
The staff are are caring, kind and extremely patientA B(Relative of Resident/Service User)

My auntie loves the food and enjoys interacting with the other residents and the staff.Agee H(Niece of Resident/Service User)


The staff are are caring, kind and extremely patientA B(Relative of Resident/Service User)

My auntie loves the food and enjoys interacting with the other residents and the staff.Agee H(Niece of Resident/Service User)


Hillcroft House, located in a tranquil area of Stowmarket, Suffolk, offers a warm and inviting environment where residents are encouraged to personalise their fully furnished rooms with cherished items, creating a true 'home from home'.
The dedicated care team at Hillcroft House is selected not only for their professional skills but also for their warmth and compassion. They provide round-the-clock support, respecting each resident's dignity and individuality. Regular assessments ensure that...
Care Provided by Hillcroft House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Younger Adults
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 43 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
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Palliative / End of Life Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Stairlift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Hillcroft House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Hillcroft House 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
- Healthcare Homes Group Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Cathrine Arbon(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 60+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2003
Room Information
- Single Rooms (41)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
Hillcroft House Reviews (113)
Hillcroft House has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.529) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Hillcroft House has 113 reviews.
Our brother came to Hillcroft House late 2025 after 3 weeks of bed hopping in a main hospital and after a few months in a mental health unit prior to that. We were very relieved that he had a room and bed to call his own as he needed that security. His stay was initially for 6 weeks respite care but this was extended until we found somewhere long term nearer to family. The staff at Hillcroft were extremely kind and supportive and helped our brother feel secure in his surroundings whilst there. All were easy to talk to if we had any concerns and this made our brother's stay easier for us too. Our thanks to Cathrine and Tony in particular.
Dear Anna, Thank you so much for sending the review. We all miss your brother and wish him every success in his future, such a kind gentleman. We were so pleased to assist him with his journey. We wish you all the best for the future.
Warm wishes Cathrine
I couldn't be happier with the care my dad receives here. The home has such a lovely, warm atmosphere and genuinely feels like a safe and happy place to live. The staff are incredibly caring and always so kind and patient. They are very amenable to Dad's individual needs and nothing ever seems too much trouble.
It gives us real peace of mind knowing he is in a safe environment, surrounded by people who truly care. We're very grateful for the support and dedication of everyone at the home.
Dear Andrew,
Thank you so much for your valued review. Dad is a wonderful gentleman and a pleasure to have in the home. We work hard to ensure our residents receive the care they deserve. Thank you also for being an amazing family too.
Kindest Regards
Cathrine
I highly recommend Hillcroft House care home I've Not got a bad word to say about them as my experience was first class.My father was only there for a short while but he was looked after so well and was glad he spent his last days at such a lovely place. The staff couldn't do enough to help him and were so lovely there was always someone there to talk to if you needed it.He had a lovely room and the home was kept so clean. All staff that I came in contact were so lovely and you could tell they loved what they did. It's definitely 10 out of 10 for me and would definitely use them again . Well done Hillcroft House
Thank you so much for your wonderful scoring and such kind words. We were please to look after dad and your family. You are such a supportive and wonderful family and I wish you all the very best for the future.
Feel free to pop into visit, it would be lovely to see you all.
Moved Dad from another care home that wasn't 'caring'. Within a couple of months, Dad was much more responsive, wanted to see the garden and absolutely loved his room. The carers here were so kind to him, unlike the previous home, and he started acting like our Dad again. Cannot thank the staff here enough. He was well cared for, warm, comfortable and happy - what more could you ask for?
Dear Barbara,
Thank you so much for your kind review. I am so pleased your father was here with us at Hillcroft House. Your father was such a kind gentleman and was loved by our team. You have been such a wonderful caring family too. Take Care, Cathrine Home Manager.
The team are friendly, attentive and approachable. No task is ever too much trouble. Their support makes a world of difference to families like ours during such a challenging time. I would wholeheartedly recommend Hillcroft House to anyone seeking a caring environment for their loved one, when home care is no longer possible.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to send this very kind review. I am so happy to support you through this difficult time. The staff at Hillcroft House perform outstanding care with dignity and respect. I am so grateful to have such wonderful support from families.
Cathrine
It might be good to be able to have a cup of tea with relatives when visiting, but I am not aware of this provision.
Dear D N,Thank you so much for your review. I appreciate your comments. You are always most welcome to enjoy refreshments while visiting your loved ones. Please ask staff to assist you with whatever you need while in the home.Thanks again for taking the to review us.Kindest Regards.
My Dad moved to Hillcroft from residential care after a dementia diagnosis at the end of 2024. The manager and staff were excellent. Comments about his care were immediately responded to and everyone was very friendly. My dad always enjoyed the food and, until he was too unwell, I often found him enjoying the music in the lounge. He was looked after with care, kindness and love particularly during his last few difficult weeks. I couldn't have asked for more for him.
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. Your dad was cared for deeply by all of the team here at Hillcroft and is missed. I will pass on your kind words to all of the team, this gives them such recognition of the love and care they provide to each and everyone in the home. All our best wishes
For safety reasons it was determined that our friends bed needed safety rails. These were fitted the next day!
Our friend is obviously happy with her new home. She really enjoys the food and always finishes her meals. The day room where our friend spends most of her time is bright with lots of windows, is very clean and smells nice. Usually music is playing at a pleasant volume so the atmosphere is pleasantly upbeat. There is always at least one member of staff on hand and quite often 3 or 4.The whole establishment is clean, bright and well staffed.
We are happy with our choice.
Thank you for such a lovely review, your positive feedback means a lot to us and will be passed on to all the team. I am so glad that your loved one has transitioned so well into the home. The staff at Hillcroft will continue to ensure that these positive experiences are felt. Kindest Regards,
