Signature House

2 Maumbury Gardens, Dorchester DT1 1GR
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9.8 48 Reviews
  • Signature House, Dorchester
Signature House is located in the heart of Dorchester and provides nursing care for residents who have physical mobility problems and those living with dementia.

Signature House forms part of Amica Care Trust, a not-for-profit organisation which strives to provide exceptional care and support to people and their families.

The home offers a safe and secure, homely living environment, with fully furnished facilities, Wi-Fi, telephone points, flat-screen TVs and a nurse call system. All rooms have ensuite facilities and specialist bathrooms. Meals are freshly prepared and special dietary requirements can be catered for. The activities team provides tailored activities for residents to enjoy and participate in.

The home features a spacious lounge and dining area on each floor, with views overlooking the landscaped gardens surrounding the home. In addition, the residents have access to weekly visits from local GPs, a laundry service and a hairdressing salon on-site.

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability / Autism
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Nursing 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
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
  • 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
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1210 – £2500
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £1210 – £2500

Care packages are individually assessed and costed according to each person's needs. This is reviewed on a monthly basis and the care package adjusted according to changes in needs.
Fees do not include hairdressing, chiropody, newspapers etc.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Signature House 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)

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Mandy Bugler (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Self funded customers, Local Authority referrals and NHS referrals
  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2012
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (48)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (45)

Visiting

  • Signature House encourages visitors to visit their loved ones at times suitable for the resident, Signature House also welcomes visitors dining with their loved one at a small charge for the meal.
    It is preferred that visitors do not stay late into the evening or the night unless their loved one is unwell and needs their comfort and support.
    We have a guest room available if visitors wish to stay with us, this is at a small charge.

Parking

  • There is limited parking available within the care home grounds but there is a large public car park opposite the home.

Total of 48, showing 21-40
9.8

Signature House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.831) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Signature House has 48 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I find all the staff very friendly and helpful, and nothing is too much trouble for them. Mum is settled and seems happy, and is more relaxed since moving to the care home. The room is clean and tidy, and it is nice to know that Mum is safe and being looked after.

Reply from Joanne Shaw, Deputy Manager at Signature House

Thank you so much for your review. We always appreciate such lovely comments. Signature House has an amazing staff team that works hard to ensure that our residents are well cared for. It is lovely to hear that mum is settled in Signature House. I will pass on your comments to the staff team. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is happy in Signature House, and it is home to her. The staff are very kind and caring. We really appreciate all they do in looking after all her needs. Her room is very comfortable and always clean and tidy.

Reply from Lisa Warne, Home Manager at Signature House

Thank you so much for your review. We always appreciate such lovely comments. Signature House has an amazing staff team that works hard to ensure that our residents are well cared for. It is lovely to hear that mum thinks of Signature House as "home". I will pass on your comments to the staff team. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum, who has Alzheimer’s, is cared for with kindness and compassion. She always looks happy and thoroughly enjoys the wide range of activities on offer. As her disease has progressed, I have been pleased to see that every effort is made to help her participate.

Reply from Lisa Warne, Home Manager at Signature House

Thank you so much for your review. It is always so lovely to know that families are happy with the care being provided. Kindness and compassion are an integral part of the care that should be delivered to all our residents and pleased that you feel we achieve this. Your kind words will be passed on to the team. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot fault the care Dad receives at Signature House. Nothing is too much trouble for the carers and nurses.
The home is always spotlessly clean, and the rooms are very well equipped, bright and inviting.
Dad was very low when he was admitted following a lengthy hospital stay where he spent most
of the time in isolation. The staff at Signature have shown Dad total respect and treated him with dignity at all times, and this has improved his mood massively, to the point now that he doesn’t want to leave.
Grateful thanks to all involved.

Reply from Lisa Warne, Home Manager at Signature House

Carol, thank you so much for this wonderful review. It is so heart warming to hear that dad is so settled and that as a family you are pleased with the care being delivered. I am very proud of the team I have at Signature House, and these wonderful comments are so appreciated by us all. I will pass on your thanks to the team. Thank you so much.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband moved to Signature House in May this year. He has a very nice, large, bright room overlooking the garden with his own walk-in bathroom. The staff are very attentive, and I am always so pleased to see him dressed, shaved, and hair combed whenever I go to visit him. He can manage these himself,
but he needs prompting, which the staff obviously do. The staff encourage the residents to sit in the lounge rather than stay in their room, which I agree with. The staff are extremely attentive, friendly and ready to chat with the residents and their visitors.

