Better Care at Home West

18 North Square, Dorchester DT1 1HY
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Top 20 award
10 66 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

Contract Durations

  • Ongoing / Long Term
  • Respite / Short Term

Age Ranges

  • Older Person Care (65+)

Personal Care Services

  • Washing & Dressing
  • Medication Assistance (Oral)
  • Companionship

Household Services

  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • Shopping Service / Errands

Other Care Provided

  • Dementia
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • 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.

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Rowan Jackson (Registered Manager)

Better Care at Home West Reviews (66)

10

Better Care at Home West has a Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Better Care at Home West has 66 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 66
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Date Published
  • 66
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Reviewer Connection to Better Care at Home West
  • 37
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Total of 66, showing 1-20
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 West

Wow. 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 West

Thanks 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 West

Thanks 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 West

Thank 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 West

Thank 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 West

Thank 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 West

Thank 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 West

Dearest 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 West

Thank 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 West

I 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 West

Dearest 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 West

Thanks 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 West

Thank 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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Review from Bob C (Son of Client) published on 4 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful staff who really make Mum feel appreciated and happy. Kind and thoughtful, always do a great job and have been looking after Mum for four years + now. Could not be happier. Thank you.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Manager at Better Care at Home West

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review, Bob. We really enjoy our work and your mum is very much part of our Better Care family.

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Review from Karen C (Daughter of Client) published on 4 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just fabulous, the service given by Better Care at Home is second to none. The care manager and his team provide a professional, caring and knowledgeable service. The app they use means that I can always see at a glance what happened during Dad's visits and the messaging group which is comprised of
management and myself means that they and I can communicate any issues immediately. Better Care have been wonderful, not just for the proficient care that they have given to Dad, but for the sensitive and understanding support they have given to me whilst dealing with Dad's dementia. If the best brewery ran care agencies, this would be the one!
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Manager at Better Care at Home West

Dearest Karen, I can't thank you enough for sparing the time to submit such a lovely review. It really does make all the difference to us. It's been a pleasure and an honour being entrusted with looking after your dad and we're so glad he's doing so well in his new home.

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Review from G M (Daughter of Client) published on 4 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent care by all staff, excellent communication, and I really cannot fault this company.
The care my mother has received is very respectful, professional and friendly, it has made it much more possible and comfortable to stay in her own home.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Manager at Better Care at Home West

Thank you so much for taking the time to submit a review. We're so glad that we've been in a position to help. Empowering people to carry on living independently is what we're all about and it's been such a pleasure spending time with your mother.

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Review from Paul B (Son of Client) published on 22 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care at Home is a fantastic service provider. They meet all of Dad's needs, even if he doesn't realise what they are, looking after his physical well-being and his mental health. They are diligent, kind and very friendly. Dad is delighted with them as people and always enjoys spending time with
them. They are able to provide his medication, cook his meals and help him wash and dress. They help him with short walks to maintain his fitness, and it is testimony to their dedication that Dad avoided covid and is now in the best health he has been in for many years. I genuinely cannot speak highly enough for the regard in which I hold Better Care, and I am truly grateful to them for their care.
Reply from Rowan Jackson, Manager at Better Care at Home West

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review. Your dad is definitely part of our Better Care family, and the additional support you provide makes all the difference. We're so happy that he's doing so well and is now attending regular coffee mornings too!

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Review from M S (Daughter of Client) published on 16 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Better Care at Home team took fantastic care of my father from the start of Covid until the end of 2022. I felt complete peace of mind knowing they were looking after Dad and they always stayed in touch, letting me know how he was doing.
Dad could be ‘tricky’ at times but they knew exactly how
to cope with him and make the best of his situation/needs.
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Review from Matthew W (Son of Client) published on 9 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In one year, my mum has gone from being fairly independent to needing four carers visits per day.
Better Care at Home team, from the immediate care team to managers, has provided an amazing service, delivered with utmost consideration and compassion. Two things really stand out with Better Care that
have really impressed me. 1 - The immediate communication of issues and concerns and the follow-up thereafter. 2 - The ability to pull out all the stops and provide additional carers or the manager to help when needed.
Myself and sisters are very happy with the service they provide.
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Review from A S (Son of Client) published on 9 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Care providers are competent and confident with my dad. Attending to his needs and ensuring he gets the best value from the visits. He is starting to settle into his new routine and I think he secretly enjoys the visits.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (10.000)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (10.000) 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 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 5.000 for Better Care at Home West is calculated as follows: ( (95 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 95 Ratings = 5
  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, 2 points in total for each of the next 9 Positive Reviews (1st = 3, 2nd = 0.5, 3rd = 0.5, 4th = 0.25, 5th = 0.25, 6th = 0.1, 7th = 0.1, 8th = 0.1, 9th = 0.1, 10th = 0.1)

    The 5 points relating to the number of Positive Reviews for Better Care at Home West is based on 16 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as follows: 3 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 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

What Type of Services does Better Care at Home West offer?

Better Care at Home West offers Home Care.

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.