St Marys

Woodlands Road, Holbrook, Ipswich IP9 2PS
Submit a Review
9.7 142 Reviews
  • St Marys, Ipswich
St Marys, in Ipswich, is a purpose-built facility supporting up to 60 older people to live a comfortable lifestyle, as well as offering dementia care. It is located in an idyllic peninsula setting in the village of Holbrook.

The home continues to welcome new residents for a range of residential care services, including convalescence care, respite care, trial stays, and long term care for those who can no longer look after themselves.

The St Marys care team gets to know their customers and works with them to organise wellness activities which match individual and group interests, both in the care home and the local community. Each customer’s individual needs are regularly assessed to ensure their care plans meet their lifestyle requirements. Meals are cooked fresh and from locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients where possible by a highly trained catering team.

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.

Show St Marys on the Map

Care Provided by St Marys

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Anna Dabrowska (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Please contact St Marys directly to discuss yours or your loved ones' care needs.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (60)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (59)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for St Marys

  • 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 £1,255
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,255
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,255
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,255

  • Our colleagues at St Marys 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 St Marys to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

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

  • Visitors are welcome at St Marys.


  • Parking

  • Onsite parking is available, including disabled spaces.


St Marys Reviews (142)

Total of 142, showing 61-80
9.7

St Marys has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.725) out of 10, based on 34 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time St Marys has 142 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 105
  • 36
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

142
6
15
34
108

Review from Michael M (Son of Resident) published on 25 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is very happy, has a nice room, feels very secure and really likes the food!
All the staff are helpful and friendly. We are looking forward to being able to use the garden in the spring/summer.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M M (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad was placed in St Marys in May with his dementia. We were really concerned about this as Dad had always said do not put me in a home; he has always been a very private person and not mixed much. But, unfortunately, it had to happen. We decided to go for this home as he had previously had to do
the same thing with his own mother, and after looking around a few, he chose this one. He has settled in really well, and this is down to the staff all being so friendly and helpful. They keep you very informed about what is going on with your loved one.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D B (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 5 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

While staying in St Marys, I experienced a very caring environment. The staff do all they can to care for your needs and comfort. They give you personal, friendly attention.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Caroline D (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always cheerful staff, happy to help. St Marys offers lots of activities for residents, encouraging their interests and developing new ones.
The residents take an active role in how the days are planned, and their thoughts are welcomed. My mother feels she makes a valued contribution to daily life
at the home and loves being busy getting involved.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Julie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

If you are looking for the perfect care home - look no further.
You would not want for anything more.
It is bright, colourful and bursting with life.
The care team connect with your loved ones; they are fantastic. Always caring, empathetic, energetic and happy.
They are so enthusiastic and seem
really to enjoy their jobs so much.
My loved one is cared for to the highest standard, and she genuinely seems happy and content.
Placing a loved one in care is never an easy decision. It’s an emotional roller coaster that plays heavily on your heart.
But, in the end, I know I made the right decision in placing my loved one at St Marys.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lou B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at St Marys are absolutely wonderful, each resident is treated as an individual with outstanding care and attention.
Questions are answered straight away, and everything is done to include each person’s needs and characteristics.
During Covid, our mum has been kept safe and well with the
usual routines being followed wherever possible - an incredible achievement!
Well done, everyone, at St Marys! My sister and I are grateful to you all.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Throughout the pandemic and lockdown, St Mary's cared for Mum with many organised and fun activities. They stayed Covid free throughout, which was a relief to us all.
My mother passed away at St Mary's in July 2021. We were kept informed in the period leading up to her final days and were allowed to
visit and stay with her in her room during the day and overnight when it was felt that we should be with her. All the staff made sure they popped in to speak to her and say goodbye, which meant a lot to us.
We would like to thank everyone and are very grateful for everything they did for Mum.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jane P (Niece of Resident) published on 27 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful place to live with very caring workers. My aunt has settled amazingly well there! At 99 years of age, I was worried that she would miss her old home and friends, but she is very content. I would recommend this home to anyone wanting a safe and comfortable place for their loved ones.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M R (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was in St Marys for 18-months during the Covid pandemic. We felt so grateful she was somewhere we were comfortable with and safe as they remained Covid free. As restrictions reduced, we were able to visit, but my mum became end of life. We were able to have six days of quality time; she was so
well cared for and loved by staff - it helped our family cope with her death. We are so grateful to St Marys.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Chris S (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our first experience of St Marys was when my wife and I visited the home to see if we felt it was to be suitable for our mum. On first entering the home, we immediately felt a lovely, caring atmosphere and like a home, not a "hotel". Management was very informative and assuring. As Mum moved in, we
soon established we had made the right choice. She settled very quickly and was made very comfortable. Towards the end of her life, the staff were very compassionate to both her and the family. Well done, St Marys!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Simon C (Son of Resident) published on 4 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has enjoyed a number of years in the care of the staff at St Mary's.
Since the group has taken over, what a good level of care to a very high standard. At the centre, if this for those of us who cannot visit often is the exceptional level of communication. Keeping us informed during Covid
times of processes and activity. Last night, my mother, who has severe dementia, had a fall and lost consciousness. Both my sister and I had received calls before the ambulance had arrived, and we were kept informed and updated until her recovery and return to her happy place. We can only admire the care and commitment to our elderly and confused (but happy) mother.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Robert S (Son of Resident) published on 22 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum was moved to St Marys from another care home in August 2020. It was a struggle in the first couple of months to settle Mum down. In fact, it is no understatement to say that the management was very concerned about whether they could meet Mum's care needs. I did think at the time that we would be
faced to move Mum to another care home. However, the management and staff pulled out all the stops and succeeded. I was so relieved. St Marys is a "no-frills" care home, but the level of support provided to Mum has been excellent. We are all so pleased we moved Mum to St Marys.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Laura H (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

