy with the care and support your mum receives. Thank you so much for the lovely review and I will enjoy sharing it with the team.


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Review from Graham P (Son of Resident) published on 8 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad's only been in the home for a short space of time. I love the way the staff treat my dad. I did have one issue with Dad. However, I spoke to management, and it was dealt with and rectified immediately, and I was very happy and satisfied. We undertake the difficulties when items go missing, however,
we do feel that more could be done to locate them as we are told his room has been searched, and then we're told they've turned up in his bedroom weeks later. Overall, however, we are very satisfied with the care given to Dad.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

So pleased that you are very satisfied with the care dad is receiving; it's a real pleasure to care for him.
Unfortunately, residents do, at times, misplace things, and they turn up some time later.
I am also pleased to hear that management dealt with your issue swiftly, and you were satisfied with the outcome.


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Review from T L (Husband of Resident) published on 7 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and management are always efficient and helpful. The property and rooms are clean and tidy. I have said to my two sons if anything happens to me they are to leave her at this home. She seems content and happy. Also, the grounds are kept very neat and tidy.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

It is an absolute pleasure to care for her here at Gainsborough.


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Review from D J (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother isn't the most easiest to please, but she feels at home here due to the compassion and care of the staff.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review, I will share this with the staff.


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Review from Adrian B (Resident) published on 4 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Having had no previous experience of care home living I was unsure what to expect. I have been gladdened to have a good quality of care and a more than satisfactory 'life' here.
I would recommend this establishment to anybody wanting a comfortable, safe and relaxing environment. The staff, for the
most part, are excellent, led by one of the best people I have ever met.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

It's great to hear how happy you are here at Gainsborough.


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Review from Kathy D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so relieved I have Mum settled in Gainsborough. I live overseas, trying to get the help Mum needed to stay safe in her own home was almost impossible to organise and manage without regular trips back home, so to know she's somewhere safe, being well cared for and happy is a huge relief with Covid
stopping me from returning to see her. In the time she's been there, she has gained weight (she's a healthy weight now for the first time in years), she's happy and when I last saw her was talking about the present (not the past). The team keep me posted and read all the communication I send to her. I really appreciate the feedback and photos.
I find it very hard putting into words how grateful I am to find a place where she is happy and being well cared for. It took a long time to find Gainsborough, as her brief stays in other facilities had not worked out.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

We appreciate your very kind words written, so thank you very much.
We strive to have great relationships with family members and we enjoy reading your lovely emails to mum just as much as she loves receiving them.


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Review from Sandra G (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent all-around service. Always on the ball when I phone up when I am met with a friendly response. My father has been a resident for over a year and the staff look after his physical and mental wellbeing in a caring and passionate manner. If I could name names I would.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

Thank you so much for the lovely review and I will enjoy sharing it with the team.
It is a pleasure to care for him.


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Review from Richard H (Son of Resident) published on 8 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Both of my parents are now resident at Gainsborough, since this time 2019. Both have differing levels of care needs, which has been adapted to since their arrival. My dad in particular has had several changes to enable a stable daily routine.
My observations of the staff interaction with him have shown
they have made a positive connection, which he responds to cheerily (most of the time!). He has told me personally that the staff are “very nice”.
Personal and career history details have also been used by the staff to enable them to connect with dad which I feel is as important as daily medication, food and care.
Making the decision to move our parents to a care home was not the easiest decision, Gainsborough is not the closest option for us and the final choice was influenced financially as well as the facility itself.
I am confident we have our mum and dad cared for professionally and importantly, compassionately in a place that is now their home.

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Review from A R (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been in Gainsborough since January, he was made to feel very welcome and settled in quickly. Over the past 8-months, Dad has had ups and downs health-wise, and he had always been looked after well with the staff keeping my brother and myself informed. Medical staff visit regularly, and
all Dad's needs are met. The food is excellent, and Dad always comments on this. I am very happy with Gainsborough.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. We are so pleased your Dad is enjoying the food here at Gainsborough.