Our mum has been living in Hill Croft House for 15 months in this time there has been none or very little activities offered as there has been no activity staff. The care staff are 10/10, but some residents like our mum are left with nothing to do other than wander up and down corridors, sending them crazy, this is not good for their minds or their mental health, so the score for this is very poor.
The home has had difficulty in being able to find the right person for activities position, in the meantime the staff in other departments have worked hard to ensure activities still take place. Please do join our Facebook page where you will be able to see what activities and events are taking...
My mother has recently moved into Hillcroft House following a 4 week stay at hospital. It became clear that she could no longer live independently at home after a number of falls and deteriorating memory. So far I am really impressed with the kindness, understanding and patience shown by all the staff. It has been a difficult time but made much easier knowing my mum is in a safe environment and is well cared for. She seems to be settling in well. Even in the first week the staff went out of their way to ensure she had a very happy 90th birthday.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback and review left. I will pass these kind words on to the team. I am so pleased she enjoyed spending time with you all in our family room set up for her birthday. All our best
My father went to Hillcroft House when his care needs became too complex for us to care for him at home. The care he received was above all our expectations, everyone was so kind and caring, unfortunately he passed away but his last days were not stressful for him. I can't recommend the home highly enough.
Thank you so much for your kind words and compliments, which I will pass on to all of the team. We thank you for putting your trust in the home to care for your dear father in his final days. We wish you and your family all the best and again offer our condolences on your father's passing. Kindest Regards, Home Manager.
I cannot recommend Hillcroft House enough.
Thank you so much for leaving such lovely feedback. All of the team at Hillcroft miss your mum dearly. She was loved by all the staff and we feel privileged to have had her live in the home for 10 years. I will pass on your kind words to all of the team, All our love and best wishes.
Fantastic home, amazing staff that are always smiling, helpful and attentive. My dad's care has been second to none since he joined this home back in December 2023. He is in a very good place mentally and physically compared to when he was living at home. He loves all of the staff here and is always smiling and joking when in their company. Its lovely to see such a positive change this home has had on him.
Thank you so much for such lovely feedback. This will be passed on to all the team who care deeply for your dad, he is part of our family at Hillcroft House. All the best,
Mum has been here for about 18 months now, her dementia has deteriorated over this time. All the staff have so much patience with her and she always appears well cared for. She has a lovely room and if she doesn't want to join in communal activities she is happy to spend time here watching the world out of her window.
Thank you so much for your review, I will pass this positive feedback on to the team. Kindest Regards.
My brother appears happy and content when I visit him. The staff are all friendly and helpful.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, which I will pass on to all the team. Kindest Regards.
Until recently, I noticed whilst visiting my aunt that some of the residents were left to their own devices in the dayroom, with no supervision. I've been made to feel very welcome by all the staff and management team. Maybe a few times residents sitting outside in the garden which was lovely to see. I have found that the care for my aunt is of a good quality and I believe she is being cared for and all her needs are being met.
Thank you for your review. I am glad to hear you feel the care provided to your aunt is of good quality, which we always strive to ensure. I will pass on your feedback to the team. Kind Regards
The staff are so friendly and my Dad was very happy - I always know when he is content when he calls people 'babe', it is his term of endearment.
Looking at the other residents they looked happy and interacted with the staff who were ready to chat and make jokes.
I thank Hillcroft with all my heart; it is always a worry putting a loved one in care and they put my mind completely at rest.
Thank you for your lovely review, this means a lot to the team at Hillcroft and I will pass on your kind words to them all. We are so looking forward to having your dad come to stay again for respite in the future, we really enjoyed your dad being here. All the best, Jess
The doctor from the local surgery said to give him paracetamol and fluid which left him unhappy.
Dad passed away now and no one wants to own up. They are good until there's a problem then you get fobbed off, they will not accept responsibility and now the staff involved no longer work there because they don't want to answer questions about it, shocking.
Thank you for your feedback, concerns raised have been investigated and responded to as per company procedures. I will pass on your kind works to the team. We wish your family all the best and again offer our condolences on the passing of your father. Kind Regards
Friendly, helpful staff. Always let me know when issue/problem. Not sure how many activities upstairs - have seen more happening downstairs. My dad is always clean and dressed in his own clothes, though usually is barefoot? Haven't had any newsletters in the two months my dad has been in the home.
Thank you for your feedback, it is really appreciated. We use this feedback to continuously improve the overall service for our residents. I will ensure your up-to-date email is added to our mailing list going forward for the monthly newsletter to be sent on. Kindest Regards.
Recently the home arranged for a lunch for my Dad to spend time with my Mum to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary when she visited. They were made to feel very special!
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We were privileged to be part of your parent's wedding anniversary and support in making this a special event for them. I will pass on your lovely comments to the team. Kindest Regards.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 18 October 2022Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
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
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (4) & Events (0)
- 10 Sep 2025
Hillcroft House in Stowmarket, part of the Healthcare Homes group, is proud to announce that Cathrine Arbon has joined as its new Home Manager. Cathrine brings extensive experience in nursing...
- 13 Nov 2024
At Healthcare Homes, we believe in the power of nature and community to uplift and enhance the lives of our residents and service users. This year’s InBloom 2024 competition brought...
- 14 Oct 2024
On Friday, 6th September 2024, Healthcare Homes had the privilege of supporting the Rob George Foundation (RGF) at their annual golf day, hosted by Colchester Golf Club. The day was...
There are no upcoming events for Hillcroft House.
Awards / Recognitions (10)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Healthcare Homes Group Ltd
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Healthcare Homes Group Ltd
- 28 Feb 2023Recipient: Healthcare Homes Group Ltd
Meet the Team (5)

