Fernihurst Care Home
CQC GoodFernihurst is a not-for-profit Sanctuary Care nursing home in Exmouth, Devon, near the beach, offering nursing, dementia, palliative and respite care across 50…
RespiteDementiaNursing
Care homes in Dawlish
Dawlish is a seaside town in Devon with a well-established retired population — well above the national average for over-65s — and strong local care provision. It combines coastal access and a quieter pace of life, though like many care destinations it has trade-offs worth weighing carefully.
Living in Dawlish
High Retirement Community
What do these badges mean?
- High Retirement Community — An above-average share of residents are aged 65 and over (ONS Census) — often a sign of established later-life communities and services.
Green SpacesC
Limited — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Based on Devon data (town-level not yet available)
Daily ConveniencesC
Limited — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
Based on Devon 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, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
The estimated average residential care fee in Dawlish is about £1,279/week — in line with the UK average.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
Council funding & top-up in Dawlish
The average residential care home in Dawlish costs about £1,279/week, while Devon’s published usual rate is around £1,110/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £169/week (≈ £8,788/year) to bridge the gap.
Average fee in Dawlish
£1,279/wk
Devon usual rate
£1,110/wk
Likely top-up gap
£169/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 Devon’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
Care homes (8)
Raleigh Manor Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the heart of Exmouth, a charming and historic seaside town in Devon, you'll find the magnificent Raleigh Manor. This state-of-the-art care home,…
RespiteResidentialDementia
Nestled in the historic town of Topsham, a stone's throw away from Exeter, you'll find Watermeadow Grange, a bespoke luxury care home designed with the utmost…
RespiteResidentialDementia
The Firs Care Home
CQC GoodTucked away in the serene and picturesque locale of Budleigh Salterton in East Devon, The Firs care home is a haven of tranquillity and comfort. This charming…
RespiteResidentialDementia
Lorna House is a Crocus Care home in an elegant Victorian residence in Torquay, Devon, offering residential, dementia and respite care across 24 rooms.
RespiteResidentialDementia
Lucerne House Care Home
CQC OutstandingNestled in the charming Devon village of Alphington, Exeter, you'll find Lucerne House, a warm and inviting care home designed with purpose. This Barchester…
RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
Welcome to the beautifully refurbished Mulberry House, a delightful care home tucked away in the picturesque countryside of Bovey Tracey, Teignbridge in Devon.…
RespiteResidentialDementia
Greenslades Care Home
CQC GoodGreenslades is a not-for-profit Sanctuary Care nursing home in Exeter, Devon, offering nursing, residential, dementia, palliative and respite care with…
RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
What care costs in Dawlish
Residential (avg)
£1,279/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,281/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,385/week
Is Dawlish a good retirement location?
Dawlish suits people drawn to a quieter, coastal retirement setting with good community infrastructure for later life. The area has significantly higher than average numbers of older residents, reflecting its appeal as a retirement destination. It's not a buzzy urban centre, so the choice is really whether slower-paced seaside living appeals to you and whether your support network — family, friends — can reach you easily.
Health & support
- Medical access: Several GP surgeries serve the town; the nearest hospital with emergency care is at Exeter, within reasonable reach by road or public transport.
- Safety: Recorded crime is low; the most common offences in 2026–04 were violent crime, anti-social behaviour and other theft, though numbers remain modest.
- Family & connection: Think carefully about whether family and close friends live within visiting distance, especially if you'll rely on regular support as you age.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Care fees vary; check specific homes, as they range widely. The South West region generally sits at or slightly above the national average, so budget accordingly and compare individual quotes.
- Transport: Buses connect Dawlish to nearby towns; rail links run to Exeter and beyond. The town itself is reasonably walkable for daily errands, though a car or reliable local transport helps for outings and hospital visits.
- Housing options: A range of care homes and retirement schemes operate in the area, giving you choice — visit several to compare size, layout, activity programmes and staff approach.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Coastal walks, the seafront and local parks offer peaceful recreation. Community groups, hobby clubs and memory-support cafés are well-established in retirement-heavy areas like Dawlish.
- Community: Strong social networks and support services for older people exist locally, though building new friendships takes effort in any new place.
- Climate: The South West enjoys mild winters and moderate summers by UK standards, though coastal areas can be windier and damper than inland regions.
Things to weigh up
- Distance from major family networks: If your children, grandchildren or main supporters live far away, long visits and instant help in a crisis become harder to manage.
- Quieter pace: Dawlish offers calm and community, but limited nightlife, cultural venues or urban buzz — make sure that trade-off suits your temperament.
- Care-home choice: Visit homes in person before deciding; quality, culture and activity programmes vary significantly, and what matters most to you (proximity to family, dementia-specific care, independent living vs full support) should drive your choice.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Dawlish?
There are 91 care homes listed in and around Dawlish 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 Dawlish cost?
Care homes in Dawlish range from around £878 to around £1,662 per week, with averages of £1,279 for residential, £1,281 for dementia, £1,385 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Dawlish compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Dawlish is about £1,279 per week — broadly in line with the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Dawlish are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
80 of the 91 care homes in and around Dawlish are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 7 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Dawlish?
Homes in and around Dawlish offer dementia (14), residential (12), respite (8), nursing (6). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Dawlish offer dementia care?
14 care homes in and around Dawlish 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 Dawlish offer respite care?
Yes — 8 care homes in and around Dawlish 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.
Can I get council funding for care in Dawlish?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Devon 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 Dawlish?
A care home's weekly fee in Dawlish 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 Dawlish may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Dawlish?
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 Dawlish?
Start by shortlisting homes in Dawlish 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 Dawlish?
Care homes in Dawlish 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 Devon?
If you're widening your search beyond Dawlish, nearby areas with care homes include City of Plymouth, East Devon, Exeter, North Devon and South Hams. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Talk to a Dawlish 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.