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 41-60
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
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Date Published

85
9
22
36
49

Review from J E (Resident) published on 21 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have only moved here in the last week. Everyone is very helpful from the chef, activities team, maintenance, carers, nurses, admin, home manager, housekeeping and any others I've forgotten. All first class.

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

Thank you for your five star review, it means so much to the team. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from R B (Son of Resident) published on 15 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We bought our dad to the home in November 2022 due to his health. We as a family felt that he was treated with dignity and respect. He always enjoyed a coffee and ginger nut biscuit looking out at the garden. The staff were always on hand and friendly. We as a family would recommend the staff and the
home to others. Great animal activities, he always enjoyed them.

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

Thank you for your kind review, I will be sure you let the team know. Wishing you and your family all the best.

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Review from Allison H (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely excellent in all ways, the care was exemplary, the meals were amazing, the room was excellent, management and staff were excellent although only there for a week my mother didn't want to leave. Five-star service.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your 5* review, it means so much to the team to read reviews like this, thank you!

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Review from Lyn D (Wife of Resident) published on 20 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was placed in Dorset House until a home package was found, after a long time in hospital. What a lovely place Dorset House is, everyone is happy, helpful and very caring. My husband greatly improved in the few weeks he was there and I would recommend Dorset House to anyone.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Dorset House

I am so pleased to read your husband has improved since his stay with us at Dorset House, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.

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Review from Glynis H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that my mum has received at Dorset House has been exceptional since she was admitted two months ago. After several placement moves and a period of poor health, it was such a relief that she settled so quickly. With the support and kindness of the staff, she is progressing physically and emotionally.
The manager and her team have created a caring ethos that is nurturing and stimulating. My mum is enjoying all the activities and it's lovely to see her so relaxed and happy after such a difficult time.

Reply from Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Dorset House

Thank you for your lovely comments, it really is wonderful to read how well your mum has settled at Dorset House. I will ensure the team is passed on your feedback, wishing you all the very best.

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Review from J D (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When the time came that Mum could no longer care safely for herself at home, even with family support, my initial thought was how will she cope without her family and who will care for her as I had.
From her first day earlier this year, she was welcomed with open arms by every member of staff. Not
once has she ever said I want to go home, which I was dreading.
The staff go above and beyond their duties to ensure all residents' care and needs are catered for. Always keeping residents entertained with activities and trips out, something Mum missed when she was at home, she now has the confidence to do these things again.
The summer months were wonderful being able to sit in the lovely gardens with her new friends, something she had missed so much.
I know Mum is safe, happy and well cared for in Dorset House with a home-from-home environment which is just what I wanted for her. So happy we made the right choice.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I am absolutely delighted to hear how well your mum has settled into life at Dorset House, it really is a wonderful home and am so grateful of your comments. Wishing you and Mum all the best.

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Review from Mark N (Son of Resident) published on 30 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been very pleased with the care and support of my mother for the last four years. It has been a very difficult time for Dorset House, managing all the challenges pertaining to the pandemic but they did so admirably. The staff who work in this home are lovely, friendly, kind, thoughtful and work
very hard. The facilities are very pleasant, clean and bright. Mum always looks nice and is definitely well cared for. Thank you to everyone at Dorset House.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for your kind words, it really does mean so much to all of the team at Dorset House. I am so pleased to read that mum is enjoying her stay with us. All the best.

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Review from Rachael B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was with Dorset House for 6 weeks before passing away. She was suffering from late-stage Alzheimer’s and had been stuck in hospital for over 4 months due to bed shortage during Covid. She had a lovely room at Dorset House overlooking the pretty garden. Although Mum was unaware of where she was,
the staff were all extremely kind and helpful to her and they made her as comfortable as possible. I and my sister found the staff always happy to talk to us and to keep us informed of Mum's care. Special thanks to the staff who helped us through the tears!

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for taking the time to leave Dorset House a review. I am so sorry to learn of your mum's passing, thank you for your kind words, it means everything to the staff.

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Review from L K (Wife of Resident) published on 9 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very kind and friendly care staff who always made time to talk. Good food. I was welcomed immediately and treated with respect and I thoroughly recommend the care home. I had a lovely time visiting, it felt like a happy place with a good team spirit. Thank you for looking after my husband so well.

