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 41-60
Review from Susan H (Daughter of Client) published on 26 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
You have worked with my Mum and Dad to provide excellent care allowing them to be as independent as possible whilst supporting them where needed. You have sensitively addressed issues around my mother’s dementia to ensure she still feels in control. The group WhatsApp works well to ensure excellent
communication. I really like the fact that the manager and deputy managers work with the clients and know them well.
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Review from Nicola K (Daughter of Client) published on 21 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so grateful to the care and support Better Care at Home gave to my father. Over several years they provided excellent care for Dad in his home. The care was gradually increased as his health declined. The carers became friends to Dad. He enjoyed their company and appreciated the support they gave
to him. He was a proud man and always wanted to look presentable. The carers ensured that he maintained his dignity at all times. When it was eventually time for him to be admitted to hospital, the carers were extremely supportive to him but also to me. It was a difficult time and they helped me through it. Through the Covid lockdowns, they attended as usual and were fastidious about sanitising and protecting Dad at all times. Their attention to health and safety is highly commendable. I found both management and carers extremely easy to liaise with. They were always approachable and they alerted me immediately about any concerns. A wonderful company and team. Thank you!
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Review from Sally E (Daughter of Client) published on 16 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister and I have been extremely happy with the care Mum has received over the last few months. The whole team are professional, kind and caring, and we couldn't have picked a better care company for our mum.
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Review from Christina B (Daughter of Client) published on 23 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can I please say a huge thank you to mum's carers, they were all absolutely marvellous. They were caring, attentive, made sure that she felt comfortable, clean and well fed. They also made sure that she had communication with them, exchanging views, making friends with them and she felt comfortable
with them. Every one of them treated her with respect, dignity and cared for her above and beyond. I cannot thank you all enough, from mum and from our family, we truly valued your care for mum. I never expected this level of care and I am truly grateful.
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Review from Jane W (Daughter of Client) published on 11 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care at Home West provided overnight and as-needed care for my mother, now 99 years old, for about 18 months. The whole team of carers were very dedicated to helping ensure that my mother was able to stay safely in her own home. From the first time we met with Better Care at Home West, they showed
the utmost respect. All questions and answers were directly addressed to my mother, she was assured her position in the driver's seat. My mother greatly values her independence and dignity as an intelligent adult. And Better Care at Home West met her at her level, every step along the way. They also provided a daily log so we were able to keep up with her needs and care. They were also meticulous with safety during the pandemic. We could not be happier with the care provided by the whole Better Care at Home West team.
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Review from Lewis B (Son of Client) published on 8 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Apprehension was the first thought when it was decided between family members that Mum required care at home. We were recommended this company by a third party as we had no previous experience in this field. The initial contact with the representatives of the company was very informative and reassuring.
We have since experienced caring and friendly visits whereupon they administer medications, hygiene matters and meals with efficiency and dignity. The carers for Mum have a kind and considerate nature towards her needs and abilities. Mum likes them very much.
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Review from Christine B (Daughter of Client) published on 6 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When my mother’s mobility deteriorated, Better Care at Home West were able to provide the care she needed at home rather than going into residential care, which was a huge relief. I can honestly say that from the moment Better Care at Home took over caring for my mother I have felt reassured that she
is receiving exceptional kindness and care. I am kept fully informed of any concerns or recommendations the team may have.
I would not hesitate in recommending Better Care at Home West, they are all outstanding in the care they provide.
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Review from L R (Daughter of Client) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using Better Care for several months now, as cover for the afternoons when our live-in carer takes time off. They look after my parents, both in their 90s. The team has been absolutely brilliant: highly competent, cheerful, and happy to turn their hand to anything that needs doing. I always
feel that Mum and Dad are very safe with the Better Care team and I know they look forward to their visits. Also, very importantly, the Better Care managers are always so helpful and reassuring, and extremely good at communicating. I would not hesitate to sing the praises of Better Care at Home.
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Review from E M (Daughter of Client) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent service, communication and care. Cannot fault them at all - 100% recommend as they have made such a difference to our lives. My dad has dementia and I was floundering on my own but no more. I have help, dad has care and I also have support and someone to talk to.
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Review from M P (Son of Client) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The support given to Mum during lockdown has been excellent; not just the care given, but above all the encouragement and reassurance that carers show. They have also been quick to alert me to any difficulties or additional needs that Mum has. They have been outstanding, and I really appreciate their
help.
