






South Cary House is a converted Grade II Georgian house, with redevelopment having made the most of its homely qualities to benefit older people with care needs.
The focus is on quality of life at all times, taking pride in a good staff to residents ratio and with an experienced team that specialise in a wide range of needs, including palliative care.
The accommodation is organised to suit a choice of lifestyle,...
Care Provided by South Cary House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 23 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild 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
Other Care Provided
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Convalescent Care
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
Funding & Fees
Pricing is subject to an assessment of care needs and the room chosen. Please contact us for more information.
Contact South Cary 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
- Avon Care Homes Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Anna Dunford(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2026
Room Information
- Single Rooms (23)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (23)
South Cary House Reviews (43)
South Cary House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.849) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time South Cary House has 43 reviews.
Organising a transition from private residence to a care home requires lots of downsizing, critical detail, pre-planning and time. This is also an emotional period for residents & loved ones when beginning a new and often final journey in their lives. We were received by both Kirsty & Anna on the day and to write their help and support was immense, is an understatement. Not only was our room in pristine condition, we were further helped in styling the room to preferred taste AND given lunch together! Our loved one is absolutely delighted; within a couple of days she was well at home, smiling and enjoying first class personal service. We cannot thank Kirsty, Anna & their team enough for their welcoming help that included very clear information and understanding. It's a beautiful house with gorgeous gardens; very well organised; superb home cooked food and everyone is simply marvellous. Faultless. The relief to family is immeasurable. Happy Daze!!
We understand how emotional and overwhelming the move into a care home can be, and we're so pleased that we were able to make the transition as smooth and reassuring as possible for both your...
My Aunty Iris has been in South Cary House for a couple of years and I have previous experience of several care homes through parents and in-laws. South Cary House is certainly the best home I have visited. It is a beautiful "country" house, very nice smart and cool bedrooms and a spectacular (National Trust level!) garden. Most importantly all the staff I have met (and many who have been there for a long time) have been very professional and friendly. Visits are very relaxed and flexible. My Aunty seems extremely well cared for and happy.
Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted to hear that Iris is happy and well cared for, and that you've had such a positive experience with our team and home. Your lovely comments mean a great deal to us, and we'll be sure to share them with our staff.
Im so glad we chose South cary, they looked after dad fantastically, with dignity and respect, the staff were amazing, it was just like a home from home for dad, and as his condition worsened the level of care was exceptional, dad didn't want to go into hospital as he wanted to be around friends and family, and that is exactly how he was treated, as precious family.
I can't thank the wonderful staff enough for making my dad's last few months happy and comfortable.
They were also wonderful with us as family, everything was explained, every step of the way, and towards the end for dad, daily updates on my phone, nothing was too much trouble, a fantastic home with first class staff.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a home from home for their parents or family.
Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt review. It means so much to our team to know your dad felt at home and was cared for with dignity, compassion, and respect. We're honoured to have supported both him and your family during such an important time, and we truly appreciate your recommendation
Whenever i come to visit on a friday she is always praising how good the staff have been to her with helping getting her what she needs at all times.
The room she is in is always kept very clean and tidy and the house in general itself and she cant speak highly enough of the standard of food that she gets espicially the home made soup.
Overall i am very happy with the standard of care that my nan recieves on a daily basis and also the communication that we recieve from the office to keep us up to date with any problems that may arise.
Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted to hear that your nan is happy, settled, and receiving the care she deserves. Your lovely comments about our team, housekeeping, food, and communication mean so much to us. Thank you for your continued support.
My mother is currently resident in South Cary House , comming up 2 years . She is well cared for , the staff are freindly ,and make it a really good atmosphere . always happy and helpful mum has a nice room looking out to garden , which is stunning ,, the day room is a good experience for them , having various activities , clay modeling . a musician and other things , its clean , the food is excellent .. I am happy that mum is here , and looked after a big thank you to everyone
Thank you for your lovely review. We're so pleased to hear your mum is happy and well cared for at South Cary House. Your kind words mean a lot to our team. Thank you for your trust and support.