Reply from Lisa Warne, Home Manager at Signature House

Sheila - thank you so much for your review. It is lovely to hear that you feel your husband is being cared for as you would want. We are very lucky at Signature House that we have a great team of staff that work really hard to ensure that we deliver care in a Person Centred Manner. I will pass your kind words to the staff team. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been a resident at Signature House since February 2022. Signature House was chosen by myself and my stepson, and we are so glad we chose it. The care is excellent. My husband has complex needs, and these have all been dealt with efficiently but, more importantly, with care. My husband
is never patronised but always treated with dignity and respect. I cannot speak too highly of the staff. They are all very kind and caring - not just to my husband but to myself and our children.

Reply from Lisa Warne, Home Manager at Signature House

Mavis - thank you so much for the review that you have submitted. It is always great to hear that we are providing the care and support that the residents deserve and that the families are happy with the care provided. Dignity and respect are something that we pride ourselves on at Signature House and are an integral and important part of our care delivery. I am so pleased that you feel we are supporting your husband as you would want - thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a family, we were constantly impressed with the care you’ve given. Even through the recent difficult times, you’ve maintained the high standards you strive to achieve. Although there have been times we haven’t been able to see Mum due to Covid, it’s been nice to access Mum's care notes through the
portal. It’s reassuring to know Mum is well cared for; thank you.

Reply from Keren Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Signature House

Thank you for your lovely response. I'm so pleased that you feel that your mum is well cared for. I know the team are passionate about delivering high-quality care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

If someone in your family needs to be in a home Signature House Dorchester is the place for them to go. My mum has been there for over three years, my family and I think she has been treated very well, it is very sad that we can't see her too often but the home does it's best.

Reply from Mandy Bugler, Manager - Signature House at Signature House

Thank you for your review I will pass your kind words on to our team. Please be assured we know how important visiting is to our residents and their families and we are currently working towards enhancing this experience for you whilst keeping within government guidelines.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother moved into Signature House care home several years ago, having previously lived in an apartment next door. She has been in poor health over this time and we cannot praise the level of care she has received too high, from the nursing, administration, maintenance and cleaning staff, who all
work hard to make Signature House the best environment possible for residents.
The home, although situated in a busy part of Dorchester (which makes it easy for visitors to find), is tranquil and the lovely garden is a bonus and is well used when weather and current covid restrictions allow.

Reply from Kerry Hunt, Operations Manager at Signature House

Thank you for taking the time to review Signature House and for your wonderful comments we will ensure the team hear your feedback they will really appreciate your kind words.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister-in-law has been in Signature House for 2 years now with dementia. Myself and her 2 nephews are very pleased with her care. She is looked after very well. The staff are lovely, dedicated and caring and they spend a lot of time with her. We are very pleased with her care it's a lovely home.

Reply from Keren Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Signature House

Thank you so much for your review, we very much appreciate the time people take to give us feedback and it really boosts staff morale to have positive comments.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 98-year-old mother has resided at Signature House since February 2019. Her care since that time has been amazing. The staff are lovely and have looked after her brilliantly particularly during the last few difficult months.


I look forward to a time when things return to normal and I can resume

regular visits to see not only her but the lovely staff.

Reply from Kerry Hunt, Operations Manager at Signature House

Thank you for your wonderful feedback, the team will be so happy to receive this. I am so pleased to hear staff go above and beyond even through these difficult times.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very professional, clean, lovely staff and cares, modern facilties. Lovely garden for residents. very convenient for town/transport.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very pleased with the care that Mum is receiving at Signature House. She is very happy and settled.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dear mum was in Signature House for many years before her death in September 2019 and was looked after so well by everyone there. It's a fantastic place and the care levels are wonderful, it gave me great comfort not living on the doorstep to know that she was being so well looked after and cared
for by everyone. I would not hesitate to recommend it, it's a special place staffed by very special people can't thank them enough for all they did for my mum over the years.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Compassionate, sensitive and loving care from staff in face of challenging behaviour by my partner.
Lots of thought and hard work went into recent fete to make it a truly happy event for the residents, accommodating all their complex needs. Money raised goes to enhancing services not covered by fees.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was at Signature House for over 3 years. The nurses and carers always treated him in a friendly, cheerful and encouraging way. He was shown patience and understanding when he was slow in making choices or was reluctant to co-operate. All the other members of staff always engaged with him
when passing by which I am sure helped him through the long days. He enjoyed several day trips organised by the home, especially the boat trips. The 'end of life' care was excellent and we were both treated with great sensitivity and compassion.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful, compassionate, caring home which is extremely well run, managed and facilitated.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad was treated with compassion and dignity from the moment he moved into Signature House. There is a unique, warm, caring feeling there but most of all we knew Dad was looked after extremely well. Can’t praise the staff enough. Thank you all.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

