Castle Dene

Throop Road, Bournemouth BH8 0DB
Review Us
9.7 107 Reviews
  • Castle Dene, Bournemouth
Castle Dene care home is located between Bournemouth and Christchurch. It benefits from great shopping facilities with Castle Point shopping complex near at hand. There are lots of local attractions and excellent transport links. The countryside is close to Castle Dene with access to a nature reserve. With Bournemouth’s sandy beaches and spectacular coastline just a few miles away, this area is an amazing place to live. The fantastic range of local amenities mean that there's always something for residents and visiting loved ones to enjoy.

The respected Bournemouth care home boasts plenty of spaces for residents to socialise and relax, including bright and homely living and communal areas as well as a spacious conservatory. The on-site hair salon is a favourite of residents and Castle Dene also offers a large landscaped garden, often tended to by green-fingered residents, which is a quiet, tranquil space for residents to enjoy.

The home has an Activity Lead who fills the days with interesting and enjoyable activities geared to the residents' wellbeing. But there is always the opportunity to simply relax with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
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Care Provided

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 50 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1175
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1275
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1300

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Castle Dene 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

  • Laura Reilly (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 1997
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (50)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Parking

  • Parking available on site.

Castle Dene Reviews (107)

9.7

Castle Dene has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.719) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Castle Dene has 107 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Castle Dene
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Total of 107, showing 21-40
Review from Dave B (Son of Resident) published on 10 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are always helpful and polite and provide a decent level of care in what are very challenging circumstances, with all residents suffering from varying degrees of dementia. They provide activities and engage with the residents on a level appropriate to the level of awareness of the residents have
always seen staff treat residents with respect even when they are being extremely difficult.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for leaving a review, your feedback is greatly appreciated by all at Castle Dene. I will ensure your feedback is passed on to the team. Thank you again.

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Review from Judith B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you to everyone at Castle Dene for the celebration you gave my mum for her birthday. Although she is living completely in the closed world of Alzheimer's where communication is limited to odd sounds and facial expressions, the staff still wanted to organize a party alongside all the other extra
activities they organise at Christmas.
They managed to coax her into having her hair done and made her look much younger than her 100 years! This gesture just reflects what an amazing team they are and how they act as a family.
Mum was taken into hospital not long after this and again the staff were our extended family. They supported me by reassuring and comforting me on the phone until Mum was able to go home. The amazing coincidence was when she returned from the hospital she was welcomed back by the same carer who had greeted her on her arrival 4 years ago!
The warmth and care from this special team over the last 4 years has never wavered.
We are very lucky - thank you.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Your comments will mean so much to the team at Castle Dene. I am so pleased you were all able to enjoy your mum's 100th birthday - how amazing! All the best.

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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was in Queensmead/Castle Dene for approximately 22 months and during her stay, she was treated with respect, understanding and kindness.
The staff were caring and nothing was too much trouble.
Unfortunately, my mother passed away in November in hospital and was visited by a member of staff
from Castle Dene, which myself and my family appreciated.
On the day of my mother's funeral, some of the staff attended along with a resident to show their final respects which was so kind and thoughtful.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I am so sorry to learn of your mothers passing, wishing you and your family all the best.

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Review from P D (Friend of Resident) published on 10 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thanks to staff and manager. I enjoyed my visit to Castle Dene to visit my friend. I was made very welcome by the friendly staff, and everything looked super!
The atmosphere was bright, cheerful and very positive.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your wonderful five-star review. I am so pleased to read your comments and wish you all the best for the future.

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Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so pleased with my mum's care, Castle Dene Care Home is homely and all the staff go above and beyond to make my mum comfortable and happy. She is well looked after and eating and drinking better. She has a lovely room and staff make a real effort to get to know the family of residents as well,
even asking after my own health now the stress of caring for Mum has been taken off me. Thank you!
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

I am delighted to know that your mother has settled into life at Castle Dene so well, thank you for taking the time to leave a review.

