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...
Care Provided by Dorset House
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
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
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
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Dorset House for full pricing details and T&Cs.Contact Dorset 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)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Care South
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Tracy Jennings (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- 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 (105)
Dorset House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.791) out of 10, based on 43 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dorset House has 105 reviews.
My mother-in-law has been a resident of Dorset House since 13th January 2026. She shares my belief that she is being well cared for. It has been pleasing to see how quickly care staff have come to know and understand her as an individual, making our conversation with them regarding her care that much easier. She really enjoys her food, and the activities on offer.
Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that your mother-in-law has settled in well and feels cared for at Dorset House. It's wonderful to know that our team has taken the time to get to know her as an individual, and that she is enjoying both the food and activities. We greatly appreciate your feedback and support.
The staff at Dorset House have been very helpful at all times for my mother. Unfortunately, Mum lost her fight for life on the 31st of March 2026. While she was bedridden, the staff were so good to her and to us the family. Thank you all so much.
Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt words. We are deeply sorry for your loss and send our sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. It means a great deal to us that you felt supported and cared for, and we are truly honoured to have been able to look after...
Dorset House has met all our expectations, and we are confident and happy to entrust our ageing father's needs and welfare to the dedicated professional staff, who are an amazing cheerfully friendly team. Dad has grown his confidence back since arriving at Dorset House, and also his waistline with the meals and food served which he assured me is very good. Dad is now a permanent resident and we are so happy that Dorset House is his comfortable home.
Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted to hear your father has settled in so well, regained his confidence, and is enjoying the food and friendly atmosphere.
It means a lot to know you feel confident in our care. We're honoured to support your father and ensure Dorset House feels like home.
From the moment I entered Dorest House, it felt homely and warm with friendly faces all around. It is clean, bright and has a beautiful garden for all to use. The staff really care about the residents and treat them with respect and kindness. Thank you for all you did for my husband.
Your recognition of our team's care and compassion means a great deal. It was an honour to look after your husband-thank you for trusting us with his care.
I cannot fault this care home, the place is spotless. If there are any spillages, they are dealt with immediately so there are no unpleasant odours. The staff are brilliant and are very patient and caring. The deal with the residents with respect. The management are always around if you need to talk to anyone. The food is wonderful and very varied. The grounds are kept in lovely condition all year round, and the residents are well stimulated by games, visits to places and incoming artists and music. Overall wonderful.
Thank you for your kind words. We're delighted to hear you've had such a positive experience and that our team, environment, and activities have made a difference. Your feedback means a great deal to us, many thanks once again.
I would like my husband to have more stimulation but he is unable to tell me what he's done so unless I question the staff I am not always getting the whole picture.
His room is very small but there are lots of different areas to give him a change of scenery and now the weather is improving the garden is always accessible.
Thank you so much for your kind words about Dorset House. We're really pleased to hear that you find the home warm, friendly, and supported by attentive staff-that means a great deal to us.
We also truly appreciate your feedback regarding stimulation and communication. We understand how...
Really helpful in getting mum in for respite really quickly as she and us as a family were not coping, home really clean and tidy, nice size room, helped mum get back on her feet and more confident in her mobility , ready for when she went home, mum said food was generally good , only negative aspect was there was no TV in her room , and luckily we had a spare to take in,
Many thanks for your recent review. I will share your kind words with the whole team as I know it will be gratefully received. Many thanks once again, it means a lot.
My 6 months stay at Dorset House has changed my view of the world in many ways all to the good. I now live with people who have varying degrees of vulnerability and they are able to enjoy life fully supported by a caring and dedicated team.
Many thanks for your recent view. I am pleased we have changed your view of the world in many ways for the good. I will share your kind words with the whole team as I know they will all be grateful. Thank you once again, means a lot.
My mother in law has just become a permanent resident, having been here before respite care. The staff have gone the extra mile to welcome and help her settle in. She is enjoying the food, there is plenty of it, with 3 hot meals a day, plus supper, morning coffee (with a snack) and afternoon tea (with a snack). Her bedroom is a nice size, comfy bed, nice furniture, with room for the family to sit with her in her room if we want to, numerous lounges to sit in, lots of activities she has already been involved in. The home is really warm, kept very clean, and kind professional staff on hand whenever needed.
Thank you so much for your lovely 5 star review. It's wonderful to read such high praise - the team really do always strive to the extra mile at Dorset House. I will share your review with the whole team as I know it'll be gratefully received. Thank you once again, it means a lot.
On visiting Dorset House greeted by very friendly staff, very clean on our visit to see dad, he is loving the freshly prepared & cooked meals. Dad seems to be very happy at Dorset House after living on his own for the last 8 years & very independently.
Thank you so much for your review. I am pleased to read that you find the staff to be friendly, and the home to be very clean and it's great that Dad is very happy and loving the food - it's why we do what we do. I will share your review with the whole team as I know it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you once again, it means a lot.
My parents have been residents of Dorset House for a year now. During this time they have blossomed & have settled in so much better than I initally thought they would. The staff are kind, caring & compassionate; nothing is too much trouble. When my folks first moved in I took in a variety of pictures & decorations and all had been hung within 24 hours. The staff appear happy in their work; the majority have worked at DH the entire time my folks have resided there, which I know from experience is often not the case with care homes and those that work with these vulnerable, elderly folk; where staff turn over is high. When I visit I am greeted by name and made very welcome. My brother & I had lunch with our parents at DH the week before Christmas on the occasion of their 68th wedding anniversary; everyone was so kind and went out of their way to make it a special time. I sleep well knowing that my beloved parents are in a safe, kind, nurturing environment in the twilight of their lives.
