Home Care & Support Bournemouth & Poole: 10 Local Providers

2. Bluebird Care Bournemouth & Poole

Bluebird Care Bournemouth & Poole is a locally operated home care provider offering personalised assistance to people who wish to remain independent in their own homes. Part of the national Bluebird Care network, the business supports individuals and families across Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas.

Its services include visiting home care, companionship, personal care, live-in care and overnight support. The company also provides specialist assistance for people living with dementia, Parkinson's disease, physical disabilities and other long-term conditions.

Bluebird Care develops individual care plans based on each person's needs and preferences, with support ranging from occasional companionship visits to more comprehensive daily assistance. Its services also include respite care and support for people requiring end-of-life care at home.

3. Home Instead Bournemouth & Christchurch

Home Instead Bournemouth & Christchurch provides personalised home care services designed to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. The local team serves Bournemouth, Christchurch, Southbourne, Highcliffe and surrounding communities.

The company's services include companionship, household help, personal care, dementia support, respite care and live-in care. Care professionals can assist with everyday activities such as meal preparation, shopping, attending appointments and maintaining social connections.

Home Instead places particular emphasis on matching care professionals with clients based on their individual personalities, interests and requirements. Support can be arranged for a few hours each week or on a more regular basis, with care plans adapted as circumstances change.

4. Right at Home Bournemouth & Poole

Right at Home Bournemouth & Poole is a home care provider supporting older adults and people with additional care needs throughout Bournemouth, Poole and nearby Dorset communities. The local service is rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Its range of services includes companionship, personal care, dementia care, respite care, live-in care and support following hospital discharge. Care professionals can also help with medication routines, meal preparation, household tasks and accompanying clients to appointments or social activities.

Right at Home develops personalised care and support plans around each individual's existing routines and preferences. The company aims to provide continuity through familiar care professionals, helping clients feel comfortable and supported while remaining in their own homes.

5. GoodOaks Homecare, Bournemouth & Poole

GoodOaks Homecare is a home care company founded in Bournemouth and Poole in 2011, providing visiting and live-in care throughout the local area and wider Dorset. The business focuses on personalised support that helps people remain independent in familiar surroundings.

Its visiting care services range from occasional short visits to regular daily assistance, covering personal care, companionship, household tasks, meal preparation and medication support. Live-in care is also available for individuals requiring more continuous assistance.

Alongside its home care services, GoodOaks runs Social Circles, providing opportunities for older adults to enjoy activities, conversation and social interaction in a welcoming environment. The company develops individual care plans and offers flexible arrangements to accommodate changing needs.

6. Helping Hands Home Care, Poole

Helping Hands Home Care is a national provider with a local team serving Poole and surrounding Dorset communities. With more than 30 years of experience in home care, the company offers flexible support to help individuals continue living independently.

Services include hourly visiting care, live-in care, companionship, personal care, dementia support and respite care. Care professionals can assist with everyday activities such as washing and dressing, meal preparation, shopping, medication routines and attending appointments.

The Poole team provides care across areas including Hamworthy, Oakdale, Parkstone and Whitecliff. Support can range from occasional short visits to more extensive arrangements, with individual care plans designed around each client's requirements and preferred routines.

7. Caremark Bournemouth

Caremark Bournemouth provides domiciliary care and practical home support for individuals living throughout Bournemouth and nearby areas, including Boscombe, Kinson, Pokesdown, Southbourne, Westbourne and Winton.

Its services cover personal care, companionship, home help, respite care, overnight care and live-in care. The company also provides specialist support for people living with dementia, physical disabilities, Parkinson's disease and other conditions affecting everyday independence.

Caremark Bournemouth develops personalised care plans that reflect each client's individual needs and preferences. Care assistants can help with daily routines, household tasks and maintaining social connections, with the level of support adjusted as circumstances develop.

8. Agincare, Poole

Agincare is a family-owned care provider established in 1986, with a local home care branch on Parkstone Road in Poole. The company provides professional domiciliary care and support throughout Poole and the surrounding Dorset area.

Its services include personal care, companionship, medication support, meal preparation, domestic assistance and help with everyday activities. The local team also supports individuals living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease and other conditions requiring additional assistance.

