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 41-60
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
  • 1
  • 1
  • 2

Date Published

76
8
13
19
57

Review from Caroline H (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother stayed in Barking Hall 6-18 months and the family were extremely pleased with the quality of the care, kindness and compassion shown to her and ourselves.
The Hall was a cosy, welcoming place to visit and always smelt fresh and clean. We looked at several nursing homes before Mum moved into
Barking Hall and this one felt the most homely. I would thoroughly recommend it for a relative/friend.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you Caroline for taking the time to write such a lovely review of Barking Hall. We always appreciate our relatives and residents sharing their thoughts this way. It really was a pleasure to look after your Mother. Thank you again.


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Review from Cheryl P (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was cared for at the home in her last days with terminal breast cancer. She was treated with dignity and respect cannot fault a thing. Myself, my father, my brother and sister couldn't wish for better care for her. We also were treated with care and respect. Her final days were made a little
bit easier by all the staff's kindness to mum and to us xxxxx

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you Cheryl for your kind review and at such a sad time for your family. Your mother was a pleasure to care for, my heart goes out to you all.


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Review from Patricia H (Wife of Resident) published on 15 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am impressed with the level of care from all staff members. The extra activities are well thought out. My husband has settled very well, enjoys the food and is very comfortable in his room enjoying the view and watching the birds and wildlife. It gives us peace of mind knowing he is there.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we enjoy looking after your husband and it is always lovely to see you and the family.


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Review from Paul S (Son of Resident) published on 4 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My mother was not treated on the whole with dignity. Staff had no knowledge or training of my mother's needs, which on occasion left her in distress. This is a home that requires a major overhaul on all practices. Despite numerous requests on how my mother liked her food, most of the time it was inedible.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Paul, I am so sorry we did not meet your expectations for Mum. As you know our nursing team were fully versed in dealing with Mums needs and worked hard to achieve a solution that was workable, efficient & comfortable. We arranged several visits from the local nurse specialist and GP and these professionals really felt we had achieved a good result.
Several of our care staff developed a really warm rapport with mum, she enjoyed her trip out with our activities team and loved the picture they made for her bedroom. She said that no one had ever made a picture for her before and she always had a good word for the team
Most of our residents and their families love the food here at Barking Hall. I understand Mums tastes were quite specific. However, the catering team put in a lot of time and effort to try and tempt her palate, even visiting the local butcher for that pork chop she wanted. You know they kept a diary of the things she liked to eat and were so pleased when they got it right. She complimented the Regional Head Chef on his apple strudel and definitely enjoyed her fish & chips or scampi on a Friday.
I realise we can't always please everyone and am more than happy to discuss this with you further at a time of your choosing. We welcome input from all our families. I do hope you and Mum had an enjoyable Christmas and wish you both a Happy New Year


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Review from Mark W (Son of Resident) published on 12 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was admitted to Barking Hall several weeks before his passing. From the time of admission he was treated with care, dignity and respect by all of the care providers and management. I was able to visit at any time and stay as long as I wished. I was notified of any changes to his condition
by the staff and offered any assistance I required. I couldn't fault any aspect of the care and facilities at Barking Hall and would have no hesitation recommending this establishment. I am very grateful that my father's last weeks were spent here as was he.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind review, Mark, it was a pleasure to care for your Father. I am only sad we met under these circumstances, he really was a lovely man.


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Review from E C (Son of Resident) published on 24 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been made as comfortable as possible given that she is receiving palliative care. Her room is lovely.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind remarks at this difficult time, they really are much appreciated. If we can do any more to help please don't hesitate to ask.


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Review from Sandra S (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Barking Hall Nursing Home is home from home. The residents are treated with care which is second to none. Everything is top class, from the medical staff to the cleaning staff nothing is too much trouble. I would recommend Barking Hall Nursing Home to everyone. My dad said he lived like a lord and we
cannot thank them enough.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Dear Sandra, thank you so very much for your lovely review. We only wish Dad could have stayed with us longer, he was a pleasure to know and care for.


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Review from J M (Grandson of Resident) published on 24 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Grandad was looked after by some of the most caring members of staff I have ever net. The hospital never gave him long to live however he picked up a lot while in your care until we lost him. His last few weeks he was alive were almost the best he had been for a few months. Your staff deserve medals
for what they all did for my Grandad.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. Your Grandad was a lovely lovely man, such a pleasure to care for, such a shame we couldn't have kept him with us for longer. Our sincere condolences to all your family.


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Review from Vera O (Resident) published on 24 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been very happy with the care home since I have been in here.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for your review, Vera, it is our pleasure to care for you. We are very glad you enjoy being part of the Barking Hall family.


