
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mum's experience is excellent in every aspect.
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.
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.
The home itself is comfortable, homely and has a friendly atmosphere throughout.
Myself and my family cannot thank them enough for the care provided for Mum and the peace of mind for us over the past nine years.
We are totally indebted to the manager, team leaders and everyone working at St Marys. The care they give to their residents and my mother-in-law, in particular, has been exemplary. Throughout the difficulties of dealing with Covid, the staff have outwardly appeared really positive, and they have continued to care for and entertain the residents with wonderful activities. I have no hesitation in recommending this home. My mother-in-law receives the most amazing level of care, and we truly feel that St Marys 'has her corner'! Thank you all!
Although short-staffed, all the carers and management did their best to make it a happy and caring place to be.
Thank you for taking the time to review St Mary’s, and we are pleased that you rate our care and support as very good. Our team are dedicated to giving each of our residents the best care and support that we can. We use a dependency tool to calculate our staffing levels to ensure that we can provide high-quality care for all our residents.
I was surprised how quickly my mother-in-law felt comfortable in her new home and how happy she was with the carers.
Most importantly, my loved one is happy and content.
During the pandemic when the pressure of extra work must have been difficult, they never appeared hurried or hassled, which sometimes must have been difficult.
I have always been impressed with the love that is eminent throughout the whole home.
So happy with the communication between Mum’s carers and family members regarding Mum’s condition. Knowing that she is in a secure and safe place is very reassuring. Not easy being overseas and not being able to visit with her. Kudos to everyone at St Marys, and a big thank you!
I am a newcomer to care homes and can only say that the atmosphere in the home is one of loving care. Well staffed by very friendly people, clearly happy, and this gives me and my siblings immense comfort. Mum seems content and cheerful, and that is all we ask for. Lunch on Sunday looked so delicious; I almost stayed myself.
My mum is receiving personalized, individualized care based on her needs and wishes. The staff know how my mum likes to spend her day. They all, including the domestic and catering staff, go above and beyond in their care. My mum often tells us she cannot ask for more at the home, and the carers are lovely. She has dementia and had to be moved from another care home, and I have no regrets about choosing this remarkable home.
When my mum has been unwell, they not only care for her but the family too.
Any concerns the staff have, I will be contacted to discuss.
I leave the home knowing my mum is loved and cared for.
Thank you to everyone at St Marys. Well done to the manager for having a fantastic team.
My grandma moved into St Marys in May last year and has settled in very well, helped by all the friendly and welcoming staff. The home always feels bright, cheerful and homely when I visit, and the staff are always very welcoming, friendly and helpful.
All the staff are helpful and friendly. We are looking forward to being able to use the garden in the spring/summer.
My dad was placed in St Marys in May with his dementia. We were really concerned about this as Dad had always said do not put me in a home; he has always been a very private person and not mixed much. But, unfortunately, it had to happen. We decided to go for this home as he had previously had to do the same thing with his own mother, and after looking around a few, he chose this one. He has settled in really well, and this is down to the staff all being so friendly and helpful. They keep you very informed about what is going on with your loved one.
While staying in St Marys, I experienced a very caring environment. The staff do all they can to care for your needs and comfort. They give you personal, friendly attention.
The residents take an active role in how the days are planned, and their thoughts are welcomed. My mother feels she makes a valued contribution to daily life at the home and loves being busy getting involved.
You would not want for anything more.
It is bright, colourful and bursting with life.
The care team connect with your loved ones; they are fantastic. Always caring, empathetic, energetic and happy.
They are so enthusiastic and seem really to enjoy their jobs so much.
My loved one is cared for to the highest standard, and she genuinely seems happy and content.
Placing a loved one in care is never an easy decision. It’s an emotional roller coaster that plays heavily on your heart.
But, in the end, I know I made the right decision in placing my loved one at St Marys.
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.