Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Somerleigh Road, Dorchester DT1 1AQ
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9.9 37 Reviews
  • Somerleigh Court Nursing Home, Dorchester
Somerleigh Court is an award-winning nursing home in the heart of Dorchester.

The team provides long-term nursing care (including dementia-friendly care), plus convalescence, post-operative care, holiday stays, physio rehabilitation and palliative care. The home has a vibrant and caring environment, with 40 generously-sized rooms each with TV, telephone and WiFi facilities. The on-site chef responsible is for creating appealing and nutritious menus to suit the preferences and dietary requirements of all residents.

Somerleigh Court has Platinum Status in the Gold Standards Framework in Care Homes – this is the highest rating, which they have held consistently since 2012. Needs-assessed fee contributions are available where applicable.

The home’s registered nurses and healthcare assistants work under the supervision of a dedicated home manager.

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Care Provided

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 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 for an assessment.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Kerry Mason (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • 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 (37)

Total of 37, showing 21-37
9.9

Somerleigh Court Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.890) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Somerleigh Court Nursing Home has 37 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 30
  • 7
  • 0
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  • 0

Date Published

37
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Review from C D (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Having been residents in a flat at Somerleigh Court with great support from the close care team, the move into the nursing home was made so much easier for au all by the kindness and understanding of staff who knew Mum. The level of care in the home has been good from nursing, activities, housekeeping,
admin and maintenance staff. Alwats helpful, friendly and supportive of Mum and the family. There's such a friendly atmosphere throughout Somerleigh. We are also pleased that Mum has really enjoyed the recent outings and the activities, which have been organised in the home.

Reply from Lesley Brock, General Registered Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your review and kind words. We are aware that moving into a care home is a big decision, and we are so pleased to see how well our residents from our Somerleigh Court village settle into the nursing home when the time is right for them. Having our team work in the village and nursing home is a great reassurance for our residents.

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Review from Philippa L (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have found all the staff very friendly and helpful. Requests for drinks etc, for my mother, have been answered efficiently and with a smile.

Reply from Gordon Collins, Registered Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. They are very much appreciated, and we are pleased you and your mother are enjoying the Somerleigh Care experience. I am glad you were able to recognize, even though Covid masks remain in place, that there is always a smile and time for residents and visitors here at Somerleigh Court.

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Review from N S (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent home. All rooms are ensuite. Lovely staff. Food good usually. Supper, (haven't seen lunch) usually has choice and pudding. Mum has gained much-needed weight there. Much improved mobility and health, so staff are now able to take her into Dorchester. Our family feels very included, unlike in
her previous care home.
Parking on-site is basically non-existent for visitors though, even for disabled visitors, but a big public carpark right next door.

Reply from Gordon Collins, Registered Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your review and your kind words. We are very pleased to hear that your mum is enjoying her time with us here at Somerleigh Court and that her health and welfare seem to be greatly improved since her admission.
We are aware of the parking issue and are seeking remedies to address this. We will and do make every effort to ensure that disabled visitors are able to visit, and I am sure that if we are given a little notice pre-visit, we can, and will, organise easier access for disabled visitors, for other visitors as you rightly point out there is a large public car park next door.

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Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 18 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was an owner of a flat linked to the home for many years and received support from the home daily. Recently, due to poor health, became a resident of the home. Given the present circumstances, my mum could not have had better support, it was obvious that the care and respect given to her right
up to her last days, was not just doing the job, but she was part of the family within the home. The family received excellent support. I cannot thank them enough for the care they gave my mum.

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Review from Anthony B (Son of Resident) published on 15 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Somerleigh Court since May 2019 and has been very well looked after, she has always been clean and well presented. Her conditional has been well catered for and she seems in better metal health than when she was admitted. During the extremely difficult C19 crisis, the staff when
spoken to on the phone have kept us informed and Mum seems cheerful. Perhaps when the crisis has eased, it could be looked into how to use WhatsApp video calls more?

Reply from Karen Wells, Senior Admin Assistant at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind review of the care your mother has been receiving, especially at this difficult time with such restrictions in visiting. We are looking into providing more time spent with WhatsApp video calls and hope to have extra devices to enable communication with families and loved ones in the future. We really appreciate the positive reviews sent in as it gives the whole team a boost, so thank you.

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Review from M D (Wife of Resident) published on 15 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband has been at Somerleigh Court since November 2018 and during that time the staff have always been very welcoming and keep me up to date with any happenings. They are lovely, the way they treat the residents, always bright and cheerful and explaining what they are about to do.

Reply from Karen Wells, Senior Admin Assistant at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

What a lovely review we will ensure that your husband continues to receive that care that he so deserves at this time in his life, being apart from your loved one at this time can be very difficult and worrying. We will continue to keep you informed and remain the cheerful and welcoming team that you describe. Thank you. Head of Care.

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Review from F S (Husband of Resident) published on 7 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

There are many things that are admirable about Somerleigh Court, yet others which one should not ignore. On the positive side, we are hugely grateful for the kindness, caring and humor of so many of the careers, nurses, activity staff, cleaners, office and maintenance staff. We much appreciate the special
facilities granted prior to Covid-19 and ready access to visiting at all times. A small minority of carers, however, can be brasque and unthinking. Little things but important to residents are sometimes forgotten, such as access to telephones, books, remotes, radios. Response to buzzer in erratic, but worse in the offer lengthy time before the action actually materializes. As for the food - fruit enable are excellent that much remains standard institutional fare. Laundry arrangements need looking into, pale and dark clothing is, at times, washed together. Articles of clothing go missing sometimes permanently. Recently there has been much attention given to refurbishment, however, on a personal basis it could be that closer involvement of some members of senior management with the residents themselves, would also be a real value.

