Arranging care in Dorset

Dorset Council is the unitary authority covering much of the South West county of Dorset, from the county town of Dorchester and the seaside resort of Weymouth across to Bridport, Sherborne, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Ferndown, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Swanage. Whether a family is looking for support in a rural village near the Blackmore Vale or in a busier coastal town, care is coordinated through a single local authority team.

How adult social care works locally

As a unitary authority, Dorset Council handles adult social care directly, so families do not need to deal with a separate county or district office. The first step is to contact the Dorset Council Adult Access Team, who arrange a free Care Act needs assessment. This looks at day to day tasks, mobility, health conditions and the support already in place from family or neighbours. If eligible needs are identified, a financial assessment then reviews income, savings and property to work out how much the person contributes towards their care and how much Dorset Council pays.

Choosing from the local care market

Dorset has a broad care market, with around 200 CQC registered care homes across the council area alongside a wide range of home care agencies. That gives families real choice, from small family run residential care homes in market towns like Sherborne and Shaftesbury to larger nursing homes on the coast near Weymouth and Swanage. Care Assura lists providers in each town so you can compare inspection ratings, specialisms such as dementia or respite, and location.

Funding and typical costs

Funding options in Dorset include full local authority funding for those below the national capital thresholds, part funded care with a personal contribution, NHS Continuing Healthcare for those with primarily health related needs, and self funding for people above the upper threshold. As a general guide for the South West, home care tends to be around £22 to £28 per hour, residential care homes typically cost around £900 to £1,200 per week, and nursing homes usually run higher at around £1,100 to £1,500 per week depending on the level of clinical support required.