Great Oaks Care Home

Poole Lane, Bournemouth BH11 9DP
Review Us
9.5 91 Reviews
  • Great Oaks Care Home, Bournemouth
Great Oaks is a beautiful and modern care home that is purpose-built to put your needs first.

Great Oaks is set in a private woodland and the home boasts a beautiful courtyard and landscaped garden with raised flowerbeds, perfect for joining in with the gardening!

The friendly, nurse-led team provides excellent standards of care 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. They take the time to get to know you, your preferences and your daily routine to ensure you feel always at home.

The home’s Wellbeing team provides a wide range of daily activities and events, including visiting singers and pets,, quizzes and games, pamper sessions and much more.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Younger Adults

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 80 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • 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.

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Michelle Balsdon (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2017
  • Last Refurbishment: 2017
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (76)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (76)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (2)

Parking

  • Plenty of parking on site.

Great Oaks Care Home Reviews (91)

9.5

Great Oaks Care Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.535) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Great Oaks Care Home has 91 reviews.

Overall Experience
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  • 11
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Date Published
  • 91
  • 5
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  • 12
  • 79
Reviewer Connection to Great Oaks Care Home
  • 29
  • 14
  • 9
  • 6
  • 5
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  • 4
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
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  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 91, showing 1-20
Review from Melina B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I never fail to be astounded by the variety of activities for residents at Great Oaks Care Home. Wonderful food & caring staff that make a real difference in my mum's & other resident's care needs. Residents are treated as individuals & there is a real sense of home for them. My mum is 90 now and am
sure she would not be around if not for the high level of care she receives at Great Oaks. I am happy mum is in safe hands.
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Review from Robert B (Husband of Resident) published on 23 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Great Oaks is a well appointed, clean, relatively modern care home. Sitting in a wooded area next to a park; you could almost be in the countryside. The past year has seen a number of changes in both ownership, people and furnishings. The communal areas are light, airy, clean, tidy and well presented.
As you enter you feel welcome. The lounge areas are modern and unlike many care homes I have visited. The residents rooms are large enough, ensuite with good fenestration like any modern hotel. The care staff are good with some excellent and they are also nursing staff here. As with any organisation there are some things that fall short. 80/20. The new management is working hard to improve the facility and its services.
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Review from Rodney W (Resident) published on 16 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very high quality care home. Luxurious accommodation. Short staffed leads to long waits for morning care sometimes. All staff friendly and efficient. Meals generally good but not hot enough.
Reply from Michelle Balsdon, Care Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and for your kind words about our team. We're delighted to hear you find our staff friendly and efficient.We're sorry to hear about the waits you've experienced for morning care on some occasions. While we are fully staffed, there can sometimes be busy periods where things take a little longer, and we're always looking at ways to keep this to a minimum.We also appreciate your feedback on meal temperatures. We've recently introduced a new food provider and are working closely with them to ensure meals are served hot and to everyone's satisfaction.Your feedback helps us keep improving, and we're grateful for it

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Review from Colin H (Son of Resident) published on 8 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the moment my mum moved into Great Oaks my worries started to fade. The staff are so caring also taking her to the activities which she enjoys dancing - singing coffee mornings afternoon tea has given her a family feeling which of course was unable to do in her own home. Thank you keep up the excellent
work.
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Review from Emy S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has made a lovely friend. My mother invited her to her 90th birthday party. They both had a wonderful time and the carer who normally works nights also took extra good care of my mum and her friend at the party. Each time I visit I am always impressed by the genuine thoughtfulness, caring
ways and respect shown by the staff to the people in their care and guests.
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Review from Roger C (Son of Resident) published on 17 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Overall we are very satisfied with Great Oaks there are a few niggles though. The home does seem to be understaffed as on several occasions my mother has not been washed and dressed until nearly lunchtime! For the price we pay we would expect a better service. Apart from that the staff are all excellent
and very friendly.
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Review from Leo N (Husband of Resident) published on 6 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so happy that my wife has settled in so well at Great Oaks, mainly due to the superb care provided by all staff and management, as this came as a surprise to me my wife being admitted, not only for my wife but also helped put my mind at rest.
So with all the help and advice from all, I give them
a 100% with no reservation.
Reply from James Glanville at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you, it has been our pleasure to assist you and your family. Kind regards

