Hillcroft House

Finborough Road, Stowmarket IP14 1PW
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9.4 104 Reviews
  • Hillcroft House, Stowmarket
Hillcroft House, located in a tranquil area of Stowmarket, Suffolk, offers a warm and inviting environment where residents are encouraged to personalise their fully furnished rooms with cherished items, creating a true 'home from home'.

The dedicated care team at Hillcroft House is selected not only for their professional skills but also for their warmth and compassion. They provide round-the-clock support, respecting each resident's dignity and individuality. Regular assessments ensure that care plans are tailored to meet evolving needs, with specialised equipment provided when necessary.

Residents benefit from visits by opticians, dentists, and chiropodists, arranged as needed. The in-house hairdressing salon offers a range of services, including manicures and hand massages, promoting well-being and self-care. The catering team prepares delicious meals and snacks throughout the day, accommodating special dietary requirements to ensure every resident enjoys their dining experience.

Surrounded by landscaped gardens with mature trees and shrubs, Hillcroft House provides a peaceful setting where residents can enjoy the outdoors and observe visiting local wildlife. Its proximity to the town centre allows easy access to community amenities, including shops, pubs, and medical services, fostering a sense of independence and connection to the local community.

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Care Provided by Hillcroft House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 43 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Jessica Ellis (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (41)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2003

Funding & Fees Guide for Hillcroft House

  • 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 £1,365
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,365
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,365
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,365
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Hillcroft House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Hillcroft House Reviews (104)

Total of 104, showing 1-20
9.4

Hillcroft House has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.405) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Hillcroft House has 104 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 74
  • 28
  • 1
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Review from Simon H (Son of Resident) published on 26 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father went to Hillcroft House when his care needs became too complex for us to care for him at home. The care he received was above all our expectations, everyone was so kind and caring, unfortunately he passed away but his last days were not stressful for him. I can't recommend the home highly
enough.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your kind words and compliments, which I will pass on to all of the team. We thank you for putting your trust in the home to care for your dear father in his final days. We wish you and your family all the best and again offer our condolences on your father's passing. Kindest Regards, Home Manager.


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Review from Christine A (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum lived at Hillcroft House for 10 years until her death and the care she received was exemplary. As her dementia advanced they met her care needs with dignity and compassion. In the early years, Mum joined in with the activities and lovely music events that were put on for the residents. The carers
are amazing and cared for Mum with a smile.
I cannot recommend Hillcroft House enough.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for leaving such lovely feedback. All of the team at Hillcroft miss your mum dearly. She was loved by all the staff and we feel privileged to have had her live in the home for 10 years. I will pass on your kind words to all of the team, All our love and best wishes.


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Review from Charlotte O (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic home, amazing staff that are always smiling, helpful and attentive. My dad's care has been second to none since he joined this home back in December 2023. He is in a very good place mentally and physically compared to when he was living at home. He loves all of the staff here and is always
smiling and joking when in their company. Its lovely to see such a positive change this home has had on him.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for such lovely feedback. This will be passed on to all the team who care deeply for your dad, he is part of our family at Hillcroft House. All the best,


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Review from Kathy T (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been here for about 18 months now, her dementia has deteriorated over this time. All the staff have so much patience with her and she always appears well cared for. She has a lovely room and if she doesn't want to join in communal activities she is happy to spend time here watching the world
out of her window.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your review, I will pass this positive feedback on to the team. Kindest Regards.


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Review from C W (Sister of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My brother appears happy and content when I visit him. The staff are all friendly and helpful.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, which I will pass on to all the team. Kindest Regards.


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Review from J C (Niece of Resident) published on 9 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Until recently, I noticed whilst visiting my aunt that some of the residents were left to their own devices in the dayroom, with no supervision. I've been made to feel very welcome by all the staff and management team. Maybe a few times residents sitting outside in the garden which was lovely to see.
I have found that the care for my aunt is of a good quality and I believe she is being cared for and all her needs are being met.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your review. I am glad to hear you feel the care provided to your aunt is of good quality, which we always strive to ensure. I will pass on your feedback to the team. Kind Regards


