Clarence House

6 Dudsbury Crescent, Ferndown BH22 8JF
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9.2 39 Reviews
  • Clarence House, Ferndown
Clarence House is a family run care home with 26 bedrooms, which serves Dorset and surrounding areas. As a care home provider they are registered with the Care Quality Commission and Dorset Local Authority, who continually scrutinise everything they do. They will inspect the home regularly to ensure that they meet essential standards of quality and safety.

They offer specialist care at Clarence House to assist people living with mild to moderate dementia. They have implemented many aspects of design including the use of lighting, colours, signage and other facilities, and even a circular footpath.
All staff have had appropriate training and senior staff have undertaken industry leading dementia and mental health training programmes.

At Clarence House they aim to provide the highest possible standard of care to all residents by providing an environment that they feel is their home.
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Care Provided by Clarence House

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 29 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1250 – £1350
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1300 – £1400
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1250 – £1350
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1300 – £1398

Respite is for a minimum of 2 weeks. Chiropody and Hairdressing available at an extra charge.

The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Clarence House for full pricing details and T&Cs.

Contact Clarence House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Funding Types Accepted

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

Contact Clarence House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Neil Hardy (Registered Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2021
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (26)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (1)

Visiting

  • Visitors welcome any time. Time table of daily activities is you wish to call ahead so the person you are visiting does not miss out on the activity.

Parking

  • Car park on site.

Clarence House Reviews (39)

9.2

Clarence House has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.242) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Clarence House has 39 reviews.

