
St Mary's you are amazing!Kevin B(Son of Resident/Service User)

Whenever we have visited St Marys, the staff are always very helpful and friendly.Jill C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Keep doing the wonderful job you do.C G(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

St Mary's you are amazing!Kevin B(Son of Resident/Service User)

Whenever we have visited St Marys, the staff are always very helpful and friendly.Jill C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Keep doing the wonderful job you do.C G(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

St Marys, in Ipswich supports 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...
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 TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define 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
Weekly Charges per Person
Fees can vary depending on care needs and other factors. Colleagues at St Marys will be happy to discuss our weekly fees with you and what our fees include.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact St Marys for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact St Marys 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)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Anchor
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Anna Dabrowska (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
Room Information
- Single Rooms (60)
- 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 (157)
St Marys has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.811) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time St Marys has 157 reviews.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I highly recommend St Marys if you are looking for care for a loved one.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep up the good work!
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.
The home is always bright, clean and spotless.
All residents are well cared for.
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.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 23 August 2025Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledOutstanding
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
2 Bed Vacancies
Posted: 27 July 2026We currently have two vacancies for care. Please contact St Marys for further details.
News (7) & Events (0)
- 27 Mar 2026
An Ipswich care home is delighted to have been classed as Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the second highest rating possible, as well as being rated Outstanding for...
- 23 Jan 2026
Residents at Anchor’s St Mary's care home in Holbrook have been celebrating the kindness of a local pupil. Emily, a student at Holbrook Academy, has developed a wonderful bond with...
- 19 Dec 2025
Residents and colleagues at Anchor care homes across Suffolk are embracing the festive spirit. From crafting Christmas decorations and singing carols, to decorating trees and baking festive treats, each activity...
There are no upcoming events for St Marys.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for St Marys.
Meet the Team (3)

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.

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.

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.