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Review from Tina G (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad went into respite with Hillcroft and I was very impressed with their kindness and how well they looked after him. I would not think twice about using Hillcroft again. The manager came to my home and did an assessment and took details of his needs so everything was ready when he went in for his
stay.
The staff are so friendly and my Dad was very happy - I always know when he is content when he calls people 'babe', it is his term of endearment.
Looking at the other residents they looked happy and interacted with the staff who were ready to chat and make jokes.
I thank Hillcroft with all my heart; it is always a worry putting a loved one in care and they put my mind completely at rest.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your lovely review, this means a lot to the team at Hillcroft and I will pass on your kind words to them all. We are so looking forward to having your dad come to stay again for respite in the future, we really enjoyed your dad being here. All the best, Jess


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Review from Colin W (Son of Resident) published on 16 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are very helpful and loving. My dad loved the entertainment right up till one of the staff brought flu into the home and we visited him. One day caught the flu and ended up in hospital for 19 days and never recovered, we were told they contacted us but no one rang.
The doctor from the local
surgery said to give him paracetamol and fluid which left him unhappy.
Dad passed away now and no one wants to own up. They are good until there's a problem then you get fobbed off, they will not accept responsibility and now the staff involved no longer work there because they don't want to answer questions about it, shocking.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your feedback, concerns raised have been investigated and responded to as per company procedures. I will pass on your kind works to the team. We wish your family all the best and again offer our condolences on the passing of your father. Kind Regards


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Review from Karen G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Friendly, helpful staff. Always let me know when issue/problem. Not sure how many activities upstairs - have seen more happening downstairs. My dad is always clean and dressed in his own clothes, though usually is barefoot? Haven't had any newsletters in the two months my dad has been in the home.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your feedback, it is really appreciated. We use this feedback to continuously improve the overall service for our residents. I will ensure your up-to-date email is added to our mailing list going forward for the monthly newsletter to be sent on. Kindest Regards.


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Review from John G (Son of Resident) published on 12 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Dad has lived at Hillcroft for over a year now. He is happy and as content as he can be with his dementia diagnosis. Always cared for and well looked after. Staff are always happy to help, and have time to listen whenever I have a query/question to raise.
Recently the home arranged for a lunch for
my Dad to spend time with my Mum to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary when she visited. They were made to feel very special!

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We were privileged to be part of your parent's wedding anniversary and support in making this a special event for them. I will pass on your lovely comments to the team. Kindest Regards.


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Review from Tina D (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the first phone call, the staff were extremely helpful, we were able to look around and Mum was assessed promptly. All questions were answered and mum's likes and dislikes were taken into consideration. Mum's room is spacious and well furnished with a door plaque made personal for her. Whilst living
at home, food had become a battle, something the staff have overcome. As a family, we are extremely grateful for all the support, making a difficult decision more bearable.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for such a lovely review, I will pass on your positive comments to the team who strive to provide the best possible care.


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Review from D P (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum seemed very settled in the home, she has been there 9 months. The staff are very helpful, patient and understanding, making me (her daughter) feel calm and less stressed knowing Mum is being looked after.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your feedback this will be relayed to the team.


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Review from D A (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 1 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law receives extremely good care at Hillcroft House and she is happy there. The staff are always happy kind and caring and work hard.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for the review the comments will be passed onto the team.


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Review from Zoe M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wow what can I say I was worried about my grandma coming into care after living independently, but after a few months of ill health, falls and hospital visits everyone agreed residential care was the safest option. Since moving into Hillcroft House the whole family is able to relax knowing she's safe
and well cared for, I look forward to visiting to here about all the activities Gran has been up to, this month alone she's been involved in yoga, bowls, dancing with Elvis, arts and craft and enjoying the garden.
The staff are all lovely and take time to get to know the family, we always feel welcome and nothings to much for them. Every visit all the residents have been happy, entertained and well cared for, Gran loves her room and always mentions how friendly all the staff are. Gran is always clean, well fed and happy when we visit and says she feels at home, the team always call with any concerns and keeps us updated on Grans health. I would definitely recommend, A* care. Thank you!

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your feedback which will be passed onto the team.


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Review from Penny F (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff have always been kind and patient with my father. Whenever I visit he always seems happy with the staff smiling and engaging with them. This helps me and my family feel that he is well looked after as well as being in a safe environment.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for this review your kind words have been passed to the staff team.


