Dorset House

Coles Avenue, Hamworthy, Poole BH15 4HL
Review Us
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.

Show Dorset House on the Map

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 21-40
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
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

85
9
22
36
49

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is now so deaf and blind, it is very difficult for new people to communicate with her. Since coming to Dorset House, despite her increasing frailty, she is so much happier. The staff all try to get to know and understand her, and she has great confidence in them, and has recovered some of
her confidence in herself. There is a lovely relaxed and unhurried atmosphere here and the opportunity to knit again with assistance has really helped my mother to feel like herself again.

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

Thank you so much for your lovely words about Dorset House - we will be sure to share this with the team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lynne M (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has only been a resident for a few months, but as a family, we are all very happy with the care she receives. The carers are excellent and always have time for her. She's being very well looked after, the food is especially good and her room is always lovely and clean. She is very happy there.

Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review. We're thrilled to hear that your mum is happy and well cared for. Your feedback about our team, the food, and the cleanliness is greatly appreciated.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Neil F (Son of Resident) published on 25 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was admitted to Dorset House from the Hospital and was very frail through Pneumonia and many falls at home. The staff have helped him regain his confidence with his mobility, and have fed him so well, that he has put much-needed weight on. They have encouraged him to join in with Activities
and generally start socialising again. This was always a temporary placement and he has now moved into permanent care, elsewhere in Dorset due to family reasons. If he could have stayed at Dorset House, I would have been more than Happy. I can not thank all the staff enough for their care, their commitment, their friendship and laughter. Very welcoming Home.

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

Thank you for your feedback, I am so pleased with how Dad's stay at Dorset House went - the team will be thrilled to read your comments. Wishing you all the very best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J M (Wife of Resident) published on 1 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was admitted to Dorset House from hospital in April. I received a phone call the same day to say he'd arrived and settled it. I visited the next day and was shown the lounge, garden and his bedroom. The staff were very courteous and helpful nothing was too much for them. I visited the home
4 times a week due to the bus times, I could only stay 45 minutes but my husband understood this. At first, he kept saying he wanted to come home - this was impossible due to the lack of amenities and getting upstairs. Eventually, he accepted this and was happy there. He was known for walking around the corridors and garden. Then at 3:00 pm was the highlight - tea and 2 chocolate biscuits. The staff were superb no fault or worries, though any problems they phoned me.

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

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, to which I am delighted to read. I am so pleased your husband has settled so well at Dorset House. I will be sure to share your feedback with the team. Thank you again.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C B (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 23 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On arrival, the staff were professional and pleasant and also asked if we would like to be taken to the room. Everything was much cleaner and there were no unpleasant smells. We are very pleased with how Dorset House has changed under new management. The Duty Manager talked to us and assured us my brother-in-law
would have a wonderful birthday with cake for the next day. She also reassured us as we had not been able to visit for a while.

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

Thank you for your wonderful 5* review, I am so pleased your brother-in-law has settled in so well at Dorset House. I will be sure to share your review with the team. Many Thanks

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P W (Wife of Resident) published on 16 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

On the whole a happy place for the residents to be in and always given a very nice welcome at the entrance, this is important to me and somebody is around if you need them, especially to use the bathroom and carers are always very patient with the residents.

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

Thank you for taking the time to review Dorset House, I will ensure your feedback is shared with the team. Wishing you all the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Violet P (Respite Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 30 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Room too small for requirements.
No personal toilet.
Comfortable two weeks.
Pleasant staff.
Cheerful ambience.
Nothing too much trouble.

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

Thank you for taking the time to review Dorset House, your feedback is much appreciated and will be passed onto the team. We hope to welcome you back for another respite stay in the future. All the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Ray W (Brother of Resident) published on 16 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother, who is 89 years old and had lived on his own for many years, had been very resistant to going into a care home. He went into Dorset House at the beginning of December 2023 and has settled in exceptionally well. Dorset House is well-staffed with very friendly and caring personnel.
My brother
is very happy in Dorset House and I would recommend it to anyone.

Reply from James Silverton, Customer Relations Manager at Dorset House

It's so pleasing to read how happy your brother is with us at Dorset House, your feedback is much appreciated and will be fed back to all of the team at Dorset House, all the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from R P (Son of Resident) published on 4 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother, who is in her mid-nineties, suffers from severe Alzheimer's/dementia and was discharged from the hospital to Dorset House on a discharge-to-assessment arrangement after having a series of (known) falls at home, which led her to be hospitalised. The team at Dorset House gave my mother excellent
care and support in helping her with her needs due to her condition. When visiting Dorset House, I’m always welcomed and told how well my mother is responding to being in a vibrant and stimulating environment, which she was not experiencing at home living on her own, where she had become quite withdrawn. The rooms are bright and clean, and my mother really enjoys the freshly made meals. She also enjoys taking part in the many varied activities that the team organise. The manager and all the staff are always friendly and approachable and take time to discuss any questions that I’ve raised.

