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
As a family we are very pleased with the level of care she receivesJoy B(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
The staff at The Firs have been incredibly kind and helped dad to adjustM W(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
The management are very approachable and very welcoming. The home has a very homely feel.J M(Brother of Resident/Service User)
As a family we are very pleased with the level of care she receivesJoy B(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
The staff at The Firs have been incredibly kind and helped dad to adjustM W(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
The management are very approachable and very welcoming. The home has a very homely feel.J M(Brother of Resident/Service User)
Anchor’s The Firs in Felixstowe is a purpose-built care home that provides quality care and facilities in a comfortable, relaxing environment.
The home welcomes new residents and is set in its own gardens for residents and their families to enjoy. In addition to permanent and long-term care, The Firs offers convalescence, trial, and respite stays.
Anchor offers dementia care and provides ongoing staff training to ensure the approach always reflects best...
Anchor’s The Firs in Felixstowe is a purpose-built care home that provides quality care and facilities in a comfortable, relaxing environment.
The home welcomes new residents and is set in its own gardens for residents and their families to enjoy. In addition to permanent and long-term care, The Firs offers convalescence, trial, and respite stays.
Anchor offers dementia care and provides ongoing staff training to ensure the approach always reflects best practice. Residents and loved ones are encouraged to contribute to digital care plans, which are tailored to each resident's individual care needs and preferences.
The catering team ensures mealtimes are sociable and enjoyable each day. Menus change seasonally and with resident input to ensure they are wholesome and reflect nutritional requirements and tastes.
Anchor operates The Firs, England's largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for older people.
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Care Provided by The Firs
Dementia Care Types
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
Fees can vary depending on care needs and other factors. Colleagues at The Firs will be happy to discuss our weekly fees with you and what our fees include.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The Firs for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact The Firs to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Anchor
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Colleen Farrow (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Last Refurbishment: 2006
Room Information
- Single Rooms (40)
- 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 (144)
9.9
The Firs has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.896) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs has 144 reviews.
Filter Reviews
Overall Experience
Date Published
Reviewer Connection to The Firs
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Review from Joanne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 March 2024 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Staff are very friendly and very helpful with anything and have time for all the residents.
They listen to what you are concerned about. Advice with things that my mother needs. Care home is very clean. My mother enjoys the food she is served.
Staff are very friendly and very helpful with anything and have time for all the residents.
They listen to what you are concerned about. Advice with things that my mother needs. Care home is very clean. My mother enjoys the food she is served.
Review from V W (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Mum is still not happy but that's just the way she is. I know she is fine when we are not here so it must be us!
Mum is still not happy but that's just the way she is. I know she is fine when we are not here so it must be us!
↩Reply from Nadine Coleman, Deputy Manager at The Firs
Thank you for taking the time to review The Firs your feedback is gratefully received. We are pleased that you are happy and feel that your mum is in good hands. If there is anything extra we can do to help with your mums transition to The Firs please do let me know.
Review from T S (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I urgently needed a respite placement for dad and The Firs provided this at short notice. Dad and our family have been very pleased with his room and all aspects of his care and support. He has settled in so well that he wishes to stay permanently and we are happy for him to stay. It's lovely to...
I urgently needed a respite placement for dad and The Firs provided this at short notice. Dad and our family have been very pleased with his room and all aspects of his care and support. He has settled in so well that he wishes to stay permanently and we are happy for him to stay. It's lovely to see him happy and secure.
Review from M N (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
It is always a pleasure to visit. The staff are friendly and efficient. Mum is happy and healthy. The Christmas Party was great fun for all including the staff! The social media page is good for keeping up to date, especially for those who cannot visit often.
It is always a pleasure to visit. The staff are friendly and efficient. Mum is happy and healthy. The Christmas Party was great fun for all including the staff! The social media page is good for keeping up to date, especially for those who cannot visit often.
Review from C B (Sister of Resident) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I came to the home, without anyone knowing, to see my sister. Everything was clean and tidy, my sister was comfortable in a chair, warm and in good spirits. Staff are caring and cheerful.
I came to the home, without anyone knowing, to see my sister. Everything was clean and tidy, my sister was comfortable in a chair, warm and in good spirits. Staff are caring and cheerful.
