






Rated CQC 'Oustanding' in Caring (October 2025). Unlike large corporate facilities, St Cecilia is a warm, family-run home where residents are treated like family, not numbers. Specialising in dementia care for over 30 years, the home prides itself on a true 'home-from-home' atmosphere filled with laughter, home-cooked meals, and genuine affection. Situated in a peaceful Edwardian house near Westbourne, St Cecilia offers a cosy, personalised alternative for those seeking the very best care.
Care Provided by St Cecilia
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 15 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Stairlift
- Gardens
- Television point in own room
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact St Cecilia for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact St Cecilia 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)
Good to Know
Owner
- St Cecilia Care Dorset Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Robin Hiney (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2007
Room Information
- Single Rooms (13)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
St Cecilia Reviews (52)
St Cecilia has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.527) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time St Cecilia has 52 reviews.
My dad has been a resident at St Cecilia for 18 months now. From our first meeting with the manager Robin, he and the team made a real effort to understand my dad's difficulties and fears but also his interests; music, especially jazz. Dad settled in quickly and became more relaxed due to the individualised care given to him. Dad feels safe and happy and enjoys listening to music. The staff are familiar to him and make a fuss of him, they make him feel like part of the family. We have always been made to feel welcome and a part of the family too when visiting dad. I feel extremely grateful to the staff for their unwavering care of dad, it means the world to me and my family.
It is such a relief for me to see him so well cared for, after 64 years of happy marriage it was not easy to part but The Manager and staff have been a real blessing and I can't say enough thank you's to them all!
The staff always give excellent care +are very sensitive to the individual needs of each residalent They also involve family members in decision making +make every family member extremely welcome at any visiting time.
We reluctantly moved him into St Cecilia's at the start of this year and we have been consistently impressed at the excellent standard of care. Dad has been content and the staff have skilfully and patiently managed his medical care needs and his challenging behaviour.
The family (including Dad's dog) are able to visit regularly and we are more than satisfied that he is receiving the best care possible. Robin and his staff are stars - and we are very grateful.
My relative has received excellent care. They are difficult to manage, but St Cecelia's has gone above and beyond, responding to challenging behaviour with compassion and kindness. Can't speak highly enough of them.
From the moment we arrived with my Dad, Robin the care manager and Lavinia were there to welcome us. Lavinia took dad under her wing and they hit it off straight away. Dad loved his room the moment he saw it and said it was super and smashing, and felt right at home. Dad has been living at St Cecilia's since beginning of May 2026 and he has been so well looked after by all the amazing staff, they are all exceptional at the care they give each and every resident. I have peace of mind with regular updates either by Phone email or WhatsApp, nothing is ever too much trouble and they welcome family members and friends to visit anytime. I would highly recommend Robin and his team at St Cecilia's to anyone looking for top class care for your loved one.
The room was just what he wanted bright, airy and very clean.
The building itself could do with a bit of work in places but that doesn't mean that the care isnt good because its been A1 from day 1 you couldn't get any better from the excellent staff who know all the residents needs
Dad feels at home here and safe.
Robin and team give me regular updates on dad and we have video calls which gives me peace of mind as I live far away.
My lovely Mum was moved into St.Cecellia"s care home with dementia after a bad experience in another a few years ago.The difference was plain to see and she has been so well looked after with care and consideration for her dignity. As I live a long distance away much of my communication with her is by phone. The staff are always upbeat and I've never felt I'm interrupting with my call even if they are busy. When visiting I'm aware of how the staff interact with both Mum and other patients with patience, kindness and compassion and the atmosphere is like that of a family. I am kept well informed of any changes and they have supported and helped me come to terms with her illness. I would highly recommend this care home to anyone who has a relative with dementia.
Everyone working at the home was wonderful. My husband received exceptional palliative care. After a bad experience at the previous care home, I was relieved that my husband died with dignity surrounded by an amazing team. A special thank you to the manager. He runs the home brilliantly and everyone seems very happy. No agency staff, a great consistency in the care. My husband was looked after by the same compassionate people every day. I just wish we had found St.Cecilia earlier.
