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Nursing homes in Dorset

36 of the 120 care homes in Dorset are registered with the CQC as nursing homes, of which 3 are rated Outstanding and 28 Good. A nursing home is a care home registered with the CQC to have registered nurses on site around the clock, for people whose health needs go beyond personal care.

Nursing homes in Dorset typically cost £1,473 a week, about £76,570 a year, based on 4 homes with a fee on record; the middle half charge £1,434 to £1,538. That is about 6% more than the typical residential fee in Dorset of £1,390. The NHS pays a weekly contribution towards the nursing part of the fee, direct to the home, if you are assessed as needing nursing care.

A live-in carer at home, which many families weigh against nursing home care, typically costs £1,120 a week near Dorset and can look after a couple.

Compare with a live-in carer at home through PrimeCarers

The typical nursing home in Dorset
£1,473a week

About £76,570 a year

For a couple, two places: £2,945 a week

PrimeCarersA live-in carer, at home
£1,344a week

A typical week of live-in care for higher needs, such as hoisting or someone in bed most of the day

Staying at home could cost about £129 a week less, £6,682 over a year

A couple can share one carer, about £1,355 a week, £1,590 a week less than two places.

See live-in carers near Dorset
15 live-in carers on PrimeCarers within about an hour of Dorset

PrimeCarers runs this site. Carers on it are self-employed and set their own rates. Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them.

Dementia careFees published1 filter, 4 homes · clear
St James' Park Care Home, Bridport

St James' Park Care Home

Bridport, DT6 · 31 beds
CQC: Good
NursingDementiaWelltower
Care home fees
from £1,399 a week
No reviews yet
Or a live-in carer at home through PrimeCarers: typically £1,120 a week
PrimeCarersAnother option

Stay at home with a live-in carer near Dorset

A carer moves in, so there is no move, no shared lounge and your own routine. Each carer’s profile shows their rate, experience and reviews, and you choose who to talk to.

15 live-in carers on PrimeCarers within about an hour of Dorset
Live-in, a week
typically £1,120
A couple sharing one carer about £1,355
Upton Manor, Poole

Upton Manor

Poole, BH16 · 67 beds
CQC: Good
NursingDementiaHamberley Care Homes
Care home fees
from £1,500 a week
No reviews yet
Or a live-in carer at home through PrimeCarers: typically £1,120 a week
Care at home

15 live-in carers within about an hour of Dorset

These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.

Most charge £1,040 to £1,280 a week. 11 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.

“Even when things get a bit chaotic (as they sometimes do!), you’ve handled it with patience and a sense of humour — which is gold.”
Sophie B., about Beckee W.
“Nina was patient, focussed on my aunt's physical well-being, and unfazed by what at the time was a new and uncertain situation”
A previous client, about Nina R.
See live-in carers near DorsetProfiles, rates and reviews are free to look at.

Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.

Typical nursing homes fees in Dorset

Median weekly fee for each type of care, across the 36 homes in the area. The range covers the middle half.

Nursing care
£1,473
Usually £1,434 to £1,538 a week4 homes
Live-in carer at home, PrimeCarers
£1,120
Typical week, set by the carer. A couple sharing one carer about £1,355

Common questions

How much do nursing homes in Dorset cost?

Nursing homes in Dorset typically charge £1,473 a week, usually between £1,434 and £1,538. Fees depend on the room and the level of care, so ask each home for a written quote.

How many nursing homes are there in Dorset?

36 of the 120 CQC-registered care homes in Dorset are nursing homes. The list is refreshed from the CQC register every month.

What is the difference between a nursing home and a care home in Dorset?

Both provide a room, meals and personal care. A nursing home also has registered nurses on site day and night, so it suits people with health needs such as complex medication, pressure care or conditions that need monitoring. Residential homes rely on visiting district nurses instead.

Will the council pay for nursing home care in Dorset?

If your savings and assets are below £23,250 the council will assess what you can afford and may pay part or all of the fee. Separately, the NHS pays a flat weekly amount for the nursing part of the fee to anyone assessed as needing nursing care, whatever their savings. Ask the adult social care team at Dorset council for a needs assessment.