Find the best care homes in Dorset

Choosing a care home in Dorset

The towns with the widest choice of care homes in Dorset are Bournemouth (76), Poole (37), Weymouth (21), Dorchester (16), Ferndown (16). Choosing the right area usually comes down to staying close to family and friends, so it helps to start with the town nearest to where the person lives now. Every town page compares the local homes side by side with their official CQC ratings.

By type of care, Dorset has 174 residential care homes, 61 nursing homes, 131 registered for dementia care, alongside homes registered for learning disability, mental health and physical disability support. A nursing home provides care from registered nurses around the clock, which residential care homes do not, so the right choice depends on the level of medical need.

Care home fees in Dorset depend on the type of care and how the place is funded. Self-funded residents pay the full weekly fee, which is generally higher for nursing and specialist dementia care than for residential care. Where savings are limited, the Dorset local authority may fund or contribute to a placement following a financial assessment, and the NHS pays the nursing element of care in a nursing home, or the full cost through NHS Continuing Healthcare for those with the highest health needs.

Every Dorset care home is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, which rates each home Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement or Inadequate. We show the current rating on every listing and link to the full inspection report, so you can check how a home performs on safety, care and leadership before you arrange a visit or enquire.