The Martins

Vinefields, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1YA
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9.7 45 Reviews
  • The Martins, Bury St Edmunds
MHA’s The Martins offers a truly unique setting, with a stunning cathedral just beyond its garden. The home provide residential and dementia care for 42 residents who enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of living next to a 1,000-year-old cathedral, complete with the sounds of bells and choirs, and direct access to the Abbey Gardens.

Vibrant and full of life throughout the seasons, the beautifully maintained grounds feature a charming summer house where residents and families can relax amid the soothing sounds of nature.

The home is supported by a compassionate care team and chaplain, who provides spiritual guidance for residents of all faiths. Life here is filled with unique and joyful experiences, from visits by Bambi the pony to rickshaw rides through Bury St Edmunds and lively ‘Bubbly Circus’ parties.

The Martins provides a reassuringly familiar and homely setting where residents feel connected, comfortable, and cared for every day. Whether you’re searching for yourself or a loved one, for short stays or residential and dementia care, the team at The Martins are here to help.
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Care Provided by The Martins

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Alcohol / Drug Misuse

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 42 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1395 – £1694
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1694 – £1994

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Martins to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact The Martins 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)

Contact The Martins to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

  • MHA
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (42)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (42)

The Martins Reviews (45)

9.7

The Martins has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.671) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Martins has 45 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 45
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Reviewer Connection to The Martins
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Total of 45, showing 21-40
Review from Dean N (Son of Resident) published on 27 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Was greeted very well by all the employees I met, which were quite a few, during the lunch hour period. Was very impressed with all the staff taking care of everyone and helping them to the dining room. I was also asked if I wanted to join my mother for lunch which was very gracious and a surprise as
I hadn’t made prior plans. Also impressed with the cleanliness of all the rooms I saw. Very nice place for my mother during these trying times of her having dementia.
Reply from Melanie McGarr, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you very much for your lovely review. I will ensure that your comments are passed onto the team.
Your mum has settled in very well at The Martins and enjoys reading her newspaper in the mornings, it is a privilege to care for her.
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Review from T N (Son of Resident) published on 27 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I just want to thank and recognize a few people for their outstanding performance and patient care:
The manager.
Also some great carers. They give great service and the folks staying there are in good hands.
Keep up the great work all!
Reply from Melanie McGarr, Home Manager at The MartinsMany thanks for your review, I will ensure your comments are shared with the outstanding team that we have at The Martins.
We are really pleased how well your mum has settled into The Martins and she is a joy to care for.
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Review from Maureen G (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience of The Martins has been excellent. Mum is doing lots of activities and has a varied routine. She loves singing and can remember songs.
Her hair and nails look very nice and she is proud to show me. Her personal care is excellent. She has a good rapport with the staff who treat her with
respect and dignity. She loves flowers that I bring and with help, she puts them into a vase. She loves word searching with staff who help her do jigsaws as well. She likes to check if the other residents are OK and asks them if they are alright. They are a small group and I think that suits Mum better, as she knows who everyone is and has become fond of them. Her diet is good and she has been assessed for a zimmer which was quickly acquired for her. I feel she is being looked after in a lovely, kind and familiar way by a professional team, who are approachable and help in any way. I feel I can speak to staff about anything at all, if I had any worries. A lovely, homely atmosphere.
Reply from Elizabeth Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you so much for this wonderful review. I will ensure it is shared with the team.
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Review from Marion C (Wife of Resident) published on 11 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The moment I stepped into The Martins, I knew it was the right home for my mum. It has the most lovely ambience. The staff went truly above and beyond in the care of my mum. So when I needed to find a place for my husband, who has Alzheimer's, The Martins was the obvious choice. They made the whole
process so easy both for me and my husband. He is happy and content, and it's a huge relief to me, to know he is getting the best possible care. The staff are so kind and caring and have been a huge support to me personally.
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Review from John B (Husband of Resident) published on 16 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has lived at The Martins for just over a year. She has early-onset dementia of the Alzheimers type. I eventually realised she needed nursing and care support beyond that which could be supplied at home.
I visited a number of care homes but was most impressed by the staff and facilities The
Martins offered. The manager and her assistant visited us at home and were most supportive. My reservations about relocating my wife were quickly dispelled by the way she settled in so well and the staff's kindness.
Although visits have been restricted because of Covid-19, we have been able to communicate regularly thanks to staff going the extra mile. The quality of infection prevention has been outstanding. Weekly Zoom meetings between managers and relatives have kept me very well informed of progress with vaccinations and residents well-being.
I cannot speak more highly about the quality standards The Martins offers.
Reply from Elizabeth Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you so much for your review. It is the support of yourself and our other families that have helped us all get through this.
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Review from Francis C (Regular Volunteer) published on 25 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Martins is a care home where the Christian values of respect, dignity and friendship are lived on a daily basis. The staff and residents work together to create an atmosphere, which is homely. The home is managed very well under the leadership of the manager and deputy manager. There are regular
church services, and the residents enjoy the visits from the music therapist.
The Martins have a good group of volunteers who go in on a regular basis to visit, lead games and organise fundraising events. All in all, a lovely home with a great atmosphere.
Reply from Elizabeth Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you very much for your lovely review, and thank you for the amazing support you have given to the residents and staff throughout this very challenging year.
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Review from Gary L (Son of Resident) published on 25 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum moved into The Martins in January 2019 and has been very happy and very well looked after. The whole team have a very caring attitude and have worked extra hard to keep the residents safe during these difficult times.
