Our History
Our story
Care South’s story is rooted in a simple belief: that older people deserve high-quality care delivered with kindness, dignity and respect. Established as a not-for-profit care provider, Care South was created to ensure that every decision, every investment and every improvement is made with residents’ wellbeing at its heart.
Based in the south of England, Care South has grown steadily over the years, guided by a clear purpose to provide outstanding care in environments where people feel safe, supported and truly at home.
A not-for-profit approach from the beginning
From the outset, Care South was founded on a not-for-profit model. This means that, unlike many providers in the care sector, Care South does not operate to generate profits for shareholders. Instead, every penny is reinvested back into care, people and places.
This approach has shaped the organisation’s growth, allowing Care South to continually invest in:
- High-quality care and staffing
- Purpose-built and thoughtfully designed homes
- Training, development and wellbeing for colleagues
- Meaningful activities and experiences for residents
By putting reinvestment at the centre of everything it does, Care South has been able to focus on long-term quality rather than short-term gain.
Growing to meet changing needs
As communities and care needs have evolved, so too has Care South. What began as a commitment to residential care has expanded to include:
- Specialist dementia care
- Nursing care
- Assisted living communities
- Care at home services
This growth has been guided by listening to residents, families and local communities, ensuring services reflect real needs and changing expectations around later-life living.
Care South now supports people across Dorset, Somerset and Devon, offering a range of care options that provide reassurance, choice and continuity.
Homes designed around people
Care South has always believed that the environment plays a vital role in wellbeing. Over the years, the organisation has invested in both the development of new homes and the careful refurbishment of existing buildings.
From modern, purpose-built care homes to character properties set within landscaped grounds, each Care South home is designed to feel welcoming, comfortable and easy to navigate. Communal spaces encourage social connection, while private rooms offer residents the dignity and familiarity of their own space.
This same thoughtful approach has extended into assisted living developments, allowing people to live independently with support available when needed.
A commitment to dementia care
Care South has built a strong reputation for supporting people living with dementia. Specialist environments, trained teams and person-centred approaches help residents live well, maintain independence and feel understood.
Dementia care at Care South focuses on:
- Individual life histories and preferences
- Consistent, familiar teams
- Calm, supportive surroundings
- Meaningful daily activities
This commitment continues to shape how homes are designed and how care is delivered.
Investing in people and communities
Care South’s history is also a story about people. The organisation places great importance on recruiting, training and supporting compassionate teams who share its values.
Alongside providing care, Care South plays an active role in local communities, building partnerships, creating employment and opening homes to families, schools, volunteers and community groups.
By working closely with communities, Care South homes become places of connection rather than isolation.
Looking to the future
Today, Care South continues to grow with purpose. New developments, including care villages and assisted living communities, reflect a forward-looking approach that recognises the changing needs of older people and their families.
While the organisation continues to evolve, its founding principles remain unchanged:
- Care delivered with kindness and respect
- Decisions made in the best interests of residents
- Reinvestment to support long-term quality
- Strong relationships with families and communities
Care South’s history is one of steady growth, thoughtful development and a deep commitment to helping people live well, whatever stage of life they are in.
Which? Guide to care funding
Care can be funded in different ways, depending on individual circumstances. To help explain the options available, Which? has created a helpful guide to care funding, which you can view here:
Latest news and updates
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🎄 Calling all local small businesses and makers! 🎄
Fairlawn care home in Ferndown is getting ready for its Vintage Christmas Fayre on Sunday 29 November, from 1pm to 4pm, and we’re looking for local businesses to join us and host a stall!
It’s set to be a wonderfully festive afternoon, with live entertainment from Dorset Vintage Singer Lisa Locarno, Christmas stalls, competitions, a raffle, refreshments and activities for children. 🎅✨
If you’re a local maker, independent business, crafter or service provider and would like the opportunity to showcase your products or services to the local community, we’d love to hear from you.
📍 Fairlawn, St Mary’s Road, Ferndown BH22 9HB
📅 Sunday 29 November
⏰ 1pm–4pm
Please get in touch with Fairlawn at julie.wathen@care-south.co.uk to find out more about having a stall and being part of this special festive afternoon.