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Review from Diane B (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Due to an emergency, Hillcroft accepted Mum joining them the same day. She was well-liked and encouraged/enjoyed doing the activities/joining in. We could visit any time of the day and could ask the staff/manager anything regarding how Mum was or what she liked. The staff were always helpful and smiley.
Hillcroft would call us regarding any problems/confusion/accidents.
We would recommend Hillcroft to anyone, and if I have to go into a home, I hope it's like Hillcroft.
Thank you to all at Hillcroft.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts, which I have passed on to the team. We wish you well.


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Review from Z K (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father was a temporary resident at Hillcroft House following discharge from hospital while more permanent arrangements were set up. We could not visit as often as we would have liked due to distance and therefore our experience with some aspects of home was limited.
The staff were friendly and approachable
towards family and had a good appreciation of my father's care needs. Kept us informed of any issues and sought medical advice promptly. We appreciated the time and effort the activities ladies spent talking to and getting to know my father's interests and providing books to support these. My father was allocated a large sunny room with a sink. He would have preferred ensuite facilities but the family understood this was a short-notice temporary placement and his care needs were being met. The room decor looked a bit tired, it would help if visitors were automatically advised where additional chairs could be accessed as there was only his chair in the room.
I would like to thank the manager and staff for looking after my father through what was a difficult time while he was trying to adjust to the idea of needing permanent care.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your feedback which has been passed on to the care team and we wish your Father well for his future.


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Review from J I (Wife of Resident) published on 12 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been at Hillcroft for just over one month. He has been treated with care and dignity and is settling down well with the help of the staff and management.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

It is a pleasure to care for and support your husband. Thank you for your kind words. I will pass this on to the care team.


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Review from Marilyn A (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Hillcroft House is a very happy place, and the residents are well looked after. The staff are lovely, kind and caring and always go the extra mile to look after everyone's needs.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for the kind comments which I will pass onto the team.


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Review from Martin R (Son of Resident) published on 7 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Just want to say a massive thank you, to the staff that organised the pod today, for our parent's diamond anniversary, the decorations, the china tea set, all the little touches, and the beautiful flowers. Made the day a bit more special.
Thank you all so much.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your kind words and i am happy you had a lovely time.


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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.405)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.405) out of 10 for Hillcroft House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.405 for Hillcroft House is calculated as follows: ( (155 Excellents x 5) + (72 Goods x 4) + (21 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (7 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 259 Ratings = 4.405

  • 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 Hillcroft House is based on 21 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 43 registered maximum number of service users is 8.6, which has been reached with 21 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: 18 Oct 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (9)

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Meet the Team (3)

Jessica

Jessica Ellis

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2018

Hi, my name is Jess. I have worked for Healthcare Homes Group for close to 7 years, starting as a senior Care Assistant and progressing into a Home Manager role. Prior to being a Registered Manager at Hillcroft House, I was a Registered Manager for another HHG home in Thetford. My passion is Dementia Care and my aim is to strive for outstanding, specialist dementia care to ensure a high quality of life for those with advanced dementia.


Terri

Terri Watkins

Job Title: Administrator

I decided to work at Healthcare Homes as I liked the opportunity of a challenge and I was very keen to work with those with dementia. Healthcare Homes was recommended to me by a local private social worker who praised the home. I enjoy all of my working days, never a dull moment.


Spending quality time with residents is very important and always brings a smile. I always have a sense of satisfaction at the end of each day knowing that the residents have been so well looked after and are happy. Knowing you have made a difference in someone’s day in a positive way makes working very worthwhile.


Saranya

Saranya Hackman

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2011

“I started working at Healthcare Homes in 2011; I wanted to join as I wanted to challenge myself in taking up a kitchen role after working in domestic services. To be good in this role I believe you have to be passionate about food and cooking a varied menu and be understanding of resident requirements. The biggest challenge in my professional career was coming from Thailand, I had not baked a cake in 40 years, now I bake one or two every day!”


Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcroft House

What types of Care is Hillcroft House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care & Mental Health Condition are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Hillcroft House provide?

Palliative Care, Physiotherapy, Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Hillcroft House have?

There are 41 Single Rooms and 1 Couple/Companion Room.

What are the Facilities & Services at Hillcroft House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Hillcroft House to the centre of Stowmarket?

0.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.