St Marys has provided exemplary care for our Mum since she went in just before the first lockdown. We have been kept fully up to date by the staff, who have managed the home fantastically throughout. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend - in fact, I have - my mother-in-law is coming to stay next week!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Biddy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Well 2020 has certainly bought everyone new challenges especially for those in and running care homes.
I am thankful that St Mary’s has met the challenge full-on and has managed to navigate the required changes with ease.
In spite of not being able to have “normal” visits we have been able to have
window visits which at least allows both resident and visitor some sort of connection.
The staff are now getting ready to navigate the next challenge of vaccine administration and inside visits. I feel confident in their ability to organise this and I am grateful that my mother is safe and cared for and we as families are kept up to date on the sometimes daily changes.
My mother has a phone in her room, so we can at least keep up with her and she with us.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend St Mary’s to anyone looking for a well run, happy and safe residence.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Clare C (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has lived at St Mary's for more than 8 years and the care and companionship they provide has been wonderful. At every stage of her dementia they have put her first and any necessary changes have been made with thought, affection and compassion. The last year has been tough, as I've been unable
to visit, but staff have kept up my spirits with a wide variety of interactions online and over the phone. Their careful planning and handling of COVID restrictions gives me confidence I will be able to visit safely very soon.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Nick B (Son of Resident) published on 20 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum arrived in a bit of a state having had a fall and now needing constant watchful support she was transferred directly from the hospital. I think it was a confusing time for her but the staff have been very welcoming and supportive, taking the time to get to know mum and gradually introducing her
to the activities and life at St Mary's. Six weeks on and mum is much more settled, cheerful and interacting well with after being so isolated at home. A huge thank you to everyone at St Mary's.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Susan R (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everything at St Marys is wonderful. My mum has had such wonderful care since she moved in in February. She has had some difficulties but all the staff have been so kind and caring through these difficult times. It was such a relief through lockdown that I knew Mum was safe and extremely well looked
after. We are kept well informed about everything that is happening in the home. Outside visits are well organised and such an important part to keep Mum's spirits up. Thank you to all the wonderful staff.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Natalie B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law moved into St Marys in June. This followed a difficult time for mum, both physically as well as mentally, as she was isolated in her flat during the Covid-19 lockdown. The team at St Marys has been wonderful in helping to make the transition as smooth as possible. This has been very
reassuring for my husband too, and when we visit now (socially distanced) it is so warming to see mum happy and to know that she is enjoying her new home, and engaging with other residents. Thank you to the team for putting a smile back on her face, your care and compassion is, and always will be, appreciated.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 29 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been in St. Marys for a year and a half and has been exceptionally happy. He enjoys the food, the care and attention and the company. He is well looked after by caring, enthusiastic and very patient staff. The staff are now all employed by the home, rather than shared agency workers, which
is great for ongoing understanding and familiarity. A bonus of that this year is that it helped keep COVID out completely. The hotel-like buildings are fully clean and suitably equipped. We were so fortunate to find this care home just ahead of Dad needing it.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from I (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 25 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother and stepfather moved to St Mary’s 2 years ago and the staff were exceptionally helpful in accommodating them with rooms opposite each other. From then until my mother recently passed away aged 96, they had the best care and were wonderfully looked after. Since my mother’s death, the staff
have been particularly caring to my stepfather and he is very happy there. It really is like one big happy family, and we are always made welcome when we visit. I would definitely recommend St Mary’s having been through the trauma of finding suitable accommodation for two very reluctant parents.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.725)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.725) out of 10 for St Marys is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 34 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 34 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 4.725 for St Marys is calculated as follows: ( (293 Excellents x 5) + (99 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 397 Ratings = 4.725

  • 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 St Marys is based on 34 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 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 34 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: 6 Dec 2023

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

3 Bed Vacancies

posted 03 Mar 2025

We currently have three vacancies for care. Please contact St Marys for further details.


Awards / Recognitions (2)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (0)

There are no Team Members posted yet