Fornham House

Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds IP31 1SR
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9.6 108 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)

Total of 108, showing 41-60
9.6

Fornham House has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.634) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Fornham House has 108 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 71
  • 32
  • 3
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Date Published

108
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15
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Review from M B (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My sister and I had a visit with our mother on the occasion of her 99th birthday. We were very impressed with the new visitor shelter, well thought out in the current (and likely future) COVID restrictions. Mother had had her hair done early, and the staff we all very helpful and attentive.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Dear friends of Fornham. Thank you for taking the time to comment, especially on the visitor's pod. We are so happy that a new facility was made available for our visitors. It is lovely to see people visiting, even if it is outside. I think the best part of the pod is the appointment slots, which allows the resident to get ready and prepare for your visit. The residents love it! Thank you
Desiree

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Review from Janet G (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother resided in Fornham House for nearly four years. Sadly she died yesterday, and I would like to place on record my family’s appreciation for the outstanding love and care she received during the whole of her stay. Covid-19 has presented extreme difficulties for us all but knowing that our mother
was being well looked after was very reassuring. Three members of staff and their team deserve a special mention for ensuring her final days were as comfortable as possible. They are all very special people who deserve so much more recognition for their dedication.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

We feel blessed having your mother in our home. She is already missed. Thank you for all your support, kindness and trust during the final three months of her life.
Thank you for taking the time to do this review. It is very much appreciated.
Please accept our sincerest condolences to the whole family.

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Review from D C (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 23 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are all friendly and work incredibly hard. Management have always listened to requests or problems and carried out necessary changes or needs. Clothes are always washed to a high standard and the kitchen prepare varied and tasty meals and drinks. Good daily activities for all to join in. It would
just be nice to see the staff be given a bit more time or more staff, to enable them to spend a bit more social time with their residents.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you for taking the time to review our service. We love working for our residents at Fornham House and are very proud to be part of such a loving community. Thank you.

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Review from Michael A (Son of Resident) published on 11 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

More than happy with the level of care offered to my mother.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you for taking the time to review our service. Your review helps us to make improvements. Thank you for a very positive review, we value your effort.
Much appreciated.

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Review from Tim B (Son of Resident) published on 11 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother and father have been residents in Fornham House for two years. Throughout that time their health, in particular my father's, has deteriorated. The care received over this time has been exemplary by a highly professional team led by a truly lovely caring manager.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you for your very kind words, and for taking the time to review our service. This means such a great deal to all of the staff at Fornham House. I am proud to be a part of the team here and we are blessed to care for such amazing residents. Thank you for trusting us with your loved ones. This means so much to us all.
Thank you.

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Review from S P (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All very good - staff excellent, they are very caring. Better now new manager in situ.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much for taking the time to post a review for us. We value your feedback and will try to improve every time.

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Review from Kathleen G (Sister of Resident) published on 25 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are always ready to help, even when they are busy. If you have any concerns regarding the resident's health, the doctor and nursing staff will be informed, reassure you and put your mind to rest. The dining room is very clean and there is a vase of flowers on the lovely, clean linen cloths
on the tables with soft drinks. The staff who plan the activities are very pleasant and are full of ideas for every season which the residents join in. I would recommend this care home as the care is very good.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for taking the time to review the service. We are very proud to be working at Fornham House, and appreciate your comments.

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Review from Robin A (Nephew of Resident) published on 25 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First visit very good impression.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very, very much for this amazing review. I will share this with pride. Thank you for taking the time, it means so much to us.

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Review from N H (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has recently moved to Fornham House, she has settled in well. The carers have been very attentive, learning her capabilities, needs, likes and dislikes. This team are very friendly and caring and always seem to go the extra mile.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our service. We are all very proud to work at Fornham House. We value feedback like this to ensure we always try to do better. Thank you.

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Review from Anthony W (Son of Resident) published on 21 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very well run. Residents are made to feel good about themselves. Carers truly take an interest in the residents.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our service. We try daily to make a difference and your comments are appreciated.