Review from Keely S (Niece of Resident) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
My aunt is being cared for very well. Thank you for looking after her.
My aunt is being cared for very well. Thank you for looking after her.
Review from L B (Wife of Resident) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I have nothing apart from praise of all the staff for their dedicated care that is given to my husband. I am always notified if there are any queries and concerns that require my input/decisions. My husband has settled in very well, smiling whenever I visit.
I have nothing apart from praise of all the staff for their dedicated care that is given to my husband. I am always notified if there are any queries and concerns that require my input/decisions. My husband has settled in very well, smiling whenever I visit.
Review from Ian T (Son of Resident) published on 15 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
My mother moved into The Firs Care Home in August 2023. Living in Australia I visited her in October 2023 daily for 3 weeks. I could not have been more impressed. The facilities are good but the noticeable aspect is the lovely staff. Everyone I met was very engaging, pleasant and cheerful. In...
My mother moved into The Firs Care Home in August 2023. Living in Australia I visited her in October 2023 daily for 3 weeks. I could not have been more impressed. The facilities are good but the noticeable aspect is the lovely staff. Everyone I met was very engaging, pleasant and cheerful. In particular, the caring staff are tremendous constantly demonstrating a high level of personal care to the residents. I am delighted mother is now safe and equally happy in this excellent care home. Indeed I noticed an overall great improvement in her well-being.
Review from L B (Partner of Resident) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Everything in the home is ok! And I'm happy to visits all the staff are nice.
Everything in the home is ok! And I'm happy to visits all the staff are nice.
Review from B M (Wife of Resident) published on 14 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I can only speak of the two months my husband has been in care; this is my first experience of a care home. The staff are excellent, always friendly, caring and welcoming to myself and visitors to my husband. I have attended two BBQs at The Firs. The staff went the extra mile for their residents...
I can only speak of the two months my husband has been in care; this is my first experience of a care home. The staff are excellent, always friendly, caring and welcoming to myself and visitors to my husband. I have attended two BBQs at The Firs. The staff went the extra mile for their residents and visitors. I would have hoped for more activities to stimulate the residents and a designated person to assist with this, if not every day, at least 2/3 times a week.
↩Reply from Colleen Farrow, Home Manager at The Firs
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review - it is much appreciated. We thank you for your feedback and are glad you find our staff to be excellent - we look forward to seeing you again at more events. In regards to activities, we appreciate your feedback. Some activities can be harder to...
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review - it is much appreciated. We thank you for your feedback and are glad you find our staff to be excellent - we look forward to seeing you again at more events. In regards to activities, we appreciate your feedback. Some activities can be harder to prepare by colleagues for a large amount of residents taking part, but I would like to reassure you that there is a plan in place which enables staff to complete smaller group activities and daily engagement. Staff are planned to carry out certain activities to ensure they are completed within groups so all residents have the opportunity to feel fully engaged. There are also self-led activities and items that residents can complete between planned activities. Many of these are also posted to our social media feeds. We intend to continue to make improvements going forward and welcome your insights. Please do get in contact if you should have any further concerns, and we'd be happy to chat.
Review from Jacqueline J (Friend of Resident) published on 13 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
We attended a lovely barbeque today. We had a lovely time, and so did our friend. The food was amazing, and luckily, so was the weather. All the residents looked so happy, and the staff were very attentive, helping with the needs of everyone.
We attended a lovely barbeque today. We had a lovely time, and so did our friend. The food was amazing, and luckily, so was the weather. All the residents looked so happy, and the staff were very attentive, helping with the needs of everyone.
Review from Morris S (Husband of Resident) published on 11 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Today I was really impressed with the staff efforts to make the barbecue a success. My wife had been prepared for the journey to the garden room when I arrived. I took her down to the garden, where we sat outside in comfort in the shade. Everything seemed so well organised. The food and drink were...
Today I was really impressed with the staff efforts to make the barbecue a success. My wife had been prepared for the journey to the garden room when I arrived. I took her down to the garden, where we sat outside in comfort in the shade. Everything seemed so well organised. The food and drink were soon served. The music lady played her background music and some people had a dance. The food was delicious and plentiful and the staff were very helpful. An excellent event. Well done to the management and staff.
