Better Care at Home West

18 North Square, Dorchester DT1 1HY
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Top 20 award
10 73 Reviews
  • Better Care at Home West, Dorchester
Better Care at Home West Limited are rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (January 2018, reviewed April 2023).

They are a small family run care provider, looking after people in their own homes in and around West Dorset: Dorchester, Broadmayne, Bere Regis, Crossways, Wool, Weymouth and the surrounding areas. They are clinically led by a registered paramedic and their staff are sourced from the local community and trained beyond industry standard to take basic observations and ensure that clients receive top quality care at all times. Better Care at Home West Limited also offers a falls service for clients, including clinical assessment, referral if necessary and assisting uninjured people back on to their feet using a Raizer lifting chair.

Better Care at Home West Limited provides top quality, person-centred support and a genuine caring approach. Every care plan is tailored to a client's specific needs and wishes.

Better Care at Home West Limited are committed to keeping people at home wherever possible and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. The team has developed strong links and excellent lines of communication with local GP's, district nurses and other healthcare professionals.
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Care Provided by Better Care at Home West

Types of Home Care

  • Visiting Care
  • 24 Hour Care
  • Overnight Care (Waking)
  • Overnight Care (Sleeping)

Contract Durations

  • Ongoing / Long Term

Age Ranges

  • Older Person Care (65+)
  • Younger Adult Care (18-65)

Personal Care Services

  • Washing & Dressing
  • Toileting Assistance
  • Medication Assistance (Oral)
  • Companionship
  • Continence Care
  • Feeding & Drinking Assistance

Household Services

  • Cleaning Service
  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • Laundry Service
  • Shopping Service / Errands
  • Transportation Service

Other Care Provided

  • Dementia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Cancer Care
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Learning Disability / Autism
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Alcohol / Drug Misuse
  • Hospital Discharge

Funding & Fees

  • Hourly Visiting Care Fees: from £32

We do not charge additional mileage.


Bank holidays and public holidays are charged at double the above rate.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Better Care at Home West to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact Better Care at Home West to get a personalised quote.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Private Funding (Self-funded)
Explain these funding types

Contact Better Care at Home West to get a personalised quote.

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Rowan Jackson (Registered Manager)

Better Care at Home West Reviews (73)

10

Better Care at Home West has a Review Score of 10 (9.985) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Better Care at Home West has 73 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Better Care at Home West
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Total of 73, showing 1-20
Review from Sally R (Daughter of Client) published on 20 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our overall experience was excellent from assessment to all the staff that visited.
The care provide by all the staff focused on safety, effectiveness, compassion, and responsiveness at all times.
Maurice was treated with the up most dignity and respect.
We really couldn't have asked for more.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestDearest Sally. Huge and massive thanks for taking the time to write us such a lovely review at this difficult time. We're really, really grateful and I will be sharing your review with our team. Best wishes for the future, R xx
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Review from Annie S (Stepdaughter of Client) published on 20 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It will be hard to find the appropriate words to express how grateful we were to the whole team at Better Care at Home West (BC@HW). From the first email & phonecall correspondence I was left feeling very confident and safe as it was obvious that we were dealing with a company that was professional
and caring. The correspondence & support whilst Maurice was in hospital was second to none - thank you for your patience during this time. The home care provided was fantastic for Maurice and all staff members treated us as a family with kindness, patience & professionalism. It was a truly difficult time for us all, made more manageable with the support of BC@HW. Expertly led by Rowan and the management team - all employees of BC@HW should feel proud of being such an amazing team. The online information about care visits meant that we could all stay really informed about Maurice's condition. Maurice couldn't have spoken more highly about his care. You all made a difference / thank you.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestDearest Annie. Thank you doesn't seem even close to adequate a reply to your beautiful words. But thank you so much and I will be sharing this with our team straight away. I'm so glad that we were able to make a difference. And M's stalwart bravery and incredible humour despite the situation will stay with us all for a really long time. It's been an absolute privilege to meet you and all your family. Xx
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Review from Janet K (Daughter of Client) published on 3 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can not praise better care enough. All the staff are lovely and very attentive to my parents. They go the extra mile. (dropping milk off on their way home) Always arrive with a smile and at the time arranged.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestDearest Janet, thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a lovely review. It makes a huge difference to us and we're really grateful. X
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Review from Jacqui B (Client) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care West have a great team of carers. All arrive as scheduled. Management team are only a call away if anything is needed. 5 star team.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestDearest J. Thank you so very much for submitting such a super review. You are very much part of our Better Care family family and we really enjoy looking after you and spending time in your company. R x
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Review from J W (Client) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly, dedicated and all-round amazing staff, who deliver a fantastic service and consistently go above and beyond. I have made some lovely friends who I can trust. Thank you for always going that extra mile.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestDearest J, thank you so, so much. What a beautiful review and we've absolutely loved looking after you. Rx
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Review from Emma T (Daughter of Client) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thoroughly impressed by the fantastic carers you send to my mother! Such a huge relief to just know she is being looked after by you. She looks forward to your team visiting everyday.
I know she would say the same but doesn't do on line!


