
The staff were very helpful and considerate - wonderful.R C(Husband of Resident/Service User)

After some searching and a recommendation from a friend. St Ives was to be her new homeS B(Sister of Resident/Service User)

this place is extraordinary and has excellent care provided to your loved onesJ C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The staff were very helpful and considerate - wonderful.R C(Husband of Resident/Service User)

After some searching and a recommendation from a friend. St Ives was to be her new homeS B(Sister of Resident/Service User)

this place is extraordinary and has excellent care provided to your loved onesJ C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

St Ives House is a beautiful residential and dementia care home at Ashley Heath near Ringwood.
The home provides a warm and relaxed environment in an attractive sylvan setting, and has been carefully designed to provide comfort and convenience for residents, relatives and staff.
With 60 en-suite bedrooms and an abundance of light and space, St Ives House provides everything to make it feel homely, safe and comfortable.
St Ives House home sits...
Care Provided by St Ives House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 60 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- Convalescent Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Smoking not permitted
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact St Ives House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact St Ives House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Care South
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Emma Cotton (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 53+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
Room Information
- Single Rooms (60)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (60)
Visiting
- St Ives operates an 'Open House' policy and encourages family and friends to visit. No limited visiting hours.
Parking
- Ample parking at the onsite car park.
St Ives House Reviews (119)
St Ives House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.793) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time St Ives House has 119 reviews.
Thank you to the whole team at St Ives House Care for the love, respect, professionalism, dignity and tenderness shown to my mother and her family during her years at the home. I felt that she was loved and wanted during the last period of her life and despite having to cope with the difficulties of living with Alzheimer's she was able to fill her days with fun and laughter.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. It means the world to the team at St Ives House to know that your mother felt loved, valued, and able to enjoy her days with joy and laughter. We're honoured to have been part of her journey and to have supported your family.
My lovely sister passed away peacefully on 18th January. She had lived at St Ives House for just over 3 and a half years after suffering with dementia for some time, she could no longer be looked after at home. The time had come! After some searching and a recommendation from a friend. St Ives was to be her new home, we couldn't have found a better place! I can't praise it enough. She eventually needed 24-hour care. The professional care and empathy received from everybody looking after her, I cannot fault. This was not just a care home, but her home. Full of activities, fun and love. We all need that, they also embraced me. I could go on and on, thank you all is not enough.
Thank you for your heartfelt words. We are truly sorry for your loss and feel privileged to have been a part of your sister's journey. It means so much to hear that St Ives House felt like home for her and that you felt embraced as well. Your kind words are a testament to the dedication of our...
My dad, who is suffering with dementia, needed emergency respite care when my mum had a small accident. The staff at Saint Ives House dealt with what was a traumatic time with empathy and efficiency. We felt my dad was looked after in a caring, warm environment and seemed to be kept occupied, which is what he needed. I can't comment on food and drink as I did not experience it.
Thank you for your review we are pleased to hear how St Ives supported your Dad in a time of need. We will share this feedback with the home.
My mother had been a resident for over 5 years following a stroke and totally bed bound. With the help and support from staff and private physio we managed to get her sitting in a chair and moved around using standing aids. My mum took her last breath in October. All the staff were so supportive to me when she was so ill and the care they offered her was amazing. Never a wrong word said especially when rang the bell all the time. Some staff really went way beyond duty and care for her. Thank you.
Thank you for your 5-star review. We are deeply sorry to read of your loss and offer our condolences. We will share this lovely review with the team.
I was so impressed with the staff. Not only were they efficient with their care but they always had smiles for both residents and visitors. My sister could not have been in better hands.
Thank you for your 5* review. We will share your lovely review with the team.
My stay in St Ives House was a very happy experience for me. The staff were all very pleasant and helpful and the manager was always attentive to our needs. Carers were quiet and respectful in carrying out their duties. There were many activities and facilities for leisure, guided by a lovely jovial lady. The only disappointment for me was being a Catholic, I was unable to service the Eucharist.
Thank you for your review. I am pleased you had a happy experience at St Ives. All our care homes envier to support all our residents with access to their churches on request. If you would like to return for respite in the future we will look forward to accommodating your request. We will share your lovely feedback with the team.
My wife had been in another care home for 18 months but she hadn't settled and wasn't happy. After 3 weeks at St Ives House, I describe her as happy. The gentle, caring staff ensure this. I also felt very happy with the management team. They listened and were very kind and considerate to my wife and to me. The change of care homes was the best thing I have done for my wife since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 6 years ago.
Thank you so much for your 5* review - We are so pleased to hear how you feel about the care and the team at St Ives.
The manager and her team looked after my day extremely well at my mother-in-law's party. They showed immense care, thought and guidance, especially when he became overwhelmed by the excitement of the day. Not only do they care for their residents, but the whole family is supported in difficult times. I see them as part of my extended family.
Thank you for your heartfelt review. We're so glad we could support you and your family during such a special day. It means a lot to us to be considered part of your extended family.
My mother was a resident in St Ives House for three years, and we were extremely happy with the care she received. The care team were professional and supportive and communicated with us very efficiently about Mum's needs. We always felt welcomed and valued when discussing Mum's care. Mum passed away in the home with dignity and love, following a fall and illness, and we were so grateful that her end-of-life care was so professional.
Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review. I am sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Your feedback, however, will mean so much to all of the team at St Ives House. Wishing you and your family all the best for the future.