Review from I P (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 4 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Very good but could have more activities.
Very good but could have more activities.
Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Lovely and clean, lovely friendly staff and very professional.
Lovely and clean, lovely friendly staff and very professional.
Review from Michael M (Son of Resident) published on 30 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I cannot praise the staff highly enough. My mother is difficult at times but has received far better care than I have ever given her. I have been informed regularly of her condition and medical needs.
I cannot praise the staff highly enough. My mother is difficult at times but has received far better care than I have ever given her. I have been informed regularly of her condition and medical needs.
Review from Lynn N (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
From the moment Mum came in for respite care, and then full-time care, we, as a family, have found this to be a reassuring experience, in what has been a difficult time. Apart from the care given to Mum, which has been excellent, all carers have taken time to help her settle, everyone from the...
From the moment Mum came in for respite care, and then full-time care, we, as a family, have found this to be a reassuring experience, in what has been a difficult time. Apart from the care given to Mum, which has been excellent, all carers have taken time to help her settle, everyone from the office staff to carers has been so pleasant to the family. They always make us feel so welcome, always giving us plenty of time and reassurance too. Always updating us on how Mum is, this has been invaluable and Mum is happy too. Couldn't have asked for more.
Review from Nicholas R (Resident / Service User) published on 27 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I think The Firs is a good place to be. The staff are generally very good. The only fault I can bring is against the lack of staff, everything boils down to the lack of staff. There is a lack of morale, which could be remedied by having a routine of serving clients first at breakfast. The number of...
I think The Firs is a good place to be. The staff are generally very good. The only fault I can bring is against the lack of staff, everything boils down to the lack of staff. There is a lack of morale, which could be remedied by having a routine of serving clients first at breakfast. The number of times I sit in the lounge and have to wait an hour for a cup of tea before I get it and it happens most days, this is at breakfast time. I do feel that if this is dealt with, it would improve morale a lot. I am sorry about my writing, I do have Parkinsons.
↩Reply from Susan Gibson, Manager at The Firs
Thank you for taking the time to review The Firs and we are pleased that you rate our care and support as excellent. We calculate our staffing levels using a dependency tool to ensure that we have the required number of colleagues to meet our residents' needs. We will discuss the matters you have raised directly with you to ensure all aspects of life at The Firs are to your satisfaction.
Review from M R (Wife of Resident) published on 20 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
An excellent genuinely caring home from home. I am very grateful to The Firs for supporting my husband every day here, so professionally and with the best care I have seen at any residential home, in my lifetime. The home is immaculately clean at every visit. All the staff are always welcoming and...
An excellent genuinely caring home from home. I am very grateful to The Firs for supporting my husband every day here, so professionally and with the best care I have seen at any residential home, in my lifetime. The home is immaculately clean at every visit. All the staff are always welcoming and friendly towards me and very helpful at every visit and take the time to listen to me if I have any queries.
Review from Milly M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
The staff are all very kind. Very nice to be offered a cup of tea. Everything looks good!
The staff are all very kind. Very nice to be offered a cup of tea. Everything looks good!
Review from M M (Son of Resident) published on 13 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
This is only the fourth time at The Firs to visit my dad. On all visits, my experience of The Firs has been positive with all aspects of the visit.
This is only the fourth time at The Firs to visit my dad. On all visits, my experience of The Firs has been positive with all aspects of the visit.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 16 December 2022Overall
Good
Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (4) & Events (0)
News
- 03 Jun 2026
Resident Flora Green celebrated her 100th birthday at The Firs care home in Felixstowe on 17 May, surrounded by family. Flora, who has lived at the Anchor care home for...
- 19 Dec 2025
Residents and colleagues at Anchor care homes across Suffolk are embracing the festive spirit. From crafting Christmas decorations and singing carols, to decorating trees and baking festive treats, each activity...
- 22 May 2025
Anchor’s The Firs care home in Felixstowe is celebrating the opening of its new Namaste Room, a multi-sensory room to enhance the wellbeing of residents, including those living with dementia....
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events for The Firs.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for The Firs.
Meet the Team (0)
There are no Team Members posted yet.
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 -what an Enhanced Service includes.