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

Thank you for your wonderful five-star review! I will pass on your feedback to all of the team at Dorset House; I wish you all the best!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from K T (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Making a choice and selecting a residential home should not be underestimated. We selected Dorset House due to the following - The money has evidently been spent in the best interests of the residents, on hand unlimited snacks, appropriate activities, homemade food and plenty of it. Money spent on staffing
allowing for almost a one-to-one experience for the residents, speaking of the staff, they are wonderful angels with a jolly atmosphere filling the care home, enveloped with empathy.

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

Thank you for taking the time to leave Dorset House a review. I am delighted that you felt the home deserved a 5-star rating for the overall experience you received. Your lovely comments will be shared with the team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J S (Son of Resident) published on 8 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My lovely dad went into this home in July 2022. He had dementia but he was still relatively with it. For the initial two weeks, he was crying and wanted to go home which was very distressing. I would visit several times a week and take him out for a half of Guinness to the pub, so I was there a lot.
I had removed him from another home. I am so glad I did. There are other homes which are shinier and newer but I made the right decision choosing Dorset House. He ended up liking being there and said it was like a 'holiday camp' I won't list the staff by name (they know who they are) but they do such an important job and were so good to my dad. I can't praise them enough. I'll miss my visits.

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, feedback like this means so much to the team. Wishing you all the very best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Pam P (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Can’t thank the staff enough for the care they gave our mother. Lovely warm and friendly atmosphere. Mum felt very safe and looked after and talked highly of everyone. She even got cups of tea in the middle of the night. So a great thank you to all of you.

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

Thank you for your wonderful five star review, the team will be thrilled! I'll be sure to pass your comments onto all the staff at Dorset House. All the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Mike C (Son of Resident) published on 11 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is well and truly looked after. All her needs are met to a true high standard, from personal care through to food and drink and activities, long may it continue for her.

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

Thank you for your wonderful five star review! I am so pleased that your mum is enjoying the food and activities within the home. Wishing you and her all the very best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Raymond A (Husband of Resident) published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dorset House came highly recommended by some dear friends of ours for the high level of care and compassion shown to residents. My wife has been a resident since October 24th, 2021 through the difficult time of the COVID-19 outbreak. I have always been deeply blessed by the loving care she has been
shown and the warmth of welcome I have received. The staff are really wonderful at organising activities. Thank you to the wonderful management team.

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

Thank you for your 5 star review, I am so pleased with how your wife has settled into Dorset House, I will pass on your comments to the team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S P (Friend of Resident) published on 29 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have visited a few times and always experienced the same high standards. I can only comment on the communal rooms so did not feel able to give a standard, however, the communal rooms are excellent, I do not know the charges made or the management so cannot comment.

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

Thank you for your kind review of Dorset House, I will be sure to pass your comments onto the team. Wishing you all the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J T (Wife of Resident) published on 18 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent caring care. Happy attitude of the staff. The home is part of the local community in Hamworthy and Poole. The home and its staff are welcoming and friendly and clearly very fond of the residents that they care for. They are kind and considerate to me in all communications, in person or by
phone and always keep me informed.

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

Thank you for your lovely 5-star review, I am delighted with your comments as will the team be. All the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S C (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has only been in Dorset House a week and all of the team there are excellent. From the beginning of making the enquiry to move Mum in on respite, they couldn’t be more helpful. She has made friends, loves the food and really likes staff. Every time we visit, she only has positive things to say,
which is amazing and she is now talking about going out on trips and maybe staying as a permanent resident. Thank you to everyone at Dorset House, I really value everything you are doing and we, as family, can’t thank you enough.

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

Thank you so much for your kind review, the team will be delighted. I hope Mum continues to enjoy her stay with us and in particular enjoys her trips out. All the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C P (Son of Resident) published on 16 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm very happy with my mother's care. She has settled in well and loves the garden and the minibus trips.

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

Thank you for leaving a review, I am so pleased that your mother is settling in so well at Dorset House. Wishing you both all the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S H (Niece of Resident) published on 8 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Overall my aunt is well looked after. I appreciate the hard work of all the staff in what is not an easy job. I find her room rather bland and could do with a revamp, in fact, the whole place could do with brightening up - a paint job.

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

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I am pleased that your Aunt is being so well looked after. We appreciate all your feedback. All the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Julie E (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 2 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having seen the bigger/posher home prior to this one, it wasn’t until we had a visit here that we realised bigger isn’t better. Dorset House is a home, it’s alive, and the staff are easy to get on with. All seem to be part of a big team. The office staff are helpful. The manager is informative and accommodating.
My mother-in-law moved from sheltered in Kendal to Dorset House in June. She hadn't visited the home before. She has settled in so well. Enjoys the days out. Is eating more than she’s ever eaten. She is really happy there. Today we joined her for the summer fayre. A lovely few hours was had by all. I’m happy we couldn’t afford the bigger home. I can’t express the home vibe enough.
Nothing is too much bother.

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

Thank you for your wonderful five-star rating; the team will be thrilled! Wishing you all the very best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

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.”

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.