Reply from Elizabeth Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you so much for your lovely review; we look forward to seeing you and the family again soon.
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Review from Benita M (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The kindness and care Mum receives are exceptional. The warmth of the team and the support for the whole family is wonderful. The rooms are lovely, the views beautiful. Mum enjoys the food and friendships. A place to enjoy and feel at home. The staff are just so lovely, full of kindness. In a year of
such Covid challenges, the team's dedication and smiles never waiver. The communication to the family and the sense of community is brilliant. I cannot praise the whole team enough.
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Review from Rosalyn H (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very well run home, led by an excellent leadership team. The staff are kind and caring, genuinely concerned to do their best for the residents. My mother is well-settled there and content.
The building is well-designed. Both the common areas and the individual residents' rooms are light and pleasantly
furnished. There is a good-sized garden which is easily accessible by the residents.
Reply from Elizabeth Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you so much for your lovely comments. Your Mum takes great pleasure being in the garden and could teach us all a thing or two about gardening. I will pass your comments onto the staff.
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Review from L C (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been at The Martins for more than 6-years and is very happy there. She has always been treated with exceptional care and kindness by all the members of staff who do all they can to make sure her needs are well met.
From the first moment, The Martins has felt like a real home, and we have
always been welcomed as part of the Martins family. So when the restrictions were introduced early last year, we knew that mum would be safe and well looked after. We have not been disappointed.
We are only waiting for the day when we can all meet together again, like one big family. In the meantime, the home is making sure that we have good contact with Mum through regular video and telephone calls. And for that too, we are very grateful.
On top of all that, my mum has received excellent pastoral care from our wonderful chaplain.
Reply from Elizabeth Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you so much for your lovely words; the whole team will be uplifted. We are very much looking forward to us all being together again.
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Review from Corin L (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has only been at The Martins a few weeks, but the care she has received has been outstanding. She has settled in so quickly, and that is due to the care and attention she has received from the amazing staff. Management has been amazing at helping us get Mum in as quickly as possible and supporting
us at the same time. We felt safe in the knowledge that all precautions would be taken in relation to the Covid pandemic.
Mum loved her room overlooking the garden and with the view of the cathedral in the background. I cannot thank the staff enough for helping settle mum and making it a home from home.
Reply from Elizabeth Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you for your very kind words; your mum has settled in so well, it is lovely to see. I will pass your review on to the staff as it always lifts our spirits.
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Review from Jane W (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been in The Martins for over 8-years now, and throughout that time, has been looked after brilliantly. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, and they care for Mum as though she were their own. It feels like a big family. When Mum came out of the hospital, having had a stroke, the
welcome and care she received were second to none. Her physical needs are catered for with dignity and care, and her meals are adapted for her swallowing difficulties, and yet everything still looks and tastes appetizing. During the Covid pandemic, the staff have worked tirelessly to keep the residents safe and well, and I cannot praise them enough. I am so pleased we chose The Martins for Mum, and I would recommend them to everyone.
Reply from Elizabeth Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you so much for your very kind words; it is we who are privileged to be part of your Mum’s life. Thank you for your continued support during these very challenging times.
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Review from Adrian P (Son of Resident) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is an amazing well run care home! The standards and quality of management are exemplary. I would not hesitate to recommend it! They lead an excellent team. They were the first care home in the area to get the residents vaccinated for Covid. Keep up the good work!
Reply from Elizabeth Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you so much for your very kind words. I would like to personally thank you for your continued support of the home during these extremely challenging times. I will be sharing this with the team as I know it will lift their spirits.
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Review from Roy B (Son of Resident) published on 20 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been in The Martins for 2 months now, she was very upset to start with, but she has settled down nicely now. It's a pleasure to go and visit her, the staff are brilliant, always ready to help. 13 members of the family went for dinner on Mother's Day. What a lovely meal, you couldn't fault
it everyone is so friendly and it's so clean and never smells. Obviously, we were all very upset the day we took Mum in. The manager and the chaplain were so lovely and caring we feel we can go to them anytime.
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Review from Rosie F (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved our mother here from another home and she has settled in very easily, mainly due to the very friendly staff and also the clever arrangement of rooms with local dining and sitting areas.
Recently renovated and very well maintained.
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Review from M R (Sister of Resident) published on 29 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I moved my sister to The Martins in February 2018. She has settled in very well and enjoys many of the daily options of interest that are available to her. The Martins is an excellent care home in every respect and I can't praise it highly enough. Truly superb - staff, care, food, everything!
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Review from Deborah P (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The opportunity to discuss the ongoing relevance of existing care plan and to make appropriate amendments is very much appreciated.
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Review from Kim G (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was a resident for over four years. During this time she received excellent care from dedicated staff.
This became more and more obvious as her needs progressed towards the end of her life when she did not want to go to hospital and was able to stay in her room. The staff made sure that her
needs were met. It was clear that they knew my mum really well and were aware of her preferences, e.g. food etc. They really cared about my mum.
I felt confident that she was well looked after and grateful for the support given to my whole family. Thank you.
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Review from Bob G (Son of Resident) published on 23 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father was a resident at The Martins and passed away early in March.
He had only been there for 4 months and during this time his care was exemplary. He was treated with respect and dignity and nothing was too much trouble. (Even though he could be taxing at times).
After his passing, the staff
were brilliant and kept all the family fully informed during this sad time.