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Review from Carolyn W (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Basically, I feel that my mother received excellent care at Great Oaks and don't feel that she could've got any better care. All staff and carers were able to meet her needs perfectly and personally, I couldn't be more grateful, I can't thank everyone enough.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

We are very grateful to you for taking the time to leave us a review. It's so heartening to hear that we were able to provide you with peace of mind that your mother was well looked after by the team. Thank you again for your valuable feedback. Best wishes.

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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone here all seem to enjoy what they do.
Lovely mention to activities that I always feel go above and beyond.
There's always plenty to do - trips, singers games and the girls are also super happy and friendly to chat with, and lovely to see them smiling with Mum knowing she is happy and in the
best hands. Thank you for all you do.
Food always looks well presented, and the home always seems to be in a positive atmosphere. Thank you.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

It's always heartening to know that we can provide families with the reassurance that their loved ones are in safe hands and being well looked after. Our well-being programme is a big part of that, so I am pleased that your mother is enjoying time with our dedicated well-being team. Many thanks for taking the time to leave us your valuable feedback.

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Review from I M (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very well-managed and organised home. Excellent accommodation. Very caring and kind staff, who truly care about their residents. There are organised activities for the residents to join in. The food is also very good.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review. Our priority first and foremost is the happiness and well-being of our residents, and we continually look for ways to improve our service from the valuable feedback that we receive. We're very pleased to hear that you feel reassured that your loved one is being well looked after here. Many thanks.

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Review from J K (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum moved into Great Oaks a year ago very quickly from a hospital as unable to walk. the company was very helpful and supportive in getting her booked in, in five days from another county. The facilities and her room are spacious and the garden is surrounded by large trees making the home feel like
it is not in a large town. The staff are very caring and she enjoys conversations with them. Mum thoroughly enjoys the meals and there is a wide range of activities which the staff and us are encouraging her to join in with. Would definitely recommend.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Many thanks for taking the time to give us your valuable feedback. We're really pleased that the process of moving in was smooth and that you felt supported. Our priority is to ensure residents feel comfortable and at home in their surroundings. I'm pleased to hear that your mother is enjoying the daily wellbeing activities. Our wellbeing team speak to every resident to find out their interests and hobbies so that they can incorporate these into our programme of entertainment. Thanks again for your review - the team will be very happy to read that your mother is enjoying living at Great Oaks.

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Review from J B (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can now rest assured Mum is receiving 24-hour care from an extremely tentative care team.
The activity team excel with either activities/animal therapy/entertainers (or even trips) every day to stimulate their minds and well-being.
It is a very happy and positive environment. I look forward to visiting
Mum, where I can now spend (what I consider to be) quality time with her now, without the former worries of her living alone.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. It is our priority to deliver the best care and wellbeing to our residents - and to provide families with the reassurance that their loved one is being cared for in the best possible place, by the kindest team of people. We're really pleased to hear that you feel that you can now really enjoy the time you spend with your mother, knowing that she is in safe hands, in a lovely environment. Many thanks.

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Review from L S (Friend of Resident) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My long-term friend has now been at Great Oaks for two years. It is very reassuring for me to know she remains well cared for in a place I would be proud to be a part of the care team. I have worked in Dementia Care for 23 years in various roles, I live and work in Hertfordshire, travelling to Dorset
approximately three times a year. I am always welcomed warmly on every visit (even though they are fewer than I would wish). Great Oaks feels like a very large and extended family and I am always very grateful to all the staff who make this place a special home for my friend and all those that reside there.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely feedback. The team will be pleased to hear that you enjoy your visits and you always feel welcome. It's especially heartening to receive such positive comments from someone who has also worked in dementia care for many years. Your valuable feedback is really appreciated, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

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Review from Jill S (Resident) published on 20 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff and management are excellent. Everyone is very friendly, kind and caring. They do all they can to keep you happy. They listen to any concerns. The food is good. The rooms are gardens are very nice. The managers are friendly and approachable. I like it here.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

It's so important to us to receive feedback from our residents - thank you very much for leaving us a review. We're especially heartened to hear that you enjoy living at Great Oaks and appreciate the care, company and facilities. It's a pleasure to have you here. Thank you once again.

