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)

Total of 135, showing 61-80
9.8

The Firs has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.831) out of 10, based on 43 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Firs has 135 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 95
  • 37
  • 2
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  • 0

Date Published

135
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Review from Gill P (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So pleased that I chose The Firs for my mum - such a caring, professional and friendly environment. They go above and beyond to give my mum the care she needs, while still encouraging her independence. Since becoming a resident in July 2021, I have seen my mum's confidence and wicked sense of humour
return - a sure sign she feels safe and secure, but more importantly, happy. I cannot praise the staff at The Firs highly enough.

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Review from Diane G (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise the staff at The Firs highly enough for providing such incredible care for my mother over the years she was a resident. All aspects of her well being were provided for with love and affection at all times. Her recent passing was dealt with both respect and deep sadness. I am so pleased
that she was able to spend her final years in such an excellent care home as The Firs.

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Review from Roland G (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 21 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law was a resident at The Firs for many years. Her care throughout was exemplary. All staff were very supportive at all times throughout both day and night. All aspects of her needs were met with both dignity and respect.

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Review from Julie G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my mum moved into The Firs in May, I have been very pleased with the level of care she has received. She has previously been through several months of upheaval hospital stays (not helped by covid) but has settled in well. She is content and relaxed after previously being quite anxious. Everyone
from office staff, handyman, cleaners, carers and the managers are always friendly and welcoming and treat mum with respect. You get the feeling that they genuinely want the best for the residents.

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Review from D H (Son of Resident) published on 9 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a family, we have been very happy with the care that our mother has received at The Firs. Mum's introduction and first year have coincided with the COVID19 pandemic which has made the transition so much more challenging for her, the family and the home. But we have been reassured by regular FaceTime
phone calls and have letters sent regularly. The care staff have supported Mum through the transition and she herself says she is happy and settled in the home.

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Review from Lesley D (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

No comfort was given, apart from the hard chair. Wasn’t allowed to sit in a comfortable chair. Also given shower cap, but they blocked the shower, so we couldn’t use it if we wanted to. No management came near us until she died. Didn’t even receive a sympathy card. I feel my mothers death was horrible
and very stressful, died very unhappy. No, I wouldn’t recommend this home now for people without dementia or end of life.

Reply from Susan Gibson, Home Manager at The Firs

Thank you for taking the time to review The Firs. We are sorry to hear about the matters raised and your issues with the comfort of the chair. A padded dining room chair was provided for you, in line with current covid cleaning guidance. Hospice care was requested and hospice nurses and the GP ensured that appropriate end of life care was provided to your mother. We supported family members with comfort boxes, visits and ensured that family members were updated regarding your mother. Members of our team came in out of hours to support and also attended her funeral.

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Review from Susan C (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

This care home is acceptable for dementia residents only. My mum was not dementia and although no fault with the carers and she could be difficult at times because her mind was active and could not accept the situation. There were situations where dementia residents attacked my mum and management put
dementia people first and no safeguard to her. At her end of life she was denied hospice care although she pleaded with us to help. This was very distressing for myself and sister and has affected our health and lives. There was no care at times for us also and management was not caring at all when needed at the end. No acknowledgement from management senior or organisation after death. I would however say the front line staff carers, cleaners, etc. were most caring and friendly, not only to my mum but us too. It was very distressing because we feel she had a horrible death which she didn't deserve.

Reply from Susan Gibson, Home Manager at The Firs

Thank you for taking the time to review The Firs. The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our priority and we take appropriate steps to ensure that this is the case. In addition to residents, we provide support to our residents loved ones. Whilst we specialise in providing care with people living with dementia, we also support those requiring residential care.


Hospice care was referred for and hospice nurses and the GP ensured that appropriate end of life care was provided. We supported family members with comfort boxes, visits and ensured that family members were updated regarding your mother. Members of our team came in out of hours to support and also attended the funeral.

