Barking Hall Nursing Home

Barking Road, Barking, Next Needham Market, Ipswich IP6 8HJ
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9.3 76 Reviews
  • Barking Hall Nursing Home, Ipswich
Barking Hall is a well-established care home set in beautiful surroundings just outside Needham Market in Suffolk. The dedicated team provides quality residential, nursing, and respite care, offering long-term carers a well-deserved break or holiday. Barking Hall supports residents with a range of needs, including dementia and frail physical health.

The home’s scenic countryside location, with its tranquil fountain and the sound of nearby church bells, makes it a sought-after choice for those needing palliative care. Many of the warm, caring staff are from the local community, adding to the home’s welcoming atmosphere.

Each en-suite bedroom is fully furnished, complete with telephone and TV points, but residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture and personal belongings to create a true ‘home-from-home’ feel.

Residents have access to an optician and chiropodist by appointment, and the in-house hair salon offers everything from cuts to manicures and hand massages. The head chef and catering team serve tasty, home-cooked meals, with special diets fully catered.

With two activities coordinators, residents can enjoy a variety of engaging options, from social events to quiet, individual pursuits – all tailored to personal interests and preferences.

To discover more about life at Barking Hall, call today to speak with one of their care advisers or to book a visit.

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Care Provided by Barking Hall Nursing Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 49 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Down Syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Neuropathic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Jan Seal (Interim Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (49)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (43)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2004

Funding & Fees Guide for Barking Hall Nursing Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,590
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,590
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Barking Hall Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Barking Hall Nursing Home Reviews (76)

Total of 76, showing 1-20
9.3

Barking Hall Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.279) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barking Hall Nursing Home has 76 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 55
  • 17
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  • 2

Date Published

76
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Review from R B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has settled into Barking hall extremely well. The nursing staff, especially, are proactive and all of her medical and personal needs are fully met. When there has been cause to raise concern, this has been addressed promptly and pragmatically. Thank you.

Reply from The Manager, Anna Home Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We're so pleased to hear that your Mum settling into Barking hall extremely well. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. Looking forward to seeing you again.


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Review from Sue B (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very caring environment with lovely staff who were extremely kind and helpful. They cared for Mum in her last week of life with compassion and were very good to all the family.

Reply from Barking Hall Nursing Home, Home manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for your review, we aim to give the best experience possible for all of our clients and feedback is always welcome. I will share this with all the staff.


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Review from Stu H (Son of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

In my mother's final month at Barking Hall Nursing Home, I can't given enough praise to the staff. Care beyond words, patience without fail and kindness to an end.
My mother's passing was painless and stress-free because of where she was and who she was with.
During the proceeding months, she had
been at ease with herself and her surroundings.
There was a friendship with the staff she had grown close to.
Thank you.

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Review from Cort W (Brother of Resident) published on 3 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great location and wonderful, caring staff. Lovely room with a country view and settled in quickly, following previous month in hospital following a fall. One month on much stronger. Lovely meals, helping with weight gain and stamina. Perfect respite and keen to stay on. Also regular activities for
all.

Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for taking time to review our lovely home ,and the staff. I will share your feedback to our staff team.


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Review from L O (Wife of Resident) published on 29 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Everyone tries very hard to make my visit as normal as possible and make special dates possible such as having a meal together. There are individuals that work well with my husband and reassures him.

Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Hi, Thank you for your review for Barking Hall. We love when family members come and share a meal with their loved ones and help to celebrate their special event. I am glad that you are reassured that your husband is supported well by our team.


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Review from Jackie G (Wife of Resident) published on 25 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When you visit the home, it's like coming home to your own home. The staff are always pleasant and you are made to feel welcome and they want to help with any problems I might have. My husband is very happy, very clean and really enjoys all his food. The staff, from the office workers to the carers,
are really wonderful.

Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you, Jackie, I will pass your comments on to our team, it is always rewarding to hear appreciation for the varied roles the team have supporting our residents.


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Review from M L (Son of Resident) published on 25 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents have been residents for nearly three years and I have to say, I can't fault the care they are given. The staff treat them with care and compassion.

Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to complete the review, we are glad that your parents are happy at our home. We love having them here.


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Review from J W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum is always lovely, clean and clothes always washed. Room always tidy and clean. The staff are lovely, always helpful and always cheerful. The food is reasonable, could be better as it's a bit basic.

Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for your review, we always appreciate feedback. I will make sure that your kind words get passed on to the team at Barking Hall.


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Review from Jacky M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I found the staff helpful and welcoming. I thought the hall did smell a bit but I guess to be expected. My mum's room was clean and tidy and met her needs. I was even made a cup of tea for a 3-hour journey home.

Reply from Sarah Collins, Home manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you very much for the kind review. I am sorry you noted an odour on your visit and will ensure that the issue is addressed. Best wishes, Sarah.


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Review from E H (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Barking Hall Nursing Home looked after my father who passed away at the beginning of April. He was much loved by all the staff and very caring towards our family both when visiting and after Dad had passed. I cannot be more proud of this care home.

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Review from Oakley L (Grandson of Resident) published on 7 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Unreal especially considering it was Covid times. Staff were always very helpful and hard working.
The management team is equally impressive, demonstrating a genuine commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. They are responsive to concerns and proactive in implementing improvements,
ensuring that both residents and their families feel heard and valued.

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Review from Melvyn B (Son of Resident) published on 15 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Well pleased with his care. The staff were very kind, caring and efficient under quite difficult circumstances.

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Review from Linda C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very kind and caring. Took the trouble to explain everything to us.

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Review from R M (Son of Resident) published on 18 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Father went to Barking Hall for end-of-life care and was greeted by caring and friendly staff. His room was clean and comfortable looking out to the courtyard. Staff were always very caring towards my Mother as well when visiting and always had a smile and offered a cup of tea and cake making visiting
very much easier in the circumstances. Was always kept up to date regarding his care. We would highly recommend Barking Hall to anyone looking for care.

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Review from Sue C (Husband of Resident) published on 28 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son was a resident at Barking Hall since October 2019 the care he received from all staff was exellent and the care he needed was very intense but was always treated with respect and love. We lost our son four weeks ago. Thank you all for all your care.

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Review from Kate B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was a resident at Barking Hall for almost two years until she passed away in December. During that time, she was so well looked after by all the staff and could not have been in a better place to care for her advanced dementia. I don't live locally but felt totally confident that my mum received
the best possible care and was treated with dignity. My dad visited her every day and was always made to feel welcome and involved by all the staff, whether management, medical/nursing or domestic. The home itself has the feel of a traditional country house and is beautifully located in peaceful surroundings. Mum's room was comfortable and clean, with its own bathroom. I cannot thank Barking Hall staff enough for the kindness and respect they showed me, Mum and Dad, as Mum reached the end of life.

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Review from J N (Friend of Resident) published on 4 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Food is bland and poorly cooked. Fabric of the building is tired, dated and in a poor decorative state. Carpets stained. Staff poorly motivated, local managers do not last long! Non-UK staff tell residents that they have to send wages back to their country of origin. This care home lacks the ability
to care. Maintenance is very poor (two weeks to fix toilets in rooms). Cooks do not last long in this establishment, hence poor food. The upper level fire escape is constructed of metal and very slippery when wet. It also has brambles growing into it from the adjoining bank and partially blocking it, not ideal for elderly patients. Management lacks the ability or compassion to run this establishment.

Reply from Rebecca Watkins, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

We very much understand your frustration that we felt it necessary to take the extreme measure of removing your right to visit your friend at the home, and naturally it concerns us that you have now taken the action of leaving this negative review to express your frustration.
We are enormously proud of Barking Hall and the standards of care it provides and our otherwise positive feedback reflects this.


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Review from L H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 5 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

After being advised our grandmother is now having end-of-life treatment, myself and my sister visited her today. I asked the frosty lady who "greeted" us on arrival if a syringe driver was in situ as yet as this is what I was advised by members of my family who had spent all night with her. I was met
was a snappy "she doesn't need one". There was clearly some confusion which can happen but the response we received was as though we had personally offended this member of staff just by asking a question. She continued to be hostile with us so I asked why she treating us that way. She denied being hostile, she advised us she is the deputy manager and when I asked for an apology she stormed out of my grandmother's room and slammed the door. I'm very upset, it was very distressing and couldn't have happened at a worse time. It's a shame as other staff members have been wonderful. I'm so shocked to have this kind of treatment from management.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

I am so very sorry that your family has had this experience at such a sad time in your lives. How really awful for you and what a great shame you didn’t come to speak to me about this, as I would have actioned this immediately.
Whilst I realise nothing can detract from this experience, please rest assured I am taking the strongest possible action regarding this incident
Barking Hall is generally a warm and friendly place where people choose to come and spend their last months or years and your grandmother was I know highly thought of amongst the staff team and is very much missed by us all.