I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff (I could mention names but I'm worried I will miss someone) at The Martins for the care they gave my father during the short time he was there.
I cannot praise the staff enough and would recommend The Martins to anybody who was thinking of taking advantage of this facility.

Reply from Liz Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you for your feedback regarding The Martins. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing away of your father. Your comments regarding our staff team are very much appreciated and I will ensure that these are shared with the team.
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Review from A F (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother arrived in January of this year.
We moved her from her own home which was isolated and hard to find the 24-hour care we needed for her.
We were full of trepidation but she has settled far better than we could have hoped.
She loves the community life of The Martins' - the singing and socialising
in particular.
Staff are wonderful with her and she glows!
Reply from Liz Fleming, Home Manager at The MartinsThank you for your lovely feedback regarding The Martins.
I am so pleased that your Mother is glowing!
I will ensure that your feedback is shared with our team.
Thank you.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.671)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.671) out of 10 for The Martins is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 13 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 4.846 for The Martins is calculated as follows: ( (132 Excellents x 5) + (24 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 156 Ratings = 4.846
  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 4.825 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Martins is based on 13 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.825
    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 42 registered maximum number of service users is 8.4, which has been reached with 13 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: 13 Oct 2022

Overall Good

  • Caring Outstanding
  • 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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (1)

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Melanie McGarr

Job Title: Care Home Manager Joined: 2018

With a career in care spanning over 25 years, Melanie McGarr is the home manager at MHA The Martins. Mel brings a wealth of experience and dedication to supporting others, having begun her journey working for 18 years in a secure environment with adults living with learning difficulties and challenging behaviour, before changing her focus to older people’s care.


Joining MHA at a sister home, Mel spent 7 years progressing from Senior Care Assistant to Deputy Home Manager. From the outset, her goal was to become a Home Manager, and in January 2023, she was offered the opportunity on secondment to lead The Martins, a role made permanent the following year.


Passionate about helping residents live later life well, she approaches her role with warmth, commitment, and resilience. She recognises that while the role has its challenges, it is also deeply rewarding, and she feels fortunate to be able to make a positive difference every day.

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