






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...
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)
Tours
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.
Much happier and content in this care home than a previous one.
Much happier and content in this care home than a previous one.
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...
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.
My Aunt was at Dorset House for nearly two years and in that time she blossomed and was very happy with the care she got and she loved the big garden. The staff was always kind to her. Very sorry when she had to leave as she misses the staff and friends she has made there.
My Aunt was at Dorset House for nearly two years and in that time she blossomed and was very happy with the care she got and she loved the big garden. The staff was always kind to her. Very sorry when she had to leave as she misses the staff and friends she has made there.
Although the rooms are generally rather small and most have no ensuite toilets, the standard of care is faultless. Our mother has been a resident for many years now and is content and happy here. We have never found faults with any of the carers, who work together as an excellent team.
Although the rooms are generally rather small and most have no ensuite toilets, the standard of care is faultless. Our mother has been a resident for many years now and is content and happy here. We have never found faults with any of the carers, who work together as an excellent team.
Sadly about 12 months ago, her condition deteriorated considerably. She has been cared for by a lovely team of carers who have given her...
Sadly about 12 months ago, her condition deteriorated considerably. She has been cared for by a lovely team of carers who have given her dignity and a high level of care now she needs it most. We are so thankful she lives at Dorset House.
Having had a hip replacement, I spent a week at Dorset House after leaving hospital. The word care is in every aspect of the day and night. The staff are really super at what they do. Nothing is too much trouble and they made me feel special, as they seem to do with each of the residents. Very...
Having had a hip replacement, I spent a week at Dorset House after leaving hospital. The word care is in every aspect of the day and night. The staff are really super at what they do. Nothing is too much trouble and they made me feel special, as they seem to do with each of the residents. Very tasty meals and a very homely atmosphere. All in all, five star.
I think my Mum enjoyed her stay in Dorset House, especially the garden. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The only thing was that I don't know whether Mum had a shower as her towels were unused. Also, I did ask for her hair to be washed and blow dried, but this wasn't done.
I think my Mum enjoyed her stay in Dorset House, especially the garden. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The only thing was that I don't know whether Mum had a shower as her towels were unused. Also, I did ask for her hair to be washed and blow dried, but this wasn't done.
My father is very content living at Dorset house. He appears to enjoy his surroundings and the care workers who care for him.
My father is very content living at Dorset house. He appears to enjoy his surroundings and the care workers who care for him.
My mother became a resident of Dorset House last year. During that time she has been cared for very well. She is always presented clean and tidy and the staff always show care to my mother. She's settled in well with the other residents. She has joined in leisure activities and goes for trips in...
My mother became a resident of Dorset House last year. During that time she has been cared for very well. She is always presented clean and tidy and the staff always show care to my mother. She's settled in well with the other residents. She has joined in leisure activities and goes for trips in the van. If Mum is poorly at all we are phoned immediately which is very reassuring. Her room is always clean and washing is done as required.
My mother is in Dorset House. I have always found them to be proffessional and caring. Knowing that she is looked after properly gives me great peace of mind.
My mother is in Dorset House. I have always found them to be proffessional and caring. Knowing that she is looked after properly gives me great peace of mind.
I’m very pleased with the standard of care my mother receives. All your staff at Dorset House are very caring and helpful. Mum loves the attention she receives from all the staff and loves the food. It’s unfortunate that the toilet and bathing facilities are shared, but if they were en-suite...
I’m very pleased with the standard of care my mother receives. All your staff at Dorset House are very caring and helpful. Mum loves the attention she receives from all the staff and loves the food. It’s unfortunate that the toilet and bathing facilities are shared, but if they were en-suite facilities we probably couldn’t afford to keep Mum with you. I know Mum is happy and safe with you.
My mother has been at Dorset House for nearly 5 years. Incredible as she is very frail and I didn't think she would last this long. So it's a testament to the quality care given at Dorset House. The staff are lovely and genuinely care for the residents. They are treated with respect and dignity....
They are good with activities and outings in the minibus.
Dementia is a horrible disease to live with, but I have no hesitation in recommending Dorset House.