Emma.

Reply from Better Care At Home, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestDearest E, thanks so very much for taking the time to leave us a review. Your mother is such a joy to care for and we feel really privileged that you chose us! R x
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Review from D G (Daughter of Client) published on 29 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a family we're really pleased with the care, support and compassion shown to our Mum, who has advanced dementia. We have a slightly unusual set up for care, but it has been no problem for Better Care and the communication has been excellent across the whole team. Mum's carer is fabulous and treats
Mum as an individual and tailors her visits with her accordingly, depending on how Mum is on any given day. As I'm so far away it's reassuring to know my Dad is also getting the benefits of this service too. Thank you Better Care.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestDearest D, thank you so much for your kind words. They make all the difference to us. We always try to tailor our to meet the needs of the individuals we look after, and I'm so glad we've managed to get this right for your mum.
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Review from Patsy C (Relative of Client) published on 14 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care, companionship and genuine concern that Better Care have for their Clients is amazing. They have been providing care now for about 2 and a half years and it just keeps getting better. They are responsive, proactive and transparent. Living a three hour drive away and our family members not
wanting to move, we wanted to respect their choice about living independently but we were so worried and thought that this would be impossible. However Better Care have made it possible, they organised a care rota that works, they are flexible when needed and the amazing cheerful disposition of all of their care staff brings a smile to our loved ones faces as soon as they arrive at the door. They go above and beyond in supporting individuals and their families. We have had some really difficult and challenging moments, Better Care have stepped in each time with sensible, compassionate, kind and extremely caring resolutions. Better Care is quite simply the Best Care.
Can't thank them enough.
Reply from Better Care At Home, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestWow. Dearest P, thank you so, so much for taking the time to put your feelings into words to support us. It means so much and I will share it with all our staff. We love what we do. Best regards. Rowan
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Review from Ian B (Son of Client) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care at Home have been caring for my Mum. They are excellent and go above and beyond expectation, enabling us to be confident that Mum is safe and very well looked after. She has a very small number of carers(4) which she really appreciates, and this has enabled her to build relationships with
them. Also they are punctual, which reduces Mum's anxiety. We regularly talk to managers and share information. This has enabled us to respond quickly to Mum's needs. Their liaison when she was recently in hospital was excellent and on coming home Mum very quickly settled and assumed her daily routine. Simply they are excellent and highly recommended.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestThanks so much for your review Mr B! Staying small as a provider does help us to keep the number of staff we send to a minimum. We're so glad Your mum has settled back home so well after her recent admission and we are really grateful for all the support you give us.
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Review from O C (Daughter of Client) published on 12 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been receiving care from the Better Care at Home (West) Team for several months. They are a friendly, professional and incredibly helpful team who have made every effort to accommodate mum's and my needs. As a distant carer, the ability to access Mum's care notes from an app is most helpful.
The team have also provided additional support for visits to the dentist and drs, which was invaluable. From the communicative and helpful management to each one of the caring staff, I highly recommend their services.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestThanks so much for writing us such a lovely review. We always try to tailor the care we provide to the needs and wishes of the people we are looking after. It's not always easy! But support from wonderful family members like you help us do the best we can.
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Review from Brian G (Husband of Client) published on 10 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The service you provide is perfect for us at this time of the evening.
Reply from Better Care At Home, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestThank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to submit this review. It's been an absolute pleasure to assist you both, and I really hope we are able to do the same in the future.
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Review from Jo H (Daughter of Client) published on 10 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team are amazing. Not only do they provide fantastic care and great companionship to my dad, but they also sensitively and professionally navigated the challenges of mixed families and differing views and needs. They are truly fantastic and always sensitive in difficult situations.
Reply from Better Care At Home, Registered manager at Better Care at Home WestThank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a positive review. We are so proud of the amazing team we have built who allow us to do the work we do. As you know, our Weymouth manager regularly provides care to your dad and is incredibly fond of him.
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Review from Laura M (Daughter of Client) published on 10 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care at Home West provided the most incredible care and support to my father during his last months. As a proud man, he found the process of being dependent upon others difficult but was so appreciative of the care, understanding, humour and kindness he received. Better Care made the whole process
easy and reassuring for us all, from the feedback notes from every visit to the social media group where we could voice any concerns or make changes to the schedule. They always responded quickly and went out of their way to adapt to our father's needs whilst also always including our mother in their responsibilities, so that all aspects of their day-to-day lives were supported. We have used other care companies in the past but Better Care was in a whole different league. Their sensitivity allowed Dad to end his days peacefully at home in a safe place and we will be forever grateful.
Reply from Better Care At Home, Registered manager at Better Care at Home WestThank you so much. It was such an honour to have been entrusted with the care of your father and in the the short time we knew him he became very dear to us all. As did your mother, you and the rest of your family. We talk about him often and are so grateful to have met you all.
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Review from Susan L (Daughter of Client) published on 6 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We can't thank the manager and his team enough, Mum's had a difficult time recently and pretty much abandoned by the NHS who discharged her before she was ready. The manager has helped us get Mum sorted with some residential respite care and has gone above and beyond. Hopefully, when Mum's had time