Reply from Lesley Jane Brock, General Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your feedback which I welcome in helping to improve our service. As General Manager of Somerleigh Court, your experience of our ‘kind and caring staff’ means a great deal to me, as this is an aspect of our business we pride ourselves on. Equally, I always encourage residents (and their families) to come to me directly with any feedback (positive or otherwise), so that any issues can be addressed quickly and satisfactorily. We also instigate regular audits, spot checks, with our management team working on the floor, alongside colleagues. I am currently looking into the points you raised – so thank you again. In the meantime, I hope everyone who lives and works at Somerleigh Court is enjoying the recent refurbishments we have introduced.

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Review from F B (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good hame.
Locked down early so I have not seen my mother, but she is well cared for.

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Review from Lisa H (Sister of Resident) published on 8 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother was cared for at Somerleigh Court in the last 4 weeks of his life.
He had a brain tumour and was only 38.
Despite the fact the staff were not used to caring for someone so young, they soon adapted and were wonderful, not just with him, but also the family.

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Review from Christine M (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was at Somerleigh Court for the last 4 months of her life. She was happy and secure. The staff were responsive, caring, warm, friendly and at the same time, provided professional, expert nursing care.
They went to great lengths to get mum home from hospital so that they could ensure that
her last few days were "at home". Staying there with mum for 48 hours gave me an insight into the wonderful 24/7 care which is given to each patient. I would recommend it unreservedly.

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Review from Brian S (Son of Resident) published on 15 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I visited my mother regularly at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home driving five-year residence. Staff and management were always welcoming, helpful and professional. My mother's care was consistently good and appropriate as her dementia progressed and I was comforted to know that she was is a secure and
caring environment.

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Review from Carol P (Wife of Resident) published on 16 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Overall, I have been very pleased with my husband's care. The staff are always happy to help with any problems I may have. I would like to see more activities provided to stimulate to avoid boredom. Sometimes my husband will be sat in his chair for up to 8-10 hours with nothing to do, but I understand
this is going to be addressed soon. I have just completed a dementia course and found this most interesting and informative. Overall, my feelings of the home is very good and would have no problems recommending Somerleigh Court Nursing Home to anyone.

Reply from Graham Oakes, Manager at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home

Thank you for your review.
We have now recruited the final member of our Activities Team, making the team the largest it has ever been which will ensure that all our residents will have more one-to-one time and opportunities for group activities.
I was particularly pleased to see that you would recommend Somerleigh Court to anyone looking for care and that you enjoyed joining the Dementia Awareness course.
Thank you.

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Review from Joyce F (Wife of Resident) published on 9 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was a resident in Somerleigh Court for two years suffering from dementia. We were very pleased with the home and the way he was greeted on admission, made to feel at home. It was most helpful that one can visit at any time. all staff extremely helpful, cheerful. General running of the home
good. Rooms clean and tidy with en-suite facilities. Food varied and good nursing staff attentive and approachable. Reassuring to be kept in the picture of my husband's health. Entertainment was varied, music, singing, quizzes and outings for those who could participate. A sensory garden for summer days.

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Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was a resident in a flat for 7 years and had carers attending for 4-5 years several times a day. He was treated to a high standard, with dignity and a very personable affection and respect from all staff. All staff greeted both dad, myself and my sister at every meeting in the grounds and
were friendly, interested and caring.
He died in the June after a 2 week illness and his end of life care was faultless - the staff looked after him so thoughtfully and compassionately and also looked after us as well. We are tremendously grateful and would highly recommend both flats and care home.

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Review from John U (Husband of Resident) published on 31 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has advanced Alzheimer's disease. She has been at Somerleigh for 18 months following the closure of her previous home by CQC. The rooms are light and airy. The temperature is well regulated. The staff are always helpful, the proportion of agency staff has decreased with good effort.

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Review from Carole K (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad was admitted into Somerleigh Court Nursing Home after spending 3 and half months in another care home which at this time I cannot discuss as he was severely neglected.
The care managers were absolutely fantastic, I cannot fault their understanding and empathy about my dad's situation. Sadly
my dad has now passed away but he got to spend the last month of his life with wonderful staff who were absolutely beyond praise! I will be forever in their debt for making my dad's final stage in life easier for me and my children to bear.
Thank you to you all at Somerleigh Court, all the carers and nurses and management staff, you should all be very proud and I would be happy to recommend Somerleigh Court to everyone who has a loved one that needs nursing care.

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Review from Matthew (Son of Resident) published on 12 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was treated with great care and dignity at the end of her life at Somerleigh Court. I have nothing but the highest praise for the standards of professionalism and care the staff displayed to my mother who suffered from advanced dementia. I was able to visit my mother at all times and always
felt she was being kindly cared for in a safe and clean environment. Thank you.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.890)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.890) out of 10 for Somerleigh Court Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.890 for Somerleigh Court Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (147 Excellents x 5) + (16 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 164 Ratings = 4.89

  • 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 Somerleigh Court Nursing Home is based on 14 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 14 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: 2 Apr 2020

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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

2 Bed Vacancies

posted 11 Aug 2025

Please contact the Home for additional details.

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (1)

Kerry

Kerry Mason

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2024

At Somerleigh Court our dedicated team provide award-winning levels of care. For over a decade, we have been rated at the highest level by the Gold Standards Framework for the end-of-life care we provide, putting us among the top 15% of nursing homes nationally.


We are rated as ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) across all five assessment criteria; ‘safe’, ‘effective’, ‘responsive’, ‘caring’ and ‘well-led.’

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.