St Marys

Woodlands Road, Holbrook, Ipswich IP9 2PS
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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.

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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 81-100
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

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  • 36
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Date Published

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Review from Deborah H (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

St Marys provides an excellent standard of care for residents. The staff are friendly and always go the extra yard to help. My father has been here for 2 years and I am delighted that I chose St Marys, it has helped me enormously to know Dad is being cared for so well. He loves it too!

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Review from Clare P (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that the manager and her team have given my dad both before and during the Coronavirus pandemic has been completely amazing. We feel so grateful to everyone and it has been immensely reassuring to know that Dad is safe and happy. Nothing is too much bother for any staff member and they know
Dad so well. Particularly moving were the efforts made to celebrate VE Day. Dad was involved so brilliantly. The carers seem to know just how to encourage the residents to keep as active as possible, and also to remain positive. The cleanliness of the home and empathetic care and attention to detail for personalised care for each resident just cannot be faulted. Thank you.

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Review from James B (Son of Resident) published on 18 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have continued to be very pleased with the care that my mother is receiving at St Mary's. This is a most difficult time and although we live in the same village it has been very difficult not being able to actually visit. The manager has been amazing and has arranged video conferencing and video
and phone contact which has been no trouble. I am looking forward to fixing up a socially distanced meeting in the gazebo! It has been good to follow the resident's entertainments, etc. on Twitter.

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Review from Lisa A (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Trying times right now but we are reassured and updated regularly on Mum’s care.
So happy Mum moved here...she has settled in so well and is receiving wonderful care from the amazing team at St.Marys. Without being able to invite in any external groups to provide entertainment/activities the carers
have all done so well to take on this task themselves.
So lucky to have remained Covid free, thank goodness!
Just wonderful!

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Review from Colin R (Son of Resident) published on 17 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care and attention that my mother receives at St Mary's is far more than I ever expected. She has only been there since December 2019 but, despite her developing dementia, she now sees it very much as home. The residents always have a wide range of morning and afternoon activities to keep them occupied,
and the food always looks and smells great. My mother is prone to certain recurring medical issues, but the carers are always totally professional in helping her get through them. During the current coronavirus outbreak St Mary's look to be doing everything they can to ensure that all residents are safe and well. The new manager has been particularly good at keeping family and friends of residents up to date with what is going on. I would certainly recommend St Mary's to anyone.

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Review from Victoria W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are all very good and very kind to Grandma. They always make me feel very welcome and are so helpful when I am there; I never feel in the way. Grandma seems very happy there and often comments how nice it is.

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Review from David B (Son of Resident) published on 16 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What greater test for a care home could there be than having to weather the storm of a viral pandemic? With many of the residents unaware of what is happening in the world, the manager and her team of hard-working carers have continued to offer a tip-top service with love and care for their guests and
all with a smile on their faces. At a time when so many of us would like one-to-one contact with all our family members, to know that all those in St Marys are getting the care and attention we would want for them is unbeatable. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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Review from Dean B (Son of Resident) published on 14 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Staff make this home what it is: a safe, friendly, welcoming and warm. Nothing is ever too much trouble. The manager has injected fun and enthusiasm, and of course professionalism. I have every confidence in the care and attention the staff provide and of the approach and decisions by management.
Involvement by relatives and friends is actively encouraged. I wish I could take part more. I have no hesitation in praising St Marys. March has been a challenge for everyone. Not being able to, or wishing to risk a visit, but the Manager has set up a video call and staff are always pleased to take gifts in at the door.

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Review from Alan P (Friend of Resident) published on 2 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and everybody were very helpful and everywhere was very clean and tidy. My friend said the food was very good.

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Review from M N (Wife of Resident) published on 17 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband has been a resident in St Mary's for 11 months in the Constable (dementia) section. The new manager has been working extremely hard to improve various aspects which have deteriorated during the absence of a manager. She is struggling with staffing problems and having to employ several agency
persons. Practical difficulties with turn around of laundry and identification of clothes are ongoing.

