Last week, I stepped inside a care home for the very first time. Like many people who suddenly find themselves arranging care for a loved one, I had no real idea of what to expect. Cheriton Care Home in Dorchester, with its Tudor-style exterior and welcoming atmosphere, was my introduction to this world.
My name is Ben and a week ago, I began my new role as a Marketing Associate at Agincare. In my very first week, I had the privilege of visiting Cheriton Care Home; my first visit not only to an Agincare service, but to any care home at all.
Standing before the two wings of the impressive Cheriton Care Home, I found myself in a position familiar to anyone exploring care for a loved one for the first time. It’s not unusual for someone uncertain about whether a care home is the right choice to picture a gated, detached community. Somewhere clinical, impersonal, with dim rooms and chairs adorning the edges.
I shared that perception, but embraced the chance to discover why thousands of families trust Agincare each year, and to see firsthand what sets Agincare apart from other care providers.
First Impressions: A Manager Who Truly Cares
I stepped into Cheriton Care Home with completely fresh eyes, eager to learn what really goes on day to day and to see how the work I do behind the scenes in Marketing connects to the people living and working there.
First entering the care home, I met Matt Dennis-Andrews, the Registered Manager, who was warm and welcoming. As we spoke, it was clear just how much he cares for both the residents and his team. He did not just talk about the home in terms of facts and figures, but in terms of people, stories and the sense of family that Cheriton has built.
The pride he takes in leading the home came through in everything he said, from new initiatives to everyday examples of the team going the extra mile for residents.
Personal Touches That Make a Difference
After a cup of tea with Matt, another member of the office team, Andy, guided me on a tour of the care home. His pride in the place was clear straight away.
As we walked the corridors, he pointed out the little details that make the home feel like, well, a home. Personal details embellished every aspect of the home, from the corridors to each room, decorated by the individual residents. What’s more, each resident’s door was unique, and designed to resemble the front door to a house. Letter boxes and door knockers joined brass numbers with each door painted a different colour.
No two doors looked the same, and that individuality carried through into the rooms themselves. Some had family photos on the walls, others had favourite armchairs or ornaments brought from home. Andy explained that residents are encouraged to make their space their own, which not only helps them settle in but also keeps a sense of familiarity and comfort. It was a small detail, but it spoke volumes about the ethos of Cheriton Care Home, this is a place where individuality is celebrated, not lost.
A Selection of Rooms Ready to View at Cheriton Care Home Dorchester
Along the tour, I was shown the range of rooms available to residents. They varied in size and layout depending on individual needs and preferences, but all felt comfortable and laid out to suit varying needs.
Whether a loved one prefers a cosy space, a room with an ensuite or desires direct access to the variety of outdoor spaces, Cheriton has options for everyone. In the middle of each wing is a lovely courtyard with a fountain that, at midday, proved a relaxing suntrap made vibrant by the colourful flowerbeds tended to by the residents.
Beyond the rooms, we stepped outside to see the larger outdoor areas with a memory garden, a colourful patio filled with more flowers and plenty of seating spaces where residents can relax and spend time with visitors.
Creativity and Connection with Faith
The vibrant, light-filled rooms at Cheriton were complemented by the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the care team, residents, and the close relationships they share.
As I walked through Cheriton Care Home, every care worker greeted me with a friendly smile, while residents were eager to sit down and chat about their home and the many things they enjoy about life there.
I also met Faith, the activities co-ordinator, whose enthusiasm was infectious. She talked me through the wide range of activities on offer, from exercise sessions to visits from the local pre-school, and special bike rides where residents sit up front while someone pedals for them. An activity organised in partnership with Cycling Without Age.
Faith was eager to introduce me to Linda who was enjoying some Halloween themed colouring. Halloween pictures, with pumpkins and autumn leaves with bright oranges and deep reds, ready to decorate the home in October. Linda proudly showed us her work and chatted about which colours she wanted to use next. It was a simple activity, but it captured how creative opportunities like this keep minds active while also bringing a sense of connection to national celebrations and the changing of seasons
An Impromptu Photoshoot with Residents
In the central courtyard of the Maumbury Wing, Faith introduced us to a couple of other residents, Hazel and Dennis. The sun was shining and they were all smiles, clearly enjoying the day. As we chatted, one resident Hazel drew attention to my suit and reminisced on her own career. We laughed as she explained how women were only allowed to wear dresses and skirts at the time, but, in an act of defiance, demanded the option to wear trousers instead. Eventually, everyone was given the choice, and she spoke about it with real pride. It was a small story, but it said so much about her character and the life she has lived.
Another lovely moment came when we mentioned the idea of taking some photos. Dennis lit up at the suggestion, clearly excited at the thought of being involved. Seeing that spark of joy made everything feel much more real and personal. It is one thing to hear about the care that goes on, but another to meet the people whose lives are being positively shaped by it.
At that moment it hit me. The work we do behind the scenes at Agincare is ultimately about making life easier, happier and more fulfilling for people. It’s about guiding families through their care journey to ensure everyone has the opportunity to find care that truly supports them. From what I saw, Cheriton Care Home is delivering exactly that.
Reflections on My First Visit
What stood out to me most throughout my visit was the atmosphere. The home felt warm, lively and welcoming. Staff members greeted residents by name, checked in on them with genuine interest and always seemed ready to share a laugh or a chat. The sense of community was strong. This was not just a place where people lived, it was somewhere they could truly belong.
Walking away from my first ever care home visit, I felt inspired and motivated. It reminded me that the work we do at Agincare is not just about marketing or behind the scenes tasks. It is about real people, real families and making everyday life that little bit easier for them.
Cheriton Care Home in Dorchester showed me exactly what good care looks like in practice: respect, dignity and joy woven into daily life. It felt like a genuine home, not just a place to live, and that comes down to the fantastic team who make it comfortable, welcoming and full of life. It also showed me what it means to be part of a family company like Agincare, where individuality and community are always put first.
For me personally, the visit connected my role to the bigger picture. The work I do plays a part in sharing these stories and helping more people discover the difference our care homes make.
If you are considering care for yourself or a loved one, or if you simply want to learn more about what Agincare does, I encourage you to take a look around our website, arrange a visit and see the warmth of our homes for yourself.
Unsure where to start? Our expert care advisors are available 24/7 to answer your questions. They can guide you through the range of care options, explain the funding and assessment process, and book a visit or assessment.