115 Care Homes in Dorset — Ratings, Beds & Inspection Results

Across Dorset in South West, 115 CQC-registered care homes provide 4,166 beds for older adults and those with specialist care needs. Quality across Dorset is strong: 6 homes are rated Outstanding and 92 are rated Good by the CQC. The local offer includes 35 nursing homes and 80 residential homes, with particular strength in dementia and physical disabilities care.

Choosing a Care Home in Dorset

With 115 care homes across Dorset, families have 98 well-rated options to consider. 8 homes currently require improvement — always read the latest CQC inspection report before visiting.

We recommend shortlisting three to five homes, visiting each in person, and using our guide to choosing a care home to compare them systematically. Before committing, it is also worth understanding how care home fees are funded in Dorset — the local authority may contribute towards costs depending on the level of assessed need and financial circumstances.

Dorset has 6 Outstanding-rated homes — see the full comparison of best care homes in Dorset.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many care homes are in Dorset?

There are 115 CQC-registered care homes in Dorset with a total of 4,166 beds. They span 19 postcode districts across the South West region.

What CQC ratings do care homes in Dorset have?

Of the 115 care homes in Dorset: 6 are rated Outstanding, 92 are rated Good, 8 Require Improvement, 1 are rated Inadequate, and 8 have not yet been rated by the Care Quality Commission.

Are there specialist care homes in Dorset?

Yes — Dorset has specialist care homes for: Dementia Care (73 homes), Learning Disability Care (11 homes), Mental Health Care (26 homes), Nursing Care (35 homes), Physical Disability Care (50 homes), Residential Care (80 homes), Sensory Impairment Care (38 homes).

How do I choose a care home in Dorset?

Start by shortlisting three to five homes based on CQC rating, location, and specialist needs. Visit each in person and check the latest CQC inspection report on carehome.page. Contact Dorset council to understand funding contributions — the local authority may cover part of the cost depending on financial assessment.

Care Homes in Dorset

Areas in Dorset

Specialist Care in Dorset

All Care Homes

DT6 (5)

Coneygar Lodge

Harbour House

The Hyde Care Home

St James' Park Care Home

Bymead House

DT10 (4)

Nazareth Lodge

Newstone House

The Old Rectory

Ivers

BH22 (20)

Fernhill

Amberwood House

Kings Park Care Home

Clarence House

Fairlawn

Chestnut Lodge

Holmwood Rest Home

Parley Place Care Home

Marchfield House

Fernside

The Gables

Summerhill Residential Care Home

Five Gables Care Home

Ferndown Nursing Home

Brook View

Denewood House Care Home

Ferndown Manor

Heathland House

Church Road

Ferndown Manor

DT9 (8)

Abbey View

Garden House

The Old Vicarage Care Home

Trinity Manor Care Home

Eastbury House

Rawleigh House

The Hayes

The Evergreens Lodge

BH24 (4)

Foxes Moon Residential Home

Moors Manor Care Home

St. Ives Country House Care

Abbey Rose

BH21 (10)

Highgrove Care Home

Forest Hill House Nursing Home

Waterloo Care Home

Two Wells

Streets Meadow

Mile Oak Rest Home

Pogles Wood

Oakdene Nursing Home

Hyacinth House Care Home

Wimborne Manor

DT8 (1)

Broadwindsor House

DT2 (6)

Wolfeton Manor

Casterbridge Lodge

Grove Lodge

Park House

Casterbridge Manor

Selwood House Care Home

DT11 (7)

Spetisbury Manor

Blandford Grange Care Home

Whitecliffe House

Millbrook House

Castleman House

Larks Leas

Castleman Plus

DT4 (15)

Primrose Lodge Weymouth