Fornham House

Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds IP31 1SR
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9.7 108 Reviews
  • Fornham House, Bury St Edmunds
Fornham House is located just a couple of miles from Bury St Edmunds, in the pretty village of Fornham St Martin. The home has extensive grounds with views over the surrounding countryside. The garden can be enjoyed by residents and visitors, with ample seating areas surrounded by colourful flower beds, mature trees, and a large pond with water features, aquatic plants and fish.

Fornham House provides seven lounges, including the Constable Lounge where many social activities take place, and these are complemented by patio and garden areas for summer outdoor relaxation. Accommodation is offered in generous, tastefully decorated single rooms (71 rooms in total), 63 of which have En-Suite facilities and 9 further with toilet and sink En-suite facilities, thereby providing residents with the necessary facilities for a quality life in later years. Although all rooms are fully furnished, residents are encouraged to bring items of furniture and personal possessions with them so that their room can be a true ‘home from home’.

The home now has a new purpose-built 17-bed extension. The design is beautiful, spacious yet intimate. It is safe, communal living at its best, with emphasis on individual care needs. Spacious corridors give accessibility from every area in the home, and allows residents to walk freely and safely. Access to the large decked area is gained through doors leading from the dining area. Doors in the corridor and lounge gives access to a peaceful, intimate indoor garden.

Residents are welcome to develop this garden further. This is where many residents will have the opportunity to potter at their hearts content. The beautiful soft colours of the walls and carpets will compliment all of your personal items, making it really feel like home.
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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 88 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1450
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Fornham House 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

Person in charge

  • Stuart Coleman (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (88)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (78)

Fornham House Reviews (108)

9.7

Fornham House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.651) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Fornham House has 108 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Fornham House
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Total of 108, showing 21-40
Review from Grace W (Friend of Resident) published on 31 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Fornham team are always so helpful and with a smile on their faces, even when things are really difficult. Lunches are very tasty and relevant to people with dementia. Now that my friend is non weight-bearing he has to be hoisted from chair to bed etc. Always carried out with care talking to him
the whole time so that he is aware of what is going on. Well done and thank you.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Fornham House

Always a pleasure, thank you so much for your kind words!

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Review from J W (Resident) published on 12 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since arriving in September I have been treated with kindness, efficiency and respect, apart from one incident, which was resolved quickly. The staff are all very friendly and easy to get on with.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you Jane, it's really appreciated and we are so lucky to have you and support you as much as we can!

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Review from Andrew B (Brother of Resident) published on 29 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fornham House is excellent, my brother appears very happy and content and nothing is too much for anyone to make his life easier everyday.
Food and activities are amazing and everyone is very helpful right from the top.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much Andy for such lovely comments, much appreciated!

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Review from Richard M (Son of Resident) published on 10 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been at Fornham House since June 2020. Even though she is sometimes unpredictable the staff treat her with respect and dignity. I have recently noticed a smile on her face that I have not seen for a number of years so I know she is in the right place. I can't thank the staff enough for
what they do.
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Review from Jerry L (Son of Resident) published on 15 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All individuals from admin to nurses have been thoughtful and caring towards my father and I. I'm glad he had some fun and peaceful times before his passing, in the same home as my grandparents who resided there about 30 years ago as it happens. Special thanks to two staff for your loving care for dad
- I know he was stubborn at times, it's the family genes!
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Fornham House

It was a great pleasure to look after dad, thank you so much for the beautiful comments, will pass them over to the team.

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Review from S N (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been in Fornham Care Home for over two years and right from the start she was treated with dignity and made to feel at home. All of the staff are excellent and if I have a worry it is sorted straight away. Mum has made friends with residents and staff. The activities keep mum busy and occupied.
I am so glad we as a family chose Fernham as mum's care home.
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Review from N A (Great-Niece of Resident) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My great-uncle moved to Fornham house in May 22 and has settled in really well. The staff are lovely and keep me up to date with how he is! My uncle loves the garden and really enjoys sitting out when the weather is warm enough! It's a lovely place run by lovely people!
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much. I will pass on your lovely comments to the Fornham team!

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Review from D C (Resident) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy at Fornham House. The staff are very helpful at all times. I love the activities that take place every day. The meals are very good and tasty.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank it is a pleasure to support you with your daily requirements.