I do not quite have the words to convey how much South Cary House has meant to us over the last two years. My father was initially resident whilst still fairly mobile and he would be involved with the various daily activities. Later, particularly in his final months, his health deteriorated and his needs increased significantly. We were hugely relieved he could remain resident in a place that had become his home with its wonderful staff and beautiful garden and surroundings. The exceptional care required was given with huge respect and dignity and we felt the genuine affection shown to my father throughout. We, as a family, drew comfort from knowing he was in a safe and loving environment. There was also a very good level of humour and we were welcomed by all with such friendliness - and often tea and cake! The staff did everything to help my father feel the best he could. At no point did we ever feel he was rushed. My father was given time in every way. We will always be so grateful.
We are delighted that he was able to remain in the place he called home and that you felt reassured by...
Her room was a lovely garden facing room with patio doors to a lovely garden and she was very happy there, so we felt the best course of action was to move her in permanently and sell her house, which we eventually did.
The care she received from the staff was a huge factor in her recovering so well and it was such a relief to the family to have the burden lifted knowing she was being looked after so well.
I visit 3 to 4 times per week and am always welcomed by all the staff. The food is basic but is just what she needs as anything too fancy would be wasted on her. Staff regularly check on her and bring her cups of tea on request. The room is clean and tidy and is perfect.
It is wonderful to know that you feel...
A very happy care home with willing and knowledgeable staff. Well managed. Always good at keeping in touch with me and liaising with local doctor.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're pleased to hear that you found the home well managed, the staff knowledgeable and approachable, and that communication with you and the GP has been good. Your comments are greatly appreciated by the whole team.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting South Cary House, what a Beautiful Care Home and I must say, my experience was exceptional. The staff were incredibly professional and polite, making me feel welcome and comfortable from the moment I arrived. The care provided at this facility is truly outstanding - the residents are well taken care of and the home is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and tidiness. The warm and inviting atmosphere of the home was evident as soon as I walked in, and I have no doubt that the residents feel just as welcomed and cared for. I highly recommend South Cary house to anyone in search of a caring and comfortable home for their loved ones.
Thank you for your kind words! Were thrilled you had a positive experience at South Cary House. Our team is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming, and high-standard environment for our residents, and your feedback means the world to us. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
All in all a lovely place for our friend to now be living in.
Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that your friend is happy, comfortable, and feeling safe at South Cary House. It's wonderful that you had such a positive experience during your visits and felt the warmth and care of our team. We truly appreciate your kind words.
Very well looked after staff friednly and helpful. Cleanliness of room sometimes not good.
Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to hear that you found our staff friendly and helpful. We sincerely apologize if the cleanliness of the room did not meet your expectations. To improve, we are reviewing our housekeeping procedures to ensure consistency, providing additional training to our team to maintain high standards, and implementing more frequent room checks for quality assurance.
The staff go above and beyond, nothing is too much trouble. Right from the moment Grandad moved in, he felt at home. It is like a family.
The home itself is beautifully looked after and they have a wonderful selection of activities week in week out. The day trips they put on are brilliant.
Overall, I am so happy to know that my Grandad is in a warm, welcoming home who outstanding care.
Thank you for your kind words! We're so happy your Grandad feels at home and that you and your family have had such a great experience. It means a lot to us!
The staff are all very friendly, professional and most importantly for me they are caring. To know that your loved one is being cared for by wonderful people means a lot.
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so pleased your Grandad feels at home and well cared for. Your kind words mean a lot to our team!
South Cary House has become a home from home for my elderly father (now 88). He feels extremely comfortable and safe there and values the care, humour and friendship of the staff. As a relative, I appreciate the professionalism and responsive of the staff and management. The gardens are beautiful and the activity schedule is thoughtful and well-executed.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted that your father feels at home and enjoys the care, companionship, and activities at South Cary House. Your kind words about our team, gardens, and professionalism mean so much to us. We truly appreciate your support!
The staff members are not only professional but also approachable, creating a sense of community that is comforting for both residents and their families.
