
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.
The staff are lovely, really friendly and always ready to listen if I have any worries.
The care and dedication to the residents is first class.
I am very happy with the all round support my partner gets.
We moved Mum to St Mary's from sheltered accommodation due to her worsening dementia. From the day she arrived the care, she has had has been first class. Unfortunately, her health deteriorated rapidly and after eight weeks she sadly passed away. I cannot praise the staff enough for their constant care and support of not just mum but me as well. I practically moved in so I could be with her to the end and they made sure I had food, drinks, mattress and bedding and showering facilities. All the staff looked after us and I will miss them. Constable is such a happy, uplifting place to be.
I was pleased to find she had moved rooms, where the decor and furniture were new, fresh and clean.
My only concern is the size of the room, taking into account the use of a hoist. Perhaps repositioning the bed might help? Her care plan was up to date and she looked clean and dressed appropriately.
I am happy with the care my aunt is receiving, thank you.
My relative is being very well cared for. The staff are supportive, kind and caring. The home is comfortable and clean and very homely.
All the staff are excellent and look after my mum with care and dignity. Mum is often saying how lovely they are.
The home is currently undergoing full redecoration but this has had minimal effect on the day to day experience for the residents. Sadly my mother-in-law's health declined very quickly and she passed away on 24th April. My sister-in-law sent the last week three days with her at the home. The staff supported my sister-n-law in a very caring and sympathetic manner.
My husband has settled in St Marys and seems happy and interacts with other residents. The manager and carers are attentive and supportive to me and my family. They also keep up informed of his medical condition.
In all respects; keeping us updated, looking after their needs and calling doctors, the staff are all excellent. Mum feels so safe and happy. The whole family is very happy with the kindness and helpfulness of staff. To provide all this I think a lot of the credit also goes to the manager.
An excellent care provider. Mum's needs are always met with care and dignity. Any issues are always sorted out immediately. Management and staff are excellent, approachable and part of our lives. My mum is very happy and content.
From the 100 year old lady who rules the house as queen to the gentleman (once a mechanic) who has an invisible tape measure and does mime maintenance on everything to the other gentleman who reassures everyone of the love he and his wife share and how he is going back home to live tomorrow!!
The lady with her handbag and coat on, always ready to leave. My sister is unable to communicate but I feel very happy that she is here. Working with dementia is challenging but I have now seen the total dedication, love and patience the staff show at all times. Tensions and situations can become volatile very quickly and staff deal with everyone with grace, understanding and love.
Took time choosing placement for my ex-wife who has a dementia related illness (aphasia) and were appalled at some of the homes we visited. St Mary's was a blessing and faultless, from building/layout, and staff were excellent and we had no qualms in accepting this for the person in our care (her son, sister and myself). Subsequent visits and staff care and help have been impeccable.
The staff were all very good with her and treated her with great care, dignity and very patient when she was confused and awkward. As her only son I was very pleased with everything the home did for mum and myself.
The staff are lovely they look after my husband with care and love, they are always ready to help me with any worries or problems I might have. I am pleased I found St Marys.
St Marys is a lovely welcoming home. My mother is very happy here and I haven't seen here dance like I saw her dance in the corridor for years. The food looks good and there is always plenty to drink whenever I have visited. All the staff are helpful and kind and very friendly. My mothers room is bright and cheerful and clean, the gardens are lovely.
The care and support that my dad receives at St Marys is very much appreciated by our family. All the staff, at every level, treat my dad with dignity respect and kindness. Any concerns or worries we have had about my dad's care have been addressed immediately by the home care manager in a prompt and effective manner. I would have no hesitation in recommending St Marys, it is a very special place!
My mother lives on the dementia wing at St Mary's Holbrook. The home is clean and pleasant. My mother's room was painted in a colour she liked. Above all the carers are all lovely caring people, who do all they can to help the residents. I would not hesitate in recommending this care home. Which I have already done.
Mum seems very settled at St Mary's after spending some time in respite care at two other homes which she did not like. All the residents look well cared for, tidily dressed, hair done etc. Staff generally seem cheerful and busy, but not too busy to help us if needed e.g finding batteries for TV remote control. Mum complains about the food, but to us the menus look varied and interesting so we think this is just her way.
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.