My father has been in care at Dorset House since May 2016. I have always found all the staff to be helpful, friendly and supportive through a range of issues with my father. My father is very happy and I couldn't ask for more.
My father has been in care at Dorset House since May 2016. I have always found all the staff to be helpful, friendly and supportive through a range of issues with my father. My father is very happy and I couldn't ask for more.
My husband was looked after pretty well but was very dehydrated on return home from respite. I suggest that a jug/beaker of water could be supplied to all, especially in hot weather. Also he had a fall which left him with a large bruise on his side. I was notified of this but felt it was minimised....
My husband was looked after pretty well but was very dehydrated on return home from respite. I suggest that a jug/beaker of water could be supplied to all, especially in hot weather. Also he had a fall which left him with a large bruise on his side. I was notified of this but felt it was minimised. He didn't eat very well but that was his choice. The staff were kind and helpful. My husband enjoyed seeing the wildlife in the garden but was glad to get home.
Thank you for your feedback. Dorset House has, throughout the summer, put in place very comprehensive arrangements to ensure good hydration for all residents. Jugs of fluids are routinely taken around to bedrooms each day as well as the tea and coffee trolley twice a day and of course drinks at...
Thank you for your feedback. Dorset House has, throughout the summer, put in place very comprehensive arrangements to ensure good hydration for all residents. Jugs of fluids are routinely taken around to bedrooms each day as well as the tea and coffee trolley twice a day and of course drinks at meal times. At Dorset House we also consistently offer ice lollies to residents on hot days to encourage a additional fluid intake. Falls are always noted carefully and information shared with relatives, however the staff try to present information confidently and calmly so as not to raise undue concern.
If you have any further concerns or queries I would be happy to respond - please email me directly: graham.brittain@care-south.co.uk.
Overall I would say that I am happy that dad is in Dorset House. Most of the time he is dressed well and clean. The one thing that I would say needs attention is the lack of activities and entertainment. The two activity ladies do their best but I have been to other homes in the area and there is...
Overall I would say that I am happy that dad is in Dorset House. Most of the time he is dressed well and clean. The one thing that I would say needs attention is the lack of activities and entertainment. The two activity ladies do their best but I have been to other homes in the area and there is something happening every day. This is not the case in Dorset House. The residents are generally sleeping.
Every single member of staff treats mum with dignity and kindness. They are aware of her personality and treat her accordingly and she responds well to all the staff and despite her Dementia, she has said on occasions that "I like it here and everyone likes me" and I don't feel that more can be...
Every single member of staff treats mum with dignity and kindness. They are aware of her personality and treat her accordingly and she responds well to all the staff and despite her Dementia, she has said on occasions that "I like it here and everyone likes me" and I don't feel that more can be asked of any care home.
The feel of the place is very pleasant and friendly. Personal care for my father over the past nine months has been very good. The staff are very professional and pleasant, friendly to residents and families. The home all been well kept and clean.
The feel of the place is very pleasant and friendly. Personal care for my father over the past nine months has been very good. The staff are very professional and pleasant, friendly to residents and families. The home all been well kept and clean.
This conversation was agreed when talking to other families. Other than that no worries!
This conversation was agreed when talking to other families. Other than that no worries!
Thank you for your review and the feedback. We are constantly refurbishing and upgrading our homes and will look at the shower room situation at Dorset House to see if there is scope to make improvements in this area.
The staff are very caring and I cannot praise them highly enough.
The staff are very caring and I cannot praise them highly enough.
Since entering the home my father's wellbeing has improved immeasurably. He is now well looked after and this is showing through in his general appearance and health condition. The staff, from management to the care nurses to the cleaners are magnificent - so attentive and caring toward all...
Since entering the home my father's wellbeing has improved immeasurably. He is now well looked after and this is showing through in his general appearance and health condition. The staff, from management to the care nurses to the cleaners are magnificent - so attentive and caring toward all residents; friendly and helpful to relatives and visitors.
The condition of the home from location to facilities to cleanliness and all round ambience cannot be faulted.
I would thoroughly recommend Dorset House to anyone.
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.