Every kind of care
Every kind of care in Dorset, with what it costs here
Each row is a level of help, with the price carers near Dorset charge and how much of it there is locally.
The kinds of care in Dorset
From the least help to the most. Each row links to its section below.
- Companionship visitsCompany, outings and errands£19 to £25 an hour27 nearby carers write about it
- Visiting carePersonal care and help at set times£19 to £25 an hour50 carers within about 45 minutes of Dorset
- Overnight careA sleeping or waking night£130 to £160 a night24 of the nearest carers do nights
- Live-in careA carer living in, day and night£1,050 to £1,195 a week39 live-in carers within reach
- Care homeA room, meals and care, away from home£1,390 a week78 homes without nursing in Dorset
- Nursing homeA care home with nurses on shiftabout £1,410 a week36 nursing homes in Dorset
Visit and live-in prices are what carers near Dorset charge on PrimeCarers, our fee included, October 2026. Night prices are the range on PrimeCarers. Care home counts are from CQC registrations in Dorset. Care home fees are the median of the homes here that publish them.
Help during the day
Help at home during the day in Dorset
Visiting care
A carer comes for an hour or more at the times you agree, such as a morning call to help someone up and washed.
- 50 carers are based within about 45 minutes of Dorset, charging £19 to £25 an hour with our fee included, typically £20.
- 35 of the 50 with a rate on their profile drive, which matters for trips out and for visits outside the towns.
Davinder Kaur N.Christchurch · 30 years caring“I offer hourly and visiting care around Christchurch, and speak both English and Punjabi, which has helped me build real rapport with the families I have worked with over the years.”£25 an hourProfile →
Levgeniia S.Taunton · 13 years caring“I'm motivated to care for others because I want to help people lead as independent a life as possible.”£18.80 an hourProfile →
Kym W.Bournemouth · 30 years caring£25 an hourProfile →
“Just wanted to say a big thank you for everything you’ve been doing lately. I really appreciate how you always bring a calm, steady energy — it makes a big difference, especially on the busier days. You’ve slotted into the routine really naturally, and I can see you genuinely care about getting things right. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and it means a lot.”
Companionship
Visits for company rather than personal care: a conversation, a walk, the shopping or a lift to a club.
- Of the 43 nearest carers with a full profile, 27 write about companionship, conversation or days out in their own profile.
Dawn D.Somerton · 20 years caring“My days providing hourly visiting care around Somerton tend to follow the rhythm of the people I'm with, but the parts I enjoy most are the simple ones: a cup of tea and a proper chat, a walk if the weather allows, or just sitting together while the television…”£20 an hour2 reviewsProfile →
Maria Florentina L.Bournemouth · 19 years caring“As your carer, you can expect steadiness and genuine company, not just help with the practical things.”£25 an hour1 reviewProfile →
Susan M.Swanage · 7 years caring“Much of my day-to-day work centres on companionship, whether that is cooking a proper meal together, sitting down for cards or a puzzle, or simply chatting over the television.”£25 an hourProfile →
“He stayed with her throughout the pandemic, refusing to visit his own family, who lived nearby, to reduce the risk of infection. He always kept the family informed and kept meticulous notes. He had an excellent relationship with my sister and also with the local GP who allowed Jaison to be put directly through to him as his judgements were valued. The house was kept neat and tidy and he looked after the cat as well.”
Companionship care explainedCarers who share a hobby in Dorset
Personal care
Help with washing, dressing, the toilet and continence, from the same carer each time.
- Of the 43 nearest carers with a full profile, 33 describe personal care in their own words, not just on a checklist.
Patricia W.New Forest · 12 years caring“One client had a back deformity and used a wheelchair, and had always loved her showers but could no longer manage the stairs to get to one.”£25 an hourProfile →
Keira S.Radstock · 6 years caring“I assist with washing, dressing, medication and mobility, including hoist and catheter care where needed, but I try never to let the practical side crowd out the personal.”£22.50 an hourProfile →
Emma W.Bournemouth · 23 years caring“I am confident with hoist use, catheter care, moving and handling, and medication reminders, and I take real care over the basics too: proper meals cooked from scratch, a clean and comfortable home, help with bathing, dressing and toileting done with dignity…”£21.40 an hourProfile →
“Throughout this process Merjury has given first class, conscientious, reliable and compassionate care. Merjury cooks healthy, nutritious meals from scratch and is able to adjust these to meet a person's changing needs. She provides thorough personal care with hygiene and comfort as a priority. She takes the initiative with any signs of illness, making timely contact with medical services.”
