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
  • 78
  • 11
  • 0
  • 1
  • 1
Date Published
  • 91
  • 5
  • 5
  • 12
  • 79
Reviewer Connection to Great Oaks Care Home
  • 29
  • 14
  • 9
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 4
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 91, showing 21-40
Review from G E (Friend of Resident) published on 6 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend was admitted to Great Oaks in October 2022. I have been able to visit her regularly and everyone whilst visiting (reception staff, carers, nursing staff, management etc) has been friendly, kind and caring and very helpful. My friend tells me that the food is wonderful too! She is very happy
she made the move to Great Oaks where she is being cared for so well.
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Review from Peter T (Son of Resident) published on 28 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very thankful to the Great Oaks team for the care provided to my father in his last days.
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Review from Mark B (Son of Resident) published on 7 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mum has just enjoyed her fourth anniversary at Great Oaks, which is a tribute in itself to the standard of care. She has come through difficult times, including repeated changes of home manager, Covid (twice) and a broken hip, despite all of which the first-floor care team has strived to provide
a high level of personal care. Rooms are bright and clean, meals and refreshments are of a good standard and well-being activities are once more a regular feature. We feel we have a personal relationship and trust in the Great Oaks staff and we are glad we chose Great Oaks for our mum.
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Review from Anne-Marie S (Sister of Resident) published on 7 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My sister lived at Great Oaks for four years until her death in September. My sister had some challenging behaviour during her time there. The staff got to know my sister well and always treated her with kindness and patience, in a professional manner. The staff supported me during my sister's end-of-life
period. It was reassuring knowing the staff were there to care for my sister.
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Review from G M (Niece of Resident) published on 3 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Overall I am disappointed with my relative's care. It took a year of intensive communication with Great Oaks for a duvet to be available consistently, previously only a cellular blanket. I seldom witness staff interacting with residents, but lots of sitting down, chatting with each other, and looking
at phones.
Communication is inadequate: we are not involved in care plans, informed of changes in behaviour or health, or informed that personal items are missing (slippers, shoes, hairbrushes, toiletries running low).
Support to upkeep personal hygiene and appearance obviously lacking without a hairbrush and access to soap and appropriate footwear.
The activities are underwhelming: colouring in cartoon animals with felt tip pens, rare visits to the local cafe (2 in 18 months).
The residents sit and watch tv, or wander, whilst the staff huddle together.
Where is the dignity and respect for these vulnerable people?
Reply from James Glanville, Home Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. I am sorry to read that you are unhappy with the care your relative has received, and I apologise that our standards and levels of care have not met your expectations. I am the new manager at Great Oaks, and I personally appreciate you taking the time to leave your review. Your feedback is helpful to me in highlighting areas that need focus, and the points you raise are key priorities for myself and the team at the home to get right for our residents and their relatives. My team and I will ensure that your feedback is taken on board and we resolve the issues you have identified.
Encore’s aim is to continually deliver high-quality and person-centred care and we appreciate your comments in helping us to ensure we deliver on that for our residents.

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Review from A G (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have neither used nor visited anyone in a care home before so did not know what to expect when my mother entered Great Oaks for respite care. I found a lovely, clean, light and airy building. The individual rooms are large with all facilities a resident would require and a very nice en-suite. The
carers, the reception staff, the manager and the nurses are all friendly and helpful - nothing is too much trouble. The food tastes lovely, although my mother does not eat much having a very small appetite. I am really impressed by Great Oaks.
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Review from Loretta H (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Finding the right care for a loved one is very difficult. From the start, the staff at Great Oaks were helpful and supportive, keen to get to know Dad's likes and dislikes to help him feel settled and at home. I was able to visit him at any time and spend as much time with him as I wanted. I was able
to chat with staff about Dad's progress and they were always interested in my opinions about his care. Dad's room was bright and spacious and he enjoyed having his own things around him. The grounds were lovely. The food was excellent, he was thrilled to have wine with his meals, even if it was zero alcohol. I was confident Dad was in caring hands when I was not there.
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Review from Helen G (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I thought the care and attention to Mum were excellent. I could ask questions and there was always someone to help.
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Review from B P (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum moved into Great Oaks in January 2021, once it was decided that my father could no longer look after her, Mum had vascular dementia. I can only say that the time Mum was there, right up to her death a few days ago, Mum was always well cared for. The room was a good size and very light with a
lovely outlook. The food always looked and smelled delicious. The staff were friendly and helpful. I cannot recommend this care home more for a loved one with this dreadful disease.
Reply from Alaina Morgan-Free, Senior Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Firstly, may we offer our sincere condolences on your mother's passing. We are very heartened to hear that you felt reassured that your mum was in the right place and that she was comfortable in her surroundings, being well looked after by the team. I shall pass on your kind feedback to the home.

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Review from Victoria S (Friend of Resident) published on 24 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having travelled over 150 miles to visit my loved one, who had recently moved into Great Oaks, on arrival my first impressions of the home were excellent. The staff were very professional, friendly and welcoming. I was able to visit 3 times during my stay and witnessed excellent procedures in place
to ensure the safety of all during these Covid times. I left feeling very reassured and confident that it was the right move for my loved one and that she will be well cared for.
Reply from Alaina Morgan-Free, Senior Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you for your positive review. We are really pleased to hear that you have full peace of mind that your loved one is being well looked after at Great Oaks. We shall pass your feedback on to the team.