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Review from S R (Friend of Resident) published on 13 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was very impressed by the very high standard of care given to the resident by the staff of all ages. The end-of-life care was so supportive, giving reassurance and sensitive care to the resident, meeting his needs on every occasion. The staff always greeted the visitors in a friendly way.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

We really appreciate you taking the time to leave this review. We're glad we could provide the peace of mind that your friend was treated with the utmost care, dignity and respect. Thank you for your positive feedback.

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Review from Annette D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The magic goes on! In just a couple of weeks of my father returning to your wonderful care, we can see a huge improvement in every way. Thank goodness for you guys.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thanks for your lovely review. It's fantastic to hear that you've also seen the improvement in your father and you can feel reassured that he is in safe hands. Thank you again for taking the time to leave us feedback.

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Review from Angela I (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visited Great Oaks Care Home Tuesday morning and an entertainer was on. Mum and I sang along and even danced. Staff are amazing and very supportive, Mum was happy, smiling and so was I (I can't remember the last time I was so happy!) Thank you so much, I am looking forward to my next visit today (Good
Friday).
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

We really appreciate you taking the time to write a review, thank you. It's great to hear that you are enjoying your visits and taking part in the well-being activities with your mother. We hope you can feel reassured that your mother is being well looked after by our team.

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Review from T I (Friend of Resident) published on 22 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend came in from hospital for a few weeks, we found the staff to be amazing, nothing was too much trouble. We hadn’t been here before and we’re really surprised with how clean and friendly the whole home was.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. We are really pleased that you both felt comfortable and reassured at Great Oaks. The team will be very happy to hear that your friend felt well looked after during their stay with us. Thanks again for your valuable feedback.

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Review from John J (Son of Resident) published on 21 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a lovely place. The staff that were on duty today were absolutely lovely and so helpful.
This is the best home I have seen (and there have been five in recent months).
Just hope my mother appreciates the care she is being given.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review - and we're pleased to hear that you're able to feel reassured that your mother is being well looked after.

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Review from Susan H (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Encore Great Oaks is the worst place you can send a loved one to. My Mum spent months of hell at Great Oaks, where she was not cared for and even found covered in her own urine and faeces. Please, please do not send your loved one here.
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

I am very sorry to read your review of our home and understand you discussed your concerns with the previous manager and others within the organisation. As Great Oaks' new manager, I would like to apologise that the care your mother received did not meet your expectations and our own standards. My team and I are focused on delivering the very best care for our residents, and we aim to continually review and improve our service to both residents and relatives, so their feedback is an important part of this process.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.535)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.535) out of 10 for Great Oaks Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 12 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.785 for Great Oaks Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (118 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 144 Ratings = 4.785
  2. 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 4.75 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Great Oaks Care Home is based on 12 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 80 registered maximum number of service users is 16. 12 Positive Reviews ÷ 16 = 0.75
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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: 13 Jun 2025

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: 08 Sep 2025

Please contact the Home for additional details.

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

Meet the Team (1)

Michelle

Michelle Balsdon

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2024

I joined Welford Healthcare in April 2023 as a Care Home Manager at East Street. I have previous experience working within the care industry as a registered manager and working for the NHS. My ethos is ‘If everyone is moving forward together, then we can achieve the greater good for all involved’.


In my spare time, I enjoy watching rugby, taking my dog for walks, and having quality time with my children and family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Great Oaks Care Home

What types of Care is Great Oaks Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Great Oaks Care Home have?

There are 76 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Great Oaks Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Great Oaks Care Home to the centre of Bournemouth?

3.6 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 Great Oaks Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Great Oaks Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.