“Because of my stroke, Norman had to perform personal hygiene tasks for me and these were carried out with the greatest respect for my dignity. I came to know Norman very well over the 6 months I spent recovering from my stroke and I cannot recommend him highly enough to any employer.”
Help with a condition
Care for a condition or a change in health in Dorset
Dementia care
Care from someone who has looked after people with dementia before and knows how to keep a day calm.
- Of the 43 nearest carers with a full profile, 32 write about caring for someone with dementia.
Francesca H.Seaton · 5 years caring“I have 6 years of experience and specialise in working with the elderly and those also living with dementia.”£25 an hourProfile →
Chloe B.Ilminster · 3 years caring“I offer hourly visiting care in Ilminster, and over the past three years I have supported people living with dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, heart disease and a range of physical disabilities, alongside conditions like COPD, arthritis and osteoporosis.”£18.50 an hourProfile →
Kimberly S.Salisbury · 16 years caring“I'm just as comfortable with the practical side, medication reminders, bathing, dressing, catheter care, moving and handling, and I've supported people with dementia, Parkinson's, stroke recovery and diabetes, among other conditions.”£19.20 an hourProfile →
“Norman’s patience and professionalism means that I can leave the house reassured that my husband will be chatting to Norman by the time I return. Unfortunately, my husband forgets who Norman is by the following week and we have the same difficulties but Norman accepts the situation and I can leave knowing that All will be well when I return. Norman also manages our dog as well as my husband.”
Care for Parkinson's, stroke and other conditions
Carers who have looked after someone with a particular condition, such as Parkinson's, a stroke or MS.
- Of the 43 nearest carers with a full profile, 29 write about Parkinson's, stroke, MS or motor neurone disease.
Gertrude N.Salisbury · 3 years caring“Over three years of professional care, I've supported people with a wide range of needs, including dementia, stroke recovery, heart disease, respiratory illness, cancer and end of life care, as well as conditions like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and…”£25.60 an hourProfile →
Diane L.Blandford Forum · 38 years caring“Over that time I've supported people through an enormous range of conditions, from dementia, stroke and Parkinson's to diabetes, motor neurone disease and end of life care.”£19 an hourProfile →
Emma - Luise S.Castle Cary · 25 years caring“I offer hourly visiting care in Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire with 35 years in this work, I've supported people through a huge range of conditions, from dementia, stroke and Parkinson's to arthritis, respiratory illness and end of life care.”£25 an hourProfile →
Care after a hospital stay
A few weeks of extra help at home while strength and confidence come back after a hospital stay.
- Of the 43 nearest carers with a full profile, 16 write about helping someone home from hospital or through a recovery.
Norman S.New Milton · 40 years caring“My path has taken me through hospital nursing and social services work in Surrey, and for over a decade I stepped away from professional roles to care for my mother at home until she died, which taught me as much about patience and dignity as any job could.”£18.80 an hour2 reviewsProfile →
Mercedes C.Lymington · 8 years caring“I am comfortable with bathing, dressing, moving and handling, catheter care and medication reminders, and I have supported people with dementia, Parkinson's, arthritis, stroke recovery and end of life care, among other conditions.”£20 an hour1 reviewProfile →
Heather W.Swanage · 22 years caring“Over more than twenty years I have supported people through dementia, stroke, Parkinson's, heart disease, cancer and end of life care, as well as everyday needs like diabetes, arthritis and recovery after operations.”£19.20 an hourProfile →
“Nina looked after my aunt at very short notice on a weekend. Nina was patient, focussed on my aunt's physical well-being, and unfazed by what at the time was a new and uncertain situation for my aunt who was trying to settle in back at home after a nasty fall followed by a long hospital stay. She was of great help in a time of crisis.”
Palliative care at home
Support at home for someone who is very ill, alongside the district nurses and the GP.
- Of the 43 nearest carers with a full profile, 23 write about palliative care or caring for someone who is very ill.
Orobosa O.Bournemouth · 15 years caring“I offer hourly, live-in and overnight care, and I've supported people through a huge range of conditions, from dementia, stroke and Parkinson's to arthritis, respiratory illness and end of life care.”£25 an hour2 reviewsProfile →
Maya O.Weymouth · 13 years caring“I have experience supporting people living with dementia, the effects of stroke, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, mobility difficulties and end-of-life needs.”£27.50 an hour1 reviewProfile →
Ana D.Bournemouth · 7 years caring“I also have experience in palliative care. - [ ] From the very young age i like to care about people and I always dreamed to become a nurse and to care about children and people that need it.”£23 an hour1 reviewProfile →
Nights and round the clock
Care at night and around the clock in Dorset
Overnight care
A carer spends the night in the house, either sleeping and on hand, or awake all night.
