St Marys

Woodlands Road, Holbrook, Ipswich IP9 2PS
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9.8 151 Reviews
  • St Marys, Ipswich
St Marys, in Ipswich, is a purpose-built facility supporting up to 60 older people to live a comfortable lifestyle, as well as offering dementia care. It is located in an idyllic peninsula setting in the village of Holbrook.

The home continues to welcome new residents for a range of residential care services, including convalescence care, respite care, trial stays, and long term care for those who can no longer look after themselves.

The St Marys care team gets to know their customers and works with them to organise wellness activities which match individual and group interests, both in the care home and the local community. Each customer’s individual needs are regularly assessed to ensure their care plans meet their lifestyle requirements. Meals are cooked fresh and from locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients where possible by a highly trained catering team.

Anchor is England’s largest provider of housing and care for those over 55 years of age and has 60 years of experience as a not-for-profit provider of services to older people.
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Care Provided by St Marys

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 60 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • 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: from £1350
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1350
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1350
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1350

Our colleagues at St Marys will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding our fees and what is included in our fees.

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

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

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Anna Dabrowska (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Please contact St Marys directly to discuss yours or your loved ones' care needs.
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (59)

Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome at St Marys.

Parking

  • Onsite parking is available, including disabled spaces.

St Marys Reviews (151)

