Care homes in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a well-established seaside retirement destination with nearly a third of its population aged 65 and over. It offers a broad choice of care homes, good everyday amenities, and coastal walks — though crime rates are higher than the national average and fees tend to sit above the national baseline.

Average residential fee in Bournemouth: £1,301/weekin line with the UK average of £1,279

Living in Bournemouth
High Retirement CommunityWell Served
What do these badges mean?
  • High Retirement CommunityAn above-average share of residents are aged 65 and over (ONS Census) — often a sign of established later-life communities and services.
  • Well ServedExcellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
SafetyC

Limitedsafer than 10% of similar areas

Green SpacesB

Goodparks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

Daily ConveniencesA

Excellentshops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

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 Bournemouth is about £1,301/week, above 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.

The care market in Bournemouth

100% of Bournemouth’s CQC-rated care homes are rated Good or Outstandingabove the national average of 79%, including 3 rated Outstanding.

Good or above in Bournemouth
100%
National average
79%
CQC-rated homes
27 of 27

Of the homes in and around Bournemouth, 8 offer nursing care, 7 offer dementia care and 10 offer residential care.

Based on 27 CQC-rated homes in and around Bournemouth. National baseline: CQC State of Care (2024/25).

Council funding & top-up in Bournemouth

The average residential care home in Bournemouth costs about £1,301/week, while Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s published usual rate is around £1,220/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £81/week (≈ £4,212/year) to bridge the gap.

Average fee in Bournemouth
£1,301/wk
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole usual rate
£1,220/wk
Likely top-up gap
£81/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 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).

Care homes in Bournemouth on the map
  • Outstanding
  • Good
Care homes (27)

25 in Bournemouth, 2 more within 10 miles · updated September 2026

Top-rated in Bournemouth

Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission — the CQC’s highest rating.

Avon Cliff

CQC Good
52 beds

Avon Cliff is a 52-bed residential care home run by Colten Care in Bournemouth, Dorset.

16 beds

Milton Grange is a 16-bed care home in Bournemouth, Dorset.

16 beds

Portelet Cottage is a 16-bed care home in Bournemouth, Dorset.

Eilat

CQC Good
7 beds

Eilat is a small care home in Bournemouth, Dorset, run by Accomplish Group.

31 beds

Blenheim Care Home is a 31-bed care home in Bournemouth, Dorset, operated by Agincare.

22 beds

Richmondwood Rest Home is a residential care home in Bournemouth, Dorset, with 22 registered beds.

DementiaResidential
From £1134/wk·114 beds·81% en-suite

Westbourne Tower is an Avery Healthcare home in Westbourne, Bournemouth, offering residential, nursing, dementia and respite care across 113 private apartments.

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing
24 beds

Seacliff Care Home is a 24-bed care home in Bournemouth, Dorset.

From £1145/wk·25 beds·20% en-suite·Amrial Care

Nestled in the heart of Bournemouth, Farway Grange is a family-run care home that has been providing outstanding long-term nursing, palliative, and respite…

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing

Queensmount Care Home

CQC Outstanding
From £1315/wk·49 beds·96% en-suite·Bupa

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Bournemouth, Queensmount Care Home offers a warm, family-like environment that makes it a delightful place to reside.…

ResidentialRespiteNursing
8 beds

Clarendon House is a small care home in Bournemouth, Dorset, with 8 registered beds.

25 beds

The Evergreens is a 25-bed care home in Bournemouth, Dorset.

66 beds

Zetland Court is a 66-bed care home in Bournemouth, Dorset, run by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

From £1600/wk·47 beds·All en-suite·Luxury Care

Nestled on the fringes of the charming seaside town of Poole, Aranlow House is a dedicated dementia care home that has been thoughtfully designed to cater to…

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing
From £1275/wk·70 beds·All en-suite·Bupa

Nestled near the stunning Dorset coast, The Lindsay in Poole is a compassionate care home that provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for individuals in need…

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing

Canford Chase

CQC Outstanding
55 beds

Canford Chase is a nursing home in Poole, Dorset, run by Colten Care.

Nursing
From £1195/wk·59 beds·All en-suite·Care South

Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Bournemouth, you'll find Talbot View, a meticulously designed Care South facility, committed to delivering top-notch…

DementiaResidentialRespite
From £1750/wk·59 beds·All en-suite·Luxury Care

Nestled between the charming towns of Bournemouth and Poole, Branksome Park is a warm and welcoming residential nursing home with a special focus on…

ResidentialRespiteNursing

Bourne View

CQC Good
68 beds

Bourne View is a care home operated by Colten Care, located in Poole, Dorset.