Many thanks for your lovely review. I am so pleased to read that your parents have blossomed and settled since joining us at Dorset House and that you feel reassured that they are in a safe, kind and nurturing environment. I will share your kind words with the whole team as I know your review will be great appreciated. Many thanks again, it means a lot.
The process of getting my mum into respite care was swift and easy which was necessary and very much appreciated.
There were plenty of activities for the residents and the place was bright and clean with a lovely garden.
I thank everyone here for their hard work, help and understanding.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. I am so pleased that you found the care to be exceptional and the staff to be welcoming, friendly, kind and supportive. I will share your feedback with the whole team as I know it always means a lot. Thank you again.
The staff at Dorset House are exceptional, they are especially caring, friendly and professional in their execution of their duties to ensure a clean, friendly and peaceful environment. In view of the short notice they had to admit my mum her treatment was exemplary, they ensured she had a peaceful and respectful last few days. Also their care, respect and understanding to both myself and family was outstanding. I/we cannot thank them enough for coming to our rescue in our hour of need.
Wow, what a wonderful review. I am so pleased that you think the staff are exceptional and find Dorset House to be clean, friendly and peaceful. I will pass on your very kind words to the team, I know it will mean so much to each of them. Thank you again.
First time into respite care for my Mum, the whole team made my Mum feel welcome and secure, despite it being a new experience for her. The staff were all kind, caring and warm-hearted, encouraging her to take part in the activities, despite her strong reluctance. Her room and the facilities were clean, warm and tidy. Mum said the food was good and plenty of it and enjoyed the warm atmosphere and comfy bed. The staff also helped us in how best to help mum settle in, Connor was outstanding, but all the staff good. Good to know that Mum was in such safe hands. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your lovely review - it's made us all smile. We strive to give our residents the best welcome, enriched daily life and comfort during their time with us, so to read your kind words make it all worth while. Thank you again.
All the staff I have contact with are friendly, caring and do everything they can to provide comfort and care to my uncle and equally help family members to understand and provide information as and when necessary to facilitate his needs.
Many thanks for your kind review. I am so pleased that you find the team to be friendly and caring. I know everyone will be so grateful for your kind words, so thank you again, it means a lot.
Mum unfortunately passed away recently, but dad continues to flourish with the care and encouragement from all the team.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so pleased that you consider the team to be friendly, professional and respectful. I will share your lovely words with the team and I know they will be gratefully received. Again, thank you so much, it really means a lot.
Mum sadly passed away after a short stay but Dad is still a resident and due to the ongoing care and help offered to him his mobility and general well being has greatly improved. Dad is encouraged to take part in the daily activities sessions arranged by the enthusiastic and energetic Activities Team and recently enjoyed a boat trip around Poole Harbour.
Each time we visit Dorset House we are welcomed by friendly and happy staff who always take time to ask how we are and update up us on Dad's care.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. I am so pleased that you find the team to be caring, compassionate, helpful and friendly - we strive to offer the best care, warmth and attention and a review like this makes it all so worthwhile. Thank you again, it means so much.
Both my parents-in-law recently became residents in Dorset House and were made most welcome from the outset. They were able to celebrate their wedding anniversary with a family & friends gathering in one of the lounges set aside & decorated especially for the occasion, with a wonderful buffet of food and refreshments. It made a memorable day for them and all who attended. The gardens outside are always well tended and are beautiful for sitting in or having a stroll to see the fish. There is plenty of shade and seats & seating areas available. All the staff are very friendly and caring, they quickly understand the residents and also the residents families/friends visiting. Its always such a pleasure to visit, you are made most welcome, a real home. Although my parents-in-law were not at all keen on moving into a care home; from the day they entered they have really enjoyed being there. There are activities arranged every day and also trips out to Swanage, Poole Quay, the park etc.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I am so pleased that you find it a pleasure to visit Dorset House and you find the team welcoming, friendly and caring - we strive to offer the best care and attention and a review like this makes it all so worthwhile. Thank you again, it means so much.
Mum is very well looked after. We as a family are very happy with every aspect of her care. Also the chef cooks amazing meals for the residents. The carers are brilliant and nothing is ever too much for them and her room is spotless
Thank you so much for your review, we are so pleased that you feel Mum is very well looked after. Your kind words will be passed on and I know they will be gratefully received - especially by our Chef. Thank you again, it means a lot.
The transition for my father from the family home to Dorset House has been made a lot less stressful by the fantastic staff. Absolutely everyone works incredibly hard to ensure my fathers needs are met and that he feels comfortable and happy. On my visits to the home I have found the atmosphere at Dorset House to be consistently warm, friendly and above all caring,. This has given me the confidence to feel that my father can actually enjoy this somewhat more challenging period of his life fully supported by a wonderful team.
Thank you so much for your review. I am so pleased that you find the atmosphere consistently warm, friendly and caring. I will share your kind words with the team, I know it will mean a lot to them. Again, thank you so much.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 01 September 2022Good
- Caring Good
- Effective Good
- Responsive Good
- Safe Good
- Well-led Good
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 (21) & Events (0)
- 24 Jun 2026
The Poole community united to help a special Hamworthy care home resident to mark her 101st birthday in style. Pat, who lives at Dorset House care home, on Coles Avenue,...
- 02 Jun 2026
Dorset care home residents delighted in a memorable musical afternoon created especially for them by the BSO, Care South and JPMorganChase. Hosted at JPMorganChase’s Bournemouth campus, the midweek event included...
- 27 May 2026
Communities across the south of England gathered at Care South’s care homes to share experiences and raise awareness during Dementia Action Week. Karen Hodges, Group Dementia Lead for Care South,...
There are no upcoming events for Dorset House.
Awards / Recognitions (10)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Care South
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Care South
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Care South
Meet the Team (1)
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.