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The home offers a comprehensive range of care services, including long-term nursing care, dementia-friendly care, convalescence, post-operative recovery, palliative care and short holiday stays. With 40 spacious en-suite bedrooms, each equipped with a TV, telephone and WiFi, residents can...
Care Provided by Somerleigh Court Nursing Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 40 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
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Convalescent Care
Facilities
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Please contact the home to organise an assessment with one of our experienced clinical leads.
We can then give an accurate average weekly fee.
Contact Somerleigh Court Nursing Home 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
- Welford Healthcare
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Donia O'Connor (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
Room Information
- Single Rooms (40)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (40)
Visiting
- They operate an open visiting policy with no set times to visit.
Parking
- Parking on-site.
Somerleigh Court Nursing Home Reviews (43)
Somerleigh Court Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.490) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Somerleigh Court Nursing Home has 43 reviews.
As we live locally and visited very regularly, we were able to see at first hand the decline in standards and lack of staff since Welford Healthcare took over.
Management failed to act on several requests to move the TV in our Uncle's room to a place where he could see it, especially as he was totally deaf. No restrictions were put on another resident who was sometimes aggressive from entering out Uncle's room whenever she wanted.
We received no condolences until we mentioned the fact to a member of staff.
The final bill included 7 days notice that contradicts advice given by the Competitions and Markets Authority, and we had that changed.
On visiting, mother always seems comfortable, clean, happy with food and content. Generally happy with the home. There have been issues, which have led to her legs contracting and now she is bed bound, how much of this was poor management and how much her age/condition is hard to know. Communication about this issue was poor but has since improved.
When my husband first came to Somerleigh I was concerned he might find the change of lifestyle difficult. He had been used to an outdoor lifestyle playing rugby, cricket and in later years golf together with the social side attached. He suffers from incontinence, so his ensuite room is ideal. The staff are very considerate and caring in many ways - not just medically, but also finding him a sports channel on TV! Also taking him to the local pub each week for a couple of pints. On visiting, I have made friends with the staff and always feel comfortable. Many thanks Somerleigh!
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review.
Dad (Bob) took a while to settle in with the new surroundings of being in the home, but very quickly it was obvious that Somerleigh was the place for him. He gets very well looked after, and has got to know, and he likes the carers who look after him, and has a great rapport with many of them. Dad is happy, and that makes us all happy. His energy and symptoms appear to have improved significantly since being settled. Well done, Somerleigh.
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave us a review.
Really happy with the post-op convalescence care of my day - everyone was very helpful and kind.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review-we all hope you are well.
I and my brothers cannot praise the staff at Somerleigh Court enough. Our father was not there for long, but the care they gave to him was exceptional, and made his final weeks comfortable, peaceful and dignified. They were attentive and sensitive, always keeping us up to date with Dad's circumstances.
Thank you so much for your kind words, we are Somerleigh endeavour to ensure families as well as residents have great comfort during end of life care.
Received lots of kindness and care from the Manager and her staff at this Nursing Home. They couldn't do enough for my family at a very difficult time and I am so grateful for this and the service they provide is outstanding.
My Great Aunt stayed at Somerleigh for some respite care. Obviously was hesitant to begin with but now back at home, has nothing but positive thoughts about her stay. Lovely home with friendly staff, who made her feel at ease and couldn't do enough for her. My Aunt isn't ready to stay permanently but would definitely go back for a much needed rest.
A wonderful home, friendly and caring. My friend recieved exemplary care, provided with compassion and empathy. The staff were always polite and helpful, not just to my friend but to me aswell. My friends dignity was maintained at all times, she felt like she was treated like family.
My Sister has settled into Somerleigh Court well. The home is welcoming, the staff are friendly and it feels so homely. The care team can not do enough for us and we are so grateful for them to be looking after her so well. Thank you so much
We are so pleased that Mum is at Somerleigh Court. She is there for respite care and the staff and nurses are all very attentive and professional. Mum knows that she is being very well looked after and that makes us happy as a family, knowing that she is in the right place. The staff always find time in their busy schedule to chat with Mum, and she really appreciates the attention. The meals are well received and Mum is able to request her favourite food from the kitchen. Mums' room is comfortable and spacious enough for her to have some possessions around her and the ensuite bathroom is well designed and manageable with a Zimmer frame. Staff members are happy to take Mum outside in a wheelchair for short visits and fresh air when the weather allows. The surrounding gardens are lovely and the care home buildings are attractive, built for purpose and well maintained. We visit Mum regularly and there are no restrictions on timing or length of visits. Thank you for everything.
