The Firs

186 Grange Road, Felixstowe IP11 2QF
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9.8 130 Reviews
  • The Firs, Felixstowe
Anchor’s The Firs in Felixstowe is a purpose-built care home, providing quality care and facilities within a comfortable and relaxing environment. The home continues to welcome new residents and it is set in its own gardens for customers and their families to enjoy.

The home provides residential care which is personally tailored to meet the individual needs of customers and enhance their quality of life. The care team works with customers and their loved ones to create detailed care plans to ensure each individual’s health and care needs are continually met.

Anchor offers dementia care and provides on-going training for staff to ensure their approach always reflects best practice.

Anchor is England’s largest provider of housing and care for those over 55 years of age and has 60 years of experience as a not-for-profit provider of services to older people. Anchor reinvests the money made into their retirement properties and care homes, to continually raise standards to provide a high-quality service to surpass the customer’s expectations.

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Care Provided by The Firs

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 40 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Colleen Farrow (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Please contact The Firs directly to discuss yours or your loved ones' care needs.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (40)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (40)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2006

Funding & Fees Guide for The Firs

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,466
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,466
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,466
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,466

  • Our colleagues at The Firs will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding our fees and what is included in our fees.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Firs to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome at The Firs.


  • Parking

  • Onsite parking is available, including disabled spaces.


The Firs Reviews (130)

Total of 130, showing 41-60
9.8

The Firs has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.816) out of 10, based on 39 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Firs has 130 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 90
  • 37
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

130
10
24
39
91

Review from Lynn N (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment Mum came in for respite care, and then full-time care, we, as a family, have found this to be a reassuring experience, in what has been a difficult time. Apart from the care given to Mum, which has been excellent, all carers have taken time to help her settle, everyone from the office
staff to carers has been so pleasant to the family. They always make us feel so welcome, always giving us plenty of time and reassurance too. Always updating us on how Mum is, this has been invaluable and Mum is happy too. Couldn't have asked for more.

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Review from Nicholas R (Resident) published on 27 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I think The Firs is a good place to be. The staff are generally very good. The only fault I can bring is against the lack of staff, everything boils down to the lack of staff. There is a lack of morale, which could be remedied by having a routine of serving clients first at breakfast. The number of
times I sit in the lounge and have to wait an hour for a cup of tea before I get it and it happens most days, this is at breakfast time. I do feel that if this is dealt with, it would improve morale a lot. I am sorry about my writing, I do have Parkinsons.

Reply from Susan Gibson, Manager at The Firs

Thank you for taking the time to review The Firs and we are pleased that you rate our care and support as excellent. We calculate our staffing levels using a dependency tool to ensure that we have the required number of colleagues to meet our residents' needs. We will discuss the matters you have raised directly with you to ensure all aspects of life at The Firs are to your satisfaction.


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Review from M R (Wife of Resident) published on 20 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An excellent genuinely caring home from home. I am very grateful to The Firs for supporting my husband every day here, so professionally and with the best care I have seen at any residential home, in my lifetime. The home is immaculately clean at every visit. All the staff are always welcoming and friendly
towards me and very helpful at every visit and take the time to listen to me if I have any queries.

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Review from Milly M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are all very kind. Very nice to be offered a cup of tea. Everything looks good!

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Review from M M (Son of Resident) published on 13 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This is only the fourth time at The Firs to visit my dad. On all visits, my experience of The Firs has been positive with all aspects of the visit.

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Review from A M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everything looks very clean and tidy. All of the staff were friendly and helpful.

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Review from Loraine C (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My experience of The Firs in 5 weeks is that they respond very quickly to any issues you have. The staff are very caring and friendly. Management team is very good. I feel my mum is getting good care.
Mum's room is cosy and well-equipped.

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Review from C W (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Always get a friendly greeting when we arrive. Feel that Mum is well-loved and respected. We do appreciate the staff and know they do a very difficult (and worthwhile) job with care and consideration. We do recommend The Firs to other family members and friends.