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Review from A M (Friend of Resident) published on 18 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I visit my friend weekly (sometimes more). She went in for respite care and decided to stay. The staff are very caring and always approachable. When I visit my friend is always happy and smiling, I think that speaks for itself.
Reply from Alaina Morgan-Free, Senior Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you for your positive feedback. We are very pleased to hear that your friend has settled so well and is enjoying living at Great Oaks. We shall ensure your comments are passed on to the team.

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Review from Karen B (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It was initially very difficult to part from my beloved mother and as she entered Great Oaks it was with great trepidation and fear about her future care from strangers. I was absolutely delighted by the staff from the office and reception staff to the hands-on care staff. She couldn't be in better
hands. At last, I can relax and let the professionals deal with everything. Many thanks.
Reply from Alaina Morgan-Free, Senior Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely review of the care we provide at Great Oaks. We are so pleased to hear that you feel reassured and can enjoy peace of mind that we are taking the very best care of your mother's wellbeing. I shall ensure your feedback is passed onto the team.

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Review from Taryna W (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum went into Great Oaks on the Friday but unfortunately passed away the following Monday. Her stay was very short but of great comfort to us because she was so well cared for. Her room was beautiful, large, and bright with an ensuite. Beautifully clean. The nurses were very kind as well as professional.
I was so pleased a lovely nurse sat with mum all night before she passed away in the morning. By coincidence, it was a friend of one of mum's dear friends.
Reply from Alaina Morgan-Free, Senior Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

We are so sorry to hear about your mother's passing but are heartened that you know her last few days were spent comfortably. Please do feel reassured that your mum was cared for and not alone. Thank you for taking the time to send us a review - I will certainly pass on your comments to the team.

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Review from Jane W (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father was admitted to Great Oaks in March 2020. Sadly he passed away on May 12th. We could not have wished for a more caring environment for him. Sadly because of the COVID situation, we were not able to visit him for quite a while, but when the end came the staff kindly allowed us in to say our
goodbyes. Thank you to all the staff and management from all his family.
Reply from Amy Grohmann, Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

I am so sorry to hear about your Father's passing but very pleased to hear that you got to say your goodbyes in person. Thank you for taking the time to send us a review and I am pleased that your Father got the care he needed and deserved during his time with us, I will certainly pass on your thanks to the team.

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Review from I S (Nephew of Resident) published on 13 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have been to "Great Oaks" since late 2018. During this time, I have been impressed with the care and assistance. This is a very pleasant place to live in a lovely wooded area.
Reply from Amy Grohmann, Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you for your review, we are very pleased that you are enjoying the Great Oaks. If there is anything that we can do to help improve anything, please do let us know.

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Review from B S (Resident) published on 26 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Loved all the kindness and help to me during my difficult period of unwellness. Loved the humour and laughter that was ensured; in spite of very busy times for staff. Was so impressed by how staff worked together as a team and chatted with patients as personal friends. Great choice of lovely food at
mealtimes.
Reply from Amy Grohmann, Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you Brian for your review, it's wonderful to hear that you are enjoying living at Great Oaks and that you are being so well looked after. We hope you are well on your way to feeling much better. I'll make sure that your praise and thanks is passed onto the team.

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Review from Rodney S (Son of Resident) published on 26 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very caring staff.
Food good.
Home very clean and tidy.
Reply from Amy Grohmann, Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you for your kind review, we strive to make our Great Oaks care home the best it can be for our residents and so it's always nice to hear that we are achieving this.

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Review from Mark R (Brother of Resident) published on 8 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My brother came to Great Oaks in December 2018 and seems very happy here. Despite his condition deteriorating and his illness/condition is undiagnosed, the treatment seems to be considerate. The staff appear to be kind and my brother appears to be relaxed with them.
Reply from Amy Grohmann, Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you for your review. It's lovely to hear that your brother has settled into our Great Oaks Care Home. If there is anything else you think our team can do to make your brothers stay with us more comfortable, please do let the Home Manager know. Thank you again.

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Review from L S (Niece of Resident) published on 14 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The first impression you have as soon as you walk in the door is of a lovely modern, clean building. Then you see the staff, and without exception, everyone smiles and speaks to you. There is a very friendly atmosphere, and our relative is treated with care and consideration and also, a sense of humour
which she enjoys.
Reply from Amy Grohmann, Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you for your kind comments and feedback. We are really pleased that your Aunt is enjoying living at Great Oaks. We pride ourselves on ensuring all of our residents feel at home and have a great relationship with our team there.

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Review from J S (Sister of Resident) published on 14 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good staff, friendly and very helpful. The food was excellent.
Reply from Amy Grohmann, Marketing Manager at Great Oaks Care Home

Thank you for your feedback and comments. We are really pleased that you found our staff friendly and helpful, I'll be sure to pass on your praise to the team. We pride ourselves on providing tasty and nutritional food to our residents, so that's wonderful that you enjoyed it!

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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.

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.