Please share with any brilliant local businesses who might like to join us! 🎁🎄
#Fairlawn #Ferndown #Dorset #ChristmasFayre #ChristmasMarket #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #SmallBusiness #LocalBusiness #DorsetBusiness #ChristmasInDorset #FestiveFun #CareSouth
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🚤💙 Care South’s Community Fund has donated £2,000 to The Friends of Dolphin.
The Poole-based charity provides free, fully accessible boat trips around Poole Harbour for older people and disabled people of all ages, giving passengers the chance to enjoy the sights, sounds and sea air from the water.
Residents from several Care South homes have enjoyed trips with The Friends of Dolphin, including residents from Castle Dene, who joined the team for a special outing after the donation was presented.
Tony said: “I enjoyed it very much. It was nice to be out on the water.”
Lawrence added: “I enjoyed seeing the islands based around Poole Harbour. I’m already looking forward to going out on the boat again.”
The donation was presented to trustee Norman Hollamby by Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, and Charlotte Mitchell, Resident Activities and Lifestyle Lead, alongside residents and colleagues from Castle Dene.
Care South’s Community Fund supports local organisations that make a positive difference to our residents, care at home clients, colleagues and the wider communities we serve. ❤️
Read more: www.care-south.co.uk/care-souths-community-fund-donates-2000-to-the-friends-of-dolphin/
#CareSouth #CommunityFund #FriendsOfDolphin #PooleHarbour #CastleDene #AccessibleActivities #FoodFunFriendship #NotForProfit
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👏 𝗔 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱.
We are incredibly proud of Stacey Burch from Care South at Home’s Bournemouth office, who received a HEART Excellence Award at our 17th annual Stars Awards after helping to save a woman’s life.
Earlier this year, Stacey was flagged down by a local shopkeeper on Columbia Road in Bournemouth after Carole Knight had gone into cardiac arrest.
Drawing on the training she had received through her role, Stacey immediately began CPR and continued for around 25 minutes until paramedics arrived and took over.
Stacey said: “I was so grateful to have the right training through my work because I was able to put it into practice straight away, and I later found out that I had helped to save Carole’s life.”
In a particularly special moment, Carole joined Stacey at the Stars Awards and helped present her with the award.
Carole said: “Stacey saved my life and without her help, I wouldn’t be here today. I am so thrilled that she has been recognised. What she did was remarkable.”
Stacey received a standing ovation from colleagues as she accepted the award, recognising the extraordinary way she demonstrated Care South’s HEART values of Honesty, Excellence, Approach, Respect and Teamwork.
Martin Ross, Director of Care South at Home, said: “Stacey’s actions were truly exceptional. We are extremely proud of Stacey and the difference she made that day. She thoroughly deserves this recognition.”
The celebrations continued later in the evening when Stacey returned to the stage with her colleagues as Care South at Home Bournemouth was named Office of the Year 2026. 💙
Congratulations Stacey, and the entire Bournemouth team.
Read More: www.care-south.co.uk/remarkable-carer-receives-special-award-after-saving-bournemouth-womans-life/
#CareSouth #CareSouthAtHome #StarsAwards #HEARTValues #SocialCare #HomeCare #Bournemouth #CareHeroes
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⛪💙 Care South’s Community Fund has donated £1,000 to The Church of the Transfiguration.
The church, based on Chaddesley Glen within the parish of Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks, has built a wonderful relationship with residents at Marjorie House over the years.
Parishioners regularly visit the home to lead church services, join residents for activities such as weekly Knit and Natter sessions, and take part in community events throughout the year.
Reverend Andrew O’Brien said: “Our links with Marjorie House have grown from strength to strength over the years, and we feel very fortunate to be able to spend time with the residents and be part of the community at the home.”
The £1,000 donation was presented by Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, alongside Georgie Powell, Home Manager at Marjorie House, and Gill Bailey, Deputy Manager.
Care South’s Community Fund supports organisations that make a positive difference to our residents, care at home clients and colleagues, and we are delighted to recognise the church’s ongoing contribution to life at Marjorie House. ❤️
Read more: www.care-south.co.uk/care-souths-community-fund-donates-1000-to-the-church-of-the-transfiguration/
#CareSouth #CommunityFund #MarjorieHouse #CanfordCliffs #Sandbanks #Community #FoodFunFriendship
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🍂🎨 Autumn creativity at Buxton House!