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Review from S F (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home is always welcoming and the residents look happy and well cared for. The food looks appetising and there is plenty of choice. There is a good activities programme and the residents are treated with respect. The staff from all departments are excellent.

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Review from Victor G (Son of Resident) published on 24 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fresh, clean and tidy. Caring and friendly staff.

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Review from T S (Wife of Resident) published on 23 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband came here with a multitude of different problems we were not able to cope with at home. Within a couple of weeks, the staff have been kindly and supportive and found solutions so he has become manageable and a pleasure to be with. He's even communicating again, eating and drinking again.
He's made comments that the food is wonderful. It's his appetite that isn't great! I've always been welcomed in to see him and the staff have been really supportive through this difficult transfer for all of us.

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Review from L H (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really good. First time I have used any care home. Brilliant staff, so clean and really impressed. Thank you.

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Review from J F (Wife of Resident) published on 20 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone who works at The Firs has been most helpful and happy. Very lovely experience. Thank you.

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Review from Kenneth H (Husband of Resident) published on 26 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs staff are always jolly, helpful and kind.

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Review from Gill P (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So pleased that I chose The Firs for my mum - such a caring, professional and friendly environment. They go above and beyond to give my mum the care she needs, while still encouraging her independence. Since becoming a resident in July 2021, I have seen my mum's confidence and wicked sense of humour
return - a sure sign she feels safe and secure, but more importantly, happy. I cannot praise the staff at The Firs highly enough.

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Review from Diane G (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise the staff at The Firs highly enough for providing such incredible care for my mother over the years she was a resident. All aspects of her well being were provided for with love and affection at all times. Her recent passing was dealt with both respect and deep sadness. I am so pleased
that she was able to spend her final years in such an excellent care home as The Firs.

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Review from Roland G (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 21 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law was a resident at The Firs for many years. Her care throughout was exemplary. All staff were very supportive at all times throughout both day and night. All aspects of her needs were met with both dignity and respect.

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Review from Julie G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my mum moved into The Firs in May, I have been very pleased with the level of care she has received. She has previously been through several months of upheaval hospital stays (not helped by covid) but has settled in well. She is content and relaxed after previously being quite anxious. Everyone
from office staff, handyman, cleaners, carers and the managers are always friendly and welcoming and treat mum with respect. You get the feeling that they genuinely want the best for the residents.

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Review from D H (Son of Resident) published on 9 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a family, we have been very happy with the care that our mother has received at The Firs. Mum's introduction and first year have coincided with the COVID19 pandemic which has made the transition so much more challenging for her, the family and the home. But we have been reassured by regular FaceTime
phone calls and have letters sent regularly. The care staff have supported Mum through the transition and she herself says she is happy and settled in the home.

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Review from Lesley D (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

No comfort was given, apart from the hard chair. Wasn’t allowed to sit in a comfortable chair. Also given shower cap, but they blocked the shower, so we couldn’t use it if we wanted to. No management came near us until she died. Didn’t even receive a sympathy card. I feel my mothers death was horrible
and very stressful, died very unhappy. No, I wouldn’t recommend this home now for people without dementia or end of life.

Reply from Susan Gibson, Home Manager at The Firs

Thank you for taking the time to review The Firs. We are sorry to hear about the matters raised and your issues with the comfort of the chair. A padded dining room chair was provided for you, in line with current covid cleaning guidance. Hospice care was requested and hospice nurses and the GP ensured that appropriate end of life care was provided to your mother. We supported family members with comfort boxes, visits and ensured that family members were updated regarding your mother. Members of our team came in out of hours to support and also attended her funeral.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.816)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.816) out of 10 for The Firs is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 39 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 39 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.816 for The Firs is calculated as follows: ( (382 Excellents x 5) + (74 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 461 Ratings = 4.816

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Firs is based on 39 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 39 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 16 Dec 2022

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

2 Bed Vacancies

posted 03 Mar 2025

We currently have two vacancies for care. Please contact The Firs directly for further details.


Awards / Recognitions (10)

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