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 B Y (Friend of Resident) published on 26 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Friendly staff, easy assessment, good relations with residents. Nice location, easy access, secure facility.
Friendly staff, easy assessment, good relations with residents. Nice location, easy access, secure facility.
Review from Paul S (Son of Resident) published on 31 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Unable to fault anything with this home. The staff are extremely helpful and professional.
Unable to fault anything with this home. The staff are extremely helpful and professional.
Review from Jayne M (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 8 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We find The Firs a really friendly home. The rooms are really comfortable and nice and clean, very nicely decorated. And all the Carers are really welcoming and caring. We have been around when food has been served, and it looks quite delicious, one day it was prawn salad, one day was chicken...
We find The Firs a really friendly home. The rooms are really comfortable and nice and clean, very nicely decorated. And all the Carers are really welcoming and caring. We have been around when food has been served, and it looks quite delicious, one day it was prawn salad, one day was chicken goujons with croquette potatoes, each night there is a good selection available. There is always soup, mixed sandwiches, cake. In fact, I would have been tempted myself. The Carers are very welcoming, we can as visitors help ourselves at any time to coffee, teas or soft drinks. My Sister-in-Law has seemed to have settled in well.
Review from Marina B (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Mum is being cared for well, she eats and drinks really well now. The staff always tell me if there's a problem and how Mum is doing.
Mum is being cared for well, she eats and drinks really well now. The staff always tell me if there's a problem and how Mum is doing.
Review from Richard F (Resident / Service User) published on 5 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Lovely environment and friendly staff. No nasty smells and very clean. All round professional set up.
Lovely environment and friendly staff. No nasty smells and very clean. All round professional set up.
Review from Christine H (Friend of Resident) published on 16 April 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
The Firs is very homely and welcoming. It provides excellent home cooked food with a choice of menus each day. Local churches go in and take services on a regular basis. Excellent activities planned and my only concern i.e that the shifts were changed from 8hrs to 12hrs and I feel that is far too...
The Firs is very homely and welcoming. It provides excellent home cooked food with a choice of menus each day. Local churches go in and take services on a regular basis. Excellent activities planned and my only concern i.e that the shifts were changed from 8hrs to 12hrs and I feel that is far too long when you are caring for residents with dementia. This has also meant that staff have left.
↩Reply from Jerome Wright, Digital Marketing Apprentice at The Firs
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on The Firs . We endeavour to ensure every aspect of our homes are of a high standard and always aim to rectify any issues as soon as possible
Review from Anne S (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 21 March 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I have always found the staff to be friendly and attentive towards the residents. The home itself is kept clean and tidy. The decorations are seasonal and changed regularly with the help of the residents who are encouraged to take part in weekly craft activities. The home and grounds are spacious...
I have always found the staff to be friendly and attentive towards the residents. The home itself is kept clean and tidy. The decorations are seasonal and changed regularly with the help of the residents who are encouraged to take part in weekly craft activities. The home and grounds are spacious and easy to move around even in a wheelchair.
Review from B S (Son of Resident) published on 21 March 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
The care of my mother is professional but also caring. They managed to cope when she was having a bad patch and behaving in a very challenging way. Now she is much happier and they do very well with her basic needs. Also activities and fun things to do.
The care of my mother is professional but also caring. They managed to cope when she was having a bad patch and behaving in a very challenging way. Now she is much happier and they do very well with her basic needs. Also activities and fun things to do.
Review from Michael G (Brother of Resident) published on 21 March 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I have only been twice but I can already see that this is a very nice place and yesterday the hall was full up with a 'music man' who was very good and got some singing and the rest of their attention.
I have only been twice but I can already see that this is a very nice place and yesterday the hall was full up with a 'music man' who was very good and got some singing and the rest of their attention.
Review from P F (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 21 March 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Only visited three times, from what I have seen and experienced, the home is an excellent facility. I would definitely recommend it to any family. My father-in-law has settled in extremely well. We all feel totally happy with the care provided.
Only visited three times, from what I have seen and experienced, the home is an excellent facility. I would definitely recommend it to any family. My father-in-law has settled in extremely well. We all feel totally happy with the care provided.
Review from Caron F (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
My father spent several weeks in hospital prior to coming into The Firs and we are all so pleased to now have him settled in The Firs. He has a lovely room overlooking the garden which he will love in the summertime. The staff are all lovely, friendly and welcoming, making the family feel very...
My father spent several weeks in hospital prior to coming into The Firs and we are all so pleased to now have him settled in The Firs. He has a lovely room overlooking the garden which he will love in the summertime. The staff are all lovely, friendly and welcoming, making the family feel very relieved to see Dad so wonderfully taken care of. Thank you to you all.
Review from D C (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 March 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
My mother is a resident. Home is friendly and welcoming. Rooms are a nice size. Staff are proactive in dealing with any medical issues that arise! Activities good. Home is 'quiet' at the moment, hoping for new residents for my mother to interact with!
