Dorset House

Coles Avenue, Hamworthy, Poole BH15 4HL
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9.8 85 Reviews
  • Dorset House, Poole
Dorset House is a safe and homely residential and dementia care home in the heart of the Hamworthy community in Poole.

Dorset house has 48 single bedrooms and two double bedrooms plus plenty of communal areas where residents can socialise or relax, including six lounges and a lovely, large, secure garden.

The experienced and well-trained team at Dorset House provides compassion care for those who can longer live independently, helping people who are physically frail or those living with dementia.

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 52 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • 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 £1175
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1275
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1300

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Dorset 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

  • Tracy Jennings (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (48)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (3)

Dorset House Reviews (85)

Total of 85, showing 1-20
9.8

Dorset House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.822) out of 10, based on 37 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dorset House has 85 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 59
  • 24
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Date Published

85
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22
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Review from Sue M (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident at Dorset House for 4 years. The love and care that is given to her by all staff is above and beyond. Every single member of staff is professional, kind and knowledgeable. We as a family are always kept up to date with Mums care and feel the staff are very approachable if
there are any concerns. There are activities on every day for the residents to enjoy and outings if they wish to go on them. The whole house is kept clean and tidy and the Dining Room is lovely. The chef is approachable with any individual needs and the food provided is well cooked. There is a constant drinks trolley and fruit available at all times. There are a couple of staff that Mum is close to, one in particular who uses humour to manage Mums personal needs. He is always smiling and happy in his work.

Reply from Phillip Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for such a positive review of Dorset House. The team will be delighted with the feedback which I will make sure they receive

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Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are friendly and very caring towards my mother. I am updated as and when required.
The care has always been exceptional often in difficult circumstances. The home is always welcoming, clean and tidy. A home from home atmosphere.

Reply from Phillip Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you so much for a lovely review of the care provided at Dorset House. This will be shared with the team who I know will be delighted!

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Review from L M (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 August 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Consistently high standard of care. Staff are kind, patient and hardworking. My mum and dad have thrived since they arrived at Dorset House. Having just returned from holiday, it was a joy to see my parents happy, well and stimulated. Thoroughly recommend this care home!

Reply from Rachel Wood, Head of Customer Relations at Dorset House

Thank you for your review. The team will be so pleased to hear that you think that they are kind, patient and hardworking - it means a lot. We are so pleased that Mum and Dad are thriving in our care. Thanks again, it's greatly appreciated.

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Review from Catherine D (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum came initially for respite care and is now a permanent resident. She has a lovely room with a view of the garden, although currently bed bound I have visited the dining room - which looks like a hotel and the beautiful garden.
All of the staff are so patient and caring. Nothing is ever too much
trouble, from the housekeeper to the chef, everyone is friendly and helpful. All the carers know what mum likes and take time to talk to her and have a joke or a chat. Team leaders are knowledgeable, they always have time to listen and have good knowledge of mums needs.
Having been very worried about mum being in a care home, in fact my brother and I now feel she is safe and well cared for. We would highly recommend this home.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We're so glad to hear your mum is feeling well cared for and at home with us. It means a great deal to the whole team to know that you and your family feel reassured and supported.

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Review from A O (Son of Resident) published on 4 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff were amazing and very caring Dorset House looked after my father very well and he loved it he also went on trips played darts and snooker and a bit of gardening and called his room his flat

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Dorset House

Thank you for your review we are so pleased your father called Dorset House his home and was able to do the things he loves.

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Review from Julia S (Respite Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 14 May 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have never been in a residential home before, but I am familiar with Dorset House through friends. The whole experience was wonderful, especially the food. The staff were so friendly, and you could tell that they enjoyed their jobs. The home had a wonderful, happy, homely feel.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased you had a positive experience at Dorset House. It's great to hear you enjoyed the food and felt the warm, homely atmosphere our team works hard to create.

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Review from Loraine H (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 May 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum enjoyed her 4 weeks at Dorset House. Especially walking around the beautiful garden and watching the fish in the pond. At lunchtime, she liked the group she was always sat with, a choice of two different main meals which were always delicious.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Dorset House

Thank for this 5* review. We are so pleased you enjoy walking around the gardens and that you find the meals delicious.