- Of the 43 nearest carers with a full profile, 24 offer overnight care.
- £130 to £145 for a sleeping night and £150 to £160 for a waking night on PrimeCarers.
Ngaveje K.Wellow · 5 years caring“My working week is a mix of hourly visits and overnight stays around Wellow, and the part I enjoy most is the companionship, the conversations over a cup of tea or a shared meal that make a real difference to someone's day.”Does nights1 reviewProfile →
Hakeem A.Weymouth · 1 years caring“I offer hourly and overnight care in Weymouth, and although I am still early in my career, I have worked hard to build my skills through online learning and hands on experience across care homes, private homes and agency work.”Does nights1 reviewProfile →
Florence B.Ringwood · 20 years caring“I help with all aspects of care from personal care to companionship I work mainly at night but can help out during the day if needed.”Does nightsProfile →
Respite care
Cover so the person who does the caring can stop for a while, from a few visits to a fortnight.
- Of the 43 nearest carers with a full profile, 29 do nights or live-in care, which is how most respite is covered.
Rejieli Kube R.Yeovil · 10 years caring£20 an hourProfile →
Trudi M.Bridport · 5 years caring“Based in Bridport, I've spent five years providing hourly and overnight care, and I bring a calm, unhurried manner to every visit.”£20 an hourProfile →
Joan S.Westbury · 35 years caring£22.50 an hourProfile →
Live-in care
One carer lives in the home and is there through the day and night, with a daily break.
- 39 live-in carers are based within about two hours of Dorset.
- A week here costs £1,050 to £1,195 with our fee included, typically £1,120.
- Of the 43 nearest carers with a full profile, 11 also do live-in care as well as visits.
Rachel D.Sturminster Newton · 8 years caring“I offer hourly and live-in care around Sturminster Newton, and over eight years I've built that calm approach through hands-on work rather than time spent on formal qualifications.”£156 a day1 reviewProfile →
Nina R.Ringwood · 14 years caring“Based in Ringwood, I offer both hourly visiting care and live-in care, and I am comfortable with the full range of personal care, from bathing and moving and handling to catheter and wound care.”£145 a day1 reviewProfile →
Beckee W.Poole · 2 years caring“I'm based in Poole and offer hourly visiting care, live-in care and overnight support, which means I get to see people at very different points in their day, from an early morning routine to settling someone for the night.”£200 a day1 reviewProfile →
Care homes
Care homes and nursing homes in Dorset
94 of the 101 with a Care Quality Commission rating are rated good or outstanding, 6 of them outstanding, and 7 are rated requires improvement or inadequate. The homes here that publish their fees charge a median of £1,390 a week for a residential place. A live-in carer here costs £1,050 to £1,195 a week, so for one person the two cost about the same, and for a couple live-in care costs far less.
Elderly care in Dorset helps you weigh care at home against a care home, and care at home or a care home goes through what to ask a home before choosing it.
Agencies or private carers
Home care agencies and private carers in Dorset
77 home care agencies for older people in Dorset
50 private carers near Dorset
Every carer on PrimeCarers has passed an enhanced DBS, identity and right-to-work check and an online interview before they appear (how we check carers). Agency or private carer compares the two, and the best home carers in Dorset profiles the best-rated private carers nearby.
Paying for care
Help paying for care in Dorset
Attendance Allowance is not means tested and can go towards any of these. The council assesses needs for free and contributes once savings fall below £23,250, and NHS Continuing Healthcare pays in full when needs are mainly health needs. Funding home care in Dorset sets out each route and who to contact.
Questions
Questions families in Dorset ask about the types of care
50 carers within about 45 minutes of Dorset offer care at home, from companionship visits to live-in care. Away from home, 114 care homes in Dorset take older people, 36 of them with nursing and 82 registered to care for people with dementia.
For one person it is usually about the same: a live-in week here is typically £1,120 with our fee included, against a median of £1,390 for a care home place in Dorset. For a couple, one live-in carer costs about £1,350 a week, far less than two care home places. Care at home or a care home goes through the decision.
A nursing home is a care home with registered nurses on shift, for people who need nursing as well as care, such as wound care or complex medication. Of the 114 care homes in Dorset that take older people, 36 provide nursing. 82 are registered to care for people with dementia. The difference between a nursing home and a care home explains how to tell which is needed.
Often, yes. Attendance Allowance is not means tested and helps with the cost of care at any level. The council contributes once savings fall below £23,250, and the NHS pays in full when needs are mainly health needs. Funding home care in Dorset sets out each route.