to recover, she'll be back at home and Better Care at Home can continue the excellent home care they were providing. We're very grateful for everything they do for Mum.
Reply from Better Care At Home, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestThank you for your lovely review. We really hope we can get your mum back home again soon, where she wants to be and help her to carry on doing what she does and enjoy herself.
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Review from Carol S (Daughter of Client) published on 1 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We cannot praise this company enough, they have restored our faith in the human race.
The quality of care is excellent and the support shown to us, as a family, was so good and gave us the confidence and reassurance we so much needed to enable us to care for Dad at home where he wanted to be.
The
communication was great and nothing was too much trouble for them, always so kind and gentle to Dad and willing to help with whatever problems we were experiencing.
The manager is a very special man and his team is a credit to him.
Reply from Better Care At Home, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestDearest Carol, we really can't thank you enough for taking the time to write us such a special review. We are so proud of our team and to be able to make a difference when people need us most is why we do what we do. Thank you for letting us help you help your dad. You are a truly inspirational family.
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Review from G B (Son of Client) published on 3 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am in Canada and my elderly mother has been living at home alone since her partner of more than 40 years died last April. Without the support of the wonderful people at Better Care at Home (West), I don't think this would have been possible. I have seen a great improvement in my mum's wellbeing and
spirit over the last year, due in large part to the support and stimulating company from the daily care visits. It gives me great comfort to know she is in good hands.
I particularly like the app, with its daily reports about each visit. Every morning I log on and can see how my mum is doing, and if there are any issues I have to deal with. That, along with the good communication on the messaging group the company set up for me, means I really feel I am in touch despite the great distances involved.
Reply from Better Care At Home, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestThank you so much for taking the time to write us such a detailed review. It really does make all the difference to us. We love what we do and your mum is very much part of our Better Care family. She's such a lovely lady.
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Review from Louise W (Daughter of Client) published on 3 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care at Home has been caring for my mum for the past 18 months. They are amazing - well led, organised compassionate, caring, kind and deliver dignified care. Mum currently has 4 visits a day. The agency not only cares about Mum but also about us as family members. Communication is excellent.
Mum enjoys the care visits. The carers are very person-centred, understand dementia and frailty, and are never in a rush. (Mum has severe dementia) As a result of Better care input, Mum is hydrated, her nutritional needs are met, and her skin is amazing with no pressure sores as they are so on top of it. She is also very happy and content. I have no doubt this is all due to their input and what they do is allowing mum to remain at home which is her wish. To add, the carers have a real laugh with my mum and bring out the best in her.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestI can't thank you enough for taking the time to write us such a complimentary and comprehensive review. We love what we do and your Mum is very much a treasured member of our Better Care family.
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Review from Sharon N (Daughter of Client) published on 18 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care at Home carers have been coming to see Mum since June last year. The carers check that Mum is coping every day with taking pills, getting her meals, washing her feet and putting her stockings on. They also do lots of other bits and pieces. They have recently started helping her have a shower.
She likes all the carers and enjoys having a chat.
My sister and I always speak to Mum every day on the phone, but it’s very reassuring to know that the carers have been in to see her, especially if one of us is away for a few days.
We have a messaging group with the carers and it’s easy to communicate day to day.
Reply from Better Care At Home, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestDearest S, thanks so much for your lovely review. It's makes all the difference to know that we are making a difference and making it easier for you all.
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Review from G B (Daughter of Client) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've really appreciated the service provided by Better Care for my dad over the past 6 months. The staff always come in with a bright and friendly energy and I think Dad enjoys their support. They are also very caring to the rest of the family, especially my mum. Staff are systematic about the personal
care they provide and in tracking how Dad is doing, and checking with us quickly when needed. The service is very reliable and Better Care has often gone above and beyond when it would make a difference for Dad, for example, helping him walk a few steps each day. They are easy for us to stay in touch with. We highly recommend them.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestThanks so much for your lovely review. It makes all the difference to us. We really enjoy what we do and it's a pleasure being able to help you and the rest of your amazing family care for your dad.
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Review from R C (Son of Client) published on 6 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care have been caring for my father for nearly 2 years.
Better Care have always been professional, timely, polite, efficient and most importantly caring and inclusive.
They have been reactive to client change and proactive with support and reviews.
I would 100% recommend Better Care to anyone
needing care or wanting a new team.
Reply from Better Care At Home West Limited, Registered Manager at Better Care at Home WestThank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. I'm so glad we've been in position to help and we feel honoured to have been entrusted with the care of your amazing dad.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.985)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.985) out of 10 for Better Care at Home West is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Home Care Provider is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.985 for Better Care at Home West is calculated as follows: ( (135 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 137 Ratings = 4.985
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows: 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.5 Points for the second and third Positive Reviews, 0.25 Points for each of the next two Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3, 2nd = 0.5, 3rd = 0.5, 4th = 0.25, 5th = 0.25, 6th = 0.05, 7th = 0.05, 8th = 0.05, 9th = 0.05, 10th = 0.05, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025)

