Gainsborough Care Home

53 Ulwell Road, Swanage BH19 1LQ
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9.7 53 Reviews
  • Gainsborough Care Home, Swanage
Gainsborough Care Home offers a home for life in Swanage, providing affordable residential, respite and dementia care. Gainsborough is set in a picturesque Purbeck seaside town, just a stone’s throw from Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast.

After being completely refurbished to a very high standard Gainsborough is fully equipped to deal with a range of needs and requirements. Gainsborough has three comfortable lounges and the dining room mean there is plenty of space for group activities, or somewhere to find a quieter spot.

Residents and visitors are welcome to use the free Gainsborough wi-fi. Visitors often bring in their own devices and use the wi-fi to show loved ones videos and photos, and to play games.

There are bedrooms on the ground floor and the first floor. The first floor is fully accessible, by stairs or a lift.

All rooms have en-suites or a washbasin in the room. Some rooms have en-suite wet rooms. The rooms without en-suites have accessible bathrooms or wet rooms nearby.

Residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms with their own photos and furniture. Personal possessions help residents feel Gainsborough is a home-from-home, and provide extra stimulation and time for reminiscence.

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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 48 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £844 – £1470
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £844 – £1470

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Gainsborough Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Dawn Hand (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2014

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (48)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (48)

Visiting

  • Visitors welcome anytime

Parking

  • Ample parking

Gainsborough Care Home Reviews (53)

Total of 53, showing 21-40
9.7

Gainsborough Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.693) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Gainsborough Care Home has 53 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 29
  • 20
  • 3
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father has been a resident at Gainsborough Care Home for the past year. He has a lovely clean, bright room with everything he needs. The staff are kind, caring and treat him with dignity and respect. He also enjoys all the tasty home-cooked meals which are provided.

Reply from Dawn Hand, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

This is a very welcomed review, thank you. We are constantly reviewing the service we provide to ensure Gainsborough Care Home has a good reputation and high standards in all areas. We are very lucky to have a great team who strive to make our home a wonderful place to live in, and clearly, our efforts are being welcomed, thank you.

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Review from Keith B (Son of Resident) published on 4 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was a resident of the home for the last nine months or so of her life. After an initial settling in period, she was happy and content and called it home. Having said that she never wanted to be in a home, she then said she should have agreed to it earlier.
The staff were always kind and
caring and treated her, and from what I saw the other residents, as individuals. Little touches like daffodils on St Davids' day showed how much staff listened and understood what was important to the residents.

Reply from Dawn Hand, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

It is always nice to read such a positive review. The staff at Gainsborough Care Home do all they can to make the residents feel at home. The staff always listen to the needs of the residents and our activities coordinators always make sure we celebrate calendared events and indeed work very hard in organising entertainment and other activities and outings for the residents.

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Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As soon as my mum said 'can I go home now?' (to Gainsborough) we knew she was settled and happy. Of course, she has blips as in missing her house, but then she will compare the care, attention and life at Gainsborough as she would imagine what life would be like being on a cruise liner. We know our
mum is safe, cared for, happy and in her ever after home. Thank you.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

I will share your lovely review with the team.
We pride ourselves in having a homely, caring atmosphere and I am so pleased Mum feels at home here at Gainsborough.

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Review from Sheila P (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having promised my mother I would never send her to a care home, we could no longer care for her so we chose Gainsborough. We were so impressed with the care and attention given to her, and she soon settled in and we were happy knowing she was being well cared for and loved. The staff were always available
to discuss any problems that arose.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

Thank you for your kind words.
It was an absolute pleasure to care for Mum.

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Review from Sandy E (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Throughout Mum's residency at Gainsborough, she has been very happy. Many of the staff have worked there for a long time so they know Mum well, which is important for any resident. The staff are kind, helpful and jolly, which makes the place homely. As visitors, we always feel welcome.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind review. I will share this with the team who all work very hard to ensure all residents feel happy and well cared for.

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Review from Julie K (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Under great management and leadership and all the team members. We can highly recommend Gainsborough Carew Home as an excellent Carehome. Our dad was a resident from July 2020 until a few weeks ago. Dad was greeted with the warmest of welcomes and very soon settled into the daily routine with loving
care and understanding of all the carers. Dad needed palliative care towards the end of his life and we can only say a massive thank you to you all.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, it means such a lot to the team. It was a real pleasure to care for Dad, he was a big presence in the home and is very much missed.

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Review from M W (Son of Resident) published on 7 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Not enough staff to give the clients some proper 1-1 time to talk to them. Very, very rare to be offered some fresh fruit.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

We are sorry you feel staff don't have one to one time with your mum but I can reassure you that Mum is offered a full activities programme and staff always pop in for a chat. Fresh fruit is always available and I will ensure Mum is aware of this should she want some.

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Review from Jane L (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother broke her leg in 2019 after the last in a long series of falls. The care home she had been in previously could not accept her back with increased disability, we were offered 2 different care homes within Swanage - I am so glad we chose Gainsborough Care Home! My mother thinks she is in a hotel,
the food is wonderful and everyone is so kind. I have also seen how good it is when visiting. I now have no fear of going into care myself if I ever need to.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

So happy to hear that you are happy with the care and support your mum receives. Thank you so much for the lovely review and I will enjoy sharing it with the team.