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Review from K J (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Me, my daughter and my Nan had a lovely afternoon playing musical bingo. Sarah is a great host. The staff all make us welcome on every visit. My Nan looks settled and enjoys sitting in the lounge area participating in the games and is happy to watch as well. I always feel welcomed and staff will go
out of their way to assist.
Reply from Registered Manager, Manager at Clarence HouseThank you so much for your lovely feedback - It is always a pleasure to have family visit us and spend time. I appreciate you recognise all that we do to ensure loved ones are cared for.
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Review from Rosemary R (Wife of Resident) published on 17 April 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I find Clarence House a very friendly home. The staff always welcome visitors with tea and biscuits. The gardens are lovely with nice chairs outside.
Reply from Neil, Registered Home Manager at Clarence HouseThank you so much for taking the time to review our home, we value the input from loved ones. We strive to continually improve our surrounding's to make it feel homely and inviting.
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Review from Alison W (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My dad has been at this care home for just over 2 years. i visit him every week and have seen a massive improvement in the home in the last couple of months. Communication has improved and I am given an update on my dad's condition each time I visit. The staff are very friendly and I am always offered
a drink when I arrive. There is always a friendly atmosphere and lots of activities available for the residents to take part in (if they are able to or want to). My dad's room is always clean and he is fed well. He is also given the opportunity to go outside if the weather is good which I find really helps my dad as he loves listening to the birds singing.
Reply from Neil, Registered Home Manager at Clarence HouseThank you so much for your review - we always appreciate feedback as this is valuable for us to continually improve our home, and ensure we are offering the best person centred care. It is a pleasure to have your dad stay with us and for you to entrust us to meet his care needs.
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Review from F C (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 April 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father is well looked after in this home. Excellent activities meals cleanliness. Good understanding of his complex needs.
Reply from Registered Manager, Manager at Clarence HouseThank you so much for your feedback - This is always appreciated from family who have been with us for a while. It is a pleasure to have your father stay with us.
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Review from Lindsay C (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 April 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad moved here in Jan 25, the home feels welcoming. Staff are lovely, friendly and caring. My dad has his own routine tailored to him and takes part in a lovely selection of activities. His room is bright with ensuite and is always kept clean. His meals are varied with plenty of options ifhes having
a 'not eating day'. I was apprehensive as we had tried 2 other homes but this is the best one I would recommend and wait for a placement for he's happy here.
Reply from Neil, Registered Home Manager at Clarence HouseThank you so much for your feedback - It is always so nice to hear from loved ones, especially when they are new to Clarence House. The team and i will continue to strive to deliver person centred care. It is a pleasure having your dad stay with us.
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Review from Tanya C (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 April 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Finding the right care home for my mum was a very difficult journey, but this home has been a Godsend for mum. What sets it apart is the genuine 'small family feel' that you don't get in larger facilities. Every single member of the team from the management and the dedicated carers to the cooks, cleaners,
laundry and maintenance are exceptionally kind and attentive It is clear they don't just see this as a job, they truly care. Activities also are deeply personal and tailored to the residnt's interests. I cannot recommend this home highly enough.
Reply from Neil, Registered Manager at Clarence HouseThank you so much for taking the time to give us a review - We truly do believe in putting the person in the centre of everything we do and include every member of the team in your loved ones care. It is a pleasure to have your mum stay will us, thank you once again for entrusting us with her care.
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Review from Janet R (Wife of Resident) published on 13 April 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been at Clarenece House for just over 4 years. I feel at ease knowing he is really well looked after, fed well & kept clean. His room is always very clean.
Reply from Neil, Registered Manager at Clarence HouseThank you for your review - We strive to ensure we are delivering person centred care, tailored to suit your loved ones needs. It is a please to have PR with us and again thank you for entrusting us with his care
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Review from B W (Wife of Resident) published on 13 April 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very clean. Always feel welcomed when we arrive. Staff are friendly and always seem happy. My husband seems very happy and likes his team. I'm pleased with activities as they get stimulation which helps them.
Reply from Neil, Registered Manager at Clarence HouseThank you for your review - it is always nice to hear feedback from loved ones, especially when they are new to Clarence House. It is a please to have DW with us and thank you again for entrusting us with his care.
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Review from M S (Son of Resident) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been at Clarence House to almost two years. It was no longer safe for him to live at home, due to the risk of him wondering off alone, and his worsening dementia.
We've always felt he's both safe and well looked after at Clarence House, and for his individual needs, this care home has
been in many ways ideal.
Whilst they run activities throughout the day and week, including external acts such as singers, unfortunately over time his interest has waned. But that's no fault of the staff. Purely his dementia worsening.
It's not a large home, with around 24 rooms. So staff always seem able to help when needed.
The home has recently had a change of management. What was very much appreciated was the manager calling to introduce himself, prior to me meeting in person.
Reply from Neil Hardy, Manager at Clarence HouseThank you very much for your review. We strive to ensure our care is delivered in a person centred way, even when the person can no-longer tell us what they want /need. Family like yourself, play a key role and should always be communicated with, hopefully this will now continue.
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Review from Nicola W (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nothing but high praise for all the care and compassion that has been shown to dad. Always made welcome and nothing has too much trouble. Looking forward to Christmas and the celebrations. Nothing but praise.
Reply from Amanda Gardiner, Owner at Clarence House"Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt words. I will pass this on to the team. We are truly honored to care for your dad and to have him as part of our community. It means a lot to know that our efforts are appreciated. We are all looking forward to the Christmas celebrations and making it a special time for everyone. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support you or your family."
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Review from K C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
I never thought Id have to be in such a situation where I regretted ever letting my mum go into this poorly managed home this home is about money not about the residents care. They are not allowed to freely go in and out of the secure garden there are no ensuite rooms my mum gets taken up the hallway
in a lift to a bathroom upstairs which distresses her I witnessed spills in the lounge being left for over an hour whilst staff sat chatting, my mums bed sheets were left for days soaked in infection stains. Dirty clothes left in her wardrobe for weeks her feet were bleeding where they were so dry told she had been showered regularly when she hadn't told she hadn't gained weight when it came out she had, food is full of sugar no fruit ever seen. I raised a safeguarding concern they gave my mum notice then subsequently apologised to me for our experience admitted that the home wasn't managed appropriately then 4 months later retracted notice as we secured a new home for mum we are so upset.
Reply from Sharon Halifax, Interim Manager at Clarence HouseWe are sorry to read your comments, though we do not recognise the situation as described. We take all feedback seriously and always encourage families to raise any concerns directly with our management team so that we can address them promptly and appropriately. Our priority remains the wellbeing and dignity of all residents, and we are proud of the high standards of care we provide. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us directly.