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Review from M C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the very first contact with the Dorset House staff, we have been impressed with their efficiency, professionalism and friendliness. We received the warmest of welcomes when we viewed the home and the home manager worked tirelessly to liaise with an out of area hospital and social services staff
team to ensure a swift and appropriate admission to the home for Mum.
Mum was settled in with such loving care that on the first evening there - she said she was happy and showed that she was satisfied that a good choice of placement had been made.
Every member of staff we have met regardless of their role or job title has exuded the same caring attitude towards us all. We are very pleased with everything and most importantly - Mum says it’s lovely - and the food is great! What more could we want?

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I am delighted to hear that Mum is settling well and I will be sure to pass on your fantastic review to all the staff at Dorset House. Many thanks again.

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Review from E B (Husband of Resident) published on 7 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Over the last two years, I have not been in the home other than the gardens outside and the area provided at the rear of the building because of Covid. This service for the visitors was good and I was satisfied with it on the whole.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am pleased that you're satisfied with Dorset House. All the very best.

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Review from Keith B (Son of Resident) published on 5 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was due to visit my mother who is a resident in Dorset House on Wednesday but came down with Covid a few days before. I was partly concerned as, in my Mothers Day card, I had put that I would be visiting that day. I rang the home and arranged for my brother to take my place for the visit and asked
to book in a FaceTime call instead. This the staff were able to arrange for the same Wednesday. This duly took place with the resident entertainment member of staff in attendance to make the, more difficult chatting (where mum is fairly deaf) more easily achieved. I am full of praise for all the staff with whom I have come into contact. In my marking below I have only put satisfactory in some sections as I have not been able to see sufficient, other than the one interview room, so far.

Reply from Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Dorset House

Thank you for leaving your review. I'm sorry you came down with Covid and hope you're feeling better. I am delighted to hear we were still able to facilitate a visit with Mum albeit virtually. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

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Review from Fiona G (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was a resident at Dorset House for just under three years and I can honestly say that he could not have been in better hands during his time there. Not only did the team at Dorset House manage the Covid pandemic with great skill and efficiency (not a single case occurred), they are incredibly
caring and dedicated and ensured that my father settled in well and was treated with dignity and compassion at all times. The home has always welcomed visitors (Covid rules applied) and I was always made to feel part of the Dorset House family. The building itself is a little dated, but always clean and the importance lies in the quality of leadership, the team of staff and the happiness of the residents. I can't recommend them highly enough.

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Review from Gillian B (Wife of Resident) published on 22 October 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband has been in Dorset House for over two years and we have been extremely pleased with the care he has received. His brother-in-law (his sister died of dementia several years ago) is in a different care home and although posher is always short-staffed and I don't think is nearly as good as Dorset
House.

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Review from R C (Son of Resident) published on 22 October 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All staff are very helpful. Mum is very happy there and enjoys the activities.

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Review from Michael S (Son of Resident) published on 24 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum, at her own request, went into care at Dorset House five years ago aged 92. She naturally took time to settle in but was made very welcome by the staff there.
About three years ago Mum had some issues with one particular staff member but these issues were resolved and the staff member has left.
I
think the facilities at Dorset House are in need of a major update, but despite this the care given by all the staff there is first class and nothing is too much trouble.
Mum often remarks how well they look after me and how good the food is. During the recent Covid crisis many care homes had infections and sadly deaths but Dorset House, because of the prompt measures taken by management (ahead of National Measures), managed to keep Covid out.
So well done to all staff who worked so hard in very challenging circumstances, to care for with dignity frail and vulnerable people.
Dorset House is home to many residents and all the staff do their very best to make it really feel like home.

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Review from Margaret S (Wife of Resident) published on 21 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am always greeted by smiling faces, the staff go out of their way to help me. My husband is always well presented, he is not the most easy person but the staff always look after him with great care.

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Review from Alyson G (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dorset House cared for my dad with compassion and genuine love. The staff are amazing, full of fun, happy to help with anything. Always cheerful and smiling. My mum is living in Dorest House at the moment, and I couldn't be more reassured about the support she is receiving.

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Review from S M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 16 December 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Much happier and content in this care home than a previous one.

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Review from J N (Son of Resident) published on 23 November 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dorset House may not be the most luxurious of care homes but it does have some of the best staff. From the manager to the care staff to the kitchen, laundry and throughout it has wonderful people. The staff are local and many have been there for a number of years - they do actually care. I'm also impressed
by the administration. During the covid pandemic, they have managed very well enabling garden visits during the summer while building a room for autumn/winter visits - excellent forward planning. Thanks.

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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.”

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.