Maiden Castle House

12/14 Gloucester Road, Dorchester DT1 2NJ
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9.8 67 Reviews
  • Maiden Castle House, Dorchester
Maiden Castle House is a welcoming, purpose-built residential and dementia care home in the heart of Dorset's county town. The home's experienced and well-trained team provides compassion care for those who can longer live independently, whether that is someone who is physically frail or those suffering from dementia.

Maiden Castle House has 66 bedrooms split into two wings to ensure a home atmosphere. All rooms feature state-of-the-art ensuite facilities. There are plenty of communal areas including lounges, a quiet room and outside courtyards where residents can relax or socialise as they wish.

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

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 66 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1365
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1605
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1490

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Maiden Castle House to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Ashley Smith (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (66)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (66)

Maiden Castle House Reviews (67)

9.8

Maiden Castle House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.846) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Maiden Castle House has 67 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 67
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Reviewer Connection to Maiden Castle House
  • 26
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Total of 67, showing 21-40
Review from G B (Husband of Resident) published on 24 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I observe this as a well-regulated home that seeks to provide both the support and interests that stimulate residents and are relative to age and social background.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It's so pleasing to see you rated the overall experience at Maiden Castle House as 5 star. I will pass on your lovely comments to the team. All the best.

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Review from Barry W (Husband of Resident) published on 24 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has been a resident for over two and a half years, all this time I have found both the home and staff excellent. Every single one is most helpful to both residents and my frequent visits. I would certainly recommend this home to everyone.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your excellent feedback, I am delighted that you would recommend Maiden Castle House. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from B P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Friendly and welcoming, good communication and lots of nice activities.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Maiden Castle House. I am so pleased to read your comments, and I wish you all the best.

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Review from Ed G (Son of Resident) published on 22 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As always Mum is being very well looked after. Thank you for your continued support.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your 5 star review, the team at Maiden Castle House will be delighted. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from Gaynor T (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum wasn't managing well at home and it was finally decided she needed full time care. Oh my what a change to her there has been. At home she had become miserable, nothing was ever right anymore; she was very lonely. Within a few days of being in the home she became a different person. She loves
all the staff, says how kind and caring they all are, and she joins in with the activities which she enjoys very much. My Mum has now gone back to how she used to be years ago. She is happy and so am I. I can't thank all the staff enough for what they do. Everyone is always so smiley, it's like they all love the job they do and what a difference to the atmosphere that makes. I love going to visit her now whereas before I never knew what I might be faced with next. It has certainly made my life a whole lot easier and I am so delighted my Mum is so happy. Well done to the manager and the whole team. They have all been amazing.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I am so pleased to read your feedback. All the best!

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Review from Dee W (Friend of Resident) published on 10 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a wonderful home, the environment is lovely, very welcoming and clean. The whole team from the very top are wonderful the home manager was extremely supportive and met with me several times whilst transitioning to my partner moving to care. The activities were wonderful. I won’t stop recommending
this home to friends
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for leaving a review, I'm so pleased you would recommend us, wishing you all the best.

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Review from E B (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great facilities. The design of the lounge adds to a sense of community. The staff are patient, kind and supportive. Feel grateful that my father is in this particular care home.
Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Maiden Castle House

Thank you so much for leaving Maiden Castle a 5* review. I am delighted to know your father is enjoying life with us. All the best.

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Review from Amanda D (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has spent four very happy weeks here and made some good friends, she was sad to say goodbye. The care home I had originally booked let us down at the last minute and I couldn't be more grateful to the staff here for organising Mum's stay so quickly for me. From my first phone call until I came to
bring Mum home, all the staff have been amazing, so patient and kind with nothing being too much trouble. It's a really happy and nurturing place and I will definitely be booking Mum in for respite again (I hope they'll have space!). Thank you all so much.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your review, I am so pleased with how happy both you and Mum were with Maiden Castle House. We look forward to welcoming Mum back in the future.

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Review from Leah S (Nephew of Resident) published on 17 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Not much to say other than from management to the care staff, it is a wonderful service and made my aunt feel like it was home. I will be forever grateful for Maiden Castle. They gave my aunt the best she could have.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for your review, it's fantastic to read that your aunt is feeling at home.
Wishing you all the best.