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Review from Jackie M (Sister of Resident) published on 18 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were very impressed with the facilities and care staff.

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Review from Heather D (Partner of Resident) published on 18 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very comfortable and just had a good feeling about the home.

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Review from Christopher H (Resident) published on 4 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum has been a resident of The Firs for four years now. All the staff are really professional, friendly, and treat my mum with respect. They give her excellent care. I would not hesitate in recommending The Firs to anyone looking for a care home.

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Review from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 24 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum is being cared for with love and professionalism which is clearly apparent. It is not only assuring for Mum but also for her family. As her son and living abroad, I am easily able to phone or FaceTime, often initiated by the care assistant who is so loving and caring. This means a lot to us,
not being able to visit in person. This is most certainly the best and most secure place for Mum at this time in her life.

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Review from Tina O (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Firs came to our rescue in early March 2021, when it became impossible for my dad's care to continue at home. On the day I phoned them, they were able to offer respite care, to give Mum a break and for me, mum and my sister to discuss, as a family, next steps. It was one of the hardest things I
have had to do, drop my dad and his suitcase at the door, with the situation I was not able to go in. But the manager and her staff were so lovely, they were great with my dad, reassured me that he would be fine, so I walked away a little heartbroken but comforted by their caring manner. It was all a bit of a whirlwind few days, the decision was made that dad would now need to be somewhere with full-time care. We were all worried about how unsettling it would be for him to move again, but the manager made it possible for The Firs to become dad's forever home. He is just 2 buildings along the road from Mum, she is reassured he is so close and so well looked after.

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Review from S M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 14 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home is very homely and friendly.
Great staff.
Grandad is very happy!
Thanks!

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Review from L S (Sister of Resident) published on 14 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother has been in the care of "The Firs" care home for around four years and has always been well looked after. He has maintained a good weight and appears happy despite his obvious dementia. He is always dressed well and kept clean.

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Review from L P (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since being at The Firs, Dad has completely changed for the better. He was previously put on medication as the previous home said Dad was aggressive (was never), they (The Firs) stopped the medication and Dad is fine. It's so nice to see him happy again, and he joins in activities and goes around singing.
His care is so good; he's always in clean clothes etc.

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Review from Tia G (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care home, always go above and beyond.

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Review from Angela O (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 30 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nanna says she likes it here, and the people are kind.

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Review from Jacqui S (Niece of Resident) published on 1 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased with the care my aunt receives. She is always happy when I visit/FaceTime. The staff are very nice and helpful. The only issue I have had is with my aunt's personal laundry going missing, but I have brought this to the attention of the manager, and it has been resolved.

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Review from David B (Friend of Resident) published on 11 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My friend moved into The Firs a year ago, since then, the home has been in lockdown in various degrees. The care and attention that he has received have been excellent, all of his needs have been met, and his condition, whilst deteriorating, has not been as progressive as it might have been; had he
continued to live alone and in isolation. We would have no hesitation in recommending The Firs, all of the staff have supported him in his every need, and we cannot thank them enough.

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Review from Janice S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our family are very happy with the care that Dad receives. We feel that the staff have really got to know him and his ways; it is lovely to see him interact and have a laugh with them.
We are always greeted with a warm welcome either when visiting before COVID or when having telephone calls or video
time.
We are pleased that we have been updated with life at The Firs during Covid, the Twitter photos have helped with this, and so nice to see what they are getting up to.
Dad always lets us know how good the meals are and how well he is looked after.
The staff are professional and dedicated; they show they care by their manner and their words towards the residents; this could always be seen when we were visiting.
They are friendly and approachable, making it easy to talk through any concerns we may have.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.831)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.831) out of 10 for The Firs is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 43 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 43 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 4.831 for The Firs is calculated as follows: ( (427 Excellents x 5) + (77 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 508 Ratings = 4.831

  • 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 The Firs is based on 43 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 43 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.

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.

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