Residents Peggy, Christine, Mary, Barbara and Mabel recently enjoyed a colourful afternoon of autumn-themed arts and crafts, using warm shades of orange, red, brown and green to create pictures of foxes, leaves, acorns, squirrels and toadstools.
The relaxed session sparked lots of lovely conversation, shared memories of autumns gone by and plenty of laughter along the way. ❤️
Creative activities like this are a wonderful way to support concentration, stimulation and memory, while giving residents the chance to enjoy time together and take pride in what they create.
Find out more: www.care-south.co.uk/buxton-house-residents-celebrate-the-colours-of-autumn-with-arts-and-crafts/
#CareSouth #buxtonhouse #Weymouth #AutumnCrafts #artsandcrafts #FoodFunFriendship #CareHomeLife
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🕯️ Proud to support Candles in the Community 2026
Care South is proud to once again support Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and its beautiful Candles in the Community events this November.
These special evenings bring local communities together for moments of light, love and remembrance, giving people the opportunity to dedicate a candle and celebrate the lives of loved ones.
Every candle dedicated also helps raise vital funds for Lewis-Manning’s bereavement counselling service, supporting hundreds of local people each year. 💙
This year’s events include:
🕯️ Candles on the Green, Wimborne
Saturday 14 November | 6pm–8pm
🕯️ Candles on the Quay, Poole
Thursday 26 November | 4pm–8pm
🎶 New for 2026: A special remembrance concert at St James’s Church in Poole
All events are free to attend, with candles available for a donation on the night or to order in advance.
We are delighted to support Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and the incredibly important work they do for people and families across our local communities.
#CareSouth #LewisManningHospiceCare #CandlesInTheCommunity #CommunitySupport #Dorset #Poole #Wimborne @followers
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💚 You are not alone – join our Caring Conversations support group at St Ives House
Caring for a loved one living with dementia, Parkinson’s or a similar condition can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also bring challenges. Sometimes, it helps simply to talk with people who understand.
Caring Conversations is a welcoming local support group where family members, friends and carers can come together, share experiences and support one another in a safe and understanding environment. Sessions are hosted by carers, for carers, with guest speakers joining throughout the year.
📅 First Monday of every month - Next meeting 5 October 2026
⏰ 2pm – 4pm
📍 The Bistro, St Ives House
Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2EE
📞 01425 209464
Coming up:
🍂 October: Understanding Powers of Attorney
🍳 November: Cooking for you and your loved one
🎄 December: Christmas Social
Whether you would like some advice, want to share your own experiences or simply enjoy a cuppa and a conversation with others who understand, you’ll receive a warm welcome at St Ives House.
💚 Together, we can make the journey easier.
Find out more: www.care-south.co.uk/event/?id=78
#CareSouth #StIvesHouse #CaringConversations #DementiaSupport #CarersSupport #ParkinsonsSupport #AshleyHeath #Dorset #FoodFunAndFriendship
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🌟 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 🌟
𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀, 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆.
Held at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth, the event brought together colleagues from across Care South’s care homes and Care South at Home offices in Dorset, Somerset and North Devon, following local celebrations earlier in the summer where this year’s finalists were announced.
Nominations were made by colleagues, residents, clients and relatives, making the recognition especially meaningful.
Hosted by Simon Bird, CEO, with support from Chris Kean, Chair, Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care, and Martin Ross, Director of Care at Home, awards celebrated colleagues across every part of the organisation, from frontline care to activities, dining, management and support services.
New for 2026 was the HEART Excellence Award, recognising colleagues who go above and beyond in demonstrating Care South’s HEART values of Honesty, Excellence, Approach, Respect and Teamwork.
Simon Bird said: “The Stars Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedication, compassion and commitment of colleagues across Care South. Every day, our teams go above and beyond to provide high-quality care to our residents and care at home clients.”
A huge congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners, and to every colleague who continues to bring Food, Fun and Friendship to life across Care South. 💙
Find out more about Care South Stars Awards at: www.care-south.co.uk/stars-awards-2026
Read More: www.care-south.co.uk/care-south-shines-a-spotlight-on-its-stars-of-2026-at-special-awards-ceremony/
#CareSouth #StarsAwards #CareCareers #SocialCare #CareAtHome #CareHomes #TeamCareSouth #FoodFunAndFriendship
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Care South Insights
Our bi-annual guide for local communities, sharing who we are and offering helpful information and tips for those considering care for themselves or a loved one.