My mother enjoyed 10 years as a resident in Somerleigh Court before needing to move to their nursing home at short notice. The nursing home was excellent; they facilitated a quick transfer in a professional and compassionate manner. Mum went in for respite care but quickly deteriorated and passed 2 weeks latter (she had terminal cancer). My brother and I were hugely impressed by the care and compassion shown by the staff. This started at reception, went through all the carers and extended to catering, maintenance and administration. There's a new manager and she's excellent. The home has significantly improved and based upon our recent experience we'd whole heartedly recommend Somerleigh Nursing Home.
Dad was so well taken care of in his short time there. The staff were kind and caring and nothing was to much for us. The food was always excellent, the activities laid on were always so good, we especially loved the animals that visited and Dad always loved them .Thank you all so much
I cannot praise the Manager and all of her staff enough for the excellent care they are providing for my brother who is with them for respite care. Nothing is too much trouble. I and my other siblings, who are made to feel very welcome, are very grateful for caring in such a warm and experienced way. Thank you
Their compassion and professionalism were second to none and I would strongly recommend Somerleigh Court to anyone in need of care.
Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home, we will be sure to share this with the team as this will mean so much to them. It was our privilege to care for your brother, we learnt so much about him in the short time he was with us which ensured that we provided the person-centred care he needed at this time in his life.
My mum lived here for nearly 2 years and passed away in June. I have been impressed by the level of care over that time. I have always felt welcome when visiting Mum, dog in tow. When there was difficulty it was resolved quickly with a can-do attitude. During Mum's end-of-life care, the staff were really kind and thoughtful in many small ways that made her passing as comfortable as possible.
Thank you so much for your kind review. It was a privilege to care for your dear mum, thank you for entrusting her into our care. We will share all of your thoughts and this positive review with the staff we know that it will mean so much to them.
Mum became a resident of Summerleigh Court in May 2024. She settled in straight away. All the staff are friendly and welcoming. They all care for Mum brilliantly and treat her with dignity, Mum thinks they are wonderful. Mum has a comfortable bedroom with all her bits from home. The staff inform me straight away of any health worries. We feel like part of the Somerleigh Court family. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words, we always try our very best to make everything we do personal to each resident in the home. Dignity and respect are at the forefront of all we do. We will share this review with the staff as it is so important for them to be appreciated and it re-affirms to us that we are doing a great job in caring for all of the residents that live at Somerleigh Court.
Our mother was a resident at Somerleigh Court for the final month of her life. Mum loved the food, staff, activities and most of all the brilliant care. I cannot recommend Somerleigh Court highly enough, her final days were dignified and our family were always welcomed.
Thank you for such a lovely review, it was a pleasure to care for your dear mum. Our staff will be so pleased to hear that you found us all so welcoming and we will make sure that we share your comments with them.
Bought a flat with access to the care home facilities and lived there a few years before moving to the home because of the effects of dementia. Loved all the carers and support, so continuity was perfect. (My mother also bought a flat and ended up spending her last few days in the care home where they were outstanding to us all as she died.) It has now been a few years that my uncle has been in the home and his needs are more care being bed-bound. His room is lovely and clean and personalised with dementia interaction suggestions from the activities team. He loves his food and most importantly I trust them with his safety and security.
It is with heartfelt thanks from all the team at Somerleigh Court in sharing your review, more than anything it is so important that such positive comments are seen by all, we know that the staff will feel that all their hard work is worth the time and effort they put in to ensure that your loved...
Dad has been well looked after since moving into Somerleigh Court. The care from personal care to involving him in some of the laid-on activities has been very good. Have been impressed by the attention to detail on the room layout in ensuring Dad had what worked best for him and his needs. Great job Somerleigh staff, thank you.
we aim to ensure that all our residents are treated with dignity and respect at all times. We pride ourselves in making sure that all are cared for as individuals and what is important to them is important to us here at Somerleigh Court. I will pass on your thanks and comments to the team, they will very much appreciate your comments and review.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 02 April 2020Good
- 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
2 Bed Vacancies
Posted: 23 July 2026Please contact the Home for additional details.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Somerleigh Court Nursing Home.
There are no upcoming events for Somerleigh Court Nursing Home.
Awards / Recognitions (4)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Somerleigh Court Nursing Home
- 30 Jun 2022Recipient: Somerleigh Court Nursing Home
- 12 Sep 2018Recipient: Somerleigh Court Nursing Home
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Somerleigh Court Nursing Home.
Meet the Team (0)
There are no Team Members posted yet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Somerleigh Court Nursing Home
What types of Care is Somerleigh Court Nursing Home registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Somerleigh Court Nursing Home have?
There are 40 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home?
Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Somerleigh Court Nursing Home to the centre of Dorchester?
0.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Somerleigh Court Nursing Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Somerleigh Court Nursing Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.