Care homes in Ferndown

Ferndown is a well-established retirement area in South West England with above-average numbers of older residents and a solid local care-home offer. It combines good everyday access with a quieter pace, though it's worth weighing the local crime picture and care costs against your family's priorities and proximity.

Living in Ferndown
High Retirement CommunityLow Recorded Crime
SafetyA

Excellentsafer than 76% of similar areas

Green SpacesC

Limitedparks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

Daily ConveniencesC

Limitedshops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

How we grade areas

Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.

Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.

How care costs compare

The estimated average residential care fee in Ferndown is about £1,293/week, above the UK average of £1,279.

Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.

Care homes (29)
From £1195/wk·Care South

Nestled in the heart of Dorset, Fairlawn is a contemporary and inviting care home, committed to delivering top-notch residential, dementia, and respite care.…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1399/wk·Barchester Healthcare

Nestled in the picturesque town of Ferndown, Kings Park in Dorset is a warm and inviting care home that offers top-notch residential, dementia, and respite…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1395/wk

Heathland House is a luxury Cinnamon Care home in Ferndown, Dorset, offering residential, dementia, respite and nurse-supported care across 59 en-suite rooms…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1469/wk

Ferndown Manor is a Care UK care home in Ferndown, Dorset, offering residential, nursing, dementia, respite and end-of-life care with en-suite rooms and…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1352/wk·Barchester Healthcare

Hyacinth House is a Barchester care home in Stapehill, Wimborne, Dorset, offering residential and respite care in a warm, friendly environment.

RespiteResidential
From £1317/wk·Barchester Healthcare

Nestled between the tranquil Hurn and Avon Forest, Moors Manor in Ringwood is a purpose-built care home that offers exceptional residential, respite, and…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1350/wk

Parley Place Care Home is a premier facility offering top-notch residential, dementia, and respite care for the elderly in the charming village of West Parley,…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1455/wk·Encore Care Homes

Tucked away in the private woodlands of Bournemouth, you'll find Great Oaks, a meticulously designed Dorset care home. This Encore care home is dedicated to…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1100/wk·Independent Care Home

Nestled in the picturesque market town of Wimborne Minster, within the stunning county of Dorset, you'll find the Oakdene Care Home. This exceptional facility…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1195/wk·Care South

Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Bournemouth, you'll find Talbot View, a meticulously designed Care South facility, committed to delivering top-notch…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £835/wk·Care South

Nestled in the heart of Dorset, near the charming town of Poole, you'll find Elizabeth House - a warm and welcoming care home managed by Care South. This haven…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1545/wk·Care South

Nestled in the heart of Dorset, St Ives House is a modern care home that offers 60 beautifully appointed rooms, each featuring an en-suite wet room and a…

RespiteResidentialDementia
From £1145/wk·Amrial Care

Nestled in the heart of Bournemouth, Farway Grange is a family-run care home that has been providing outstanding long-term nursing, palliative, and respite…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing

The Links Care Home

CQC Outstanding
From £1400/wk·Bupa

Tucked away in the picturesque landscape of Dorset, The Links is a care home that specialises in providing top-notch residential, respite, nursing, dementia,…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing

Queensmount Care Home

CQC Outstanding
From £1315/wk·Bupa

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Bournemouth, Queensmount Care Home offers a warm, family-like environment that makes it a delightful place to reside.…

RespiteResidentialNursing
From £995/wk

Castle Dene is a Care South charity care home in Throop, Bournemouth, offering residential care in a calm, welcoming environment.

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1382/wk·Hamberley Care Homes

Nestled on the fringes of the enchanting New Forest, Verwood House care home is a haven of tranquillity, yet conveniently situated near the bustling town of…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1455/wk·Encore Care Homes

Nestled in the picturesque holiday haven of Poole in Dorset, Oakdale is a magnificent care home that offers top-notch residential, nursing, dementia,…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1025/wk

The Laurels & Pine Lodge is a Hartford Care home in Oakdale, Poole, Dorset, offering residential, dementia, respite, day and end-of-life care across 54…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
From £1275/wk·Bupa

Nestled near the stunning Dorset coast, The Lindsay in Poole is a compassionate care home that provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for individuals in need…

RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
What care costs in Ferndown
Residential (avg)
£1,293/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,273/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,351/week
Safety

39 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.

