Care homes in Poole

Poole, on the South West England coast, is a well-established place for later life, with 30.5% of residents aged 65 and over — well above the national average. It combines coastal living with a solid choice of local care homes, making it worth a look for families weighing up options.

Average residential fee in Poole: £1,238/weekbelow the UK average of £1,279

Living in Poole
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).
SafetyB

Goodsafer than 47% 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 Poole is about £1,238/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.

The care market in Poole

100% of Poole’s CQC-rated care homes are rated Good or Outstandingabove the national average of 79%.

Good or above in Poole
100%
National average
79%
CQC-rated homes
11 of 11

Of the homes in and around Poole, 5 offer nursing care, 8 offer dementia care and 8 offer residential care.

Based on 11 CQC-rated homes in and around Poole. National baseline: CQC State of Care (2024/25).

Council funding & top-up in Poole

The average residential care home in Poole costs about £1,238/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 £18/week (≈ £936/year) to bridge the gap.

Average fee in Poole
£1,238/wk
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole usual rate
£1,220/wk
Likely top-up gap
£18/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 Poole on the map
  • Good
Care homes (11)

updated September 2026

From £950/wk·44 beds·All en-suite·Buckland Care

Nestled just a stone's throw away from the scenic Poole Park, in the charming town of Poole, Dorset, Kingsland House stands as a beacon of exceptional…

DementiaResidentialRespite
From £995/wk·52 beds·Care South

Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Hamworthy community, close to Poole, in the picturesque county of Dorset, you'll find Dorset House. This Care South home is…

DementiaResidentialRespite
From £1300/wk·68 beds·All en-suite·Barchester Healthcare

Nestled in the heart of Poole, Upton Bay is a haven for older adults, offering them the opportunity to experience the finest attractions that Dorset has to…

DementiaResidentialRespite
From £1025/wk·54 beds·All en-suite

The Laurels & Pine Lodge is a Hartford Care home in Oakdale, Poole, Dorset, offering residential, dementia, respite, day and end-of-life care across 54…

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing
From £1455/wk·84 beds·All en-suite·Encore Care Homes

Nestled in the picturesque holiday haven of Poole in Dorset, Oakdale is a magnificent care home that offers top-notch residential, nursing, dementia,…

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing
54 beds

Lilliput House is a 54-bed care home in Poole, Dorset.

From £1300/wk·69 beds·All en-suite·Luxury Care

Tucked away in the tranquil residential neighbourhood between Poole and Bournemouth, you'll find the welcoming Regency Manor care home. This contemporary…

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing
From £1493/wk·80 beds·All en-suite·Care UK

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant seaside town of Poole, The Potteries, a member of the esteemed Care UK group, offers a comprehensive suite of high-quality…

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing
16 beds

Southmead Rest Home is a 16-bed care home in Broadstone, South West England.

From £1382/wk·67 beds·All en-suite·Hamberley Care Homes

Nestled in the picturesque town of Upton, near Poole, Upton Manor is a haven of tranquillity, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Dorset. The care home is…

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing

The Tides

CQC Good
8 beds

The Tides is a small care home in Broadstone, South West England, run by the Priory Group.

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What care costs in Poole
Residential (avg)
£1,238/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,238/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,331/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 Poole

Residential care homes

8 in Poole

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

5 in Poole

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

8 in Poole

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 Poole

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

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

  • Violent crime67
  • Anti-social behaviour65
  • Criminal damage & arson15
  • Other theft7

Is Poole a good retirement location?

Poole has a strong track record as a retirement destination, with nearly a third of its population aged 65 or over, far higher than the national average of 18.6%. It suits those wanting an established coastal community with a good range of local care provision, though families should weigh up specific needs against what's available.

Health & support

  • Medical access: Everyday amenities including restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops are within reach, though specific GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital details aren't listed here so it's worth checking locally.
  • Safety: 188 offences were recorded in April 2026, most commonly violent crime, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage — worth weighing against personal comfort levels.
  • Family & connection: With such a high proportion of over-65s locally, it's worth thinking about how close existing family and support networks are before deciding.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Specific weekly fees aren't listed here, so it's worth checking individual homes directly to compare against the national average.
  • Transport: Poole's amenities suggest a walkable local area for everyday needs, though wider transport links aren't detailed in the data available.
  • Housing options: There are 13 care homes listed locally, ranging from around 43 to 84 beds, giving a reasonable spread of sizes to choose from.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: Public parks and play space feature among local amenities, alongside restaurants, cafes and pubs for everyday outings.
  • Community: A large over-65 population (30.5%, against a national 18.6%) points to an established community of retirees and likely social networks worth exploring.
  • Climate: As part of South West England, Poole typically enjoys a milder, coastal climate compared with much of the rest of the UK.

Things to weigh up

  • Care fees unclear: No local weekly fee figures are available here, so direct comparison with the national average isn't possible from this data.
  • Crime mix: Recorded offences include violent crime and anti-social behaviour, so it's worth asking any home about safety measures in the surrounding area.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Poole?

There are 11 care homes listed in and around Poole 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 Poole cost?

Care homes in Poole range from around £950 to around £1,493 per week, with averages of £1,238 for residential, £1,238 for dementia, £1,331 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

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

The average residential care fee around Poole is about £1,238 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

Which care homes in Poole are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?

11 of the 11 care homes in and around Poole are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Poole?

Homes in and around Poole offer dementia (8), residential (8), respite (8), nursing (5). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Poole offer dementia care?

8 care homes in and around Poole 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 Poole offer respite care?

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

Poole is graded B for safety on AskBart — safer than 47% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.

Can I get council funding for care in Poole?

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 Poole?

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

Could the NHS pay for care in Poole?

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 Poole?

Start by shortlisting homes in Poole 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 Poole?

Care homes in Poole 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 Poole, nearby areas with care homes include Beaminster, Blandford Forum, Bournemouth, Bridport and Charmouth. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

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