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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...
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.
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
- 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
Contact Dorset House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Dorset House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
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 (107)
Dorset House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.805) out of 10, based on 44 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dorset House has 107 reviews.
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...
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
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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!
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...
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
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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....
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!
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.
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.
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...
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.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 01 September 2022Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (22) & Events (0)
- 25 Sep 2026
Residential and care at home provider and registered charity, Care South, has shone a spotlight on the outstanding people behind its care services at its 17th annual Stars Awards. The...
- 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...
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
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Dorset House.
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...
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 -what an Enhanced Service includes.