Additionally, the home itself is beautiful, providing a warm and inviting environment. As someone who has worked as a community staff nurse and has been in numerous care homes, I can confidently say this place stands out for its exceptional quality of care and compassion. It truly feels like a home and I am grateful for the positive impact it has on my friend's life.
Thank you for your kind words and recognition of our team's dedication. I will pass your feedback on to the staff and we're so pleased to know our care and environment have had such a positive impact on your friend's life.
They constantly look after the residents making sure they are comfortable, clean, tidy and stimulated. They also ensure that the residents have full medical care and arrange to take them and escort them to medical appointments.
They bring in regular weekly visitors to sing to the group or stimulate them through crafts such as pottery.
Each day they seem to arrange entertainment for the residents, including games in the garden.
There is a greenhouse, so my uncle often helped out with the gardening and watering. He loved it.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend South Cary House to anyone looking for exceptional care for their loved ones.
The staff and management are absolutely wonderful, keeping me regularly appraised of any concerns they may have.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We are truly delighted to hear about your positive experiences at South Cary House. We take great pride in ensuring that all our residents feel comfortable, stimulated, and well-cared for. It warms our hearts to hear that your uncle enjoyed his time in the greenhouse and found joy in gardening. I will relay the amazing feedback to the staff.
My uncle spent his last few years at South Cary House and the care he received was outstanding. The staff were always helpful, friendly and truly cared for the residents. The home was clean and well-maintained. With a sunroom that brightened everyone's day. The entertainment director kept the residents engaged with seasonal activities and the visiting care home dogs added a special touch of comfort. I highly recommend South Cary House for anyone seeking a caring and compassionate environment for their loved ones.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. We're truly grateful to hear that your uncle's time at South Cary House was marked by outstanding care and comfort. Our dedicated staff takes great pride in creating a warm and engaging environment for all our residents and it's wonderful to know that...
The staff are this home's biggest asset and they are very much appreciated.
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review. We are truly grateful that you chose South Cary House for your mother's recovery, and we're delighted to hear that your experience has been so positive. It's heartening to know that our staff has made a difference during this difficult...
Staff couldn't have been more helpful with admitting Mum, providing support and advice. Rooms very airy and bright, with a fabulous outlook onto a colourful garden. All staff very attentive at all times. A varied programme of entertainment. Would have no hesitation in recommending this care home.
Thank you so much for your kind words and positive review! We are thrilled to hear that you and your Mum had such a wonderful experience. Our team takes great pride in providing attentive care, and it's heartwarming to know that you felt supported throughout the process. We're glad you love our...
I felt very confident handing Mum's care over having had sole responsibility as her carer for 6 and a half years, I was anxious for the move to be a good experience and it was. All the staff are very kind, helpful and respectful.
My only criticism; a shame the lift isn't big enough for wheelchairs and stairs need underlay as very noisy!
We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with our brilliant team and the overall care provided for your mum. Knowing that you felt confident entrusting her care to us after being her sole carer for 6.5 years is truly gratifying. We take pride in our kind, helpful, and respectful staff...
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 30 November 2017Good
- CaringOutstanding
- 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 (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for South Cary House.
There are no upcoming events for South Cary House.
Awards / Recognitions (1)
- 21 Oct 2020Recipient: South Cary House
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for South Cary House.
Meet the Team (1)

Anna is a compassionate and innovative care manager with an extensive career in the care sector. She is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care for residents while supporting their families and leading a positive, motivated team. Anna brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role, ensuring residents receive safe, excellent care while enjoying a fulfilling and meaningful lifestyle. She thrives on enhancing the well-being of those in her care and is committed to helping residents live life to the fullest.
Anna is passionate about creating a warm and supportive environment where residents feel valued and respected, and where staff feel empowered to provide outstanding care. She strongly believes that care should go beyond meeting clinical needs and focus on ensuring residents are supported to live an enriching, comfortable, and enjoyable lifestyle. Her unique approach and compassionate leadership help to promote continuous improvement and a culture of kindness throughout the home.
Frequently Asked Questions about South Cary House
What types of Care is South Cary House registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does South Cary House have?
There are 23 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at South Cary House?
Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is South Cary House to the centre of Castle Cary?
0.4 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
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