Fornham House

Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds IP31 1SR
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9.7 109 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 (109)

9.7

Fornham House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.667) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Fornham House has 109 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Fornham House
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Total of 109, showing 61-80
Review from Laura D (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
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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Review from Jeannette B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
My father was only in the home for 8 months, after having several falls at home. He took a while to settle but did enjoy seeing the staff every day. He died very peacefully as really had given up due to his age. The staff have been so good to him, really fulfilling his needs. The management hasn’t been,
as they couldn’t be bothered to ring my father's family or acknowledge the fact he had died to us. So we feel very let down by them. Didn’t let staff attend my fathers funeral.
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Review from C R (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the carers/nursing staff etc. were very good and all spoke favourably about Dad.
He was well looked after for two months.
However, management did not seem to pass details along the system and on collecting Dad the office had been taken over for a meeting and the poor lady was not allowed in to
get any details for me or the amount owing. Not very satisfactory and I had said I would arrive early afternoon.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you for taking the time to submit this review and thank you for the feedback. It was unfortunate a meeting was taking place in the admin office at this time, it was an unexpected meeting. We will look at alternative arrangements to prevent a similar occurrence.

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Review from D S (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum loves Fornham House. The care she has received has been excellent. The staff are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure mum is happy. The food is of excellent quality and always a good varied menu. Whilst mum doesn't always participate in the resident's activities she takes every opportunity
to get outside and look at the beautiful gardens. Now that mum is safe, secure and happy the rest of the family can enjoy mums company as often as is possible.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review, the comments are lovely which I will feed back to the staff team. I am very happy that your mother has settled so well and is enjoying life at Fornham house.

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Review from Wally H (Brother of Resident) published on 6 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister was in another care home but since she has been in here she seems so much happier and she is always well presented and she joins in all the activities it has given her a purpose and she is very happy.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much for these comments, I am really pleased your sister has settled so well.

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Review from Joyce B (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very happy place with so many activities going on. Very helpful staff making visitors/family welcome and when times were difficult - at ease.
My main comment - very clean - Mum was changed and washed more than once a day when needed.
Overall excellent.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review, wonderful feedback that I will pass on to the staff team.

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Review from Jill M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 8 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are always friendly and welcoming. A few hiccups re the care plan documents and reporting falls.
However, improved staff appear to take on board any comments that are made by us.
A very happy place despite it not being the easiest job.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Good afternoon, thank you for taking the time to submit this review. I am glad that you are happy with the improvements made.

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Review from Chris R (Resident) published on 4 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Accommodation lovely, staff very friendly and obliging. Food is excellent, especially lunch. There are quiet areas as well as social. Selection of books and DVD's. Highly recommended.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much for this review. I am glad you have had a positive experience at Fornham House.

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Review from Rob L (Brother of Resident) published on 4 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff have been friendly and helpful and I appreciated the leeway allowed when it was decided that my brother needed to move to a different home.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Hi, thank you for submitting this review and I am glad your experience of Fornham house has been a positive one.

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Review from J M (Resident) published on 4 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I enjoyed my time here.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review. It is appreciated.

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Review from J J (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been a resident of Fornham House for nearly one year. The building itself is beautiful and every effort has been made to retain the traditional decor while still providing exceptional facilities for all the residents. The staff are amazing and nothing is too much trouble. My mum was very
anxious when she first arrived but she is now much more settled because she feels safe and cared for. A great relief for all the family.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Hello Jane, thank you for completing this review and the positive comments. I am glad that your mum has settled so well at Fornham house.

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Review from Peter J (Resident) published on 10 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Hi Peter, thank you so much for taking the time to submit a review. Thank you for the positive responses.

