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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Total of 107, showing 81-100
Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely friendly home. Beautiful building and grounds. Mum has been at Norwood just over 5 years and has been well looked after. Activities and events are well planned and residents are given the choice on whether to participate or not. I always feel welcome when I visit and communication is excellent
- I feel able to contact the staff whenever necessary and I am kept informed by the lovely admin team. All in all very happy and def recommend!
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Review from Margaret W (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father moved to Norwood two months ago. H was understandably anxious about leaving his own home. However, the staff at Norwood are kind and caring and have helped him to feel comfortable and settle into his new environment. He benefits from having people around and is reassured to know help is on
hand when needed. He is enjoying the meals and has put on a little weight. Norwood is a welcoming home and I feel confident that my father's needs will be met there.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for taking the time to feedback your experience of Norwood. I am so pleased to learn of the kindness and care that your Father has had whilst living with us. Your feedback is very…read more
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Review from Margaret S (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been treated with dignity, understanding and respect by the staff at Norwood. I am a frequent visitor to the home and am always made to feel welcome. My mother is totally dependent on the staff for all her care needs and when the staff go in to care for her, her face lights up.
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Review from Paula S (Friend of Resident) published on 30 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend has been in Norwood since December 2015, it is now July 2016 as I write this review. Norwood is a very caring home, the trouble and effort that they go to keep the residents happy is exceptional. Anyone trying to find a home for their loved ones, you cannot go wrong with choosing Norwood.
There are many activities to try and keep residents alert and happy, the food looks superb!
I could not fault this wonderful care home, beautiful gardens overlooking Christchurch Park, kind, caring staff. It's hard being a carer but they all seem to do a marvellous job.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences of Norwood. Your feedback is very much appreciated.
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Review from Liz P (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been at Norwood for 18 months and is very happy and settled at the home. The staff are all particularly kind and nothing is ever too much trouble. My mother always has high praise for the staff and she particularly enjoys all of the activities that are on offer each day. Our family have
been delighted by all that Norwood has to offer in the knowledge that our mother is both safe, happy and well cared for.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank your for taking the time to feedback your experiences of Norwood and in particular your comments regarding the staff team which I will share with them. I am so pleased that your Mother is happy…read more
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Review from Kevan W (Son of Resident) published on 11 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since joining Norward, dad no longer complains that he is no longer in fear of falling over and lying undiscovered. He is not happy at growing old but he is no longer completely miserable and fearful as he was. I would say that some of his confidence is returning.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your comments. I am glad to hear that your Dad’s confidence is returning and that he is no longer fearful about falling. I will ensure your feedback is shared with our team.
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Review from Ingrid W (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 10 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father-in-law is not a happy man, he has lost his wife, his home and his health. The staff at Norwood are doing their best to make him welcome and feel at home a difficult and not always rewarding process. I hope that one day he may be in a position to appreciate where he is and how hard people are
trying to help him.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for taking the time to feedback your experiences of Norwood. Please be assured that the staff team at Norwood will do our very best to assist your Father-in-law to settle in his new home…read more
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Review from Juliet F (Relative of Resident) published on 9 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Norwood is the best care home I have come across. The calm atmosphere and friendliness of staff is immediately apparent; it feels comfortable and well run and my relative has often told me how lucky she feels to be living there. Throughout the years staff have worked hard to help her to remain as independent
as possible, often going the extra mile by altering the way they do things to accommodate her. She and I, appreciate very much the kindness and care staff show, and their efforts to help residents maintain their dignity despite the often very undignified circumstances their frailties create. They do an excellent job of remaining focused on their residents needs despite the challenges presented when relatives/friends have differing opinions. This requires a huge amount of tact and diplomacy but Norwood staff seem very capable of managing this well - they take the time to listen, to explain, and to work with relatives/friends to help provide the best care possible.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for taking the time to let us know your experience of Norwood. It means so much to us all to receive such wonderful comments and I will ensure that they are shared with the team.
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Review from Gazza (Son of Resident) published on 21 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the minute you enter the home, it actually feels like home; a lovely atmosphere with caring people on hand. Lovely rooms and some, fortunately, with amazing views. Mum is very happy there and would be far less happy living in some of the other homes that were reviewed before we chose Norwood.
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Review from Sunny (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 19 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law is in safe, capable hands at Norwood so I never worry when I have to leave her. I know there will always be someone with a cheery smile or word for her or if she's feeling a bit down. Staff are always friendly and cheerful and always willing to go the extra mile to make visitors and
residents feel comfortable. Very happy with our choice!
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Review from Karen Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having my mum fall ill to dementia has been very hard on our family. Norwood staff have not only took in my mum and taken care of her every need with such dignity, love, care and support, but they have also been there to offer such comfort and support to my dad, who is finding all of this very hard.
Dad visits mum every day and I know he was difficult towards the staff in the beginning. They continued to work with my dad, until he got more comfortable with the situation of my mum's illness and being in a home. Mum seems very happy at the home and loves the staff who care for her. I live in the USA, and Norwood keep in good contact with me, letting me know how mum is doing. I could write much more.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you so much for taking the time to feedback your experiences of Norwood. I am so pleased to hear of the care that the team have shown towards both your Mum and Dad and especially pleased that…read more
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Review from Nicholas H (Son of Resident) published on 23 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The last thing my mother ever wanted to do was to leave the family home, where she had lived for 53 years and where my father had died 27 years ago. And as for living in a care home, that was unthinkable. We live 150 miles away in Suffolk so when she could no longer manage at home because of her dementia,
she came to live with us until a place became available at Norwood.