Kind regards,

Sharon Halifax
Interim Manager
Clarence House
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Review from Colin C (Son of Resident) published on 19 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am writing to thank the manager and their team at Clarence House rest home. From the moment we contacted them, they supplied all of the information we needed and much more for my father's stay. On the day he moved in, the team were relaxed and did everything to help. The bedroom was spacious and well-appointed.
Unfortunately, his stay was short but the staff kept us well informed daily and we were allowed to visit at all hours of the day and night. There was always a smile and a cup of tea to keep us going plus many biscuits. The day my dad passed away was a Saturday. Despite not being on duty, a particular member of staff made a special trip to meet us, to make the process smoother, which we appreciated greatly. Clarence House went above and beyond our expectations and we are so glad that we chose this home. On behalf of our family, we thank you for everything.
Reply from Amanda Gardiner, Owner at Clarence HouseThank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to review the Home. We greatly appreciate all feedback so that we are able to offer the best service possible. Although your father was with us for only a short time, we were privileged to be able to have the opportunity to care for him before his passing. We are so pleased that you and your family felt supported through this time.
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Review from Peter B (Son of Resident) published on 8 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot commend the staff and management of Clarence House Rest Home too highly.
They cared for my mother for 6 years until her death aged 101 in December 2020. The doctor recorded her cause of death as 'frailty of old age'. That we had our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother for so long was
due to the support, skill and intervention of the staff of the home. They monitored her wellbeing closely, calling the doctors and my sister and/or I promptly whenever there was any cause for concern, prioritising her needs proactively whenever required.
My sister and I dispute the exact number of homes we viewed - it was between 20 and 30 - before alighting upon Clarence House as our choice. What characterised the home above all others immediately on arrival was the cheerfulness and laughter amongst the staff and their support for the residents. It was a choice easily made. The wisdom of our decision was reinforced as the time went by and as my mother needed additional care and attention.
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Review from P M (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff provide excellent care - they are highly professional and extremely caring. When my mother was ill on several occasions during her years there, and particularly in her final days, I felt very supported and cared for myself. My family and I cannot speak highly enough of the quality of attention
and concern they have consistently shown to Mum and I will always be grateful to them. Management, nursing, auxiliary staff - all staff included.
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Review from Vanda G (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother and mother-in-law were both residents at Clarence House Rest Home.
The quality of care, understanding and respect they received were outstanding.
The staff are very efficient, warm, friendly and very caring.
Both mothers had different kinds of care requirements and each had care provided
for their specific needs.
We sadly lost both mothers, but they were both so happy to have had Clarence House as their final home.
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Review from Lee M (Son of Resident) published on 22 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We needed to find a nearby care home for our father, specifically in the Wimborne area. There are some very nice, large, hotel-like, and very expensive options around, but it was important to us that we found a friendly and caring environment for our lovely father.
Clarence House immediately stood
out as being the right place.
Nearly 3 years on and we are very happy with the care provided plus the warmth of the staff. The manager and her team are great, the main lounge is excellent with plenty of activities for residents to engage in. The home have worked really hard throughout Covid and put their residents' health first throughout.
Thank you to all the team!
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Review from Diane W (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We cannot thank you enough for everything you did for my father. All the team went above and beyond our expectations to ensure he felt happy, cared for and safe during his time with you and that means the absolute world to all of us family members. We couldn’t have asked for any more from any of you.
Keep doing what you are doing - you are all amazing!
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Review from Sarah H (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother arrived at Clarence House following a few weeks in hospital after which it became clear she could not return home. She spent just over 4 months at the home and we only moved her out to bring her to a similar home very near us, meaning I could visit regularly and avoid a 70-mile round trip.
A few weeks after she joined Clarence House, covid became a real issue and lock-down began. Throughout, I was immensely impressed with how the care home dealt with what was an extremely difficult time for all concerned. I received regular updates and knew my mother was in the best hands. I appreciated that visiting was out of the question. She transferred to the new home towards the end of June with happy memories, especially for the staff who treated her with respect and kindness at all times. Thank you to everyone at Clarence House for your help and assistance.
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Review from Cemlyn W (Ex Family Member) published on 30 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is the best care home I have ever been to, or had the privilege of visiting! The staff are just incredible, the garden and placement of the home are lovely, and the manager is the glue that sticks all this together to make one fantastic place to live.
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Review from Pam P (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum only lived at Clarence House for a short time and has now sadly passed away. I have nothing but praise for the staff for caring for Mum with compassion, dignity, respect and good humour. The measures and reaction to the lockdown were fantastic. The staff do an amazing job of making you feel welcome
and at home from day one. I would have no hesitation in recommending Clarence house to anyone.
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Current Review Score: 9.2 (9.242)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.2 (9.242) out of 10 for Clarence House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.492 for Clarence House is calculated as follows: ( (93 Excellents x 5) + (24 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) + (9 Poors x 2) + (2 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 132 Ratings = 4.492
  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 4.75 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Clarence House 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:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 = 3.75
    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 29 registered maximum number of service users is 5.8, which has been reached with 10 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: 2 Jun 2025

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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Clarence House

What types of Care is Clarence House registered for?

Older Person Care & Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Clarence House have?

There are 26 Single Rooms and 1 Couple/Companion Room.

What are the Facilities & Services at Clarence House?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Clarence House to the centre of Ferndown?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Clarence House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Clarence House has an Enhanced Service - more info.