Norwood

14 Park Road, Ipswich IP1 3ST
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9.8 107 Reviews
  • Norwood, Ipswich
MHA Norwood has been a welcoming home for older people since 1979, offering residential and dementia care for 45 residents in a warm, community-focused environment. Housed in the historic old bishop’s palace, dating back to 1895, it blends charm with comfort. Every room offers picturesque views of Christchurch Park or beautifully landscaped gardens, while a lively kitchen and engaging activities like music therapy, interactive ‘magic tables,’ and group events enrich daily life, making Norwood a place where friendships flourish and residents feel truly at home.

The gardens serve as an inviting extension of the home, offering a vibrant and peaceful setting for residents. With beautifully landscaped flowerbeds, tranquil patios, and sensory elements like wind chimes, the outdoor spaces provide a serene environment for activities such as gardening and relaxation. The gardens are also a hub for community events, including seasonal fairs, fundraisers, and outdoor games that bring people together.

The home offers personalised dementia care in a warm, welcoming environment, where residents enjoy privacy in single ensuite rooms and social opportunities in communal lounges and tea bars. Enrichment activities like music therapy, robotic pets, and a sensory garden enhance daily life, fostering joy and engagement.

Norwood 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 Norwood are here to help.
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Care Provided by Norwood

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 46 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees What's typically included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1224 – £1679
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1545 – £2000

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

Contact Norwood to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Contact Norwood to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (44)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (44)

Norwood Reviews (107)