Agincare offers flexible home care visits, with individual care plans developed following an initial assessment. Its fully managed service includes trained care workers, local care coordination and regular reviews to ensure that support continues to meet each client's needs.

9. Altogether Care, Poole

Altogether Care is a family-owned care organisation with more than 35 years of experience providing care services across Dorset and the wider South West. Its Poole branch offers home care and support throughout the town and neighbouring areas, including Upton, Hamworthy, Parkstone, Broadstone and Corfe Mullen.

The company's care-at-home services include assistance with personal care, shopping, household tasks, laundry and other daily activities. It also provides live-in care and support for individuals with dementia and additional care requirements.

Altogether Care offers pre-arranged visits designed around each person's needs, allowing individuals to receive support while continuing to live in familiar surroundings. Its Poole home care service is registered with the Care Quality Commission and is rated Good.

10. Senior Befriending Service, Bournemouth & Poole

Senior Befriending Service is a local companionship and practical support business helping older people across Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding area. Founded by Cally McCluskey, the service focuses on reducing loneliness and helping older adults remain socially connected.

Its services include regular home visits, friendly conversation, shopping assistance, errands, accompanying clients to appointments and support with everyday activities. Befrienders can also help with meal preparation and accompany clients on social outings.

The service offers personalised companionship arrangements based on individual interests and requirements, with visits organised as frequently as needed. Senior Befriending Service also arranges social activities, providing opportunities for older people to meet others and maintain an active social life.

While home care allows people to remain in familiar surroundings, residential care may be more suitable for those requiring additional support or around-the-clock assistance. If you’re exploring both options, take a look at our guide to care homes in Bournemouth and Poole for information about local residential and nursing care facilities.

Choosing a Home Care & Support Provider in Bournemouth & Poole

Finding the right home care or support service is an important decision, particularly when arranging assistance for an older or vulnerable family member.

Some providers specialise in companionship and household assistance, while others offer regulated personal care, specialist dementia support or more comprehensive live-in services.

Before choosing a provider, consider the following:

• Type of support: Identify whether you need companionship, domestic assistance, personal care, specialist support or a combination of services.
• CQC registration: If the service involves regulated personal care, check that the provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission and review its latest inspection information.
• Experience and training: Ask about staff training, qualifications, safeguarding procedures and experience supporting people with similar needs.
• Continuity of care: Find out whether the same care professionals will attend regularly and how cover is arranged during holidays or illness.
• Flexibility: Consider whether support can be increased or reduced as requirements change, including short-term and emergency arrangements.
• Costs and contracts: Request a clear breakdown of charges, minimum visit lengths, cancellation policies and any additional fees.
• Communication: Ask how the provider keeps clients and family members informed, particularly when care needs change.
• Customer feedback: Read independent reviews and, where appropriate, ask about references or recommendations.

It’s worth speaking with several local providers before making a decision. An initial consultation or care assessment can help establish what services are suitable and how much support may be required.

FAQs About Home Care & Support in Bournemouth & Poole

What is the difference between home care and home help?

Home help generally focuses on practical assistance with everyday activities, such as cleaning, laundry, shopping, preparing meals and companionship.

Home care can include these services but may also involve personal care, such as assistance with washing, dressing, using the toilet and other daily routines.

Providers offering regulated personal care in England must be appropriately registered with the Care Quality Commission.

How much does home care cost in Bournemouth and Poole?

The cost of home care varies depending on the type of support, visit length, frequency and provider.

Practical home help and companionship may be charged at an hourly rate, while personal care, overnight support and live-in arrangements can involve different pricing structures.

For an accurate quotation, contact local providers and request an assessment of your requirements. Make sure you understand any minimum visit lengths and additional charges.

Can I arrange home care for just a few hours each week?

Yes. Many local providers offer flexible support, ranging from occasional companionship visits or household assistance to several care visits each day.

Some companies have minimum visit lengths or regular booking requirements, so it’s worth checking these before arranging a service.

What does a companionship service include?

Companionship services provide social interaction, conversation and practical assistance for people who may feel isolated or need additional support.

