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 Tina O (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2021 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
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...
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.
Review from S M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 14 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
The home is very homely and friendly.
Great staff.
Grandad is very happy!
Great staff.
Grandad is very happy!
Thanks!
The home is very homely and friendly.
Great staff.
Grandad is very happy!
Great staff.
Grandad is very happy!
Thanks!
Review from L S (Sister of Resident) published on 14 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
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.
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.
Review from L P (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
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...
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.
Review from Tia G (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Excellent care home, always go above and beyond.
Excellent care home, always go above and beyond.
Review from Angela O (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 30 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
My nanna says she likes it here, and the people are kind.
My nanna says she likes it here, and the people are kind.
Review from Jacqui S (Niece of Resident) published on 1 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
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.
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.
Review from David B (Friend of Resident) published on 11 March 2021 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
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...
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.
Review from Janice S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2021 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
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...
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.
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.
Review from Katie M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Grandad is always really happy whenever we see him. We love seeing photos of him on Twitter doing all sorts of different activities. It is clear that he is very well cared for and the staff are always friendly.
Grandad is always really happy whenever we see him. We love seeing photos of him on Twitter doing all sorts of different activities. It is clear that he is very well cared for and the staff are always friendly.
Review from Pauline O (Relative of Resident) published on 21 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Fantastic staff working well with clients and family. Institutional furniture in bedrooms and sitting rooms make it unfriendly and not homely to visitor and client.
Food waste is a scandal, too much thrown away, less food of better quality should be provided.
Food waste is a scandal, too much thrown away, less food of better quality should be provided.
Lack of stimulation for clients.
Fantastic staff working well with clients and family. Institutional furniture in bedrooms and sitting rooms make it unfriendly and not homely to visitor and client.
Food waste is a scandal, too much thrown away, less food of better quality should be provided.
Food waste is a scandal, too much thrown away, less food of better quality should be provided.
Lack of stimulation for clients.
↩Reply from Anna Richards, Manager at The Firs
Thank you for taking the time to review The Firs and we are pleased that you rate our staff as excellent. We encourage residents to personalise their rooms to suit them as much as possible. Our food is cooked fresh daily within our home and we regularly feedback from residents to ensure our menus...
Thank you for taking the time to review The Firs and we are pleased that you rate our staff as excellent. We encourage residents to personalise their rooms to suit them as much as possible. Our food is cooked fresh daily within our home and we regularly feedback from residents to ensure our menus suit their preferences. We have an all-team approach to activities, where these are planned on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to ensure that we cater for everyone’s interests. We would be happy to discuss your concerns at a mutually convenient time.
Review from C H (Son of Resident) published on 20 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Very welcoming. Nothing is too much trouble. The staff is always very polite and pleased to see you and respond to any concerns or questions with such care.
Very welcoming. Nothing is too much trouble. The staff is always very polite and pleased to see you and respond to any concerns or questions with such care.
Review from Fiona L (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
We have found dad to be extremely happy and very well cared for at The Firs. He has dementia and this is the first care home he has been in where he doesn't ask to come home from. He always looks clean, healthy and happy which is so important to us. He has a lovely bedroom which again is the first...
We have found dad to be extremely happy and very well cared for at The Firs. He has dementia and this is the first care home he has been in where he doesn't ask to come home from. He always looks clean, healthy and happy which is so important to us. He has a lovely bedroom which again is the first to look like a bedroom and not a hospital room. We are so happy he is happy and all the staff treat him and mum with kindness and respect.
Review from J M (Wife of Resident) published on 3 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
My husband has been in The Firs since early Feb this year. I find his care and safety of the highest order. The staff are caring and helpful both to him and myself. I am made to feel welcome when I phone The Firs and also when I visit. Thank you all very much.
My husband has been in The Firs since early Feb this year. I find his care and safety of the highest order. The staff are caring and helpful both to him and myself. I am made to feel welcome when I phone The Firs and also when I visit. Thank you all very much.
Review from C H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 2 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Excellent care for my nan. Staff are always polite, happy and caring. Great activities provided. A clean and welcoming care home. My nan is very happy at The Firs and has been for many years, long may it continue.
Excellent care for my nan. Staff are always polite, happy and caring. Great activities provided. A clean and welcoming care home. My nan is very happy at The Firs and has been for many years, long may it continue.
Review from D H (Son of Resident) published on 1 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Always found my mother well cared for, staff extremely attentive, polite and nothing seems too much trouble for them. Sometimes during difficult circumstances and situations, they all pull together to look after the respective clients who are sometimes less than helpful but they carry on regardless...
Always found my mother well cared for, staff extremely attentive, polite and nothing seems too much trouble for them. Sometimes during difficult circumstances and situations, they all pull together to look after the respective clients who are sometimes less than helpful but they carry on regardless and do a fantastic job in trying times. I couldn't get better care for my mother anywhere else. Thank you.
Review from John C (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 12 June 2020 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I would like to make it clear that since the Manager has been in charge the home has become a more caring and efficient place. I think that the overall care given to the residents (and their relations) is second to none. We have been kept up to date with all that is happening and have been...
I would like to make it clear that since the Manager has been in charge the home has become a more caring and efficient place. I think that the overall care given to the residents (and their relations) is second to none. We have been kept up to date with all that is happening and have been reassured about the precautions being taken with reference to Covid-19. They are friendly to all, residents and relatives, I cannot praise the manager and staff highly enough.
It is giving excellent care to my mother-in-law and we are reassured that she cannot be looked after any better.
It is giving excellent care to my mother-in-law and we are reassured that she cannot be looked after any better.
Thank you all so much.
Review from Lauren C (Great-Niece of Resident) published on 18 May 2020 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
From the moment my mum and I visited The Firs prior to my great aunt being a resident, I felt very welcomed and knew from that moment that it was the right place for my great aunt. All the staff have also been very helpful, attentive and friendly when visiting.
My great aunt always has a smile on...
From the moment my mum and I visited The Firs prior to my great aunt being a resident, I felt very welcomed and knew from that moment that it was the right place for my great aunt. All the staff have also been very helpful, attentive and friendly when visiting.
My great aunt always has a smile on her face which is reassuring and confirms she is well cared for and looked after and in this current lockdown situation, it is such a loving and caring touch that staff have family video calls so that we can keep in touch with our loved ones. The Firs also offers daily activities for the residents which on numerous occasions my children and I have joined in with when visiting. Would definitely have no hesitation in recommending to friends and family.
Review from Donna R (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2020 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My mother has been in the care home for a while now and as I live overseas it was important to us that she was happy and well cared for which she is. There are lots of activities at the home, it is also not overly crowded, there is a lovely garden which my mum enjoys a lot, the staff are friendly...
My mother has been in the care home for a while now and as I live overseas it was important to us that she was happy and well cared for which she is. There are lots of activities at the home, it is also not overly crowded, there is a lovely garden which my mum enjoys a lot, the staff are friendly and happy to help with anything asked. My mum had a hard time at the beginning as she could be very difficult due to her dementia but the staff were wonderful and put my mind at ease that all would be ok when she settled down, within a few weeks she was happy and settled.
Review from Andrew W (Son of Resident) published on 11 May 2020 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My father is being treated with care and dignity and had no complaints about any aspect of Firs itself or the staff. I was made to feel welcome on my visits and spent many a happy hour there chatting to residents and staff.
My father is being treated with care and dignity and had no complaints about any aspect of Firs itself or the staff. I was made to feel welcome on my visits and spent many a happy hour there chatting to residents and staff.
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)
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