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.
I am a resident's wife, the best I ever did was move him to Dorest House. Although he can't join in, I like him to mix with the other residents and it stimulates him.
Many thanks for your review, I know the team will appreciate your kind words, I will be sure to pass the feedback on.
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.
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
The care has always been exceptional often in difficult circumstances. The home is always welcoming, clean and tidy. A home from home atmosphere.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank for this 5* review. We are so pleased you enjoy walking around the gardens and that you find the meals delicious.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I had a great day seeing a dear old family friend and happy he is in such good hands at the care home.
Thank you for your review, we will share your lovely comments with the team.
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.
Thank you for your lovely review. I am so pleased your mother feels safe and relaxed. We will share this feedback with the team.
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.
Thank you for your review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the Christmas Fayre at the home.
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!
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.
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.
Thank you for your 5* review. It will be a pleasure sharing this with the team.
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.
Thank you so much for your 5* review. The team take great pride in all they do.
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.
Thank you everyone for making mum smile again.
Thank you for your review. I am pleased to hear how well your mum is settling in to Dorset House.
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.
Thank you for your 5* review - the team will be so pleased to hear your feedback.
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.”
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