Norwood

14 Park Road, Ipswich IP1 3ST
Review Us
9.8 110 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.
Show Norwood on the Map

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

Norwood Reviews (110)

9.8

Norwood has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.754) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Norwood has 110 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 97
  • 13
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 110
  • 6
  • 10
  • 27
  • 83
Reviewer Connection to Norwood
  • 41
  • 24
  • 12
  • 6
  • 4
  • 4
  • 4
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 110, showing 101-110
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 NorwoodThank 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 our team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 NorwoodThank 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 and secure. I will ensure your feedback is shared with our team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
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 NorwoodThank 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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Cathy H (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 December 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum moved to Norwood in October and we very soon realised what an amazing home Norwood is, from the management to the carers the level of care mum has received has been first class. Nothing is too much trouble. The rooms are comfortable and spotlessly clean, the food appetising and well presented and
the activities organised, interesting and stimulating. The staff are cheerful, caring and supportive have given mum her dignity and confidence back. A fantastic home which is happy and comfortable. We have our mum back to her old cheerful and happy self. Thank you.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at NorwoodThank you for your comments regarding the whole staff team here at Norwood. It is very much appreciated and I will ensure that this is shared with the team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Jennifer N (Friend of Resident) published on 3 December 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have visited Norwood for several years and the residents always look happy and well looked after.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at NorwoodYour comments regarding Norwood are much appreciated. I will ensure that these are shared with our team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Ann C (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 September 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
After two weeks residing, I am still trying to find out how the home runs. Staff are courteous but it would help if we could have a daily feedback from a staff member who had cared for my relative. They are good at organising medication and outside help such as district nurses. There do not seem to
be sufficient staff on at night to deal with restless residents. I understand there are only 3 night staff for 45 residents. My relative requires quite close monitoring. I wonder if so few staff falls below the statutory limit? Close monitoring of catheter, shaving, teeth cleaning could be improved, keeping an eye on the correct returned laundry is a daily sort out but with only a few men in the home it should not be such a problem.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at NorwoodThank you for taking the time to feedback your comments regarding Norwood. I am sorry to hear that you are not fully aware of how Norwood runs on a day to day basis. We always try to spend time with new residents and their relatives regarding day to day life at Norwood when they first move in to the home and will happily arrange to meet with you again so that you have a further opportunity to ask any questions you may have. I review staffing levels frequently and I am pleased to confirm that the number of staff on duty means that all residents needs can be fully met. Thank you for identifying the areas which you feel require improvement and, again, I would be happy to meet with you so that we can discuss in person how we can address the concerns that you have.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Jenny W (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 September 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I feel the carers at Norwood "Go that extra mile" with the residents. My father (and all the residents) always look clean and happy. My father has been at Norwood a short time but from what I have seen the care has been exceptional.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at NorwoodThank you for your comments regarding Norwood and the care that your father receives. It is good to hear that he is happy and that you have found the care to have been exceptional. I will ensure that your feedback is passed to the team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Robert G (Son of Resident) published on 14 September 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been a resident at Norwood for over seven years, throughout which he has continually said how fortunate he is to live at the home. His needs have increased as time as passed, with a failing memory leading to extra work for staff as they check on him (24 hours a day) to ensure that his
desire to be as independent as possible, trying to walk with his frame when he can no longer really stand unaided, has not led to a fall. They answer his call bell with friendliness, always addressing him by name and carefully provide the extra bathroom assistance he requires.


All the staff continue to look after my father with unfailing patience, kindness and courtesy, even when his deafness can make dialogue very difficult. He is well fed and that is so important, since my father has always enjoyed his meals. The twice weekly religious services held in the lounge mean a lot to my father, as does conversation with the home's chaplain. Living 125 miles away, I have been so grateful for the close care and attention which my father receives. His medicines are scrupulously managed and his care plan is regularly reviewed. I am immediately informed of any accident, however minor and records of these are available for tracking of overall health.


I recommend the home unreservedly, in common with relatives of other residents who, when I am visiting, so frequently make unsolicited comments of praise for the management and staff of the home.

Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at NorwoodThank you for taking the time to give your feedback. I am so pleased to receive such wonderful comments. Thank you. I will ensure that your comments are shared with our team here at Norwood.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Sandie B (Friend of Resident) published on 10 September 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find Norwood a clean and lovely place to visit. There are activities on a daily basis (AM and PM) for example; arm chair exercises, music therapy, games etc. The home is kept in a good state of repair - rooms are in excellent condition, decorated well, modern en-suite wash rooms.
Gardens are extensive
planted with shrubs, trees, flowers with beautiful tubs with lots of colourful plants. Staff are cheerful and helpful. The home also provides Christian services weekly.
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at NorwoodThank you for your feedback regarding Norwood. It is much appreciated. I will ensure that your comments are shared with the staff team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Ray R (Son of Resident) published on 3 September 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been resident at Norwood for 4 years. In that time she has received excellent care. The atmosphere at Norwood is pleasant and welcoming. The carers are professional and most importantly "caring".
Reply from Sarah Claybrough, Home Manager at NorwoodYour feedback regarding the team at Norwood is much appreciated. I will ensure that your comments are shared with them.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.754)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.754) 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 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.754 for Norwood is calculated as follows: ( (243 Excellents x 5) + (71 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 317 Ratings = 4.754
  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 27 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 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 27 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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (10)

Meet the Team (1)

No image found

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.