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Review from Alison (Daughter of Client) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can not praise Better care at Home highly enough. They have been absolutely fantastic with my 92-year-old Dad. He is a very independent man and they have constantly treated him with respect and understanding but helping him to stay in his own home. Nothing is too much trouble and the house is always
tidy, washing done, bed changed etc. But most importantly, my Dad is happy and relaxed with the carers, something I never thought I would see, so a huge thank you. My mum had another care agency and I just wish we had known about Better Care at Home back then, as there is no comparison in the level of care. Better Care at home feels like they really care. I would not hesitate to recommend this company.
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Review from Carolyn B (Daughter of Client) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The business owner and his team go above and beyond with the care of their clients. My mother has had carers in 3x a day since my father passed nearly 3years ago and she could not take care of herself at home. The carers that visit my mother are always high quality, cheerful and efficient and make
an effort to know their clients and their concerns. During COVID 19 Better Care At Home has continued caring for their clients with extra protocols. They also have communicated in a timely manner any changes or modifications due to COVID 19 via letters/emails to clients and their families.
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Review from Graeme (Son of Client) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 93-year-old dad was ill during the summer but was determined to stay living in his home. We contacted Better Care to see what support they could offer, within 24 hours they had completed a full assessment and regular daily visits began. Soon afterwards dad did have to go into hospital for a few weeks
but as soon as he came out Better Care resumed their visits initially 4 times a day. One of the strengths of Better Care has been that only 3 different carers have visited him throughout this time so he has been able to build good relationships with them all. As dad's health has improved he has cut back his visits to twice a day which Better Care has been very flexible about. During their visits they are helping him get up in the morning, cook his meals, get him ready for bed and deal with his medical needs including checking he is taken his medication correctly. We have been very impressed with the app which means we can see reports after every visit. Very impressed!
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Review from Z J (Daughter of Client) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had the pleasure of using Better Care at Home to care for our Dad. We had 2 carers 4 times a day and the care was outstanding. The carers were knowledgeable, kind, considerate, prompt and compassionate and went over and above in their standard of care. We were very impressed and so grateful for their
help and support through a very difficult time. This company is the gold standard of care at home. Thank you so much to the team, we don't know what we would have done without you.
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Review from Gillian C (Daughter of Client) published on 26 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My elderly mother was released from hospital in March 2020 having spent seven weeks there following a couple of falls, possibly linked to the onset of dementia. Having never received care in her home before, I was somewhat apprehensive.
Better Care made mum's return to home seamless and I had no reason
to be worried. The staff were professional, caring and attentive to her needs in order to settle my mother in the early weeks.
My mother takes delight now in seeing the carers throughout the day and no task is too much for them.
The staff are always on hand to deal with any problems, to help where possible and they have not faltered through the current Covid 19 outbreak.
They have remained positive and completely committed to offering care and I thank them so very much.
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Review from Richard G (Son of Client) published on 27 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great carers. Father is so happy and it has helped myself and family feel we have reliable and trustworthy assistance for father. Long may it continue.
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Review from Lydia B (Daughter of Client) published on 27 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care at Home goes to great lengths to provide an excellent service. They are willing to help with any situation which arises. I know my Dad is receiving the best care possible when I am not able to visit him as often as I would like to. They are always cheerful and helpful in spite of their difficult
job. My Dad receives excellent care in his own home. He very strongly wants to stay in his own home and Better Care at Home, make this possible for him.
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Review from Dawn M (Daughter of Client) published on 16 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Better Care at Home looked after my dad so well they were absolutely amazing. They were always there when they said they would be and it was so nice for Dad to see the same happy smiley faces every day. If there was a problem, they always stayed until it was sorted and were always flexible. They provided
great peace of mind knowing that they were always there if you needed them, nothing was too much trouble for them and the support was fantastic. A great, first-class team of carers. Thank you for looking after dad.
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Review from Ruth M (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 2 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We cannot recommend Better Care at Home highly enough! The service from beginning to end was exemplary. The care Mum received was outstanding, she wasn’t easy to please, having been a nursing sister in her time and she loved her carer so much. She was competent, caring and really inspired confidence.
We felt completely secure knowing she was safe in the carer's hands.
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Review from David S (Son of Client) published on 14 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This arrangement, now in its 11th month has, quite literally, been a Godsend. The whole team has been able to ensure that my parents can continue to live independently but with just the right amount of assistance at both ends of the day - frankly, I just don't know what we'd have done if we hadn't found
them.
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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.

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.