Care Homes in Sturminster Newton

Sturminster Newton has 3 CQC registered care homes. 2 are rated Good, 1 Outstanding. 2 of the 3 were last inspected more than three years ago.

Source: Care Quality Commission register, kept up to date as ratings change.

What residential care in Sturminster Newton involves and what to look for

Residential care buys two things: somewhere safe to live, and people on hand through the day and the night. What it does not buy is nursing on site. All three providers listed for Sturminster Newton are registered with the Care Quality Commission as residential care homes, which means personal care such as help with washing, dressing, medication and meals, rather than care delivered by qualified nurses on the premises.

Matching the home to the person

Ivers, Nazareth Lodge and The Old Rectory differ in character, and the right answer depends more on the person than on the premises. Somebody who finds busy communal areas tiring may settle far better somewhere small and quiet, while another person will value the company and the activities a larger home can sustain. Ask how support is reviewed when needs change, and whether the home can keep caring for a resident whose health declines rather than asking them to move again. Ask too whether a trial period is offered.

What the inspection record shows

Nazareth Lodge holds an Outstanding rating, which is uncommon and worth reading closely to see precisely what inspectors singled out. Ivers and The Old Rectory are both rated Good. Because the ratings across this listing are strong, the detail of the reports rather than the headline words is what will separate the homes, so note what was said about staffing, training and daily life. Check the inspection dates as well, since a home can change considerably between visits and an Outstanding judgement from some years ago may predate a change of management.

Getting an assessment and arranging the funding

The care needs assessment

Anyone who appears to need care and support can request a free care needs assessment, whatever their savings. The duty rests with Dorset Council adult social care, which establishes what help is required, whether the eligibility criteria are met, and what funded support should follow. A financial assessment then looks at income and capital to set contributions. A relative providing regular unpaid care is entitled to a carer's assessment in their own name, which families often fail to claim.

Paying the fees

Charges reflect the home, the room and the support required, so ask for a written breakdown and establish what is billed as an extra. Where capital falls below the national threshold the council may contribute; above it the place is usually funded privately, though a deferred payment arrangement secured against a property is sometimes available. NHS continuing healthcare is assessed separately where the need is mainly a health one.

Care Homes near Sturminster Newton

• Sherborne
• Blandford Forum