Reply from Kristy Smith, Manager at St Marys

Thank you for taking the time to review St Marys and we are pleased that you are likely to recommend our home. We have permanent members of staff recruited to ensure that the required number of staff are on duty on each shift to provide the appropriate levels of care. We have recently refocused our laundry to ensure this meets the needs of our residents at all times.


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Review from B L (Wife of Resident) published on 8 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband died in September 2019 but had been in St Mary's since 2017. The care was excellent and the staff were very kind and very professional. I visited my husband most days at lunchtime, being able to help with his food. He was unable to do anything for himself but was always dressed and very clean
thanks to the care staff. The bedroom was spotless and the bedding nice. The rooms of St Marys were always clean and tidy including the dining room. The food was good, different daily. The activities I have heard are good have only heard singing and piano playing lovely. For me, St marys is an excellent care home with wonderful and very kind staff. Excellent.

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Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have been extremely pleased with the care that my mother has received at St Mary's. The staff are caring and sensitive to the resident's needs and always make visitors feel welcome.
They try hard to ensure that the atmosphere is calm and homely and they engage with residents with empathy and kindness.

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Review from B D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother came to St Marys at the end of July 2019. Mum lost our dad in April and was not able to stay in her home as she has quite well developed Alzheimer's. This was made much worse by these events and we found a home in Colchester, however, her medication had an adverse effect on her behaviour
resulting in falls and being requested to leave the home. After a long spell in hospital St marys agreed to take her in. They have been amazing The attitude, care and medical attention has been second to none mum is finally settled and happy.

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Review from S P (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 3 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The inclusive care offered to all residents at St Marys is refreshing and heartening. The staff encouraged interaction across all involved and we have been delighted with the service provided.

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Review from David W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 7 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff without exception are always helpful and willing to assist whatever the problem.
The home is always warm, clean and tidy, which makes for a pleasant place to visit which makes the residents very content and safe.
A credit to all staff and Management.

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Review from Alan B (Resident) published on 16 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Overall, very good.
Not enough activities and outside walks and need more outings if you cannot drive yourself.
But overall very good apart from what I have mentioned.
Need more chances to go out walking etc and outside access.

Reply from Kristy Smith, Manager at St Marys

Thank you for taking the time to review St Marys and we are pleased that you are extremely likely to recommend our home. We are focused on provide a range of activities for our residents. We are currently updating our gardens to enable residents to go outside and enjoy our garden throughout the year.


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Review from Margie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum had been in St Marys for 18 months until her death on 17th August 2019. She had been diagnosed with vascular dementia, the staff not only looked after her with love, kindness and compassion, but they also looked after us too. I always enjoyed our visits as it felt like one big family. We were
all so pleased to see some of the staff at her funeral. I will miss them all.

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Review from H D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in St Marys for two and a half years until her death in July. She suffered with arthritis and dementia and the staff treated her with kindness and compassion.

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Review from Diana S (Wife of Resident) published on 9 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

There are some excellent, dedicated carers here. However, the organisation relies too heavily on agency staff. I am fortunate enough to live close to St. Marys and was, therefore, able to be there most days. They did their best when caring for my late husband but are under considerable pressure. There
are other (and less expensive) homes in the area.

Reply from Kristy Smith, Manager at St Marys

Thank you for taking the time to review St Marys and we are pleased that you rate our safety and security good. We have an ongoing recruitment programme to ensure that we have the required levels of permanent care staff and only use agency employees to ensure that we maintain the required number of carers. We are holding a recruitment day shortly to increase our permanent staff team.


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Review from Josephine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has just enjoyed a weeks respite at St Marys. She has been well looked after physically and mentally. To quote her, the carers were excellent without exception. The building is homely, clean, light and comfortable and my mother's room was very nicely presented. I would always want her to return
in the future.

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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)

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