St Marys

Woodlands Road, Holbrook, Ipswich IP9 2PS
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9.7 149 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

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.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

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 (149)

9.7

St Marys has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.748) out of 10, based on 32 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time St Marys has 149 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Review from Biddy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Well 2020 has certainly bought everyone new challenges especially for those in and running care homes.
I am thankful that St Mary’s has met the challenge full-on and has managed to navigate the required changes with ease.
In spite of not being able to have “normal” visits we have been able to have
window visits which at least allows both resident and visitor some sort of connection.
The staff are now getting ready to navigate the next challenge of vaccine administration and inside visits. I feel confident in their ability to organise this and I am grateful that my mother is safe and cared for and we as families are kept up to date on the sometimes daily changes.
My mother has a phone in her room, so we can at least keep up with her and she with us.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend St Mary’s to anyone looking for a well run, happy and safe residence.
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Review from Clare C (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has lived at St Mary's for more than 8 years and the care and companionship they provide has been wonderful. At every stage of her dementia they have put her first and any necessary changes have been made with thought, affection and compassion. The last year has been tough, as I've been unable
to visit, but staff have kept up my spirits with a wide variety of interactions online and over the phone. Their careful planning and handling of COVID restrictions gives me confidence I will be able to visit safely very soon.
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Review from Nick B (Son of Resident) published on 20 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum arrived in a bit of a state having had a fall and now needing constant watchful support she was transferred directly from the hospital. I think it was a confusing time for her but the staff have been very welcoming and supportive, taking the time to get to know mum and gradually introducing her
to the activities and life at St Mary's. Six weeks on and mum is much more settled, cheerful and interacting well with after being so isolated at home. A huge thank you to everyone at St Mary's.
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Review from Susan R (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everything at St Marys is wonderful. My mum has had such wonderful care since she moved in in February. She has had some difficulties but all the staff have been so kind and caring through these difficult times. It was such a relief through lockdown that I knew Mum was safe and extremely well looked
after. We are kept well informed about everything that is happening in the home. Outside visits are well organised and such an important part to keep Mum's spirits up. Thank you to all the wonderful staff.
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Review from Natalie B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law moved into St Marys in June. This followed a difficult time for mum, both physically as well as mentally, as she was isolated in her flat during the Covid-19 lockdown. The team at St Marys has been wonderful in helping to make the transition as smooth as possible. This has been very
reassuring for my husband too, and when we visit now (socially distanced) it is so warming to see mum happy and to know that she is enjoying her new home, and engaging with other residents. Thank you to the team for putting a smile back on her face, your care and compassion is, and always will be, appreciated.
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Review from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 29 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been in St. Marys for a year and a half and has been exceptionally happy. He enjoys the food, the care and attention and the company. He is well looked after by caring, enthusiastic and very patient staff. The staff are now all employed by the home, rather than shared agency workers, which
is great for ongoing understanding and familiarity. A bonus of that this year is that it helped keep COVID out completely. The hotel-like buildings are fully clean and suitably equipped. We were so fortunate to find this care home just ahead of Dad needing it.
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Review from I (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 25 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother and stepfather moved to St Mary’s 2 years ago and the staff were exceptionally helpful in accommodating them with rooms opposite each other. From then until my mother recently passed away aged 96, they had the best care and were wonderfully looked after. Since my mother’s death, the staff
have been particularly caring to my stepfather and he is very happy there. It really is like one big happy family, and we are always made welcome when we visit. I would definitely recommend St Mary’s having been through the trauma of finding suitable accommodation for two very reluctant parents.
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Review from Deborah H (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
St Marys provides an excellent standard of care for residents. The staff are friendly and always go the extra yard to help. My father has been here for 2 years and I am delighted that I chose St Marys, it has helped me enormously to know Dad is being cared for so well. He loves it too!
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Review from Clare P (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care that the manager and her team have given my dad both before and during the Coronavirus pandemic has been completely amazing. We feel so grateful to everyone and it has been immensely reassuring to know that Dad is safe and happy. Nothing is too much bother for any staff member and they know
Dad so well. Particularly moving were the efforts made to celebrate VE Day. Dad was involved so brilliantly. The carers seem to know just how to encourage the residents to keep as active as possible, and also to remain positive. The cleanliness of the home and empathetic care and attention to detail for personalised care for each resident just cannot be faulted. Thank you.
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Review from James B (Son of Resident) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have continued to be very pleased with the care that my mother is receiving at St Mary's. This is a most difficult time and although we live in the same village it has been very difficult not being able to actually visit. The manager has been amazing and has arranged video conferencing and video
and phone contact which has been no trouble. I am looking forward to fixing up a socially distanced meeting in the gazebo! It has been good to follow the resident's entertainments, etc. on Twitter.
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Review from Lisa A (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Trying times right now but we are reassured and updated regularly on Mum’s care.
So happy Mum moved here...she has settled in so well and is receiving wonderful care from the amazing team at St.Marys. Without being able to invite in any external groups to provide entertainment/activities the carers
have all done so well to take on this task themselves.
So lucky to have remained Covid free, thank goodness!
Just wonderful!
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Review from Colin R (Son of Resident) published on 17 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and attention that my mother receives at St Mary's is far more than I ever expected. She has only been there since December 2019 but, despite her developing dementia, she now sees it very much as home. The residents always have a wide range of morning and afternoon activities to keep them occupied,
and the food always looks and smells great. My mother is prone to certain recurring medical issues, but the carers are always totally professional in helping her get through them. During the current coronavirus outbreak St Mary's look to be doing everything they can to ensure that all residents are safe and well. The new manager has been particularly good at keeping family and friends of residents up to date with what is going on. I would certainly recommend St Mary's to anyone.
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Review from Victoria W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are all very good and very kind to Grandma. They always make me feel very welcome and are so helpful when I am there; I never feel in the way. Grandma seems very happy there and often comments how nice it is.
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Review from David B (Son of Resident) published on 16 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What greater test for a care home could there be than having to weather the storm of a viral pandemic? With many of the residents unaware of what is happening in the world, the manager and her team of hard-working carers have continued to offer a tip-top service with love and care for their guests and
all with a smile on their faces. At a time when so many of us would like one-to-one contact with all our family members, to know that all those in St Marys are getting the care and attention we would want for them is unbeatable. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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Review from Dean B (Son of Resident) published on 14 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Staff make this home what it is: a safe, friendly, welcoming and warm. Nothing is ever too much trouble. The manager has injected fun and enthusiasm, and of course professionalism. I have every confidence in the care and attention the staff provide and of the approach and decisions by management.
Involvement by relatives and friends is actively encouraged. I wish I could take part more. I have no hesitation in praising St Marys. March has been a challenge for everyone. Not being able to, or wishing to risk a visit, but the Manager has set up a video call and staff are always pleased to take gifts in at the door.
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Review from Alan P (Friend of Resident) published on 2 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and everybody were very helpful and everywhere was very clean and tidy. My friend said the food was very good.
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Review from M N (Wife of Resident) published on 17 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My husband has been a resident in St Mary's for 11 months in the Constable (dementia) section. The new manager has been working extremely hard to improve various aspects which have deteriorated during the absence of a manager. She is struggling with staffing problems and having to employ several agency
persons. Practical difficulties with turn around of laundry and identification of clothes are ongoing.
Reply from Kristy Smith, Manager at St Marys

