Dementia care homes in Dorset

Updated

Dorset has 83 dementia care homes registered with the Care Quality Commission, 27 of them with nursing. Of the homes on this page, the CQC rates 1 Outstanding, 64 Good and 5 Requires improvement. 13 homes are not rated yet. Dorset council paid on average £1,254 a week for a residential care place and £1,282 for a nursing place for people aged 65 and over in 2024-2025 (GOV.UK adult social care finance report).

All care homes in Dorset (119)

Dorset at a glance

83on this list

Official rating
  • Outstanding1
  • Good64
  • Requires improvement5
  • Not yet rated13
  • 93% rated Good or Outstanding
  • Average score7.9 / 10
  • Types of care99% offer elderly care
How this list is ordered

This list includes every home in Dorset on the CQC register, whatever its rating. The highest scores come first and homes not yet inspected come last.

Paying never changes a home's rating, score or place. Top places are only offered to homes rated Good or Outstanding and are always labelled.

How we rate care homes

83 dementia care homes in Dorset

83 results

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Fernhill

Run by Colten Care (2009) Limited

122 Ringwood Road, Longham, Ferndown, BH22 9AW
OutstandingCQC · Oct 2019

Inspected more than 4 years ago

  • Nursing
  • 58 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Younger adults

Fernhill is dedicated entirely to people living with dementia, with 24-hour nursing-led care in a purpose-built home in Ferndown. Its environment, routines and support are organised around daily dementia needs, using household-style living groups and familiar surroundings to create a clear, consistent setting.

Care plans follow the “All About Me” approach, using each resident’s routines, preferences and personality as needs change.

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Casterbridge Lodge

Run by Pebblestones Limited

Winterbourne Steepleton, Dorchester, DT2 9LG
GoodCQC · Jul 2025
  • Nursing
  • 35 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Learning disabilities

Care home with nursing for 35 residents in Dorchester, run by Pebblestones Limited. Supports dementia, older people, learning disabilities, mental health, physical disabilities, sensory impairment and younger adults.

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Eastbury House

Run by Eastbury House (Sherborne) Limited

Long Street, Sherborne, DT9 3BZ
GoodCQC · Sept 2026
  • Residential
  • 23 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care

Residential care home for 23 residents in Sherborne, run by Eastbury House (Sherborne) Limited. Supports dementia and older people.

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Newstone House

Run by Colten Care (1993) Limited

Station Road, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BD
GoodCQC · Feb 2023
  • Nursing
  • 62 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Younger adults

Residential, nursing and dementia care are available at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, including a dedicated floor for people living with dementia. Care is structured to adapt as needs change, with support for people who need continuing assistance.

The “All About Me” philosophy starts with each resident’s routines, preferences and priorities rather than a fixed schedule.

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Parley Place Care Home

Run by Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited

300 Christchurch Road, West Parley, Ferndown, BH22 8SL
GoodCQC · Nov 2024
  • Residential
  • 68 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Younger adults

Parley Place Care Home provides residential, dementia and respite care for older people in a purpose-built home. The setting is designed around easy navigation, indoor and outdoor spaces, activities and facilities that support residents’ independence and social life.

Meals are prepared on site from locally sourced meat and vegetables, with seasonal dishes and modified textured options available according to residents’ needs.

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The Malthouse Care Home

Run by Healthcare Homes Group Limited

Bay Road, Gillingham, SP8 4EW
GoodCQC · Oct 2022

Inspected more than 4 years ago

  • Residential
  • 34 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care

The Malthouse Care Home provides residential and respite care for older people in Gillingham, with dementia care also available. Its activity programme reflects residents’ interests, with creative sessions and gardening among the opportunities available.

Music, games, outings and visiting entertainers also form part of life at the home. The Malthouse maintains links with local community groups through visits, events and activities involving…

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Trinity Manor Care Home

Run by Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited

Bradford Road, Sherborne, DT9 6EX
GoodCQC · Oct 2021

Inspected more than 4 years ago

  • Residential
  • 64 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Physical disabilities

Trinity Manor Care Home provides residential, dementia and respite care in Sherborne, with daily life shaped around residents’ interests, routines and independence. The home also welcomes community organisations and hosts activities that connect residents with people beyond the care setting.