My mother is a resident. Home is friendly and welcoming. Rooms are a nice size. Staff are proactive in dealing with any medical issues that arise! Activities good. Home is 'quiet' at the moment, hoping for new residents for my mother to interact with!
Review from S M (Son of Resident) published on 6 March 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
The Firs is safe, secure but very homely too. Lots of space and familiar resources for my mum to select. Staff have got to know my mum really well and regularly share information about her and how she spends her day. Mum is very happy and settled and that is very reassuring to us.
The Firs is safe, secure but very homely too. Lots of space and familiar resources for my mum to select. Staff have got to know my mum really well and regularly share information about her and how she spends her day. Mum is very happy and settled and that is very reassuring to us.
Review from Kevin H (Son of Resident) published on 12 February 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My mother seems very happy and settled. The staff are well aware of her needs and have become used to her personality. They tend to persuade mum to do the things which are good for her. She has regular access to health professionals, through the scheduled home visits. We have been involved in a...
My mother seems very happy and settled. The staff are well aware of her needs and have become used to her personality. They tend to persuade mum to do the things which are good for her. She has regular access to health professionals, through the scheduled home visits. We have been involved in a care plan review and our mother's involvement was also sought in that process.
Review from Elizabeth S (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I knew as soon as Iu walked through the door that this was the place for Mum. The staff are kind and friendly and very supportive. It feels very homely and Mum settled in well. All her needs are now being met which has allowed me not to worry as much.
I knew as soon as Iu walked through the door that this was the place for Mum. The staff are kind and friendly and very supportive. It feels very homely and Mum settled in well. All her needs are now being met which has allowed me not to worry as much.
Review from Joan F (Cousin of Resident) published on 12 January 2018 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Always extremely good, helpful staff and my cousin is well looked after here.
Always extremely good, helpful staff and my cousin is well looked after here.
Review from James P (Son of Resident) published on 21 December 2017 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
This care home is very caring and staff are very friendly and caring and normally efficient. I would like to see some activities for my mother other than bingo. Overall a very good home.
This care home is very caring and staff are very friendly and caring and normally efficient. I would like to see some activities for my mother other than bingo. Overall a very good home.
Review from Wendy F (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2017 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I have great peace of mind that mum is safe and happy within the home.
The staff are all very friendly and dedicated to their work and always make us feel welcome when we visit.
The staff are all very friendly and dedicated to their work and always make us feel welcome when we visit.
I would highly recommend The Firs to others.
I have great peace of mind that mum is safe and happy within the home.
The staff are all very friendly and dedicated to their work and always make us feel welcome when we visit.
The staff are all very friendly and dedicated to their work and always make us feel welcome when we visit.
I would highly recommend The Firs to others.
Review from G M (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 December 2017 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My mother has been resident in this care home since May 2017 having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's/dementia. Due to this illness, residential care was the only option left. After visiting three care home, this being the first, we knew as soon as we walked in that this was the right home. We could...
My mother has been resident in this care home since May 2017 having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's/dementia. Due to this illness, residential care was the only option left. After visiting three care home, this being the first, we knew as soon as we walked in that this was the right home. We could immediately see the love and care the residents received from the staff.
The home is very clean and the menu is excellent. Nothing is ever too much for the staff to help and I believe they have a genuine love and care for the residents. The social activities are very good and open to all residents.
Review from Christine H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 31 March 2017 Submitted via Review Postal Card•
Overall Experience
Since the appointment of the new manager, there appears to have been a much higher turnover of staff. The rota has been changed, I understand to 7days of work before days off, is this legal?
Also, staff used to have alternative weekends off and now it appears they don't get more than two weekends...
Since the appointment of the new manager, there appears to have been a much higher turnover of staff. The rota has been changed, I understand to 7days of work before days off, is this legal?
Also, staff used to have alternative weekends off and now it appears they don't get more than two weekends off every 6 weeks.
If you have unhappy staff it reflects on the residents. Split weekends do not give care staff a good rest when working with Dementia residents.
I have overheard staff say it is like working in a prison!
Also, staff used to have alternative weekends off and now it appears they don't get more than two weekends off every 6 weeks.
If you have unhappy staff it reflects on the residents. Split weekends do not give care staff a good rest when working with Dementia residents.
I have overheard staff say it is like working in a prison!
Not good for residents, staff or visitors.
↩Reply from Judith McGugan, District Manager at The Firs
We monitor the turnover of staff at our homes and do ask staff for the reason they are leaving to enable us to review staff satisfaction. We also undertake staff surveys to enable staff to have the opportunity to comment upon us as a Company and the working environment. All changes to working...
We monitor the turnover of staff at our homes and do ask staff for the reason they are leaving to enable us to review staff satisfaction. We also undertake staff surveys to enable staff to have the opportunity to comment upon us as a Company and the working environment. All changes to working patterns have been discussed with staff prior to the changes. The working patterns are agreed to ensure that the home is staffed to maintain resident care and staff do have the opportunity to discuss changes to their own rota if they wish. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.
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
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Meet the Team (0)
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