Your guide to the best care homes around Dorset.
Grovelands, managed by Somerset Care in Yeovil, provides a warm and welcoming environment for those requiring residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care.
From
£1,340
per week
Nestled within beautiful Bournemouth, Queensmount is a great care home to live in that offers a community family feel.
From
£1,420
per week
Nestled within beautiful Dorset, The Links is a care home that offers expert residential, respite, nursing, dementia, Parkinson's, Huntington's and Palliative care to the elderly.
From
£1,450
per week
Aranlaw House is a specialist dementia care home sitting on the outskirts of the popular coastal town of Poole.
From
£1,600
per week
Located in Yeovil, The Knoll Nursing Home is a traditional, well-established 47-bed care home set within substantial grounds.
From
£900
per week
Spetisbury Manor is a luxury residential care home near Blandford, Dorset.
From
£995
per week
Chestnuts Residential Care Home, managed by Neways Healthcare, is a family-owned care home recognised for its compassionate residential, respite and dementia care in the beautiful seaside town of Weymouth.
From
£1,050
per week
Situated in Dorchester, Cheriton Care provides high-quality and affordable residential, respite, reablement, and dementia care.
From
£1,100
per week
Situated in the heart of Swanage, Gainsborough Care Home has undergone recent refurbishments to ensure the highest quality of residential, dementia, and respite care.
From
£1,100
per week
From
£1,100
per week
Sherborne House, managed by Altogether Care, is a welcoming care home situated on the outskirts of Yeovil.
From
£1,130
per week
Buxton House, a modern Care South home in Weymouth, offers exceptional residential and dementia care.
From
£1,154
per week
Located in the heart of the Hamworthy community near Poole, in the county of Dorset, Dorset House is a Care South home that offers exceptional residential and dementia care.
From
£1,180
per week
Elizabeth House, a friendly care home operated by Care South, is dedicated to providing exceptional residential and dementia care near Poole in Dorset.
From
£1,195
per week
Located in a tranquil residential area in Dorchester, Maiden Castle House is a purpose-built care home offering exceptional residential and dementia care.
From
£1,195
per week
Finding the right care home in Dorset can feel overwhelming, but with Lottie, it doesn’t have to be. Our team of Care Experts has handpicked some of the county’s top-rated care homes, helping you compare options quickly and feel confident in your next step.
Dorset, with its scenic coastline and unhurried pace of life, offers a calming and attractive setting for later-life care. Many of the homes we list are surrounded by countryside or coastal views and offer beautiful gardens, walking paths, and outdoor seating areas that promote daily connection with nature. Towns such as Poole, Dorchester and Bournemouth also offer a choice of green spaces and coastal paths - ideal for relaxed visits with family and friends. In the event of a medical emergency, or when further support is needed, Dorset County Hospital provides reliable care.
Whether you're looking for a luxury care home like Spetisbury Manor with idyllic gardens and outdoor terracing, a specialist dementia home like Maiden Castle with round-the-clock support, or a cosy, affordable setting such as Trafalgar, we’ve made it easier to compare what really matters.
Our listings highlight homes that are the best for facilities, best for cost, or best for couples, so you can make the right decision for your family. Each listing includes clear fee guidance, available care types, and verified Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings. If you’re unsure where to begin, our Care Experts are here to help - offering free, one-to-one advice and a personalised shortlist of care homes in Dorset that suit your needs, sent straight to your inbox.
Aranlaw House - This home offers an exceptional standard of dementia care. With an 'Outstanding' CQC rating - the highest available - Aranlaw House features 46 en-suite bedrooms across three floors. Residents benefit from a warm, familiar setting with daily activities such as baking, gardening, and outings to the seafront. Additional services include respite and nursing care, along with convalescent, day, and palliative care options.
Queensmount - Located in the vibrant town of Bournemouth, Queensmount provides top-notch residential, nursing, respite, and palliative care. With an 'Outstanding' CQC rating, Queensmount has 49 bedrooms, most offering en-suite facilities. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including an on-site restaurant, hair salon, and soothing animal therapy. The care home’s activity coordinator organises engaging activities and regular outings to local attractions like Bournemouth Beach.
Fernhill - This home is in the town of Ferndown. Another ‘Outstanding’ rated home, Fernhill offers beautifully designed en-suite rooms, an on-site café, and wonderful gardens. Residents can also take advantage of the home’s minibus for local trips. The dedicated activities team ensures every day is filled with joy and enrichment.
Muscliff - Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, Muscliff offers a welcoming atmosphere for up to 41 residents. Known for its community engagement and unique facilities like a sensory room and Tovertafel Magic table, Muscliff provides exceptional residential, dementia, nursing, and respite care. The home features en-suite rooms, hydrotherapy bathrooms, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Daily outings and frequent visits from local schoolchildren add to the home’s vibrant community spirit.
Customer Care Lead
Hannah has several years of experience within the care sector and has received training from Integrated Care Board (ICB) leads, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) , and the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA). Hannah also has an NHS Care Certificate.
Here is some further information about care homes in Dorset.
How many care homes are there in Dorset?
We have 235 care homes in Dorset. All our homes have been hand-picked by our team of care experts based on a number of factors, including the quality of care and the home's culture.
What is the average cost of care in Dorset?
Care home costs vary significantly across the country. If you're looking for a care home in Dorset, the average cost of care is £1,211. You may be eligible for care home funding - you can check through a care needs assessment.
Are all care homes in Dorset regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?
Yes, every Dorset care home has been given a rating by England's Care Quality Commission (CQC).
How many nursing homes are there in Dorset?
We have 22 in Dorset that provide specialist, 24/7 support. All of our nursing homes in Dorset offer personalised support for anyone who has a medical condition or disability that requires round-the-clock care from registered nurses in a home-from-home environment.
How many Dorset care homes offer residential care?
We have 32 care homes in Dorset that offer residential care, which provides support and care for those who may find it difficult to live independently. Our residential care homes in Dorset provide support for everyday tasks, including washing, mobility, and dressing.
What care homes in Dorset offer dementia care?
We have 28 Dorset care homes that provide round-the-clock dementia care. Those with dementia will need more care as the condition progresses, and specialist dementia care homes in Dorset can provide the level of support they need.
What Dorset care homes offer respite care?
If you're looking for temporary respite care, we have 34 care homes in Dorset that provide short-term stays.
Respite care homes in Dorset provide relief for caregivers, offering a few weeks of support in a care home for a loved one while you recuperate.
Are there any care homes in Dorset that offer end-of-life or palliative care?
30 Dorset care homes provide palliative care for your loved one. A palliative care home aims to provide the highest level of support and comfort to every resident. End-of-life care can be an emotional experience for everyone, so our care experts will support you at every step.
Dorset's Care Regulator:
Care Quality Commission
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25 May 2025
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23 May 2025
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15 May 2025
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Katie
7 May 2025
Superb service providing much-needed up-to-date information regarding the many aspects of care. A range of care homes are listed, varying in service, quality rating, and cost.
Fay
8 April 2025
Eva listened to my mum’s care needs and sent a list of suitable homes. During a stressful time, expert guidance was a relief.
Philip
26 March 2025
I enquired about care homes for my mother-in-law. It helped seeing a range of options gathered in one place.
Jo
11 March 2025
Eva was kind, helpful and informative. I was grateful for her time and support in finding a care home. Thank you.
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12 February 2025