9.8

Norwood has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.759) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Norwood has 107 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 95
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Date Published
  • 107
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Reviewer Connection to Norwood
  • 41
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  • 1
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Total of 107, showing 41-60
Review from Fiona G (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both my parents have been in Norwood for a year. They entered in the middle of the pandemic so we were not able to visit for several months. The staff did all they could to support my parents and our family through what was a very trying and disruptive time for everyone. Things are not entirely back
to normal yet but they are easing and it has been reassuring to be able to visit and see how well our parents have settled into Norwood. They seem content and well cared for and often comment on how nice the staff are. Communication between the home and myself is excellent. I am kept informed of everything that takes place such as falls, doctor visits and any concerns the staff may have. I am reassured that my parents are well looked after, in a caring and attentive environment and are as safe and as happy as they can be.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your lovely review. It is very important that families are communicated with about how their loved ones are, and particularly during the pandemic when visiting was so very difficult.
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Review from Sue B (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My stepmother has been extremely well cared for at Norwood. They are very sensitive to her needs and wishes and she has built up a relationship of trust with them. She enjoys the company of the staff, the food and the lovely accommodation. Norwood has been excellent throughout the pandemic in keeping
us informed and trying to make it as simple as possible to keep up visits within government guidelines. It does feel like a very safe environment. Norwood also arranges an excellent range of activities for residents.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your review. It is always a delight to read such positive comments about our home.
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Review from Bob M (Son of Resident) published on 23 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been in Norwood Care Home for nearly two years. She has been very well looked after and cared for during this (most difficult) time. Both my sister and I have been very impressed and pleased with Mum's care, both pastoral and medical.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your review. I am so pleased that you are happy with your Mum's care.
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Review from Mark C (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 23 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my mother-in-law moved in last February, as a family we have been extremely impressed by the care that is provided on a day-to-day basis, with excellent leadership from the management. She says, every time we visit, that she is very happy to be at Norwood and especially having her own room. Nothing
is too much trouble for the staff and as a family, we can sleep easy knowing that she is very well cared for. A big thank you to all the staff!
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your review. We are delighted that your mother-in-law is so happy with us. I will pass on your kind thanks to the staff team.
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Review from John P (Regular Volunteer) published on 23 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was a resident at Norwood and was very happy there and referred to Norwood as Home. I am a volunteer at Norwood and was very pleased to resume support in Early October 2021 after 20 months of absence due to the COVID pandemic. Norwood has not had any deaths attributed to COVID to date and
this can clearly be attributed to the excellent management team and committed staff at this Home. Although things are very different to before COVID with weekly PCR tests and a lateral flow test on the morning prior to volunteering. The spirit and camaraderie of the staff and residents is a pleasure to see.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your positive review and for all the support you give to us.
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Review from Barbara J (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum seems very settled and relaxed at Norwood.
From what we observe, the carers go out of their way to help Mum; she struggles with her sight, hearing and memory.
She is always well dressed, clean and tidy.
She enjoys the food, a good sign that she is happy and well!
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your review. We are pleased that you feel your mum is happy and well at Norwood. We appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Rachel L (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother needed care in September 2020. The support as she prepared to move, and for me far away, was excellent: understanding, practical and patient. Staff were so caring and kind on move-in day: I was the one crying not mum, and they were wonderful with us both. It was lockdown, but they guided us
through that day with love and dignity. Mum's room was made hers - pictures put up where she wanted them - quickly. Phone calls to ask how mum was were never a bother to the day or night staff. Through lockdown, activities for residents have been great, even without outings or entertainers. Music, pie week, hatching chicks, crafts, zoom-singing with a kids nursery; the residents' smiling faces in the Facebook page photos said it was great! Chaplain-led services are so appreciated. The chef's team are fabulous: favourite foods always on the menu. The laundry team had to ask me to order mum bigger clothes - a good sign! Visiting has been covid-safe and flexible including park walks. Top marks, top team!
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you so much for your lovely review and kind words. I will make sure this is shared with the team.
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Review from Carolyn K (Niece of Resident) published on 15 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My uncle has gone from strength to strength in the Norwood. He is receiving marvelous care and 1st class food. I don’t have to worry about him as I know he is being well looked after. He is happy and looks well.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you so much for your lovely review and comments, I will make sure they are shared will the team at Norwood. I am so pleased your uncle is happy and settled with us at Norwood.
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Review from Tina W (Niece of Resident) published on 9 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My uncle has been living at the Norwood for nearly 18-months, and he is extremely happy there. He enjoys the food and joins in with the activities that are provided. Since the start of the COVID restriction, the home has still maintained the social interaction that he needs while ensuring that this
is done within the government guidelines. He is well looked after, and the staff are very friendly and caring. I would have no hesitation in recommending this home to anyone that is considering care for themselves or a relative.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your kind review, we are all really pleased that your uncle continues to enjoy life at Norwood especially through these difficult times. It is our pleasure to support him. I will share…read more
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Review from Richard (Son of Resident) published on 15 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother had to move into residential care from hospital at the beginning of the lockdown (March 2020). It was an extremely stressful time for the whole family, as her house had been severely flooded, and she is 93, with dementia. We had only visited Norwood once, in November 2019, in case Mum couldn't
cope at home any more, and it struck us then that it had a very kind and compassionate, homely, family atmosphere.