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Review from Graham P (Son of Resident) published on 8 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad's only been in the home for a short space of time. I love the way the staff treat my dad. I did have one issue with Dad. However, I spoke to management, and it was dealt with and rectified immediately, and I was very happy and satisfied. We undertake the difficulties when items go missing, however,
we do feel that more could be done to locate them as we are told his room has been searched, and then we're told they've turned up in his bedroom weeks later. Overall, however, we are very satisfied with the care given to Dad.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

So pleased that you are very satisfied with the care dad is receiving; it's a real pleasure to care for him.
Unfortunately, residents do, at times, misplace things, and they turn up some time later.
I am also pleased to hear that management dealt with your issue swiftly, and you were satisfied with the outcome.

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Review from T L (Husband of Resident) published on 7 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and management are always efficient and helpful. The property and rooms are clean and tidy. I have said to my two sons if anything happens to me they are to leave her at this home. She seems content and happy. Also, the grounds are kept very neat and tidy.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

It is an absolute pleasure to care for her here at Gainsborough.

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Review from D J (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother isn't the most easiest to please, but she feels at home here due to the compassion and care of the staff.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review, I will share this with the staff.

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Review from Adrian B (Resident) published on 4 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Having had no previous experience of care home living I was unsure what to expect. I have been gladdened to have a good quality of care and a more than satisfactory 'life' here.
I would recommend this establishment to anybody wanting a comfortable, safe and relaxing environment. The staff, for the
most part, are excellent, led by one of the best people I have ever met.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

It's great to hear how happy you are here at Gainsborough.

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Review from Kathy D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so relieved I have Mum settled in Gainsborough. I live overseas, trying to get the help Mum needed to stay safe in her own home was almost impossible to organise and manage without regular trips back home, so to know she's somewhere safe, being well cared for and happy is a huge relief with Covid
stopping me from returning to see her. In the time she's been there, she has gained weight (she's a healthy weight now for the first time in years), she's happy and when I last saw her was talking about the present (not the past). The team keep me posted and read all the communication I send to her. I really appreciate the feedback and photos.
I find it very hard putting into words how grateful I am to find a place where she is happy and being well cared for. It took a long time to find Gainsborough, as her brief stays in other facilities had not worked out.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

We appreciate your very kind words written, so thank you very much.
We strive to have great relationships with family members and we enjoy reading your lovely emails to mum just as much as she loves receiving them.

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Review from A R (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been in Gainsborough since January, he was made to feel very welcome and settled in quickly. Over the past 8-months, Dad has had ups and downs health-wise, and he had always been looked after well with the staff keeping my brother and myself informed. Medical staff visit regularly, and
all Dad's needs are met. The food is excellent, and Dad always comments on this. I am very happy with Gainsborough.

Reply from Louise Van Dorn, Registered Manager at Gainsborough Care Home

Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. We are so pleased your Dad is enjoying the food here at Gainsborough.

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Review from Sharon L (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

In July 2019, urgent care was needed for my parents and Gainsborough Care Home has proved to be the perfect choice. For six months, they were able to enjoy very comfortable rooms adapted to their needs, enabling them to live together before my father passed away in January. The staff have been wonderful
caring for Mum, allowing her to remain in her familiar room, overlooking the garden. During the 'Coronavirus lockdown' we have been able to keep in close touch and have been reassured regarding her physical and mental well being. It was wonderful to visit recently and see in person the continued high standard of care. The lunch menu was outstanding, a great choice of freshly cooked, beautifully presented food and there was a lovely, peaceful atmosphere in the home. As a family we are so grateful for Gainsborough Care Home in providing all we needed and more, in these difficult times.

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Review from C O (Friend of Resident) published on 10 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are very approachable and helpful with time to talk. Noticed the staff are very busy but as before, still time for us. The atmosphere is light-hearted. The meals are amazing with good home cooking. I have never seen our friend eat so much with a variety of many puddings to follow.
I have
worked in homes for eight years and this one compares very favourably amongst the best.
Impressed with cleanliness.

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Review from B W (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 98-year-old mother has recently been transferred to Gainsborough Care Home because following a fall she needed more care than her previous, and more expensive home, was able to provide.
We were very upset because we couldn't believe we could find another home as good but actually we now believe
Gainsborough Care Home to be even better. We cannot fault the staff or management. My mother is very happy and we say excellent!

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Review from Rose R (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All care staff are friendly and helpful and they all have the time to make my mum feel happy and content. I have no problem with the care staff as I know my mother is safe and very well looked after.

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Review from M B (Cousin of Resident) published on 22 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I have no idea of value for money as I am only a visitor. Activities not too stimulating. Staff lovely and hard working but seemed to be 'flat out' and hard working.

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Review from D F (Friend of Resident) published on 14 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I feel the staff are very kind and try to do what they can to help. They are polite and keep the room tidy and clean. Considering the lack of staff they still manage to keep calm under pressure.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.693)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.693) out of 10 for Gainsborough Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 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 4.693 for Gainsborough Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (82 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 114 Ratings = 4.693

  • 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 Gainsborough Care Home is based on 10 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 48 registered maximum number of service users is 9.6, which has been reached with 10 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: 21 May 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.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (1)

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Juliet Porter

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2017

Juliet has been working at Gainsborough Care Home since 2017 as an Administrator. During this time, Juliet has grown with the home and has been a valued team member, understanding the needs of the home and the residents.


In 2022 Dawn Hand became the new Registered Manager and appointed Juliet as her Deputy reinforcing the Management Team, new ideas and structure.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Gainsborough Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Gainsborough Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.