The Firs

186 Grange Road, Felixstowe IP11 2QF
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9.8 135 Reviews
  • The Firs, Felixstowe
Anchor’s The Firs in Felixstowe is a purpose-built care home, providing quality care and facilities within a comfortable and relaxing environment. The home continues to welcome new residents and it is set in its own gardens for customers and their families to enjoy.

The home provides residential care which is personally tailored to meet the individual needs of customers and enhance their quality of life. The care team works with customers and their loved ones to create detailed care plans to ensure each individual’s health and care needs are continually met.

Anchor offers dementia care and provides on-going training for staff to ensure their approach always reflects best practice.

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. Anchor reinvests the money made into their retirement properties and care homes, to continually raise standards to provide a high-quality service to surpass the customer’s expectations.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 40 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Facilities

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

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1466
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1466
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1466
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1466

Our colleagues at The Firs 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 The Firs to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Colleen Farrow (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Please contact The Firs directly to discuss yours or your loved ones' care needs.
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2006

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (40)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (40)

Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome at The Firs.

Parking

  • Onsite parking is available, including disabled spaces.

The Firs Reviews (135)

9.8

The Firs has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.833) out of 10, based on 39 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs has 135 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to The Firs
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Total of 135, showing 1-20
Review from B S (Husband of Resident) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As you will of course know that my wife has been with you at the care home now for a year. I want to thank you all for the love, kindness and reassurance you have given to her she now looks upon and calls it her home. Both myself and my wife never though this could happen after the dreadful time she
was having at home with me but within a few days she was completely calm and happy for the first time for a few months. I won't pick out any of the staff out for going the extra mile they all do. I am now reassured that as my wife walks the dreadful path of dementia your love will always be with her. Thank you all so much.
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Review from D L (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has discovered a new life in The Firs; the staff are always happy, and this reflects on all the residents. The staff go out of their way to help and not forgetting the kitchen staff who always produce delicious food.
Every special occasion is celebrated in style.
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Review from Joyce H (Wife of Resident) published on 30 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband was very fortunate to be allocated a room at the Firs 5 months ago. He was previously in another Care Home in for 4 months & I felt he was not receiving the care expected for someone with Dementia. All staff at The Firs - Management, Carers, Catering, Cleaners etc. have all been so friendly
& kind to us both also, the Management & Carers have been wonderful in supporting me through this difficult time. I am very happy to spend many hours at the Firs with my husband & now treat it as my 2nd home. It is so lovely to be able to make us refreshments in the dining room/lounge whenever we want & to be able join my husband for a meal, it's the little things like that that make my visits so much more relaxed. The social events & activities are great & varied, we also love sitting & relaxing in the lovely new Namaste Room & the gardens are beautiful.


It is a great comfort to me knowing I can go home & not worry because I am confident he is receiving excellent care.

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Review from Elaine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have nothing but good things to say about The Firs. We are extremely happy with the quality of care that our mum receives. The staff are outstanding and the home is very clean. The food is excellent, and there are plenty of activities to keep the residents entertained. We are so happy that we chose
The Firs for Mum's care.
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Review from Phyllis G (Wife of Resident) published on 11 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience has been very good, staff always attentive and helpful, every member of staff. The room is always clean and fresh. Meals are very good, especially as my husband is a vegetarian. The welcome to visitors is always very good.
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Review from Harvey G (Son of Resident) published on 11 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Warm and friendly welcome from all staff members. The Firs oozes care and consideration for residents and visitors alike.
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Review from G O (Son of Resident) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my mother has been staying at The Firs she is a lot happier. Her appetite has increased immensely. Our family have found the management and staff to be extremely polite and very helpful. The Firs we all found to be very clean and decorated very tastefully.
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Review from J C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having been Dads main carer it as a really big deal to put him into care, but I'm so happy with the care he receives and knowing his safe makes such a difference. All staff seem so kind and friendly and really like that their are so many activities, if he choose to take part.
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Review from Debra L (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful staff - this was the perfect place for our dad. Friendly and welcoming - staff always willing to help with any request. Dad was well looked after and comfortable. Highly recommended. Thank you all.
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Review from Joy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since the day my mum came into The Firs, I have nothing but praise for the staff and the quality of care provided. If I have any concerns, the staff, particularly the senior staff, are very happy to listen and respond appropriately.
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Review from Wendy A (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother is always well cared for by the lovely carers at The Firs. They always treat her with respect and talk to her in a kind and friendly manner. They are aware that she likes to be among other residents and she spends most of her time in the day room which she enjoys. During her recent trip to
hospital they kept me fully informed and rang me daily to ask about her progress. They were as keen as I was for her to return to The Firs as soon as she was well enough.
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Review from L S (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent care of my mother, knowing she's safe and well!
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Review from A V (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 11 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff and carers are always very friendly and caring. My father-in-law always looks clean and well cared for.
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Review from E W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home is very welcoming and homely. It is always a lovely atmosphere. The carers are always ever so friendly and they look after pops really well. I would say they act and seem more like family than carers. Thank you.
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Review from B S (Husband of Resident) published on 11 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My initial worries and concerns about my wife passing from care into your care have completely gone, thank you so much.
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Review from J V (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are always very friendly and whenever I ask about my dad they always have a lot of knowledge about him. I feel he is being well looked after and that he is safe.
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Review from B M (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 15 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We attended the BBQ at The Firs with other members of our family to see our sister. It was an amazing day, the staff were great and the food was exceptional. Our sister had a great time as did all the residents dancing to a great singer. We are very proud of the manager and all her staff. The Firs is
a great care home.
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Review from T D (Son of Resident) published on 14 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum always enjoys the entertainment at The Firs, staff are always friendly.
Gardens and new entrance look lovely more open and the residents love to take part feeding the birds and helping in the garden.
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Review from J W (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 14 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very welcoming when you visit, lots of entertainment for residents and families to join in with.
Recently attended a well organised BBQ with resident and families, great music, dancing and food. Staff making sure everyone is having fun and included.
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Review from T D (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Lively atmosphere, my nan attends lots of activities which she enjoys.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.833)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.833) out of 10 for The Firs is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 39 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 39 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.833 for The Firs is calculated as follows: ( (386 Excellents x 5) + (71 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 460 Ratings = 4.833
  2. 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 The Firs is based on 39 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 39 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 16 Dec 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (10)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Firs

What types of Care is The Firs registered for?

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

How many Rooms does The Firs have?

There are 40 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Firs?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Firs to the centre of Felixstowe?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact The Firs to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Firs has an Enhanced Service - more info.