Abbots Care Limited (East Dorset branch)

Updated 18 March 2026

This inspection took place between 23 and 26 March 2026. At the time of the inspection, the service was supporting 37 people who were receiving personal care
Abbots Care Limited (East Dorset branch) is a domiciliary care service providing the regulated activity of personal care to people living in their own homes.
We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

The service supports people with a range of needs, including those receiving treatment for disease, disorder or injury, and people living with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory impairments or dementia. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects services where personal care is provided, which includes support with tasks such as personal hygiene and eating. Where personal care is delivered, wider aspects of social care are also considered.

People were supported by staff who knew them well and had a good understanding of their individual needs and preferences. People and their relatives were provided with information about the service, including how to raise concerns or make a complaint. The provider had an established complaints process and supported people to share any concerns. Systems were in place to ensure people could access the care, support and treatment they required when they needed it.

Staff followed appropriate procedures to reduce the risk and spread of infection and worked promptly with relatives and senior staff if they had concerns about a person’s health or wellbeing. The provider promoted and supported staff wellbeing, enabling staff to consistently deliver person-centred care. People and relatives told us staff were skilled, motivated and committed to their roles.
Governance arrangements were in place, including regular audits and open communication with people, relatives, and staff. Managers were visible, approachable, and engaged, and they fostered a culture of openness and responsiveness to feedback.
 

Updated 18 March 2026

People and their relatives spoke positively about the care provided and said they felt safe receiving support from Abbots Care Limited (East Dorset). One relative told us, “The staff have the training and know how to manage complex needs, they keep sending the same people that understand [person].” People were supported by a consistent team of care workers, which helped them to build trusting relationships. Relatives said care workers knew their family member well and were polite, respectful and professional in their approach. One relative said, “They do understand [person], they know them very well, (person)knows them. They make sure they send the same and the right people to support (person), so they know.”

Care staff listened to people and took time to understand what mattered to them, including how they preferred to be supported. People were involved in decisions about their care, and their choices were respected. Staff encouraged people to remain as independent as possible and provided support only where this was needed.