Thank you for taking the time to review St Marys and we are pleased that you are likely to recommend our home. We have permanent members of staff recruited to ensure that the required number of staff are on duty on each shift to provide the appropriate levels of care. We have recently refocused our laundry to ensure this meets the needs of our residents at all times.

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Review from B L (Wife of Resident) published on 8 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband died in September 2019 but had been in St Mary's since 2017. The care was excellent and the staff were very kind and very professional. I visited my husband most days at lunchtime, being able to help with his food. He was unable to do anything for himself but was always dressed and very clean
thanks to the care staff. The bedroom was spotless and the bedding nice. The rooms of St Marys were always clean and tidy including the dining room. The food was good, different daily. The activities I have heard are good have only heard singing and piano playing lovely. For me, St marys is an excellent care home with wonderful and very kind staff. Excellent.
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Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have been extremely pleased with the care that my mother has received at St Mary's. The staff are caring and sensitive to the resident's needs and always make visitors feel welcome.
They try hard to ensure that the atmosphere is calm and homely and they engage with residents with empathy and kindness.
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Review from B D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mother came to St Marys at the end of July 2019. Mum lost our dad in April and was not able to stay in her home as she has quite well developed Alzheimer's. This was made much worse by these events and we found a home in Colchester, however, her medication had an adverse effect on her behaviour
resulting in falls and being requested to leave the home. After a long spell in hospital St marys agreed to take her in. They have been amazing The attitude, care and medical attention has been second to none mum is finally settled and happy.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.748)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.748) 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 4.7 out of 5 from 32 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 32 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 4.748 for St Marys is calculated as follows: ( (284 Excellents x 5) + (91 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 377 Ratings = 4.748
  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 32 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 32 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: 15 Sep 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 (0)

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