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Review from Bow W (Friend of Resident) published on 19 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
I have had connections with this home for over two years. Have always had issues with it. The person I used to go and see two/three times a week has now sadly died. I have always kept a diary, so each time a problem or issue came up, would make a note of it. For the last three months that I was having
contact with the home I left countless messages at reception for the manager to phone me never did I get a call. So either reception didn't pass on messages or the manager didn't bother to contact me. The family of my friend knew how I felt about things, but I said I wouldn't do anything until she was no longer with us. I have spoken to someone who has now advised I go to the QCC. I doubt this review will get posted!
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Dear Bow,
I am sorry that you have not been happy with the service provided to your friend. I am disappointed that we have not had the opportunity to resolve these issues, my phone number is on the reception desk along with local complaints, procedures and links to feedback pages for CQC and the local authority.
We have now made contact and when I do receive your response I can look at the issues you experienced, as I am always keen to improve service delivery.

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Review from William H (Friend of Resident) published on 8 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Although staffing levels seem low especially weekend, all the staff are kindness itself and try as best they can to care and help for their charges.
A little bit slow getting things done but very good mostly.
Overall I think a good home for the price and staff caring is better than others I visited
to get our friend settled. She is hopefully going to be alright.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Hi, thank you for taking the time to complete this review. Staffing levels are regularly reviewed to ensure that staff are able to fully meet the needs of residents. We have also increased our activity hours to make sure there are activities available at the weekends, I am sure that you will notice a positive improvement.

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Review from Martin S (Son of Resident) published on 28 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mother has been a resident at Fornham House for 2 years and in that time I can only describe her care as truly amazing. She has many challenging issues due to dementia but has been treated with the upmost care, dignity and attention.
Every member of staff has my upmost respect and thanks! When
a loved one requires full-time care you become truly aware of how amazing these people are. Definitely real-life heroes. From the picturesque surroundings to the food and activities. I feel lucky that my loved one is in the caring hands of the staff at Fornham House.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review, the comments are lovely and I will of course pass these on to the staff team.
Thanks again!

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Review from M G (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 December 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are all very friendly and helpful but communication between staff and general organisation are not as good as we had hoped.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you for taking the time to complete this review, I am pleased that you find the staff friendly and helpful.
If you would like to contact me at the home we can arrange to discuss the concerns you have regarding communication.

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Review from Jan T (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mother experienced a severe cerebral episode in the morning just prior to handover. The swift action of the carer who found her and the care team's prompt call to paramedics undoubtedly provided a firm foundation for her recovery. Once paramedics arrived (which was quickly) I was contacted and it
was made clear how severe the event was. The care staff on duty were excellent and we are extremely grateful. We value their ongoing good care and kindness to our Mum and us.
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Review from W A (Respite Resident) published on 13 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My stay at Fornham House has been BRILLIANT. The staff were very kind to me and made me feel at home.
I would like to come here again.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much for kind comments, I am very please you enjoyed your stay.

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Review from Dennis F (Mother-in-law of Resident) published on 31 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find Fornham House to be very clean, friendly and helpful staff, good food, lots to do for residents if able, but are always helped by the staff as nothing seems too much trouble lovely home.
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Review from Neville T (Resident) published on 22 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Let us break this down into its constituent parts;
1, Accommodation: spacious, elegant and comfortable rooms, both one's own bedroom and those for general use.
2, Staff: those who select and engage the staff are to be congratulated. Of course, personalities differ, but here they differ at a uniformly
high level.
3, They and those whom we do not see (kitchen, most of the cleaners, maintenance and others) perform - as the results demonstrate - to a very high level.
This could be done as well in a cold and clinical manner. This is certainly not so here.
Reply from Stuart Coleman, Home Manager at Fornham House

Thank you so much for your comments. We are currently looking at improving the activity provision at Fornham house, we are currently in the process of recruiting a replacement activity coordinator. We are also employing a new role of activity assistant, this will increase the activity hours to nearly double. The activity team will then work weekends to ensure that there is even more coverage at key times.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.667)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.667) 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 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.667 for Fornham House is calculated as follows: ( (211 Excellents x 5) + (43 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 267 Ratings = 4.667
  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 22 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 22 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.

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