9.8

St Marys has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.763) out of 10, based on 30 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time St Marys has 151 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to St Marys
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Total of 151, showing 21-40
Review from M B (Niece of Resident) published on 5 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My aunt was in St Marys Care Home for the last 3 years of her life. During that time I was very pleased with the care she received.
The regular staff understood her communication problems following her initial stroke and took time to find out what she wanted. The staff were friendly and supportive
to me and I always felt welcome when I visited. She was treated with dignity at the end of her life as were her relatives. I would recommend St Marys to others.
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Review from Adrian G (Son of Resident) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Always a pleasure to visit Mum at St Marys. She is well looked after and cared for. We are always informed fo any issues or concerns. Great staff all round.
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Review from B W (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 12 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are really helpful and I am pleased they have helped me by putting pictures up on my wall. They help me to enjoy activities, especially playing the piano and gardening. All the staff are really nice and friendly.
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Review from Sarah M (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having made the difficult decision to place my father in a care home, we chose St Marys after visiting several in the area.
It has a welcoming and homely environment. Everyone we had contact with was friendly and helpful and seemed to enjoy their working environment.
The other residents seemed happy
and well cared for. Unfortunately, my father required end-of-life care but this was done with kindness and dignity. There was good communication between the home and the local GP surgery throughout.
I would recommend this home from my recent experiences.
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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother spent two weeks at St Marys for respite care. She had a lovely, bright room which was clean and well appointed. She was made to feel very welcome by all the staff and thrived during her stay. There were lots of activities which she participated in and enjoyed. She seemed very happy with everything,
and we are considering making St Marys her permanent home. St Marys is well managed, with staff always around to answer any queries, and they seem to generally care for their residents. St Marys has a very pleasant atmosphere, not to mention a resident cat, and I would be very happy to leave my mother there in the future.
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Review from Martin P (Son of Resident) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father was a resident at St Mary's from May 2022 through to December 2023, firstly in the care home and latterly in the Dementia unit.
I must say that throughout his stay he was extremely well cared for and was very happy to be living at St Mary's.
The staff are first class. Always attentive and
alive to his needs. Communication between our family and the home was always good, and we were always alerted to changes in Dad's health and well-being.
From all the photos of Dad hanging on the walls, it was clear that he was included in the numerous events and activities that were arranged by the home.
The home was always clean and well-presented, and Dad's room was always clean and tidy.
I cannot praise St Mary's enough.
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Review from Jan B (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are all really caring and helpful. They are happy and always have a kind word to say. The food is good and the entertainment is there if you want it. The resident cat Amber is a welcome addition. Well done everyone.
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Review from C S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
St Marys is an excellent care home.
You can tell that staff really care for the residents.
Management always ensure that there are plenty of activities and engagement, as well as opening the home for events for families to enjoy.
I am so pleased that my nan is being cared for at St Marys.
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Review from Ruth B (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just wanted to say how lovely it was to walk in this week and catch the singers in the act of entertaining everyone. I was able to sit with Mum (and Amber the cat) and listen for over half an hour to a wonderful collection of songs. Mum really appreciated what had been chosen and found herself singing
along to a few of them - which was lovely. Thank you to all the staff for their caring attitude towards Mum and to others in the home. It is really difficult to go on being professional to older folk who have their off days and can come out with some quite grumpy and ungrateful comments at times. I truly appreciate your positive vibes towards everyone - you are all angels!
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Review from T G (Son of Resident) published on 27 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at St Marys are fantastic, always happy and so helpful. I never worry that my dad isn't looked after, even when he's awkward. When I have a question or need help, I know the manager and the team will do their best to answer quickly.
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Review from Christopher S (Son of Resident) published on 11 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been at St Mary's now for just over a year. To use her own words: 'This truly feels like my home now'. Mum finds the staff very caring and cooperative. They are also very perceptive to how she is feeling and will adapt accordingly. Well done all at St Mary's!
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Review from Kevin B (Son of Resident) published on 4 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been resident at St Marys for just over two years now. In that time I have had concerns regarding Mum's health and well-being and in every instance the staff at St Marys have dealt those concerns in a sympathetic and professional manner. In getting to know the team, I find everyone helpful
and caring towards my mother who has advanced Alzheimer's disease and this clearly poses a challenge with her day to day living. When I visit Mum I always leave assured that she is very well cared for and looked after. The comfort that we as a family experience in knowing that a dearly loved mum is safe, secure and very well looked after is beyond measure. Thank you to all at St Marys, you are doing a brilliant job, which is very much appreciated.
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Review from Anne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum is calm and feels safe in this home. She likes the food and her carers. Communication from the home is good in case of any problems and we feel able and welcome to visit at any time.
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Review from John D (Son of Resident) published on 18 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My father has been resident at St Marys for just two years now. Although nothing can really make up for the loss of independence and the infirmities of very old age, staff at St Marys do their very best to keep residents comfortable and engaged. I certainly feel that my father is kept safe both physically
and medically, and my father values the fact that there is 24/7 support available to him. I can also definitely say that he is much more mentally alert than he was when he came to St Marys following several years of increasing immobility and isolation in his own home. Thanks to all at St Marys!
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Review from Pat M (Sister of Resident) published on 13 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
For about ten years my brother's home was St Marys at Holbrook. I cannot praise the home and staff enough for consistent care. Lovely home, very bright and clean and everyone is happy and cheerful. Thank you so much.
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Review from A R (Wife of Resident) published on 1 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been in St Marys for a month. I can say that despite my initial reservations of him having to go into care, I needn't have worried so much. He is extremely well looked after here, the care is second to none. The food is very good also. All - without exemption - care staff have been lovely,
nothing is too much trouble. All with a smile and friendly approach. Gradually my husband is accepting his new home and I am able to go home knowing he is in good, safe hands. Today's BBQ was a bonus with everyone going the extra mile.
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Review from L C (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was only in St Marys for seven weeks on respite care before sadly passing away. However, from the initial contact to the care home, the staff were warm, friendly, kind and went out of their way to help both Mum and the family. The room was always clean and fresh and the facilities and food at the
home excellent. During the time Mum was with them the staff were so respectful of her and always had time for her within their immensely busy days/nights. During our visits we were always so impressed with the care shown to all the residents and in fact Mum made strong bonds with several of the team at St Marys although sadly she spent a short period of time with them. I would highly recommend St Marys to any family looking for excellent care for their loved ones, we cannot thank the brilliant team enough for the way mum was cared for and the family supported through difficult times.
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Review from C W (Son of Resident) published on 5 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been given a warm welcome and is settling well. The home provides a caring and calming environment, and nothing seems too much trouble. Mym is enjoying the friendly environment and the great range of food.
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Review from A F (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 5 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Impressed with the level of care. Staff are kind and courteous and keen to help in any way they can. The home is always clean and tidy. Food always looked delicious, and there is a variety to suit everyone. The family are very happy to see that she is being cared for so well.
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Review from Lesley H (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been here since March and has settled in really well. All the staff are brilliant. Mum receives really good care and enjoys the food of which there is always plenty.
I highly recommend St Marys if you are looking for care for a loved one.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.763)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.763) out of 10 for St Marys 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 30 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 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 4.763 for St Marys is calculated as follows: ( (272 Excellents x 5) + (80 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 354 Ratings = 4.763
  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 St Marys is based on 30 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 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 30 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: 6 Dec 2023

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

3 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 13 Oct 2025

We currently have three vacancies for care. Please contact St Marys for further details.

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Awards / Recognitions (10)

Meet the Team (3)

Anna

Anna

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2015

Hi, I’m Anna. I’ve been with Anchor for almost a decade.


My focus as Home Manager has solidified around pioneering dementia care and fostering a people-oriented environment. Our team, through collaborative efforts, has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and resident satisfaction, upholding high standards of care.


With a strong foundation in care management, I've launched initiatives that promote staff development and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.

Alison

Alison

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2015

Hi, I’m Allison, and I have been the administrator for St Mary’s for over 10 years now.


My role requires a fair few different hats, including reception, payroll, recruitment, purchasing, and finance, to name a few, and I love the variety that the role brings. My main focus, however, is to be approachable for all residents, family and staff. We operate on an open-door policy, so pop in and say hello; there’s always cake and coffee to be found.

Marco

Marco

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Hello, my name is Marco, and I am the Deputy Manager at St Mary´s care home. My goal is to ensure the care we provide is person-centred, loving and caring.


I like to lead my team by example. Having years of experience in rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals has given me a baggage of tools that I use daily to coach and guide my team to deliver the best care possible and ensure our residents remain safe, healthy, and happy.

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