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 41-60
Review from Colin C (Son of Resident) published on 1 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum moved into the home recently. I have been impressed by all of the staff's friendliness, kindness and professionalism. They have informed me of any problems, and I feel happy my mum is cared for.
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Review from A N (Son of Resident) published on 18 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very relieved she is in such caring hands. The staff, especially on the dementia unit, are very friendly and have a laugh and chat with all the residents. Nothing at all is too much trouble, and there are always plenty of staff about to assist with any issues. The management runs a very well-oiled
happy machine!
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Review from Mary G (Wife of Resident) published on 28 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff were very helpful and gave their time; cheerfully to spend time showing my husband and our family around prior to admission for one week respite. My husband says he was very comfortable with the helpful and kind staff. The meals were good, so overall, he had a good week. I also thank them for
their support and patience.
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Review from Julie M (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend this care home to everyone.
Can't thank the staff enough.
They are all absolutely amazing.
I didn't really know what to expect as never been to a care home before, but my dad and all the family couldn't be more happier.
Thank you all so much.
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Review from Katie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff at St Marys offer a personal approach to care and make the home a really welcoming place for all. They try hard to meet individual needs, adapting what they do to the individual. My mum has been at St Marys for some time, and it feels like the staff know her well, try very hard to meet her changing
needs and show empathy and kindness.
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Review from Victor L (Brother of Resident) published on 27 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From my first contact with St Marys to arrange respite/familiarisation stays, I have been impressed by the understanding and care offered at all levels. She has settled into her new home and, in spite of the challenge of her dementia, is happy and knows that she is "home" in Holbrook, two
miles from where we were born.
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Review from Emily A (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at St Marys made my mum's final days as comfortable as possible. Mum had early onset Alzheimers, and throughout the six months Mum was a resident, the staff made her and us feel so supported. The amount of compassion we, as a family, received, we will be forever grateful for. I have to mention,
in particular, the staff on the dementia wing and the manager. I would wholeheartedly recommend St Marys for every aspect of care they give and the patience and warmth every member of staff we met showed.
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Review from J S (Friend of Resident) published on 9 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I found the home to be well decorated and smelling clean and fresh. The lady from the office came out to welcome us, and the signing-in process was clear and efficient. The lady I visited said she enjoys the food. A cup of tea with biscuits was brought around mid-afternoon, and we, as visitors, were
given one too. The resident was given a choice of food for her tea. She had already had a Christmas buffet lunch, and there had been some entertainment.
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Review from Coralie L (Niece of Resident) published on 6 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is the first care home I've walked into which smells fresh with the smell of polish lingering, people hoovering, and residents' doors open wide so that residents can see and hear the world still going on. Beautiful view of green fields from my uncle's chair when he sits in his room. Friendly and
helpful staff and all decorated up for Christmas. What a lovely place to end your days in. This is what all care homes should be like.
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Review from Jane C (Cousin of Resident) published on 6 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We chose St Marys for my cousin just by reviews from other people - we were not disappointed. Sadly she was only there for three weeks before she passed away, but in that time, she was looked after in the best possible way. The staff were always helpful, kind and attentive, and nothing was too much
trouble. It reassured us to know that she was so well cared for in her final days. From our short experience, this is a first-class care home.
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Review from M S (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The service is so reassuring and caring.
Keep up the good work!
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Review from Amelie K (Resident) published on 18 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Remarkable is the warm, friendly and cheerful atmosphere. The diverse staff relate easily to each of them and with no sense of "thanks" with differing wishes and/or treatment. Very swift response to requests - there is no feeling that you are being a nuisance or asking too much. Every effort is made
to organise activities that draw residents together. Along with this, the home is clean and warm, the food is good, and the physical needs are well cared for.
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Review from P G (Relative of Resident) published on 2 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Helpful and friendly staff, welcoming and supportive.
The home is always bright, clean and spotless.
All residents are well cared for.
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Review from Jean M (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 2 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Am very comfortable living here.
I enjoy the food.
Staff are very friendly and kind.
They made a lovely cake and provided tea and coffee for all of my family in a separate area free of charge.
Unfortunately, there is an outbreak of Covid, which has prevented me from mixing at the moment.
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Review from Kay W (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very happy with the care for my mother. She only came here at the end of September, and already, she is very settled. Staff are very friendly and helpful.
If I have any questions or queries, they attend to them immediately. Also, she has had an overview of her medication from the local doctors, which
I am pleased about.
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Review from G F (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
So lovely now most of the Covid restrictions have been lifted to see external entertainment in the home. The summer BBQ was a lovely event. I was so touched to see how many of the staff that were not scheduled to work that day came in. A true reflection that this is a living, caring home, not a business.
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Review from Trish H (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum came into St Marys on 19/08/22. She has settled so well, and the staff have been amazing with her and already got to know her. We have been made so welcome at the BBQ today, and it's reassured us so much to see Mum settled and very happy. Thank you to you all.
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Review from Judith R (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum's experience is excellent in every aspect.
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Review from Lucinda S (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
St Marys has looked after my mum very well. She feels say and well cared for. As she says, "it will never be home, but it's the next best thing", and I think that's as good as we could have hoped for. I would recommend St Marys to anyone who wants their loved one looked after.
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Review from Ann D (Resident) published on 11 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Congratulations to all staff. First visit to St Marys. So delighted to see such a lovely place. Everything is spotless, facilities excellent. Staff are so friendly and caring towards residents. Tea, cake and chocolate are offered straight away. Well done.
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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.