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Review from T D (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 10 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the moment me and my family visited Castle Dene Care Home, we knew it was the right place for my nan. Friendly, helpful, caring and homely. My nan has a lovely room and is so much happier and settled, eating and drinking and being cared for which is all we ask for. Staff are always friendly and
helpful and they have the yummiest cake! Thank you.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review, you're right, the cakes are brilliant! I am delighted your nan is enjoying life with us at Castle Dene. All the best.

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Review from Sonya G (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a family, we had to make the very hard decision for Dad to get 24-hour care in a care home. The staff were warm, friendly and very caring from the start - going out of their way to organise activities Dad would enjoy...namely a trip to a football ground!
Mum was encouraged to join activities and
stay for meals too.
Sadly, Dad's health began to fail and the palliative care he received was amazing. So kind and never too busy to care for Dad. The care given to my mum during this time was exceptional.
During Dad's stay, his and our wishes were always respected.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for taking the time to leave Castle Dene a review, the team and I are so grateful of your kind words. Thank you again and wishing you all the best.

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Review from Alison T (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm delighted that I was able to get my mother into this home. It's a very difficult time for all involved, myself and my mother. But all that work there has made it as easy as possible for all concerned. They show kindness, patience and care, so what more could I ask for? And not only to my mother
but also to myself. The place is clean and tidy, with no aroma. The food is amazing, with a fabulous variety and choice each day. They try to make things interesting for the residents, and I must say, I've enjoyed watching some of the activities and the resident's faces myself.
Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Castle Dene

Thank you Alison for taking the time to provide us with a five-star review, it's much appreciated!

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Review from Linda J (Wife of Resident) published on 2 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been on a rocky journey with my soulmate having been in hospital for twelve weeks and then going to Castle Dene Care Home. Since there, the kindness and care everybody has shown him and myself has been amazing from management and all the caring team. He has improved so much that I can't thank
them enough. God bless you all.
Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Castle Dene

I am so pleased to read your review. It's so pleasing to read your husband has settled in so well at Castle Dene, thank you for taking the time to leave a review.

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Review from V P (Friend of Resident) published on 30 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When visiting I have been welcomed by different staff members. All are friendly and helpful. Meals have been served in my friend's room on occasion, and the food looks and smells good! I have also seen some of the menus which are quite inviting. The room and wash basin are kept clean and tidy. I also
understand that everyone has been kind and caring to my friend.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am delighted to read your comments, wishing you all the best.

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Review from V G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Queenmead, Castle Dene are always friendly and treat the residents with great care and respect as though they were part of the family. They go the extra mile in trying to improve things for the residents and this was well evidenced by the great effort that was put in to make the summer
fete such a success. All the money raised goes towards days out and other things to make life better for the residents and the staff did most of the work in their own time preparing for and working at the fete. I am very glad my mother is looked after by these lovely people.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you so much for your kind review, I am delighted to read how happy you are with your mother's care. Wishing you all the very best.

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Review from C P (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very pleasant residence. Very friendly and caring staff.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for leaving us a 5* review, it's much appreciated.

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Review from R A (Brother of Resident) published on 22 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The home is very good. Great staff who go to great lengths to be happy and very friendly.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review, it is much appreciated. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from Elizabeth C (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Queensmead at Castledene is a wonderful home. From the moment you walk through the door, it is such a friendly atmosphere and you are made to feel very welcome. The staff all know the residents very well and they are all treated with kindness and dignity. The home is always clean and tidy and the residents
always appear happy. As we normally visit in the afternoon, we normally arrive as the tea trolley is going round with delicious homemade cakes! The food and drink are very good with a good choice for lunch and supper. There is always lots of daily activities for the residents to enjoy. This month they held a jubilee party for the residents, which was so well organised with a lovely atmosphere, everyone was made to feel very special. Queensmead at Castledene may not have all the luxuries that some homes do, but it has what matters.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for leaving your review, I am delighted to read how happy you are with our home. All the best.