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Review from Sharon L (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

In July 2019, urgent care was needed for my parents and Gainsborough Care Home has proved to be the perfect choice. For six months, they were able to enjoy very comfortable rooms adapted to their needs, enabling them to live together before my father passed away in January. The staff have been wonderful
caring for Mum, allowing her to remain in her familiar room, overlooking the garden. During the 'Coronavirus lockdown' we have been able to keep in close touch and have been reassured regarding her physical and mental well being. It was wonderful to visit recently and see in person the continued high standard of care. The lunch menu was outstanding, a great choice of freshly cooked, beautifully presented food and there was a lovely, peaceful atmosphere in the home. As a family we are so grateful for Gainsborough Care Home in providing all we needed and more, in these difficult times.

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Review from C O (Friend of Resident) published on 10 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are very approachable and helpful with time to talk. Noticed the staff are very busy but as before, still time for us. The atmosphere is light-hearted. The meals are amazing with good home cooking. I have never seen our friend eat so much with a variety of many puddings to follow.
I have
worked in homes for eight years and this one compares very favourably amongst the best.
Impressed with cleanliness.

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Review from B W (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 98-year-old mother has recently been transferred to Gainsborough Care Home because following a fall she needed more care than her previous, and more expensive home, was able to provide.
We were very upset because we couldn't believe we could find another home as good but actually we now believe
Gainsborough Care Home to be even better. We cannot fault the staff or management. My mother is very happy and we say excellent!

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Review from Rose R (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All care staff are friendly and helpful and they all have the time to make my mum feel happy and content. I have no problem with the care staff as I know my mother is safe and very well looked after.

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Review from M B (Cousin of Resident) published on 22 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I have no idea of value for money as I am only a visitor. Activities not too stimulating. Staff lovely and hard working but seemed to be 'flat out' and hard working.

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Review from D F (Friend of Resident) published on 14 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I feel the staff are very kind and try to do what they can to help. They are polite and keep the room tidy and clean. Considering the lack of staff they still manage to keep calm under pressure.

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Review from P D (Friend of Resident) published on 14 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Over the past few months, the staff have been far more friendly. The used dishes from lunch etc have been removed before my pm visit and I feel the staff do a very good job, even though there is a lack of staff.

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Review from Una F (Friend of Resident) published on 12 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

When I visit the staff are always very friendly and helpful. The place is clean and my friend says the food is good and certainly plentiful.
Although she is confined to her room because of her mobility. There is usually some activity going on downstairs when I visit.

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Review from Paul C (Husband of Resident) published on 30 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Despite my wife and I having to live separately, she settled quickly into her new environment and is happy as possible.
She is very outgoing and misses the interaction with other residents due to their incapacity but her own concentration level is lacking. I am concerned that she gets no exercise being
confined to a wheelchair. Consequently, her weight has increased so needs less fattening food.
I am concerned also that communication from NHS services is poor. Finally long term; her clearly marked laundry still goes missing.

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Review from Nora B (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 30 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care and friendly staff.

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Review from Margaret C (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since mum has been a resident she is a different person so happy and looks well and is well. She loves the company and eats well.
I feel happy every time I see mum because I know she is well looked after.

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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.404)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.404) out of 10 for Gainsborough Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.0 out of 5 from 5 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 4.383 for Gainsborough Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (27 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 4.383

  • 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 4.021 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Gainsborough Care Home is based on 5 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 = 3.5

    • 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 48 registered maximum number of service users is 9.6. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 9.6 = 0.521

  • 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: 11 Nov 2021

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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Meet the Team (1)

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Juliet Porter

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2017

Juliet has been working at Gainsborough Care Home since 2017 as an Administrator. During this time, Juliet has grown with the home and has been a valued team member, understanding the needs of the home and the residents.


In 2022 Dawn Hand became the new Registered Manager and appointed Juliet as her Deputy reinforcing the Management Team, new ideas and structure.