  • Anti-social behaviour12
  • Violent crime10
  • Shoplifting5
  • Other theft3

Is Ferndown a good retirement location?

Ferndown suits those seeking a gentler, retirement-focused setting with decent shops and social spaces nearby. The population is notably older than the UK average — three in ten residents are 65 or over — which means the area is geared to later-life living. Six care homes operate locally, most rated well by the CQC, offering a fair choice. It's not a major urban centre, so you'll depend on good transport links or family visits; affordability sits in the mid-range for the South West.

Health & support

  • Medical access: You'll have access to several GP surgeries and pharmacies in the town; the nearest hospital will be within reach for routine and emergency care, though distances vary depending on your specific location.
  • Safety: Recorded crime in the area runs at 39 offences in the latest reporting period, with anti-social behaviour and violent crime among the most common types — not unusually high by national standards, but worth noting if you're sensitive to local safety concerns.
  • Family & connection: Consider how close your family or support network is; Ferndown is quieter than a city, so regular visits or video calls will matter more if you're isolated.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Care-home fees in Ferndown sit in the mid-range for the South West; they tend to be above the national average, so factor this into your planning alongside any savings or state support you may be eligible for.
  • Transport: Buses run locally and link to nearby towns; rail connections are available, though not all homes are equally near public transport — ask individual providers about accessibility and how easy it is to visit or leave.
  • Housing options: Six care homes are registered locally, ranging roughly 60–75 beds each, with four rated good by the CQC and two awaiting their first inspection — a reasonable spread of choice.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: Three parks are accessible locally, offering space for walks and quiet time; the town has 15 restaurants and cafés and 5 pubs and bars, supporting both a social scene and everyday needs.
  • Community: Check whether care homes near you host social groups, memory cafés, or link to local clubs; Ferndown's strong older population means there's often good peer company and activity on offer.
  • Climate: South West England is mild year-round with moderate rainfall — generally kind to older knees and mobility, though winters are damp rather than snowy.

Things to weigh up

  • Mid-range fees: Costs are above the national average, so you'll want to compare individual homes and explore what state funding or savings can help bridge the gap.
  • Crime context: Anti-social behaviour and violent crime are recorded at a noticeable level; if personal security is a priority, visit homes at different times and ask current residents about their experience.
  • Quieter pace: The trade-off for a retirement-focused area is less buzz than a city; if you thrive on busy social life or easy access to cinemas, galleries and nightlife, you may feel the pace slower.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Ferndown?

There are 29 care homes listed in and around Ferndown on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.

How much does a care home in Ferndown cost?

Care homes in Ferndown range from around £835 to around £1,750 per week, with averages of £1,293 for residential, £1,273 for dementia, £1,351 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

How do care home fees in Ferndown compare to the national average?

The average residential care fee around Ferndown is about £1,293 per week — broadly in line with the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

Which care homes in Ferndown are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?

26 of the 29 care homes in and around Ferndown are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 3 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Ferndown?

Homes in and around Ferndown offer residential (29), respite (29), dementia (26), nursing (18). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Ferndown offer dementia care?

26 care homes in and around Ferndown offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.

Do any care homes in Ferndown offer respite care?

Yes — 29 care homes in and around Ferndown offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.

How safe is the Ferndown area?

Ferndown is graded A for safety on AskBart — safer than 76% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.

Can I get council funding for care in Ferndown?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Dorset Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.

What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Ferndown?

A care home's weekly fee in Ferndown usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.

What's the difference between residential and nursing care?

Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Ferndown may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.

Could the NHS pay for care in Ferndown?

If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.

How do I choose a care home in Ferndown?

Start by shortlisting homes in Ferndown by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.

Who regulates care homes in Ferndown?

Care homes in Ferndown are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.

What other nearby areas have care homes in Dorset?

If you're widening your search beyond Ferndown, nearby areas with care homes include Bournemouth, Dorchester, Gillingham, Poole and Sherborne. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

Talk to a Ferndown care expert.

Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.