Better Care at Home West

18 North Square, Dorchester DT1 1HY
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Top 20 award
10 65 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

  • Type of Service
  • Home Care Provider
  • Privately Owned
  • Specialist Care Categories
  • Call in Service
  • Companionship
  • Dementia
  • Domestic Services / Home Help
  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • High Dependency Care, two carers attending
  • Medication Assistance
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Palliative Care
  • Personal Hygiene Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite cover
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Shopping Service / Errands
  • Sit in Service
  • Other Care Provided
  • Adult Home Care (18+)
  • Hospital Discharge
  • Personal Care (on a contracted hours basis)
  • Personal Care Assessments
  • Risk Assessments in the Home

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Rowan Jackson (Registered Manager)

Funding & Fees Guide for Better Care at Home West

  • Prices

  • 30 mins £26
    45 mins £29
    60 mins £32

  • We do not charge additional mileage.


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

Better Care at Home West Reviews (65)

Total of 65, showing 41-60
10

Better Care at Home West has a Review Score of 10 (9.965) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Better Care at Home West has 65 reviews.

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Review from E M (Daughter of Client) published on 29 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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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Review from Paul E (Son of Client) published on 1 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I use Better Care at Home for my elderly mother who requires help with personal care and medication. I have found the staff extremely helpful, friendly, flexible, and most importantly my mum likes them, she looks forward to them coming to see her. The staff and management help me understand the care
system and my mother’s day to day needs, you receive straight answers to questions and as much help as you require. This is a caring company with staff who care.
I have no connection with the company and is my unbiased view.

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Review from Jill R (Daughter of Client) published on 1 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding level of care. Carers are consistent so my mother gets to know them really well and vice versa, they have paramedics who attend falls and minor injuries. Always on time and reliable. Best thing is carers are happy, bubbly and enthusiastic. Communication is excellent - rapid, helpful and
informative. 100% happy. Thank you for looking after my mother so nicely.

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Review from Karen B (Daughter of Client) published on 30 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The standard of care we receive from Better Care is outstanding, my Mum loves all the carers and looks forward to seeing them every day. The whole team are always willing to go the extra mile, professional and compassionate and genuinely care about Mum, additionally, they look out for my Dad, making
them both feel safe and extremely well cared for. We will always recommend Better Care to anyone who needs care at home.

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Review from Carol H (Daughter of Client) published on 30 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Superb care has been given to my Mother over the last year which has resulted in her legs healing from ulcers as well as giving her prolonged life.

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Review from Debby M (Daughter of Client) published on 1 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise the care provided by Better Care at Home highly enough. They have gone above and beyond what can be expected of a care agency. The care provided for my dad was fantastic and I could not have asked for more. They have been so helpful, professional and caring. I would recommend them to
anyone looking for care for a loved relative.

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Review from D H (Client) published on 13 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In the three months I have been looked after I have received excellent care. I would not hesitate to recommend the young ladies who are looking after me to anyone else.

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Review from Audrey E (Client) published on 7 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely nice ladies always willing to help, polite and caring and really care.

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Review from Carol B (Friend of Client) published on 2 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The registered manager and staff dealt with difficult situations in a calm and professional manner, ensuring their client was well looked after despite his deteriorating condition. They were prepared to assist both client and carer in all manner of ways, making life easier for both of us and giving
me peace of mind. Their client’s welfare was always foremost in all their dealings with him. I would highly recommend them.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.965)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.965) out of 10 for Better Care at Home West is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.965 for Better Care at Home West is calculated as follows: ( (168 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 173 Ratings = 4.965

  • b) 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 29 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

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Home Care Provider does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

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.

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Awards / Recognitions (10)

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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.


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