    The 5 points relating to the number of Positive Reviews for Better Care at Home West is based on 23 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as follows: 3 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 5
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Home Care Provider does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 5 Jan 2018

Overall Outstanding

  • Caring Outstanding
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Outstanding
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

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Awards / Recognitions (12)

Meet the Team (5)

Rowan

Rowan Jackson

Job Title: Registered Manager/Owner Joined: 2015

Rowan established Better Care at Home with Joannah Bishop in 2015 following a long career in the ambulance service initially in London and later in Dorset after moving here with his young family. He has worked as a registered paramedic all across Dorset, eventually settling in Swanage as a community paramedic on the rapid response car. Rowan has also worked for the 111 services as a clinical supervisor. Since starting Better Care at Home, he has moved to Dorchester. He has a keen interest in keeping fit and is passionate about cars. He has three grown-up daughters who are all active in the business. Rowan holds a bachelor's degree in health and social care.

Lorraine

Lorraine Downing

Job Title: Care Manager Joined: 2017

Lorraine (Lolly to her friends) was born in Shrewsbury and moved to Dorset in 2013. Although it's hard to believe, Lolly has worked in care since 1995.


She has 2 teenage children and in addition to her husband Stu, also shares her house with a 5-foot boa constrictor, a large tarantula and a Chihuahua called Jorge.


In her spare time, she enjoys going for walks and drives in the countryside and listening to music. Lolly holds a level 5 diploma in health and social care.

Jas

Jas Everett

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2016

Despite her tender years, Jas has been with Better Care for over 7 years and is one of our most experienced members of staff. Born and bred in West, Dorset Jas has a keen interest in cars and often does her own servicing and repairs. She's recently completed her level 5 diploma in health and social care.

Julia

Julia Ridgway

Job Title: Weymouth Manager Joined: 2019

Julia has run our Weymouth branch since 2020. She runs a tight ship, having previously worked in a chandlery supplier (yacht supplies) in Weymouth. Julia has also worked as an estate agent in the past. When she's not out working, Julia can often be found walking her Border terrier Poppy and also has a keen interest in fast cars.

Julia, Alice and Abi

Julia, Alice and Abi

Job Title: Weymouth staff Joined: 2023

Meet team Weymouth!


Julia Abi and Alice comprise our amazing team looking after our clients in Weymouth. Ably led by Julia, and supported by the Dorchester office, this trio of caring supremos spread joy and really good care 7 days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions about Better Care at Home West

How many Carers does Better Care at Home West employ?

Better Care at Home West employs 15 carers.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of homecare.co.uk. Please contact Better Care at Home West to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Better Care at Home West has an Enhanced Service - more info.