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Review from Sandra S (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother suffers with mobility problems and dementia. She has been a resident for 2 years and 4 months. Her care is exemplary. Her room is spacious and comfortable with a nice view and en-suite. The food is good and there is a nice dining room. There are activities in the lounge most days. The gardens
are accessible and there is seating and an outdoor pod to facilitate visits during covid restrictions to protect the residents and staff. I am thankful that my mother has such a pleasant place to live and has such good care taken of her.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much it is a great pleasure looking after your mother.

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Review from P C (Son of Resident) published on 22 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The carpet is filthy and dirty and needs more than a hoover over it. Shampoo would be good. Used gloves in the waste bin, sometimes toilet not cleaned.
But Mum is very happy being here, just small details that get overlooked.
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Review from J M (Resident) published on 2 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was in Fornham House for four weeks of respite care. I was treated very well. If I hadn't come here, my illness would have become worse. I really like Fornham and the staff. I hope Fornham would have me back when I need it. Best food I ever had.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much, we hope everything goes well for you. It was a pleasure to have you, wishing you all the best!

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Review from Kevin W (Friend of Resident) published on 18 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend is really settled in the care home, which is so satisfying for me, as he is safe, well cared for and well-fed. Credit to the staff who look after him.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much, Kevin, best wishes from all at Fornham House!

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Review from Lorraine S (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum is very happy at Fornham House. She has made some friends and loves the staff and her room. The outside pod is great for visits; there has been a great effort made there. Mum tells me the food is fantastic. Communication is good; I receive regular calls regarding Mum's care and wellbeing. Fornham
House is in lovely grounds; I walk around with my dogs and talk to the residents through closed windows; they like to see the dogs. Sadly, there is lots of rubbish around the grounds, even at the front entrance, which is not a good first impression. To deal with this, I have done several litter picks, after all, this is my mums home.
Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our service. We take your view very seriously and hope you will acknowledge any changes I have made because of this. I am very pleased to report our groundsman is now back, and we have our new full-time maintenance person in place again. We are proud to work at Fornham and our priority is ensuring that our home remains a special place for our residents. Thank you again.

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Review from Colleen A (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our mum has a fall and we were extremely worried. However, we were put at ease by the staff who cared for her. They arranged for her to be examined by the medics from the hospital and then they expertly cared for her at the home and reassured us that Mum was okay. No-one could ask for a better or more
caring service than the wonderful care our mum continually receives at the home. Thank you to all of you.
Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Dear Colleen, thank you for your comments. This means so much to all of us at Fornham. We appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey for us. See you soon!

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Review from S F (Niece of Resident) published on 4 January 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Good communication over the year especially with the covid. We have been able to visit my uncle thanks to the pod although he does have problems hearing me. Uncle looks well and receives good care.
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Review from Jan M (Niece of Resident) published on 12 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I feel that Fordham House has dealt well with all the new rules and regulations in this difficult year, enabling the family to still see their relations. My Uncle is very happy with the care he is given from all staff.
Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for taking the time to do a review for us. We are so proud to work with our lovely residents. Thank you for your constant support. We appreciate the review very, very much.

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Review from Patricia E (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We have been very impressed by the way in which the covid crisis has been managed. It has been reassuring to be kept so well informed while we have not been able to visit. When we could visit we were so pleased by the very evident care my mother is receiving, thank you.
Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our service. I feel blessed to work with such an amazing team at Fornham, and I know that we all just want the best for our residents.

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Review from Denise K (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fantastic home. Everyone is so friendly and the care is outstanding. If I have any concerns they are dealt with straight away. I wouldn't want my mum to be anywhere else.
Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

What lovely thoughts! Thank you very much. Thank you for giving us such high accolades, I am truly humbled. I will share your comments with my colleagues at Fornham. I know how we all appreciate you making the effort. Stay safe.

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Review from J F (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very caring towards my mum. Very friendly staff for Mum and us and great listeners to our concerns and helpful. A very caring home and very friendly home. The care and support for my mum and for us are outstanding and keeping everyone safe with this Covid-19. The home have been very helpful when phoning
to ask about Mum and phoning us with any concerns, keeping us informed at all times.
Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you, thank you. Thank you for taking the time to do a review for Fornham House. We do not get it every day, but there is nothing more special than great feedback from a service user. This is so appreciated. We are all very proud to look after our very special residents. Please stay safe and stay strong.

