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 81-100
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
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

135
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16
43
92

Review from Katie M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

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 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.

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Review from C H (Son of Resident) published on 20 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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 • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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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Review from Matt F (Son of Resident) published on 11 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After looking at quite a few care homes, we settled on this one for mum, and can honestly say we made the right choice. Staff are incredibly friendly, the rooms are immaculate, and nothing is too much trouble. Mum is looking healthy too, which speaks volumes.
All in all, extremely happy.

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Review from T S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Just recently it was my parent's wedding anniversary and because of the coronavirus, my grandma couldn’t see them. The staff were very thoughtful and kind and recorded a special message for my parents, from my grandma - they also posted a card from her.
This was very much appreciated; during this
sad time.

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Review from Rachel E (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been at The Firs for well over a year, and I am really happy she is now there. She is well looked after, the staff are very friendly and attentive, also making me and the family feel welcome when we come to visit. Nothing’s seems too much trouble. The facilities are good, and her room is bright,
clean and comfortable. It’s so good knowing mum is safe, and well looked after.

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Review from Victoria H (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely excellent care right from reception to Manager. Very kind and compassionate with residents and always going the extra mile. I am very happy with my mother's care after four and a half years. The only thing I wish is that she was nearer to me but she has a friend that has been the first port
of all in an emergency so will want her to stay there for the rest of her life.

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Review from Alison C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always thought The Firs at Felixstowe was brilliant but right now, during these difficult times, The Firs have shown just how brilliant they are. Weekly we pop by to deliver my mum some treats and they are always so happy to see us and they are always so reassuring at the moment when we are all
at home and so worried. They now have a mobile device so we can all video call and chat and keep in touch, they call if there are ever any problems and they always seem so positive and bright. Seeing them from a distance if only for a few minutes really makes me smile. I really do believe my mum could not be in safer hands. Thank you to the manager and team for everything - you are all amazing and tonight, once again we will be clapping for you all.

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Review from Lesley G (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All the staff at The Firs are dedicated, hard-working, professional, friendly and thoughtful. The home is clean, bright and homely. I would like to praise everyone who works there during this particularly very difficult period of time. Thank you so very much for everything you do and for caring for
my dad. During this worrying time when I have not been able to visit my dad thanks to you for helping me see and speak to him via video call. Once again thanks to the Manager, all the wonderful carers, members of the admin team and to Chef and his team for continuing to provide such lovely cakes and desserts which are enjoyed by my dad. Stay safe and keep well.

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Review from H H (Friend of Resident) published on 21 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’ve been visiting this home for the past 9 months, I’ve been impressed by the following;
Staff friendliness, professionalism, work ethic, cleanliness, overall happiness and care for the residents that call this beautiful place Home.
The staff always have a smile and go above and beyond their own
duties to make you feel welcome and part of their family.
Our friend/relative speaks highly of her home.
So we applaud you all from the bottom of our hearts and thank you for your hard work and dedication, now more than ever.

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Review from Dawn J (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father is well cared for, the entertainment is good for the residents. Food menus are varied and all cooked fresh, with sample taster sessions available to assist the residents when new dishes are introduced. The staff are very friendly and professional. There is a very warm reception upon arrival.
Got to know the staff and residents well, visiting regularly and it feels like extended family visits, it all makes for pleasant visits at a time when your apprehensive for your family member who requires this care, would recommend.

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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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