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Review from Brenda H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister and I have just lost our lovely mum. Mum was a resident in Maiden Castle House for nearly 6 years. My sister and I cannot recommend this care home enough. Words will not express how we feel. Mum always called Maiden Castle House her home. Which it was. Mum had friends in the home of whom she
was very fond of. Staff have always gone that extra mile to ensure Mum was safe, clean and comfortable in all the time she was a resident. Mum was taken ill a few weeks ago and in that time my sister and I spent many hours of every day with Mum. We saw that absolutely nothing was too much trouble. Her carers made sure she always had clean clothes on. Mum was offered whatever she wanted to eat or drink, be it, soup, jelly or ice cream. What is special to me is that during a night stay we were offered drinks, food, a pop-up bed etc. The staff made sure my sister and I had so much support it was like we were with extended family. At the end Mum was made very cosy and all staff supported us. Thank you.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for taking the time to leave Maiden Castle House a review. I am so sorry to learn of your mothers passing. It really does mean the world to the staff to read such lovely comments like this. Wishing you and your family all the very best for the future.

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Review from J C (Husband of Resident) published on 10 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife stayed for respite, her needs were very high, however, the team met her needs with the utmost dignity and was really happy with her stay. When she needs another holiday she will be returning to Maiden Castle House. I was most impressed with the management team from viewing the home to pre-admission
and they were amazing on the day of the move even helping me take all her belongings to her room! I am most satisfied.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am delighted that your mum has enjoyed her stay with us, we look forward to welcoming her back for her next holiday!

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Review from S H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are always made to feel welcome when we visit the home. The staff are fantastic and always attentive to Mum's needs. Mum is happy and enjoys the variety of activities put on. Thank you for looking after her.
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Review from Gav C (Relative of Resident) published on 13 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff were very attentive and kind. My grandmother is in great hands. She loves it at Maiden Castle
We were so lucky to find a perfect care home. Ash and team are amazing
10/10 all departments in my opinion
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Review from H P (Friend of Resident) published on 5 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Difficulty arranging visits satisfactory to residents because there is no response to the website request system, one has to check by phone. Residents do not appear to have prior knowledge of visits.
Residents seem to be left to their own devices most of the day. One carer referred to a resident as
'No 31' (her room number) instead of her name.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Maiden Castle House

We pride ourselves on our excellent standards of care, communication and social interaction at Maiden Castle House. We are disappointed to read that we have not met your expectations on this occasion. We would be pleased to discuss your specific concerns if you contact the Home Manager directly on 01305 251661 or by email.

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Review from Jayne F (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My family and I are so happy with the care that the staff at Maiden Castle have given to our dear mum. They are like part of our family, friendly, kind and extremely caring. Since our mum has lived at Maiden Castle we have seen her blossom, she has made wonderful friendships and feels loved and safe.
We will be forever grateful to the staff for making our mum’s last few years the best that they could be. A massive thank you for your dedication and wonderful patience throughout the last few difficult months.
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Review from Terry J (Resident) published on 24 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very helpfully keeping me safe throughout lockdown.
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Review from P B (Resident) published on 24 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Good, the staff are excellent. Nothing is too much trouble. I am quite content.
I love all the activities, like knit and natter. Food is good.
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Review from E R (Resident) published on 24 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I feel cared for. The staff are very helpful and kind. Good food. I feel safe and my family are happy I am being looked after by such lovely staff. There are lots of activities like knit and natter and quizzes, film shows and trips. All the residents are very friendly.
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Review from D A (Resident) published on 24 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have lived at Maiden Castle House for four and a half years and have been very happy. Staff are all very kind and helpful. Food is excellent and activities are very good, being knit and natter, film shows, cooking and baking so our time is well taken care of.
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Review from K B (Resident) published on 24 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Having to experience personal care in my life for the first time and so far I am very pleased to have chosen Maiden Castle House just over a month ago. I am enjoying the facilities available along with the staff and friendly and helpful carers making me comfortable and aware of choices of meals and
activities which are many and varied daily.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.846)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.846) out of 10 for Maiden Castle House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.846 for Maiden Castle House is calculated as follows: ( (244 Excellents x 5) + (40 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 286 Ratings = 4.846
  2. 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 Maiden Castle House is based on 24 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 66 registered maximum number of service users is 13.2, which has been reached with 24 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 11 Jun 2021

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Requires improvement
  • 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

Meet the Team (1)

Ashley

Ashley Smith

Job Title: Home Manager

“Prior to joining Care South, I was a painter and decorator but have now been in the care industry for ten years. I started at Maiden Castle House as a Care Assistant and gradually gained regular promotions to now being appointed as the Home Manager.


There is nothing better than seeing happy residents, and the memories and friendships you make with them. Every day I look forward to the challenges the day may bring, I have worked here for a third of my life so I am particularly passionate about the home continuing to be as successful as possible.


I am a proud dad to my twins, Archie and Myla. I love my free weekends adventuring with them and my partner, Leah. I enjoy running, most sports and spending time with my extended family. I am a positive person who is always looking forward to the future and all the exciting journeys you can embark on.”

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