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Review from Christine S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
According to my mum, I can only answer some of the questions because of Covid-19. Neither I nor any of the family have been inside Fornham House, I'm sad to say. But, Mum is safe, happy, likes all the staff and the food and loves being with you all and has made friends. The voices on the telephone are
always friendly, cheerful and helpful and if they need to ring you back, they always do, which means a great deal. Fornham has given Mum and all of us peace of mind. I just wish we could all meet personally and chat. Thank you. She is so much better due to your care. Take care, stay safe, stay well, great newsletters.
Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Such an honour! Amazing, thank you, thank you. I feel humbled to get such a detailed review and this means so much to all of us working at Fornham House. Thank you for trusting us with your loved one, I know how difficult this is and can only say thank you very much. Thank you for commenting on the newsletters, now I know it is being read. Many thanks. We will all be able to have a cup of tea together soon. Keep safe and take care.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.651)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.651) out of 10 for Fornham House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.651 for Fornham House is calculated as follows: ( (199 Excellents x 5) + (43 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 255 Ratings = 4.651
  2. 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 Fornham House is based on 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 88 registered maximum number of service users is 17.6, which has been reached with 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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: 5 Dec 2018

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. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

5 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 13 Sep 2025

We provide permanent and respite accommodation for individuals with residential, respite, palliative, residencial dementia care and specialist care needs. Our services include complete en suite rooms and basin with WC rooms. Additionally, we offer privately funded, local authority, and NHS-funded placements.

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

Meet the Team (9)

Stuart

Stuart Coleman

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2025

I love the positive atmosphere here and enjoy getting to know our residents and their families. It’s a joy to see the team providing such thoughtful care each day. I’ve completed my NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management, along with a range of other care-related qualifications and experience which I use everyday in my role at Fornham House.

Magda

Magda Plant

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2012

I love coming to work each day, it really feels like a home from home. I’ve built great connections across the team and enjoy supporting residents from their very first day. I’ve completed my Level 5 in Adult Social Care and training in end-of-life care.

Daniel

Daniel Phillips

Job Title: Head Chef

"I believe that it's important to be able to form good relationships with people, be good at cooking, budgeting and menu planning to be a successful head chef in a care home. My favourite part of my day is cooking to a high standard and receiving positive feedback from residents."

Stephanie

Stephanie Peacock

Job Title: Dementia Unit Lead Joined: 2019

The home has such a warm, friendly feel, it’s like being part of a big family, and we all work so well together. I enjoy caring for residents each day and supporting them through their individual dementia journeys. I’ve completed a pre-nursing course in Ireland and my NVQ Level 3 in Adult Social Care here in the UK.

Charlie

Charlie Plant

Job Title: Unit Manager Joined: 2018

I’ve built strong connections with healthcare professionals who support our residents, and I’m proud to be part of such a respectful and supportive team. I’ve completed my Level 3 in Adult Social Care, along with advanced training in End of Life care and Respect wishes. With over 10 years’ experience at Fornham House, I’ve grown a lot in my role and truly value the relationships I’ve built along the way.

Jemima

Jemima Gaskin

Job Title: Receptionist Joined: 2023

I have over six years of care experience, which has given me the knowledge and empathy to support people living with dementia. I really enjoy meeting new people and having conversations with our residents. It's amazing what you can learn from a simple chat. I enrich their lives by listening, being present, and building strong relationships with both residents and their families.

Roela

Roela Vaughan

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2024

I’ve worked in the care industry since 2008, starting as a care assistant and progressing to Deputy Manager. After taking a break for family commitments, I’m really happy to be back doing what I love. I enjoy being there for residents and their families from the very beginning, helping them through the admission process and watching them settle and grow during their time with us. Building strong relationships is at the heart of what I do, and I take pride in making sure everything from contracts to care plans is handled smoothly and with care.

Mark

Mark Cummings

Job Title: Maintenance Lead Joined: 2023

I love fixing things and working in a great team. With 30 years of ex-forces experience, plus a background in painting, decorating, gardening, and first response, I bring a wide range of skills to my role, and always make time for a chat or dance with the residents!

Annaka

Annaka De Freitas

Job Title: Front of House Joined: 2022

I love making a difference in residents' lives and supporting their independence, whether it's with daily tasks, online shopping, or a friendly chat. With over 20 years in hospitality, I’m passionate about creating a warm and supportive environment.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Fornham House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Fornham House has an Enhanced Service - more info.