Because of government restrictions in place, we haven't been allowed to visit Norwood, so couldn't even settle her in, which was quite distressing. But we needn't have worried, as all the staff there look after Mum as though she was their own mother, and couldn't do enough for us all. They have consulted us about her care every step of the way, and deal extremely well with her sometimes challenging behaviour. They laugh and joke with her, and she says "I like it here" which is really something coming from someone so completely set against moving into a care home.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you so much for your lovely comments; we are all so pleased that your mother has settled in so well especially during these very difficult times. I will share this review with the whole team…read more
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Review from Adrian F (Son of Resident) published on 18 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum and dad have been in this home for just around a year now and have had continued first-class support and care. The home is lovely, the staff are great and have to put up with some very challenging circumstances, but never-the-less are always ready to help. They keep us well informed and we can
relax knowing that both parents are receiving top-class care.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comments. It is lovely to hear how happy you are with the service that we provide here at Norwood and that you find the staff always ready to help.…read more
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Review from Dominic B (Son of Resident) published on 9 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very pleased with the patient and supportive care that the staff at Norwood have given to my mother. My mother is very demanding in all sorts of ways, but the staff have stayed calm, caring and professional throughout. My father has been able to hand his 24/7 care function, which was quite overwhelming,
to Norwood, and is happy that she is being looked after properly.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
I am so pleased that you are happy with the care and support that your mother is receiving at Norwood. Thank you for your lovely comments, I will ensure that they are shared with the care team.
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Review from B B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 11 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have always found Norwood to be a very welcoming place. The staff are extremely pleasant, friendly and very caring towards residents, treating them with respect and dignity, The rooms are well kept, everywhere always looks clean, and well looked after. There are regular activities which the residents
are encouraged to participate in and there are regular outings to such places as the seaside or meals in pubs/restaurants. All my mother-in-law's needs are met, and she is very happy and content.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you very much for your positive feedback. I will ensure your comments are shared with the team.
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Review from Roger B (Son of Resident) published on 8 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is an extremely well-run care home. The residents are well looked after and safe. If we have raised queries about our mother's care, these have been promptly dealt with and we have been kept informed. The residents are dealt with with care and compassion. All look well cared for.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your comments regarding your mother’s care and your experiences of Norwood. I will pass your comments on to the whole team.
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Review from J D (Resident) published on 4 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I came to Norwood in July 2019. I am happy here, I find the staff and the residents friendly. Help is here when I need it. I enjoy the food and good variety. A good variety of activities, which I enjoy. A lovely garden to sit and walk-in, which overlooks the park.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your lovely comments, I am so pleased you have settled into your new life here at Norwood. I will share with the team.
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Review from J J (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since her arrival at Norwood, I feel that I have got my mum back. In her previous care environment, she had become a recluse and was not her usual self. In less than a week at Norwood, she is joining in with the activities and going to have her meals in the dining room.
All of the staff and residents
have been so welcoming to us all. We are so delighted to see Mum smiling again.
Thank you.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you so much for your kind words; I am so pleased that Mum has settled in quickly at Norwood and you feel you’ve got her back. I will ensure your comments are passed on to the whole team.
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Review from Margaret B (Friend of Resident) published on 11 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend was admitted to the home on 17th Dec 18 after 2 very unhappy previous placements. I was really overwhelmed by the love and happiness that greeted us by management and all the staff. My friend is happy, well cared for, treated with respect and all requests from her dealt with efficiently. She
has a comfortable, clean room which she regards as her home and has settled in well. The home is in a beautiful setting and is well maintained.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
I am so pleased your friend is settled at Norwood. Thank you so much for your comments and I will ensure they are passed on to the whole team.
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Review from Alma B (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 11 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The home is always welcoming, the staff are very kind and caring in the personal dealings with me, they are very patient and respectful and loving. The laundry staff take great care of my clothes too.
All in all, this is a very happy place to live and make it my home.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, H at Norwood
Thank you so much for your kind words; I am really pleased you are happy and that Norwood feels like home. I will ensure your comments are passed on to the team.
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Review from K D (Son of Resident) published on 11 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Cannot fault.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your comments and lovely review of Norwood. I will ensure this is shared with the whole team.
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Review from B J (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was a resident at Norwood for the last six months of her life. The carers are excellent. Caring, gentle and sensitive. Her last few days at the end of her life she was treated with care and compassion. In fact, the care was superb. I could not wish for better care than they gave her. They
were also very supportive to me and my daughter.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you so much for kind words, it was an honour to be able to care for your Mother during her time with us, and welcome you all into our family here at Norwood – your feedback and comments will be…read more
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.759)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.759) out of 10 for Norwood 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 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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 4.759 for Norwood is calculated as follows: ( (218 Excellents x 5) + (61 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 282 Ratings = 4.759
  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 Norwood is based on 24 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 46 registered maximum number of service users is 9.2, which has been reached with 24 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: 17 Nov 2017

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Outstanding
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 (10)

Meet the Team (1)

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Sarah Clayborough

Job Title: Care Home Manager Joined: 2005

Sarah Clayborough is a long-serving and deeply respected care home Manager at MHA Norwood, where she has dedicated the past 20 years of her life to supporting residents and leading her team with care and compassion. Her journey at Norwood began as a night support worker and progressed through roles as an admin assistant and deputy manager before becoming the home’s manager 12 years ago. Sarah is known for her fair, supportive leadership style and her deep commitment to creating a respectful, nurturing environment for both staff and residents.

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