I’m a qualified Registered Nurse with over 12 years of healthcare experience, including time in the NHS. I love being part of the home environment, supporting residents with their goals, and creating meaningful memories together. Living just five minutes away helps me stay connected to the local community and build strong relationships.

I decided to work at Healthcare Homes as I liked the opportunity of a challenge and I was very keen to work with those with dementia. Healthcare Homes was recommended to me by a local private social worker who praised the home. I enjoy all of my working days, never a dull moment.
Spending quality time with residents is very important and always brings a smile. I always have a sense of satisfaction at the end of each day knowing that the residents have been so well looked after and are happy. Knowing you have made a difference in someone’s day in a positive way makes working very worthwhile.

I enjoy working in a happy environment and cooking tasty, home-cooked meals for residents. With Level 3 qualifications in Food Hygiene, cookery, and hospitality supervision, I listen to residents’ feedback and value their company while making sure every meal feels like home.

“I started working at Healthcare Homes in 2011; I wanted to join as I wanted to challenge myself in taking up a kitchen role after working in domestic services. To be good in this role I believe you have to be passionate about food and cooking a varied menu and be understanding of resident requirements. The biggest challenge in my professional career was coming from Thailand, I had not baked a cake in 40 years, now I bake one or two every day!”

I enjoy being part of a supportive team where everyone works together to provide the best care. I focus on enriching residents’ lives by offering therapeutic activities that they find meaningful and enjoyable, while also taking time to engage with them on a personal level to bring joy to their day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcroft House
What types of Care is Hillcroft House registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Hillcroft House have?
There are 41 Single Rooms and 1 Couples/Companion Room.
What are the Facilities & Services at Hillcroft House?
Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Hillcroft House to the centre of Stowmarket?
0.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Hillcroft House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Hillcroft House has an Enhanced Service -more info.