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Review from Jason C (Son of Resident) published on 3 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When my dad came to this home from hospital he wasn't a well man. The staff at Barking Hall was absolutely amazing. They supported him and us throughout his stay, they were very attentive. All the nurses and carers really did work hard to provide for his needs and they delivered every single time. They
really are worth their weight in gold. Thank you so much for bringing my dad back to us! To the management... if there is any in-house bonus or reward scheme then they definitely deserve to be recognised for their commitment that they showed me and my dad. THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you so much Jason, it was lovely to see you and Dad again recently. You are always welcome to pop in.
Kind regards
Home Manager


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Review from Susan E (Resident) published on 3 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel very lucky that the manager excepted me here and arranged for me to move here as quick as possible.
I was very ill last year and here they make me feel nothing is too much for their excellent staff. There is usually someone to help.
They also sort my diet for which I am very grateful.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for your review, it is a pleasure to have you here at Barking Hall.
Kind regards,
Home Manager


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Review from William L (Grandson of Resident) published on 3 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandma was always well looked after and happy at the home. She was only at Barking Hall Nursing Home for two weeks but she enjoyed many activities whilst she was there including musical entertainment, arts and crafts, Bingo and much more. She was always asked if she would like to go on the weekly
outing, but she preferred not to. All the staff were friendly and helpful.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely review. I miss my chats with your grandmother, a lovely lady.
Kind regards
Home Manager


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Review from Shirley W (Resident) published on 4 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleasant caring staff. Excellent menus, good activities and trips out.

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Review from Betty M (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 2 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I feel safe here, especially at night. My needs are met, staff are friendly and helpful.
The chef will make me an omelette if I don't like the main choices.

Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your review, it is our pleasure to care for you.


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Review from Doris D (Sister of Resident) published on 22 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My sister arrived from hospital to Barking Hall, after a fall at home, when found hours later she was taken to hospital because it was an extremely cold morning and her temperature became very low. She was in a confused state, ended up with an infection and suffering from delirium. She was sent to
Barking to recover.


Staff were very kind, but aspects of the nursing home I found worrying. Often daily records were not up to date, due I am sure always to lack of time for the staff to do this. No help was available to help encourage my sister to walk, as she had become very frightened to attempt to walk, even with a frame. When the heating went wrong in her bedroom it was 3 hrs before a small heater was found. 1 of the main bathrooms was out of order all the weeks I visited.


The time it took for a bell call response was nearly always around 10/15 mins. The toilet sensor light in the toilet goes off far to quickly to allow a frail person to use it, before being plunged into darkness.


Reply from Sue Oates, Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Barking Hall welcomes input from every source, we operate an open and transparent service and strive to respond to all comments regarding our home and endeavour to affect any improvements or changes that may be necessary.


It is a great shame that the relative in question did not feel able to come to us in February with her feelings and waited four months before making her feelings known. I am sure the team from the hospital would have been keen to discuss these matters with her. The team visited each delirium resident weekly and offered professional input at these visits including physiotherapy and a social worker to support both resident and family members.


I agree, when the really cold weather hit in February, the home’s heating system did need some attention and our maintenance man called in the plumbing team to rectify matters. He also went out and purchased portable oil heaters for those residents whose rooms were affected. Extra blankets and duvets were used in the short term. During the snow that affected the local area, the manager and several of our staff slept at the home to ensure the safety of all our residents.


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Review from M C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum came to Barking Hall on the 2nd May 2018 from hospital after suffering two strokes. From the first visit to view the rooms to Mum moving here, we have had nothing but excellent services from all the lovely carers, nurses and management. After reading the CQC report I was a little sceptical but
the manager and staff have done an amazing job. My family and I are always made to feel welcome and the staff constantly provide us with food etc. I must say the food is amazing too!
Mum is getting the best care here and I couldn’t ask for better. I have also spent the night and experienced a lovely breakfast! I would highly recommend Barking Hall. Mums health has sadly deteriorated quite quickly since leaving hospital and she is receiving the best palliative care.

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Review from R B (Resident) published on 7 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since I have been here quite a while, there have been many changes, some good and some bad. Not any body's fault. I think we are thinking the atmosphere is better which makes for a happy home.

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Review from Shirley W (Resident) published on 21 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care by very helpful nurses and other staff. The food provided is very good and all services are provided with really good care and help.

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Review from Kathleen M (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My dad has been here for six weeks and is happy and cared for. My hope is he can stay here as, at 96 years, I do not think it would be helpful to move him now. My father is very comfortable.

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Review from June F (Resident) published on 9 October 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have lived here for the last three years and have found it to be a pleasant experience. The residents are treated with kindness and dignity. Entertainment is provided most days of the week and there are trips out to local places of interest. Indoor amusement includes bingo, arts and crafts, music
and quizzes. The only negative comment I have is regarding the occasional delay in answering the bell for my toilet needs.

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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.