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

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 61-80
Review from L L (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has lived in the dementia unit at St Mary’s for nearly nine years. I have nothing but admiration and praise for everyone that works here, from the managers, carers, admin, chefs and cleaning staff; they are all part of my mum's family now.
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.
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Review from F T (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 20 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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!
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Review from David B (Husband of Resident) published on 7 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Although short-staffed, all the carers and management did their best to make it a happy and caring place to be.
Reply from Kristy Smith, Manager at St Marys

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.

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Review from U J (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 18 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I was surprised how quickly my mother-in-law felt comfortable in her new home and how happy she was with the carers.
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Review from Jackie C (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 2 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having visited a resident over about 4-years, I have always found the staff helpful, friendly and caring.
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.
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Review from Siobhan G (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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!
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Review from B C (Son of Resident) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from Jill M (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On entering the home, you are always warmly welcomed by all the staff.
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.
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Review from C N (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from Michael M (Son of Resident) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum is very happy, has a nice room, feels very secure and really likes the food!
All the staff are helpful and friendly. We are looking forward to being able to use the garden in the spring/summer.
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Review from M M (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from D B (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 5 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
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Review from Caroline D (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Always cheerful staff, happy to help. St Marys offers lots of activities for residents, encouraging their interests and developing new ones.
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.
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Review from Julie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
If you are looking for the perfect care home - look no further.
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.
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Review from Lou B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at St Marys are absolutely wonderful, each resident is treated as an individual with outstanding care and attention.
Questions are answered straight away, and everything is done to include each person’s needs and characteristics.
During Covid, our mum has been kept safe and well with the
usual routines being followed wherever possible - an incredible achievement!
Well done, everyone, at St Marys! My sister and I are grateful to you all.
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Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Throughout the pandemic and lockdown, St Mary's cared for Mum with many organised and fun activities. They stayed Covid free throughout, which was a relief to us all.
My mother passed away at St Mary's in July 2021. We were kept informed in the period leading up to her final days and were allowed to
visit and stay with her in her room during the day and overnight when it was felt that we should be with her. All the staff made sure they popped in to speak to her and say goodbye, which meant a lot to us.
We would like to thank everyone and are very grateful for everything they did for Mum.
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Review from Jane P (Niece of Resident) published on 27 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful place to live with very caring workers. My aunt has settled amazingly well there! At 99 years of age, I was worried that she would miss her old home and friends, but she is very content. I would recommend this home to anyone wanting a safe and comfortable place for their loved ones.
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Review from M R (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum was in St Marys for 18-months during the Covid pandemic. We felt so grateful she was somewhere we were comfortable with and safe as they remained Covid free. As restrictions reduced, we were able to visit, but my mum became end of life. We were able to have six days of quality time; she was so
well cared for and loved by staff - it helped our family cope with her death. We are so grateful to St Marys.
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Review from Chris S (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our first experience of St Marys was when my wife and I visited the home to see if we felt it was to be suitable for our mum. On first entering the home, we immediately felt a lovely, caring atmosphere and like a home, not a "hotel". Management was very informative and assuring. As Mum moved in, we
soon established we had made the right choice. She settled very quickly and was made very comfortable. Towards the end of her life, the staff were very compassionate to both her and the family. Well done, St Marys!
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Review from Simon C (Son of Resident) published on 4 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has enjoyed a number of years in the care of the staff at St Mary's.
Since the group has taken over, what a good level of care to a very high standard. At the centre, if this for those of us who cannot visit often is the exceptional level of communication. Keeping us informed during Covid
times of processes and activity. Last night, my mother, who has severe dementia, had a fall and lost consciousness. Both my sister and I had received calls before the ambulance had arrived, and we were kept informed and updated until her recovery and return to her happy place. We can only admire the care and commitment to our elderly and confused (but happy) mother.
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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.