Coral House

CQC Good
7 beds

Coral House is a small care home in Poole, Dorset, run by the Priory Group.

From £995/wk·50 beds

Castle Dene is a Care South charity care home in Throop, Bournemouth, offering residential care in a calm, welcoming environment.

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing

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What care costs in Bournemouth
Residential (avg)
£1,301/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,224/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,316/week

Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.

House prices in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole

The average house price in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole is £312,162, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.

Average price by property type

All property types
£312,162
Detached
£553,916
Semi-detached
£358,691
Terraced
£293,515
Flats & maisonettes
£198,529

Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.

Types of care in Bournemouth

Residential care homes

10 in Bournemouth

Residential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.

Nursing homes

8 in Bournemouth

Nursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.

Dementia care homes

7 in Bournemouth

Specialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.

Respite care

8 in Bournemouth

Respite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.

Safety

674 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.

  • Anti-social behaviour218
  • Violent crime197
  • Other theft44
  • Criminal damage & arson44

Is Bournemouth a good retirement location?

Bournemouth suits people who value seaside living, established community infrastructure and a proven retirement population. Its 30.5% over-65 share (well above the national average of 18.6%) shows it is a long-established retirement area with deep networks and services geared toward later life. Care-home provision spans 6 homes ranging from 25 to 114 beds, with 5 rated good and 1 outstanding by the CQC. It is not the most affordable option, and crime is above average, but the combination of coastal access, social amenities and stability makes it worth considering if you have family nearby or are seeking an active retirement by the sea.

Health & support

  • Medical access: The town has several GP surgeries and pharmacies within easy reach; Bournemouth Hospital and Poole Hospital are nearby for emergency and specialist care.
  • Safety: Recorded crime in 2026-04 was 674 offences, with anti-social behaviour, violent crime and other theft among the most common categories — higher than many UK towns, so worth understanding local ward-level detail.
  • Family & connection: Consider how close your family and support networks are, especially if you rely on regular visits or practical help; a coastal location may mean longer travel for some.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Care-home fees in Bournemouth tend to sit above the national average, reflecting its established status as a retirement destination; confirm individual home fees, as the range varies significantly with home size and services.
  • Transport: Bournemouth has rail links to nearby cities and a bus network serving the town; the seafront is walkable, but car access is helpful for some activities and outings.
  • Housing options: Six care homes offer a moderate choice, ranging from smaller 25-bed homes to larger 114-bed provision; worth visiting several to compare services and environment.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: Nineteen parks and one allotment site support outdoor activity; the seafront and local coastal walks are major draws for residents who enjoy walking and sea air.
  • Community: Bournemouth has 183 restaurants and cafes and 52 pubs and bars, supporting social life; the high concentration of older residents means memory cafés and retirement-focused groups are likely to be active.
  • Climate: South West England offers a milder climate than much of the UK, though coastal weather can be changeable; sea air and winter storms are common.

Things to weigh up

  • Crime levels: Recorded offences are above average, particularly anti-social behaviour and violent crime; ask care homes directly about security and how residents are supported in safe access to the community.
  • Fees above baseline: Care costs here typically exceed the national average; balance this against the appeal of seaside living and established retirement infrastructure if budget allows.
  • Coastal isolation: If family is inland, distance and travel time may limit visits; weigh proximity of your support network carefully before committing.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Bournemouth?

There are 27 care homes listed in and around Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth cost?

Care homes in Bournemouth range from around £995 to around £1,750 per week, with averages of £1,301 for residential, £1,224 for dementia, £1,316 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

How do care home fees in Bournemouth compare to the national average?

The average residential care fee around Bournemouth is about £1,301 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 Bournemouth are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?

27 of the 27 care homes in and around Bournemouth are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 3 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Bournemouth?

Homes in and around Bournemouth offer residential (10), nursing (8), respite (8), dementia (7). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Bournemouth offer dementia care?

7 care homes in and around Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth offer respite care?

Yes — 8 care homes in and around Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth area?

Bournemouth is graded C for safety on AskBart — safer than 10% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.

Can I get council funding for care in Bournemouth?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Dorset 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 Bournemouth?

A care home's weekly fee in Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.

Could the NHS pay for care in Bournemouth?

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 Bournemouth?

Start by shortlisting homes in Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth?

Care homes in Bournemouth 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 Dorset?

If you're widening your search beyond Bournemouth, nearby areas with care homes include Beaminster, Blandford Forum, Bridport, Charmouth and Dorchester. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

Talk to a Bournemouth care expert.

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