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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's hard to put into words how wonderful and outstanding our experience of having my parents move, as a couple, to Queensmead at Castle Dene has been. From the word go, when they welcomed them at very short notice and under very difficult circumstances, the extraordinary team, who feel like family,
have gone above and beyond to help them settle in and more than that, thrive. Not only have they individually been so well looked after, my mother has blossomed. Now in her 90's, with advanced dementia and all the challenges that bring, we have seen her coming into her own, finding a new lease of life having been encouraged (gently) to take part in the many, varied activities on offer, watching musical recitals and a boat trip around Poole Harbour, which she loved! The recent Jubilee celebration in the home was amazing! Nothing is ever too much trouble. The rooms are clean, the dining room meal options are varied, but, truly, it's about the homely atmosphere and kindness. We are so grateful.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

What a wonderful review to read, thank you so much for your kind words. I'll be sure to pass on your comments to all the team at Queensmead. It's much appreciated.

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Review from D B (Next of Kin) published on 10 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The resident transferred from Castle Dene to Queensmead and has settled extremely well. Kind and caring management and staff. The management are always communicating and giving up to date info. Pleased we continued to use Care South, Queensmead.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review. I am delighted to hear they have settled into Queensmead at Castle Dene. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from A H (Friend of Resident) published on 8 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have always found the staff very friendly and helpful and they treat the residents with care. There always seems to be some sort of activity every day and I was impressed that a spare room had been made into a jigsaw room so that a jigsaw could be left out on a table, to do gradually. The meals sound
good with plenty of variety.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for your review. I am so pleased to read your lovely comments. Wishing you all the very best.

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Review from Lorraine A (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been a resident at Queensmead at Castle Dene for a few short months (March) and it is a testament to the whole staff group that she settled so quickly and feels at home. I have been impressed with all the staff that I have met and really get a sense of how well my mum is doing. She appears
happy, is sleeping well and eating having put on weight. This has been an issue for some time now in her previous care home and the care staff are doing such a lot to ensure that she is putting on weight and that her needs are attended to. She looks so much better now. I am welcomed whenever I visit and am impressed with the cleanliness of the home and my mum's room. I attended the Jubilee celebrations where everyone had such a good time and the staff were very attentive and worked hard to ensure residents and their families had a good time. Thank you
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for leaving the home a review. I am delighted to hear Mum has settled in well. All the very best.

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Review from Laraine E (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When mum came to Queensmead at Castle Dene in November 2020, she arrived in a poor state. Since being here, staff have done everything to help her settle in. She is very well cared for and I feel relieved that she is now in a safe place and her condition is well understood. The staff go to great lengths
to get to know the needs of the residents and are kind, caring, approachable, as well as being committed. Relatives are kept well informed at all times. This was more than evident during the Covid pandemic. Social events are often organised which gives the place a homely feel and there is an atmosphere of inclusiveness which is great.
Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Castle Dene

Thank you for taking the time to review our services. I am delighted to know Mum is settling with us. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from Catherine H (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum receives excellent care. I feel confident that she is being well looked after.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.719)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.719) out of 10 for Castle Dene is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 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 4.719 for Castle Dene is calculated as follows: ( (207 Excellents x 5) + (65 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 278 Ratings = 4.719
  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 Castle Dene 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 50 registered maximum number of service users is 10, 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: 19 Sep 2024

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 (9)

Meet the Team (1)

Laura

Laura Reilly

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2018

I joined Care South as a Care Team Leader in 2018, progressed to Deputy Home Manager at Dorset House in 2023 and I am now proud to be the Home Manager of Castle Dene. There is nothing better than getting to know our residents and their families, so that we can provide the best possible care and support that is right for them. The whole team and I here at Castle Dene pride ourselves on making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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