Meals are prepared on the premises using locally sourced meat and vegetables, with seasonal and modified-texture dishes available to meet individual needs.

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Agincourt Care Home

Run by Agincourt Care Home Limited

116 Dorchester Road, Weymouth, DT4 7LG
GoodCQC · Jun 2022

Inspected more than 4 years ago

  • Residential
  • 31 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Younger adults

Agincourt Care Home supports older people, including those living with dementia, in a residential setting in Weymouth. Its care description also covers respite and palliative care, while the registered scope includes dementia, older people and younger adults without nursing.

Families can access Agincare’s wider guidance on care funding, assessments and choosing between care options.

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Anglebury Court

Run by Care Dorset Limited

21 Bonnetts Lane, Wareham, BH20 4HB
GoodCQC · Apr 2026
  • Residential
  • 32 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Mental health

Residential care home for 32 residents in Wareham, run by Care Dorset Limited. Supports dementia, older people, mental health, physical disabilities, sensory impairment and younger adults.

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Anning House

Run by Care UK Care Services Limited

Cross Road, Weymouth, DT4 9QX
GoodCQC · Mar 2023
  • Nursing
  • 70 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Physical disabilities

Residential and nursing care at Anning House includes dementia care, respite and end-of-life care for older people in Weymouth. Its registered scope also covers physical disabilities and sensory impairment, making the home relevant where everyday support needs include nursing requirements.

The home has a café, garden and hair and beauty salon, with a cinema room, library and minibus for outings also listed.

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Anning House

Run by WT UK Opco 4 Limited

Cross Road, Weymouth, DT4 9QX
GoodCQC · Mar 2023
  • Nursing
  • 70 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Physical disabilities

Anning House provides residential, dementia and nursing care for older people in Weymouth, with respite and end-of-life care also available. This range covers people seeking permanent support as well as shorter stays or more intensive care.

The home includes a café, garden, cinema room, library, shop and hair and beauty salon, alongside daily activities and a minibus for outings.

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Blandford Grange Care Home

Run by Healthcare Homes (LSC) Limited

Milldown Road, Blandford Forum, DT11 7DE
GoodCQC · Oct 2025
  • Nursing
  • 63 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Younger adults

Blandford Grange Care Home provides permanent and respite residential and nursing care, with dedicated dementia, palliative and nursing dementia services. Its care offer covers older people and younger adults, including those requiring more specialised support.

The home combines residential care with a nursing setting, while the wider service includes care for people under 65 and palliative needs.

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Bosworth Care Home

Run by Bosworth Care Home (Dorset) Ltd

6 Southdown Avenue, Weymouth, DT3 6HR
GoodCQC · Sept 2026
  • Residential
  • 20 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Physical disabilities

Bosworth Care Home provides residential care and respite stays for older people who need help with daily living, companionship or reassurance. Its respite service is also intended for people recovering from illness, injury or an operation, giving families a short-term care arrangement while someone recuperates.

The home offers 19 en-suite rooms for single occupancy or couples, with residents encouraged to personalise their space with furniture,…

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Buxton House

Run by Care South

423B Radipole Lane, Weymouth, DT4 0QJ
GoodCQC · Sept 2025
  • Residential
  • 64 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Physical disabilities

Buxton House welcomes older people needing residential care, including dementia care, in a calm setting in Weymouth. The home is part of Care South, a not-for-profit provider with wider residential, nursing and respite services across southern England, while this location is presented as a residential care home.

Residents can join activities, celebrations and music-based events in a settled community setting.

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Casterbridge Manor

Run by Pebblestones Limited

Acreman Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, DT2 7AL
GoodCQC · Feb 2025
  • Nursing
  • 64 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Mental health

Residential, nursing and specialist dementia care are available at Casterbridge Manor for older people and adults with changing medical, physical or emotional needs. The home also supports people with mental health needs, physical disabilities and sensory impairment, with qualified nursing staff available around the clock.