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Review from E L (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I went to visit Dorset House for the first time after visiting other care homes and was shown around it just felt perfect. The staff, grounds, rooms and facilities. The residents looked so at home, relaxed, happy and well cared for. So impressed. I decided to move my mum here. The home was very
quick in responding. They visited my mum in hospital and went through her wish list. Her room was really lovely with a garden view. The staff were so friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. Sadly my mum passed away the next day as she had been very poorly in hospital and was on the end of life path. She had a beautiful smile on her face, looking at a beautiful garden view. The staff were exceptional in the way they dealt with the situation and the family were treated with such love and kindness. My mum said on arrival at Dorset House that she wished she had come here a year earlier as she loved it and immediately felt at home.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Dorset House

Thank you so much for sharing such a touching and heartfelt message. We are deeply sorry for your loss and truly honoured to have been there for your mum and your family. It means so much to us to know she felt at home and at peace. Your kind words about our team and the home are sincerely appreciated.

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Review from Tracy P (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It was Mum's last wish not to pass in a hospital so we looked for a rest home where she would be comfortable and well looked after. After several viewings and recommendations, we viewed Dorset House. From the moment we walked through the door, my sister and I were bound over by their Care Manager's
warmth and the care and attention all the staff gave the residents, and the atmosphere encouraged, the residents all looked happy and content.
The Care Manager listened to all Mum's wishes and took care of all the arrangements for a smooth arrival from hospital into the care of Dorset House.
Unfortunately, her stay was all too short and one of the last things she said was she wished she had stayed sooner as she was so happy, content and well looked after.
I would have no reservations recommending Dorset House to anyone thinking of respite or long-term care for any of their loved ones, thank you all so much for making Mum's passing so peaceful.

Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your beautiful and heartfelt words. We're truly honoured to have been part of your mum's final journey and to know she felt happy, content, and at peace during her time with us. Your kind feedback means a great deal to the whole team at Dorset House.

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Review from H Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always been received with a lovely welcome when visiting my mum. The care my mum receives is excellent I never have any course for concern knowing when I go home she is safe and secure. The food always looks very appetising and plenty of it. The home is always clean and tidy and most of all never
has any offensive smells. Though my mum doesn't always get involved with the activities the ones she does she really enjoys especially when the little children from muddy boots come to see them and the animals. All in all cannot fault Dorset house.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank for you this lovely review, we are so pleased to read that your mum receives excellent care at Dorset House. We will share this review with the team.

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Review from Stuart F (Friend of Resident) published on 3 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I had a great day seeing a dear old family friend and happy he is in such good hands at the care home.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your review, we will share your lovely comments with the team.

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Review from Wendy P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum has settled in very well. She is always saying that nothing is too much trouble for the staff and they are all lovely. The activity program is brilliant,
she enjoys the singers and loved the wreath making session the other day.
Thank you for helping my mum feel safe and more relaxed than she
has been for a long time. As a daughter I would like to say how impressed I am with the care and support I have also been given when needing advice/support about my mother's care. Several members of staff have shown such empathy and taken the time out of their busy day to reassure me when I am in need of help. I feel that if I needed help there would always be an open door, with a warm welcome and a listening ear. I love it when staff smile, say hello and ask how I am too. Well done and thank you all of you.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your lovely review. I am so pleased your mother feels safe and relaxed. We will share this feedback with the team.

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Review from Teresa B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We spent a lovely few hours at Dorset House for their Christmas Fayre. We had such a wonderful time. The house was decorated so beautifully for Christmas, the staff were very friendly and helpful. We went in to the dining room where there was a tombola and we were served drinks and a mince pie. They
even had a wonderful singer who was singing Christmas songs. I had such a lovely time and it was so nice to see my Nan enjoying herself as well.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the Christmas Fayre at the home.

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Review from R D (Grandson of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good standard of care, great staff and management, great atmosphere and Christmas party. Very clean and a newly decorated dining room makes for an all-round cheer up. Friendly residents too!

