Gateford Hill Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the picturesque region of Nottinghamshire, just a stone's throw away from the charming town of Worksop, Gateford Hill is a highly sought-after care…
RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
Care homes in Doncaster
Doncaster is a major transport hub in the East Midlands with a slightly older population than the national average, offering established rail and road links to nearby cities. Care provision here ranges across homes in various price bands, though cost and local social provision are areas worth examining closely before committing.
Living in Doncaster
Low Recorded Crime
What do these badges mean?
- Low Recorded Crime — Ranks among the safer areas of its type on recorded police crime (Police.uk).
SafetyA
Excellent — safer than 66% of similar areas (per head of population)
Based on Nottinghamshire data (town-level not yet available)
Green SpacesC
Limited — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Based on Nottinghamshire data (town-level not yet available)
Daily ConveniencesC
Limited — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
Based on Nottinghamshire data (town-level not yet available)
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, March 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
The estimated average residential care fee in Doncaster is about £998/week, below the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
Council funding & top-up in Doncaster
The average residential care home in Doncaster costs about £998/week, while Nottinghamshire’s published usual rate is around £906/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £92/week (≈ £4,784/year) to bridge the gap.
Average fee in Doncaster
£998/wk
Nottinghamshire usual rate
£906/wk
Likely top-up gap
£92/wk
Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Nottinghamshire’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
Care homes (1)
What care costs in Doncaster
Residential (avg)
£998/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,313/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,313/week
Is Doncaster a good retirement location?
Doncaster suits someone seeking a well-connected location with decent onward access to Sheffield, Leeds and Nottingham, and who values being near a busy, working town rather than a quiet retreat. The 21.5% over-65 share is modestly higher than the national average of 18.6%, suggesting a reasonably settled older-adult population. However, you should weigh transport convenience against a more limited social scene and higher recorded crime; this isn't a classic seaside or village retirement spot.
Health & support
- Medical access: GP surgeries and pharmacies are spread across the town; Doncaster Royal Infirmary provides emergency and general hospital care within the town boundary.
- Safety: Recorded crime in the most recent reporting period was relatively high, dominated by violent crime, burglary and other offences — a consideration worth discussing with any care provider and local contacts.
- Family & connection: Think carefully about where your family and support network live; distance to Sheffield, Leeds or other hubs may matter if regular visits are important.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Care home fees in Doncaster vary across a range of homes; compare individual providers' weekly rates against the national average to understand your options.
- Transport: Doncaster has a major railway station with regular services to Sheffield, Leeds, London and the Midlands; local buses serve the town and surrounding areas, though some neighbourhoods require a car for daily errands.
- Housing options: Several care homes operate across the town at different price points and sizes, giving a reasonable choice of provision.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Parks and green spaces are available within the town; Doncaster Rovers football club and the town's railway heritage sites draw interest, though the social calendar for care residents may depend more on individual home activities than a thriving local older-adult scene.
- Community: A modest number of pubs and social venues exist, though dedicated community groups or memory cafés are not widespread — worth asking prospective care homes what they offer on-site or arrange locally.
- Climate: The East Midlands climate is temperate; expect cold, often damp winters and mild summers typical of the region.
Things to weigh up
- Crime levels: The recorded crime rate is notably high; speak with staff at any home you visit about local safety, neighbourhood character and what support they offer residents.
- Social provision: Only 2 pubs and bars are recorded in the eating-out and social category, suggesting limited independent social life outside your care home — choose a home with active events and groups, or be prepared to rely on family visits.
- Transport trade-off: Excellent rail links make it easy to travel away, but they also mean Doncaster is a transit town; it lacks the quieter, self-contained feel of a traditional retirement village.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Doncaster?
There are 32 care homes listed in and around Doncaster on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Doncaster cost?
Care homes in Doncaster range from around £998 to around £1,627 per week, with averages of £998 for residential, £1,313 for dementia, £1,313 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Doncaster compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Doncaster is about £998 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Doncaster are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
29 of the 32 care homes in and around Doncaster are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 4 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Doncaster?
Homes in and around Doncaster offer dementia (6), residential (4), nursing (3), respite (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Doncaster offer dementia care?
6 care homes in and around Doncaster offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Doncaster offer respite care?
Yes — 1 care home in and around Doncaster offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Doncaster area?
Doncaster is graded A for safety on AskBart (based on Nottinghamshire) — safer than 66% of similar areas (per head of population). This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Doncaster?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Nottinghamshire Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Doncaster?
A care home's weekly fee in Doncaster usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Doncaster may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Doncaster?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Doncaster?
Start by shortlisting homes in Doncaster by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Doncaster?
Care homes in Doncaster are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in Nottinghamshire?
If you're widening your search beyond Doncaster, nearby areas with care homes include Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, City of Nottingham, Mansfield and Newark-on-Trent. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Talk to a Doncaster care expert.
Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.