Care plans are built with residents and families, then adapted as needs change.

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Castleman House

Run by Care Dorset Limited

Fairfield Bungalows, Blandford Forum, DT11 7HS
GoodCQC · Mar 2025
  • Residential
  • 48 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Mental health

Residential care home for 48 residents in Blandford Forum, run by Care Dorset Limited. Supports dementia, older people, mental health, physical disabilities and sensory impairment.

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Cheriton Care Home

Run by Cheriton Care Centre Limited

10 Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2EN
GoodCQC · Jan 2025
  • Residential
  • 71 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Younger adults

Residential care for older people and individuals with special needs is available at Cheriton Care Home in Dorchester. The home is registered as a care home without nursing, with care listed for older people, people with dementia and younger adults.

Cheriton sits within Agincare’s wider care network, which covers residential and nursing homes, home care, live-in care and supported living.

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Chestnut Lodge

Run by Mrs Jane Travers

43 Glenwood Road, West Moors, Ferndown, BH22 0EN
GoodCQC · Oct 2025
  • Residential
  • 12 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Physical disabilities

A small, family-run setting for older people, Chestnut Lodge delivers residential care in West Moors and is registered for 12 residents. Support is designed to preserve choice and independence, with care shaped around each person’s history, routines and preferences.

The home prepares fresh meals and can adapt them for needs such as diabetes or a low-sodium diet.

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Chestnuts Residential Care Home (Weymouth)

Run by Great Oak Tree Healthcare Limited

93b Wyke Road, Weymouth, DT4 9QS
GoodCQC · Jul 2026
  • Residential
  • 13 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care
  • Mental health

Chestnuts Residential Care Home provides residential and dementia care for older adults in Weymouth, including support for people with mild to moderate dementia. Its small setting uses familiar routines, personal care and activities adapted to residents’ abilities and interests.

Respite care supports recovery after hospital treatment or gives family carers time to rest.

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Clarence House

Run by Southey Care (Dorset) Limited

6 Dudsbury Crescent, Ferndown, BH22 8JF
GoodCQC · Jul 2025
  • Residential
  • 29 beds
  • Dementia
  • Elderly care

Residential care at Clarence House combines round-the-clock personal support with dementia care for older people who can no longer manage safely at home. Individual care and support plans are created after an assessment, with help focused on essential daily routines such as washing, dressing and meals.

Residents can access short or long stays, respite care, freshly prepared meals tailored to dietary needs and activities including music therapy,…

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What to look for in dementia care homes

  1. Staff training

    Staff training and experience with the person’s type and stage of dementia.

  2. A calm

    A calm, understandable and secure environment that supports independence.

  3. Personalised care planning

    Personalised care planning, meaningful activity and communication with families.

Questions families ask

What should dementia care homes offer?

Dementia care should adapt to the person’s history, routines, communication and changing needs. A CQC rating is useful evidence, but it does not by itself show whether a home is the right environment for a particular person. Some dementia care homes are residential homes, others also provide 24-hour nursing care for people with clinical needs, so confirm that the home can support the person’s diagnosis, communication, mobility, medicines and likely future needs.

How many dementia care homes are there in Dorset?

83 dementia care homes in Dorset are on the CQC register (data of 2 November 2026).

Which dementia care homes in Dorset are rated Outstanding?

Fernhill.

How much does a care home cost in Dorset?

Dorset council paid on average £1,254 a week for residential care and £1,282 for nursing care for people aged 65 and over in 2024-2025. For adults aged 18 to 64 it paid £2,742 and £1,667. Across England the averages were £982 and £1,102 for people aged 65 and over. People who pay for their own care are often charged more, so ask each home for its weekly fee.

How are these care homes ordered?

Ordered by the MyCareCheck score: the average of the five CQC key-question ratings (safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led) on a 0 to 10 scale, where Outstanding is 10, Good 8, Requires improvement 5 and Inadequate 2. Homes the CQC has not rated yet come last. No home is left out because of its rating.

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