Activities might include sharing a cup of tea, playing games, going for walks, shopping, attending appointments or enjoying hobbies together.

Some companionship providers also offer light domestic assistance and meal preparation, depending on the service arranged.

How do I know if a home care provider is registered with the CQC?

You can search for registered home care providers on the Care Quality Commission’s website.

CQC listings show registration details, inspection reports and ratings where available. Not every registered provider has been inspected or awarded a rating.

Services limited to companionship or general household help do not necessarily require CQC registration. However, businesses providing regulated personal care must meet the applicable registration requirements.

Can home care support someone living with dementia?

Yes. Many home care providers offer specialist dementia support, helping individuals maintain familiar routines and remain in their own homes where appropriate.

Care may include assistance with daily activities, personal care, meals, companionship and maintaining a safe environment.

When choosing a provider, ask about dementia-specific training, experience and how care plans are adapted as needs change.

Is live-in care available in Bournemouth and Poole?

Yes. Several providers serving Bournemouth and Poole offer live-in care, where a care professional stays in the client’s home to provide ongoing assistance and companionship.

This can be an alternative to residential care for some individuals, depending on their health, support requirements and living arrangements.

Live-in care does not automatically mean one carer provides uninterrupted assistance 24 hours a day. Ask about working hours, breaks, overnight needs and arrangements for additional care.

Can home care be arranged after a hospital stay?

Yes. Home care can provide additional support following hospital discharge, illness or surgery.

Depending on individual needs, assistance may include preparing meals, supporting mobility, managing daily routines and helping someone regain confidence at home.

Hospital discharge teams and local adult social care services can advise on assessments and suitable arrangements where additional support is required.

Can home care provide respite for family carers?

Many providers offer respite care, allowing unpaid family carers to take a temporary break while their relative continues receiving support.

Respite arrangements may include occasional visits, additional daily assistance, overnight care or short-term live-in support.

The appropriate arrangement depends on the individual’s care needs and the availability of suitable care professionals.

Is financial help available towards home care?

Some people may be eligible for financial assistance from their local council, depending on their assessed care needs and financial circumstances.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council can arrange a care needs assessment and, where appropriate, a financial assessment to establish whether the council can contribute towards eligible care costs.

Certain benefits may also help individuals manage additional care or disability-related expenses. The NHS and local advice organisations provide guidance on available support.

How quickly can home care services be arranged?

The time required depends on the type of care, the individual’s needs and the provider’s availability.

Simple companionship or domestic support may be relatively straightforward to arrange, while specialist or more intensive care may require a detailed assessment and additional planning.

If support is needed urgently, contact providers directly to discuss their availability and whether an appropriate care package can be arranged.

Can home care services help with cleaning and shopping?

Yes. Many home care and home support providers offer help with cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal preparation and other practical household tasks.

These services can be particularly useful for older people, those recovering from illness or anyone finding everyday activities difficult to manage independently.

Not every provider offers the same domestic services, so check exactly what is included before arranging assistance.

Additional Resources

For independent information about home care, support services and choosing a suitable provider, the following organisations offer useful guidance.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Its website allows you to search for registered home care providers and review their inspection reports and ratings.

• Find Home Care Agencies – CQC

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

BCP Council provides information about adult social care, home care services, eligibility assessments and financial support for people who need help living independently.

• Home Care Providers – BCP Council

NHS – Social Care and Support Guide

The NHS offers guidance on arranging care at home, finding suitable services, assessing support needs and understanding potential costs.

• NHS Social Care and Support Guide

Age UK Bournemouth, Poole & East Dorset

Age UK provides information, advice and services supporting older people locally, including activities aimed at reducing loneliness and improving independence.

• Visit Age UK

Find Local Home Care & Support Services

Whether you’re looking for companionship, occasional help around the house, assistance with personal care or more comprehensive support for a family member, Bournemouth and Poole have a range of local providers offering different services.

Explore the businesses listed above, compare their experience and areas of expertise, and contact suitable providers to discuss your requirements.

Taking time to understand the available options can help you find a service that offers the right level of practical assistance, reassurance and support while maintaining independence at home.