My lovely wife moved into the home in September 2020 when the social services decided that I needed help with her, I believe it was the perfect home for her and her somewhat complicated form of Dementia, from the moment she arrived it was amazing how she was welcomed. The staff were super and always made me feel so welcome, nothing ever seemed to be a problem with them or for them. My wife passed away in early 24, she was looked after so well and I have nothing but gratitude and respect for all staff at St Cecilia.
St Cecilia is an excellent care home. The staff and manager deal with very difficult circumstances with patience, kindness and compassion. My husband has been a resident for two years and is bedbound and needs a great deal of attention. I am very happy with all his loving care. They always welcome me at any time with coffee and biscuits or lunch. I am so grateful to them all.
My father has dementia and has been a resident of St.Ceilia for nearly two years. In that time he has been cared for by highly trained, kind, compassionate staff who totally understand the needs of dementia patients. The care home has a family atmosphere and visitors are always welcomed by the regular staff who create a calm, happy environment for residents and their families. I feel secure in the knowledge that my father is being cared for by such an incredible team.
I cannot fault St Cecilia care in any way, they have been so caring and kind to my lovely mum and very supportive to me as it was a difficult decision for my mum to move into St Cecilia permanently but I know it was the right one! All the staff and manager are very caring and professional and I am very happy how they have made my mum so welcome into their care.
My dad was a resident at St Cecilia from Feb 2023 to January 2024. He had advanced dementia and at times could be very difficult to deal with as a previous home couldn't cope with his behaviour, but all of the staff at the home were very supportive and looked after Dad during his time there. I have nothing but praise for the manager and his team, as the job they do is certainly not an easy one and they show care and respect to the residents and their relatives too. They always tried to engage Dad with activities and encourage him to speak about his interests/ life history. Although Dad wasn't at home during his last year, I felt this was his home and he received the best care available for his needs. For anybody considering St Cecilia, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend their care.
We were so pleased with the care our father received at St Cecilia's. It is easy to see that the owners, manager and staff are fully committed to providing top-notch care. Our dad was considered difficult at another care home but fit right into the smaller environment at St Cecilia's. The manager is absolutely first-rate, and that is reflected in the staff, who are all very kind and seem to delight in what they do. From the first moment we walked in, we could see that residents were not just sitting around; they were engaged with staff, and music and dancing were being enjoyed. We found the staff to be very attentive to our dad, and very focused on making sure medications were correct and both medical and psychological needs were met. We are pleased to recommend St Cecilias without hesitation.
straight away that she was being well cared for. A lot of thought was put into her well being from day one.
Mum was a resident for just over a year before she passed away - and her passing was so well managed. I feel very lucky that Mum spent her final year or so at St Cecilia's.
Thank you for your review, kind, support and appreciation of our hard-working carers.
They have dancing and singing with the staff, which is wonderful for them.
When she was living at home with carers she was frightened and lonely, my sister and I had many aggressive phone calls. She seems really happy now. My sister and I cannot believe the change. We are so pleased we found this home, it has made such a difference to all our lives. What a relief.
Thank you. You have summed up exactly what St Cecilia hopes to achieve.
My sister and I were looking for a care home for my mum. I was recommended St Cecilia’s, it was the best decision my sister and I made, placing mum there. Every member of staff gives a hundred per cent caring for the residents, and mum who was most reluctant to even speak of a care home is so happy there. St Cecilia's has the very best staff and the biggest heart. If ever I was unfortunate to get dementia, this is the place I would want to spend my last years. Well done all of you.
Thank you, for your lovely review. We are very pleased that St Cecilia is providing the care and love our residents need.
This is the only home my husband has settled in after trying 3 others. It feels homely and friendly. Nobody has ever been rude or short of patience. It really is a great place.
How can one care home have all the best carers? Well, St Cecilia has them all. Never met so many caring and loving people.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 29 September 2025Good
- CaringOutstanding
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for St Cecilia.
There are no upcoming events for St Cecilia.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for St Cecilia.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for St Cecilia.
Meet the Team (0)
There are no Team Members posted yet.
Frequently Asked Questions about St Cecilia
What types of Care is St Cecilia registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does St Cecilia have?
There are 13 Single Rooms and 1 Couples/Companion Room.
What are the Facilities & Services at St Cecilia?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Stairlift, Gardens, Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is St Cecilia to the centre of Poole?
4.0 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 St Cecilia to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. St Cecilia has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.