Had respite for 2 weeks. Received excellent care, and always greeted with a smile. Food was plentiful. Activitities were enjoyable, especially the tiny tablet.
Thank you for your lovely review, I am so pleased that you enjoyed your respite stay with us at St Ives House - we look forward to welcoming you back in the future should you need us. All the best.
What a wonderful home. I was so happy here that I stayed another two weeks. The staff were the best that I have ever met, they treated me like royalty! They were so kind and caring and the manager and her assistant were also lovely, friendly and caring. The food was excellent and enjoyable. I would not hesitate to stay here again and my daughter in Australia was so happy that I was there knowing how well I was treated. I have also recommended St Ives House to all of my friends.
Thank you so much for your lovely review, I am so pleased you had such a wonderful stay with us at St Ives House. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Wishing you all the very best.
Activities were very good to outstanding. The staff here worked their socks off but the audience did have limited ability! Meals, breakfast outstanding, fresh to order. Cakes and drinks outstanding. Main meals varied, some outstanding, others poor and sometimes needed extra heating after reaching the upper floor.
Thank you for your lovely review. Your comments on the food & drink have been noted and passed on to the team. Wishing you all the best.
St Ives House has provided outstanding support and care for my father during a respite break to recover from a period of being unwell. On leaving in February he has not looked so well in months. Thank you to the entire team.
Thank you for your wonderful 5* review, the team at St Ives House will be absolutely thrilled by your feedback.
Everyone at St Ives was fantastic with my mum. We were in crisis and desperately needed to move her from the hospital in time for Christmas. From the very first meeting, their kindness, compassion and professionalism have been outstanding. We could not have asked for them to do more to support Mum and us during an incredibly challenging time. Although Mum only stayed on a respite package, we were all made to feel a part of the St Ives family and are so grateful to them for everything.
Thank you so much for your 5-star review; the team at St Ives will be delighted to read your comments. I am so pleased that your mother has settled into life at St Ives so well. All the best.
My sister was kindly taken into St Ives House as an emergency late in the evening. She stayed for respite care for over two weeks and we were welcomed when we visited and advised on her situation. She quickly became familiar with the layout and made friends with the staff and fellow residents and enjoyed walks in the surrounding gardens. We felt very relieved that she was in good hands and thank the staff for their care and kindness to us.
Thank you for your lovely review, I am delighted that your sister's respite stay went well and I will pass on your feedback to the team. All the best.
My experience is based on two weeks of respite care, however, in that time I found the management team proactive, sensitive and always having the time to talk to us. They were professional, caring and friendly. It is an impressive site and is spacious. The garden areas seemed lacking somewhat in character and were rather bland. The food seemed good and the resident was eating it which is sometimes a challenge. The resident enjoyed the activities. The nursing staff seemed caring and one of them was particularly impressive. The rooms are pretty standard.
Thank you for leaving feedback, I am delighted you felt the overall experience at St Ives House was worthy of a 5-star rating. Wishing you all the best.
After a difficult Covid period, we took the decision to move my great aunt into St Ives House - with some anxiety as she had lived in the same bungalow for 65 years. However, any concerns we had were immediately relieved by the highly professional and very caring welcome that the whole family felt from day one. The home itself is very well appointed and the manager, together with her very able deputy has created a wonderfully calm and relaxed environment there. During my great aunt's time there, I had nothing but admiration for the way the home was managed and for the care that was delivered by all the staff. It provided great reassurance to myself and other family members. In addition, every request that I made of the manager or deputy was responded to promptly and efficiently. They could not have been more helpful, and I always felt that the welfare of the residents was truly at the forefront of everything they did.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. The team will be so thrilled, I am so pleased that you rated the home so highly, wishing you all the best.
St Ives House provided Mum with a lovely home, where she laughed, made friends and pursued hobbies. The staff treated her with great kindness and respect. She felt safe and supported and taken care of in every way.
Thank you so much for your kind review, the team at St Ives House will be so pleased. I am delighted to read your comments - Food, fun and friendship means so much to us all at Care South.
My mother received excellent care and support and was happy in her final year at St Ives.
Thank you for taking the time to leave St Ives House a review, I will pass your lovely comments onto the team.
The first time I went to view St Ives, I immediately felt at home and knew my mum would be very welcome and well looked after. I cannot praise the team there enough for how willing they were to provide Mum with respite care at very short notice. We were always treated with courtesy and kindness, particularly by the management team. I will be forever grateful to them.
Thank you for your five-star rating; I am so pleased to read your comments, as will the team at St Ives - thanks again!
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 11 November 2023Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (31) & Events (0)
- 27 Jul 2026
A Ringwood care home resident went bowling for the first time in 10 years with the support of his care home team. Ken, who lives in St Ives House in...
- 02 Jun 2026
Dorset care home residents delighted in a memorable musical afternoon created especially for them by the BSO, Care South and JPMorganChase. Hosted at JPMorganChase’s Bournemouth campus, the midweek event included...
- 27 May 2026
Communities across the south of England gathered at Care South’s care homes to share experiences and raise awareness during Dementia Action Week. Karen Hodges, Group Dementia Lead for Care South,...
There are no upcoming events for St Ives House.
Awards / Recognitions (8)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Care South
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Care South
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Care South
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for St Ives House.
Meet the Team (1)

I’m Emma and I’m the very proud manager of St Ives House. I have worked with Care South for over 20 years, managing a number of their care homes in Dorset. My earliest memories of wanting to be a carer come from my childhood; Mum was a carer and it was great meeting her colleagues and being there with the residents.
I believe in a loving, caring environment for our residents; there is nothing better than spending my days with them and hearing about their life experiences, they constantly amaze me. I love my job because no two days are the same at St Ives House.
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