Cheriton Care Home celebrates ‘Good’ CQC rating by appointing chosen charity

February 4, 2025

The team at our Cheriton Care Home in Dorchester celebrated their recent CQC ‘Good’ rating by appointing Dorchester Family Support as their chosen charity for 2025. 

CQC inspectors assessed the home on November 11th, with the report published on January 30th.

Inspectors highlighted how residents felt safe, with one resident stating, “It’s the best home I’ve been in. I’m safe, and the staff are just superb.”

Feedback from visiting professionals was equally positive, with one noting, “I always find the staff, carers, seniors, and the manager very open and helpful.”

Inspectors also praised the home’s “proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty,” as well as its commitment to best practices.

A Care Home With A Difference

The Cheriton team celebrating their recent ‘Good’ CQC rating

Cheriton Care Home is led by experienced care professional Matthew Dennis-Andrews, who became the registered manager in 2024. With over 20 years of experience in the health and social care sector, Matt plays a key role in maintaining the home’s high standards and warm, positive culture.

Expressing his pride in the landmark achievement for the home, Matt said:

“I could not be prouder that Cheriton has received a ‘Good’ CQC rating, especially in all key areas.

We are so proud to provide a warm and supportive home to our wonderful residents, getting to know them all and their families over the last year has been such a privilege.

“Our ‘Good’ rating reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team—everyone from maintenance and kitchen staff to the activity coordinators and our wonderful care workers have all played their part.

“Everyone at Cheriton is keen to support the Dorchester community for the year ahead, so to work with a local lifeline like Dorchester Family Support was a real honour.

The Cheriton Team with Sally (far left) and Kath (far right) from Dorchester Family Support

Proud To Support A Community Lifeline

Over the last few months, residents and staff have donated food parcels and contributed a £100 donation to help combat holiday hunger for children entitled to free school meals in the DT1 and DT2 areas.

Kath Joslin, trustee of Dorchester Family Support, expressed her gratitude:

“Thank you to the staff and residents at Cheriton Care Home for all their support.

“Donations are needed more than ever, and we are truly grateful.”

Cheriton Care Home Registered Manager Matt Dennis-Andrews with Activity Co-ordinator Amber with Kath and Sally from Dorchester Family Support

A Positive Culture of Fundraising

Spearheaded by the care team and residents, Cheriton Care Home has a long track record of fundraising for local community initiatives and good causes. In fact, when you walk into the office, you’ll see row upon row of thank you cards from local organisations and schools!

Supporting the Salvation Army’s harvest festival appeal in late 2024

In 2024, Nick, the home’s chef, baked an array of cupcakes, macarons, and brownies for Weymouth’s SummerFest charity festival, raising over £400 for local charity Cycling Without Age.

Cheriton Care Home Registered Manager Matt Dennis-Andrew and chef Nick Ryan presenting a cheque to Cycling Without Age volunteers

Having just handed over their first batch of donations, the Cheriton team looks forward to continuing their work with Dorchester Family Support throughout the year.

Life at Cheriton Care Home

There’s always something going on at Cheriton!

Cheriton Care Home is ideally situated just off the main road into Dorchester, boasting a large accessible drive that can accommodate a large number of visitors at one time.

Providing a warm and secure home for up to seventy residents, Cheriton features spacious communal, well-maintained gardens and two large dining rooms for all residents to enjoy.

The home’s experienced care team provide high-quality 24-hour residential, respite and reablement care to people living with a range of needs, including specialist dementia support.

Click below to experience a virtual tour of the Cheriton Care Home

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