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The Firs

186 Grange Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 2QF
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As a family we are very pleased with the level of care she receivesJoy B(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
The Firs, Felixstowe
The staff at The Firs have been incredibly kind and helped dad to adjustM W(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
The Firs, Felixstowe
The management are very approachable and very welcoming. The home has a very homely feel.J M(Brother of Resident/Service User)
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. As well as permanent and long term care, The Firs offers convalescence, trial and respite stays.

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

Care Provided by The Firs

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

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,530From £1,530
Residential Dementia CareFrom £1,530From £1,530

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.

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 (143)

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9.9

The Firs has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.851) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Firs has 143 reviews.

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Showing 143 reviews matching selected criteria
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!

Thanks!

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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.

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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 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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
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.

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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 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
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 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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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.

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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.

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...  

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 and do a fantastic job in trying times. I couldn't get better care for my mother anywhere else. Thank you.

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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 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.

Thank you all so much.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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.

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Review from Sarah C (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My grandparents have been at The Firs for 4 years now. Due to Alzheimer’s/Dementia unable to look after themselves at home. As I live 3 hrs away and their son lives abroad we are heavily reliant on the staff and key workers who have been excellent. Staff are fairly consistent which helps give continuity and build trust with my grandparents. Particularly my grandmother finds it easy to dislike people but has loudly declared she liked certain staff members (she would have just as loudly said if she didn’t). Staff are always pleasant on my visits. You can see they are also always busy, no time to be idle, although do always find time to have little chats with all residents.

Right now the staff are having to do more as no one is able to visit (our trips irregular at best of time due to distance) however the care home have increased communication levels and send a monthly newsletter so we are aware of current situation and include photos of all residents which are lovely to see now.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 16 December 2022
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledGood
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.

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.

Awards / Recognitions (11)

  • 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Anchor
  • 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Anchor
  • 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Anchor

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for The Firs.

Meet the Team (0)

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