I will contact you to discuss the matter further.


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Review from Ron R (Husband of Resident) published on 26 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife went into Barking Hall on 16th February 2023 for four weeks respite care and from the minute she set foot inside the home she was treated with care and compassion from all the staff. Nothing was too much trouble and everyone was so caring and happy in their work and went out of their way to
ensure that she enjoyed her stay there. From carers to domestic staff, to the nurses and the kitchen staff, all were so kind to her and to myself when I visited. They must have gotten fed up with me spending seven hours a day there, constantly getting in their way! Two staff members were very helpful and always had time to stop for a chat. The food was brilliant, my wife ate better than she has done in a long time. I will certainly miss my daily visit and the best thing for me was when she said If she ever have to go into a home permanently she would want to come to Barking Hall. Thank you again for all you have done for my wife.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Bless your heart, thank you so much for your lovely review. You are more than welcome, we are always here for you both. I hope you are feeling better.


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Review from Cynthia R (Wife of Resident) published on 30 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are wonderful. The home is so pleasant. I would recommend it to anyone.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you so much, your review is much appreciated. We are so very sorry for your loss. Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can help in any way going forwards.


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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.279)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.279) out of 10 for Barking Hall Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.279 for Barking Hall Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (123 Excellents x 5) + (65 Goods x 4) + (18 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (11 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 222 Ratings = 4.279

  • 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 Barking Hall Nursing Home is based on 17 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 49 registered maximum number of service users is 9.8, which has been reached with 17 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 Mar 2019

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 (9)

Anna

Anna Swed

Job Title: Home Manager

I enjoy supporting the team to deliver excellent care and creating the right environment for residents to thrive. I always take the time to understand their needs and keep an open-door policy. With NVQ Level 5 and over 15 years of experience, I bring the skills to make a difference.


Nisha

Nisha Kurian

Job Title: Deputy Manager

I am a registered nurse from India with training in management, end-of-life care, and clinical leadership. I enjoy the clinical side of my role, focusing on audits, compliance, and medication management. My priority is delivering person-centred care and building strong relationships with residents and their families.


Amanda

Amanda Griffiths

Job Title: Administrator

I have over three years of experience as an administrator in care homes. I love working with a supportive team to ensure residents are happy and families stay well-informed about life at Barking Hall.


Tanya

Tanya Bolger

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

I love working with our great team and look forward to every shift. The personal bonds I share with each resident are unique, and I use my photography and artistic skills to enhance their experience in the home.


Claire Jane

Claire Jane Campbell

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

I love being part of an amazing team at Barking Hall, building strong connections across all departments. I enjoy interacting daily with residents and their families. My experience managing my own hair salon, combined with Health & Safety training, gives me a solid foundation for my role.


Ray

Ray Miles

Job Title: Maintenance Manager

I enjoy the challenges at Barking Hall, where no two days are the same. I enrich residents' lives by making it feel like home for them. I have training in Carpentry, LPG Gas fitting, Health and Safety, and ongoing job-specific courses.


Korrie

Korrie Bennett

Job Title: Head Chef

I enjoy working with the people here and the freedom I have in the kitchen. I prioritise residents' needs, considering their likes and dislikes. I've completed an NVQ in Food, Hygiene, and Catering, Nutritional Therapy, and Level 2 in Food Hygiene.


Abi

Abi Jolly

Job Title: Head Housekeeper

I enjoy working with a great team at Barking Hall across all areas, not just housekeeping. I build strong relationships with residents through daily conversations and helping with simple requests. With over 10 years of cleaning experience, including running my own business, I have the necessary qualifications.


Percy

Percy The Peacock

Job Title: Grounds Engagement

I enjoy walking freely around the grounds at Barking Hall, greeting visitors with a friendly hello. I enrich residents' lives by showing them my beautiful feathers, and sometimes they even give me treats! Having roamed the area for about 15 years, I know it well.


Frequently Asked Questions about Barking Hall Nursing Home

What types of Care is Barking Hall Nursing Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Barking Hall Nursing Home provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Barking Hall Nursing Home have?

There are 49 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Barking Hall Nursing Home?

Own Furniture if required, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, 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 Barking Hall Nursing Home to the centre of Ipswich?

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