Moving in was traumatic for all of us but the staff managed it so well that her mantra soon became "If I have to be somewhere, this is the best place to be, the girls (carers) are all so lovely".
A year on she has made good friends, she is very relaxed and there is no longer any angst about going home. As a committed Christian her spiritual needs are very well catered for at this Methodist Home with twice weekly services.

Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you so much for taking the time to feedback your experience of Norwood. It is wonderful to hear how the staff assisted in supporting your Mother when she moved into Norwood and I am pleased to…read more
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Review from Barbara H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 3 May 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law has been a resident of your Ipswich Norwood care home, for 8 years. She has been a very independent woman, who was a teacher in Ipswich. She has said so many times to me how much she appreciates the care she has received at Norwoods. She has said over the past 8 years that she went
there to live. Norwood have respected and carried out her wishes, her menu choices and the fact that she has her meals in her rooms. She has been able to live an independent life surrounded with staff who care for her. This is very important. She will shortly be 105 years old. Her brain is fine, but she has failing eye sight and hearing. This makes days long.
She has some anxiety problems and staff, especially a member of staff have sat with her her room and made her feel secure.
Norwoods have always valued and respected her choices, she has always been treated with dignity.
Thank you Norwoods and staff for your work.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your review of Norwood which is very much appreciated. It is so encouraging to hear that the values we believe in and strive to achieve in day to day life at Norwood are reflected in…read more
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Review from Ian D (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 15 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
In my experience my mother-in-law has been well treated and so thoroughly looked after, that we have no worries about her care. We trust the staff absolutely and all our questions are speedily answered. First class!!
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for feeding back your experiences of Norwood. Your comments regarding our staff team are much appreciated and will be shared with them. Thank you again.
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Review from Tracy D (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident at Norwood for 2 years now and has always received excellent care from staff who routinely go over and above the 'call of duty'. She feels completely at home, safe and valued, which in turn gives us, her family, peace of mind. We really can't praise Norwood enough. the
standard of accommodation is very high, the food excellent, the activities very inclusive and access to staff extremely easy. Norwood ia a warm and caring place where everyone is made to feel welcome.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for taking the time to feedback your experiences of Norwood. It is so pleasing to hear that you are happy with all aspects of our Home. I will ensure that your comments are shared with our…read more
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Review from Dorothy B (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 18 March 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Thorough and friendly review covering various issues from domestic arrangements to health issues, associated with ongoing arthritis.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for taking the time to feedback your experiences of Norwood. Your feedback will be shared with our team.
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Review from Malcolm (Regular Volunteer) published on 22 February 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
For many years I have visited the home to visit residents who were members of the church. I have come to know some staff very well and have found them caring and welcoming. I have assisted with the spiritual life of the home by conducting occasional services of worship, in addition I have assisted with
money-raising for the home and organisation.


I have found that residents have welcomed contact with "the outside world" and have appreciated interest shown in their families.
The emphasis is stressed that this is their "home", it is not an impersonal institution and respect is given to all involved, whether serving or being served.

Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience of Norwood. It is great to hear that you find the staff caring and welcoming. The spiritual life of the home is very important to us…read more
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Review from Thelma C (Aunt of Resident) published on 17 February 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On entry to the home one experiences a warm welcome from the staff, residents are very satisfied and happy. Staff work hard to meet the various needs in management and care. On a daily basis, a variety of activities are offered by the facilitator but it is the residents choice as to what they do - or
not do.
Meals are variable, and look varied and nourishing.
Outings are organised in larger numbers for a day to a local facility by the sea, fish and chips are always popular. Small groups are taken to local theatre, and out for lunch, or a visit to the park, where there is a park-mobile. Visitors, friends and relatives are made welcome.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for taking the time to feedback your experience of Norwood. I am so pleased to hear that you are pleased with so many aspects of our home. I will ensure that your comments are shared with…read more
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Review from Barbara B (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 15 February 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I much rather be at home like most people would, however, I feel Norwood is the best option as I needed support and care. I feel well cared for at all times, I always feel safe and secure in my environment. All meals are lovely that are provided daily. I am a diabetic and I feel it's maintained very
well with regards to meals and fluids.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for kind comments. I am glad to hear that Norwood is the best option for you taking in to account the support and care you need. I am so pleased to hear that you feel well cared for, safe…read more
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Review from Jennifer P (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 February 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Carers are always available. It is clear how much they care. Staff are excellent.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at Norwood
Thank you for your feedback regarding the team at Norwood. I am so pleased to hear that you feel the staff are excellent and caring. I will ensure that your comments are shared with them.
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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.