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your 5* review. I am really pleased you enjoyed the home's Christmas party and that you like the newly decorated dining room. We will share your feedback with the team.

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Review from L M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is a lovely care home with very welcoming friendly staff, and a lovely atmosphere. They care for my nan really well and nothing is too much trouble. Always have lots of activities on and lots to do. I would recommend Dorset House to anyone.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your 5* review. It will be a pleasure sharing this with the team.

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Review from Theresa D (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Grandad has been at Dorset house since May 2024 and has settled so well.
He loves all the activities on offer and has made great friends with the other residents and the staff. The staff are all very welcoming and support us fully with grandad's care.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your 5* review. The team take great pride in all they do.

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Review from Kenneth P (Son of Resident) published on 4 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been living very happily at Dorset House for almost a year. Every time I visit, I see the care and affection the staff have for the residents, and I enjoy seeing mum taking part in the wide range of social and leisure activities. I never knew she was so competitive! She's having a great
time, and I know she is being very well cared for by the excellent team.

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Review from M R (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved mum from another home as not satisfied with the care she was getting, even though it was like a 5 a star hotel. At Dorset House, there is so much more going on daily and she is so happy. My mum has dementia and just sat in a chair before and when we arrived cried, now we have to go looking
for her as always doing something and so happy, she has even been out on day trips. The staff are all lovely and most been there a long time and really get to know mums needs. There doesn't seem to be any agency staff which is nice so all staff know all residents. Everyone is always smiling. The bedrooms are not en-suite but as most need a hand with bathing or showing its not a problem. They have a sink in the rooms, which are more than ideal and some like mums have a garden view, but she is never in her room now, always in one of the several lounges or day room, but still a lovely cosy room.
Thank you everyone for making mum smile again.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your review. I am pleased to hear how well your mum is settling in to Dorset House.

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Review from Peter R (Husband of Resident) published on 25 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has been in Dorset House for 19 months.
When, several years ago, my mother was ill, my wife researched suitable care homes for her.
Consequently, when I needed a care home for her (my wife), all the work had been done for me.
Since my wife has been staying in Dorset House, she has received
the very best care and treatment.
I cannot fault the staff on any level and am eternally grateful for the way in which they treat her.
Although she is now non communicative, I can tell that she is as happy as a person can be in the circumstances.
My thanks go to all the staff at Dorset House.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your 5* review - the team will be so pleased to hear your feedback.

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Review from A M (Friend of Resident) published on 25 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited my friend at Dorset House in October and, as always, impressed that there is never any unpleasant smells as you walk into the home. The place is always clean and tidy with modern and comfortable furniture in the lounge areas. My friend's room was also clean and tidy and she appeared to have
everything she needed to hand. She doesn't take part in activities, but the rest of the residents appear to be enjoying themselves at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party event. The staff are always lovely, efficient and easy to talk to. I have no hesitation in thinking my friend is in the best place for her.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your review - the team will be so pleased to hear your feedback.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.822)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.822) out of 10 for Dorset House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 37 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 36 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 4.822 for Dorset House is calculated as follows: ( (368 Excellents x 5) + (51 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 432 Ratings = 4.822

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Dorset House is based on 36 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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 52 registered maximum number of service users is 10.4, which has been reached with 36 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 1 Sep 2022

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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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

Meet the Team (1)

Tracy

Tracy Jennings

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2024

Tracy started in the care industry in 2012 and worked her way up to Registered Manager by 2017, having achieved her Level 5 Qualification. She is committed to ensuring high standards of care and attention to detail are delivered to all residents. She is passionate that they live in a happy and relaxed environment.


Tracy says “I believe the most effective way to bring out the best in a team is to be a good role model and work with staff to ensure they have a voice which is heard; engaging the team in decisions and processes which affect both them and the residents. I focus my work on the belief that, if my team is happy and supported in their work, this will be reflected in the care they provide to our residents.”

Frequently Asked Questions about Dorset House

What types of Care is Dorset House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Dorset House have?

There are 48 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Dorset House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Dorset House to the centre of Poole?

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 Dorset House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Dorset House has an Enhanced Service - more info.