For two years, my husband lived in the independent living apartments attached to this excellent care home. During this time, he was supported by a full range of staff, from the maintenance men, home manager and care staff. He opted to receive daily visits from a carer from the nursing home so that when
it was necessary for him to receive respite care within the nursing home, he knew the staff and they fully understood his needs. When he was suddenly taken seriously ill, he was immediately moved into the nursing home which prevented a move to an acute hospital. He would have hated to be in the hospital and the staff at Signature House were able to provide superb personalised end of life care. The facilities in the nursing home are excellent with en-suite wet rooms and hoist facilities. The menu is varied and residents and visitors are well looked after.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband came to Signature House in August 2017, extremely poorly after four months in hospital. He was received and nursed with gentle, thoughtful care and great kindness. His condition stabilised and he was peaceful, enjoying meals, his friendliness and love of people made the sadness and frustration
of immobility and early dementia more bearable. He was affirmed and the skill of carers was an inspiration.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.831)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.831) out of 10 for Signature House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 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 4.831 for Signature House is calculated as follows: ( (138 Excellents x 5) + (28 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 166 Ratings = 4.831

  • 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 Signature House 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 48 registered maximum number of service users is 9.6, 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: 24 Jun 2023

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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Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Meet the Team (5)

Mandy

Mandy Bugler

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2023

Mandy is a Registered Nurse with more than 30 years experience. In June 2020 Mandy was given the title of Queen’s Nurse by the Community Nursing Charity, The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) which indicates a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership. Mandy leads a team of dedicated nurses and carers to ensure residents living in Signature House receive person-centred care that is empowering, respectful, dignified and compassionate.

Mauwen

Mauwen Luna

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Mauwen has been a registered nurse in the Philippines since 2013 and in the UK since 2018. She gained experience in the care home sector working in the West Midlands for 5 years. Dedicated and hard-working, she took the opportunity to keep progressing through a move to Dorset in late 2023.


Mauwen is always ready for a fresh challenge and new responsibilities, as shown through her impressive work as Deputy Manager. Additionally, she is a mental health first aider and understands the importance of mental health especially for her colleagues. She feels lucky to be in a position where she can enrich the lives of not only her residents and their families but also her colleagues and the wonderful team at Signature House.


Outside her professional life, Mauwen spends time with her family, playing video games or enjoying a walk on the beach. Residing in a beautiful area means the world, as Mauwen and her husband always dreamt of living near the coast.

Maria

Maria Neagoe

Job Title: Senior Nurse

Maria has been a Nurse at Amica Care since 2015, taking on the role of Senior Nurse in 2020.


She is very pleased to have this unique opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, with compassion, patience and positivity.


Having studied Psychology at the University of Romania for 3 years, she qualified as a Psychologist, and this is something that she still has an interest in.


Outside of work Maria is a keen gastronomy cook, experimenting with recipes from all over the world.

Louise

Louise Coombes

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2024

Louise joined Amica in February 2024 bringing with her over 10 years of administration experience, in such diverse areas as sales and running a quarry weighbridge. She is very organised and enjoys ensuring the smooth running of the administration at Signature House.

Michelle

Michelle Beverley

Job Title: Senior Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2022

Michelle has been the Lead Activity Coordinator at Signature House since 2022. She has a vast experience in Health and Social Care having worked at Signature House as a Health Care Assistant with a NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social care. Prior to working for Amica Care, Michelle worked for the NHS at Southampton General Hospital for 16 years.


Michelle's passion is to make the residents smile and to listen to them should they have any issues or questions. Her focus is on creating person-centred activities that will enrich the residents' lives both physically and cognitively.

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