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Review from Clifford R (Respite Resident) published on 21 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have just spent two weeks at Fornham House. The experience was much better than I expected and the care was of a high level. My diet is basically pureed. All drinks must be thickened. The chef did his best to vary my diet and took the trouble to discuss this with me. The team of carers were obviously
well managed and were quite strict, for example, in ensuring drugs were taken and at the right time. I was particularly impressed with the senior carers TLC.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you for taking the time to review our service. We are all super proud to work at Fornham House and we strive every day to make a difference. It was a pleasure having you in the home and please feel free to join us for a meal at the home. Desiree.

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Review from E C (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum has been a resident for just over two-years and is very well looked after. Since the new manager arrived, there have been one or two changes, all good. The only problem at the moment is car parking; as staff have no access to their car park. Hopefully, this will be resolved when the extension
is finished.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for your review and taking the time to rate our service. We value your input and can promise that the building so far is on time. Hopefully, all our parking issues will soon be resolved. Thank you again.

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Review from H F (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care in this home is not just good but very good. My mother is well looked after. Food is very good. Staff are very good. To do this job you have to care.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you for taking the time to review our service. It means so much to all of us. We are always trying to do better, and your comments help us do just that. Thank you

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Review from J S (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 10 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

As this was only my second visit to Fornham House I can only briefly comment. Everyone was very welcoming, friendly and helpful. Everywhere was tidy and clean. My Sister in Law had a lovely big room and seemed very settled. She told me the food was excellent and everyone couldn't do enough to help her
and would do anything for her. Overall everything seemed comfortable and accommodating.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our service. We appreciate this very much.

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Review from J R (Wife of Resident) published on 27 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As an emergency set-up, Fornham House staff could not have been more helpful, in fact helpful.
My husband was very well cared for in his 2 and a half weeks' stay. Staff - kind, friendly, helpful and welcoming.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for taking the time to review the service. We are proud to work at Fornham and are genuinely humbled by your comment. I hope we will be able to help again in the future. We are part of the community, so please feel free to drop in to join in an activity or for a meal.
Kindest Regards
Desiree

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Review from S A (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has only been in this care home for five weeks but within this short time, the staff have got to know her extremely well. She has a complex personality.
They admitted her after her having been in hospital for two weeks and have now got her eating and dressed again. Her room is spacious and
she has a lovely en-suite. She looks smart and well cared for. She could, if she wished, have a pleasant life here.
The assessment helped us, based on the short period we have known it.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete a review for us. This means so much to Fornham and the staff. We will continue to do our best for our residents.

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Review from Roger B (Son of Resident) published on 14 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the first engagement with Fornham House, I've been pleased with the attentiveness shown by all the staff with respect to my mother's care. The home in general and my mother's room in particular, are of a high standard. There have been some initial problems around inadequate furniture, local GP
registration, and night-time assistance, but each of these is being worked through in a professional manner. Visits to Fornham House have been a real pleasure and we are pleasantly surprised at how quickly my mother has settled into a routine which suits her.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Dear Roger,
Thank you for your comments on this site. I am very proud to be part of the team at Fornham House. We appreciate your honest opinion, and communication with management and staff makes objectives much more achievable. Thank you again.

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Review from Carolyn M (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I find Fornham House a friendly, nice place.

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Review from Dianne F (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I find the staff very helpful. My mum has been here since February and she was not in a good place mentally but since September she has turned a corner thanks to the support of the staff and family.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you for your views on Fornham House. This is much appreciated, and we aim to ensure that the care delivered remains person-centred. We appreciate your comments. Thank you very much.

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Review from Laura D (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was NHS, moved to Fornham House in May 2019. It soon became clear that she needed more full-time care after her recent stay at hospital, so altogether she stayed up until mid-September and with the kindness and care of all the members of staff here we have managed to return her in much better
health to her much loved home, however long this may be for.
We, as a family,l are extremely grateful to all at Fornham House.
Thank you.

Reply from Desireé Jooste, Home Manager at Fornham House

I am the new manager for Fornham House and feel extremely proud of reviews such as this. The staff tells me that it was an absolute pleasure to have your mother live in the home for a couple of months. Thank you for taking the time to write the review, it means a lot to us.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.634)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.634) out of 10 for Fornham House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.634 for Fornham House is calculated as follows: ( (198 Excellents x 5) + (44 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 257 Ratings = 4.634

  • 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 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:

    • 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 88 registered maximum number of service users is 17.6, which has been reached with 21 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: 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 15 Aug 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: Assistant 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.