Hillcroft House

Finborough Road, Stowmarket IP14 1PW
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9.5 107 Reviews
  • Hillcroft House, Stowmarket
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 plans are tailored to meet evolving needs, with specialised equipment provided when necessary.

Residents benefit from visits by opticians, dentists, and chiropodists, arranged as needed. The in-house hairdressing salon offers a range of services, including manicures and hand massages, promoting well-being and self-care. The catering team prepares delicious meals and snacks throughout the day, accommodating special dietary requirements to ensure every resident enjoys their dining experience.

Surrounded by landscaped gardens with mature trees and shrubs, Hillcroft House provides a peaceful setting where residents can enjoy the outdoors and observe visiting local wildlife. Its proximity to the town centre allows easy access to community amenities, including shops, pubs, and medical services, fostering a sense of independence and connection to the local community.

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 43 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Parkinson's Disease

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

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1365
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1365
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1365
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1365

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Hillcroft House 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

Person in charge

  • Jessica Ellis (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 60+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2003

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (41)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
Total of 107, showing 1-20
9.5

Hillcroft House has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.503) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Hillcroft House has 107 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife and I are legal guardians for a very dear friend with dementia. She recently moved to Hillside House. The transition via private ambulance was smooth and drama free. The manager is lovely and is very efficient and professional. The staff have been kind, polite and interested in their roles.
They are always happy to chat and make sure all is well. We find them very pleasant.
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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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,

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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 place within the home. I am pleased to say we have successfully recruited into the activities role and I feel confident that this will increase and rapidly change the activities taking place in the home. We appreciate all feedback and look forward to showing you what is going on within the home and the fab activities our team do with the residents at Hillcroft House. Kind Regards

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum lived at Hillcroft House for 10 years until her death and the care she received was exemplary. As her dementia advanced they met her care needs with dignity and compassion. In the early years, Mum joined in with the activities and lovely music events that were put on for the residents. The carers
are amazing and cared for Mum with a smile.
I cannot recommend Hillcroft House enough.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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,

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your review, I will pass this positive feedback on to the team. Kindest Regards.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My brother appears happy and content when I visit him. The staff are all friendly and helpful.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, which I will pass on to all the team. Kindest Regards.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad went into respite with Hillcroft and I was very impressed with their kindness and how well they looked after him. I would not think twice about using Hillcroft again. The manager came to my home and did an assessment and took details of his needs so everything was ready when he went in for his
stay.
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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are very helpful and loving. My dad loved the entertainment right up till one of the staff brought flu into the home and we visited him. One day caught the flu and ended up in hospital for 19 days and never recovered, we were told they contacted us but no one rang.
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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

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.

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Dad has lived at Hillcroft for over a year now. He is happy and as content as he can be with his dementia diagnosis. Always cared for and well looked after. Staff are always happy to help, and have time to listen whenever I have a query/question to raise.
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!

Reply from Jessica Ellis, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

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.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum seemed very settled in the home, she has been there 9 months. The staff are very helpful, patient and understanding, making me (her daughter) feel calm and less stressed knowing Mum is being looked after.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your feedback this will be relayed to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law receives extremely good care at Hillcroft House and she is happy there. The staff are always happy kind and caring and work hard.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for the review the comments will be passed onto the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wow what can I say I was worried about my grandma coming into care after living independently, but after a few months of ill health, falls and hospital visits everyone agreed residential care was the safest option. Since moving into Hillcroft House the whole family is able to relax knowing she's safe
and well cared for, I look forward to visiting to here about all the activities Gran has been up to, this month alone she's been involved in yoga, bowls, dancing with Elvis, arts and craft and enjoying the garden.
The staff are all lovely and take time to get to know the family, we always feel welcome and nothings to much for them. Every visit all the residents have been happy, entertained and well cared for, Gran loves her room and always mentions how friendly all the staff are. Gran is always clean, well fed and happy when we visit and says she feels at home, the team always call with any concerns and keeps us updated on Grans health. I would definitely recommend, A* care. Thank you!

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your feedback which will be passed onto the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff have always been kind and patient with my father. Whenever I visit he always seems happy with the staff smiling and engaging with them. This helps me and my family feel that he is well looked after as well as being in a safe environment.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for this review your kind words have been passed to the staff team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Due to an emergency, Hillcroft accepted Mum joining them the same day. She was well-liked and encouraged/enjoyed doing the activities/joining in. We could visit any time of the day and could ask the staff/manager anything regarding how Mum was or what she liked. The staff were always helpful and smiley.
Hillcroft would call us regarding any problems/confusion/accidents.
We would recommend Hillcroft to anyone, and if I have to go into a home, I hope it's like Hillcroft.
Thank you to all at Hillcroft.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts, which I have passed on to the team. We wish you well.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father was a temporary resident at Hillcroft House following discharge from hospital while more permanent arrangements were set up. We could not visit as often as we would have liked due to distance and therefore our experience with some aspects of home was limited.
The staff were friendly and approachable
towards family and had a good appreciation of my father's care needs. Kept us informed of any issues and sought medical advice promptly. We appreciated the time and effort the activities ladies spent talking to and getting to know my father's interests and providing books to support these. My father was allocated a large sunny room with a sink. He would have preferred ensuite facilities but the family understood this was a short-notice temporary placement and his care needs were being met. The room decor looked a bit tired, it would help if visitors were automatically advised where additional chairs could be accessed as there was only his chair in the room.
I would like to thank the manager and staff for looking after my father through what was a difficult time while he was trying to adjust to the idea of needing permanent care.

Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your feedback which has been passed on to the care team and we wish your Father well for his future.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.503)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.503) out of 10 for Hillcroft House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.503 for Hillcroft House is calculated as follows: ( (109 Excellents x 5) + (49 Goods x 4) + (14 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 175 Ratings = 4.503

  • b) 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 Hillcroft House is based on 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 43 registered maximum number of service users is 8.6, which has been reached with 15 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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: 18 Oct 2022

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

1 Bed Vacancy

posted 18 Jul 2025

We provide permanent and respite accommodation for individuals with residential, respite, palliative and residential dementia care needs. Our services include basin with WC en-suite rooms and basin provision rooms. Additionally, we offer privately funded, local authority, and NHS-funded placements.

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

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Meet the Team (5)

Cathrine

Cathrine Arbon

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2025

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.

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Kayleigh Lawrenson

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2024

Kayleigh brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, specific to dementia care and has been at Hillcroft House since June 2024.

Terri

Terri Watkins

Job Title: Administrator

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.

Gemma

Gemma Fisk

Job Title: Head Chef

Joined: 2024

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.

Saranya

Saranya Hackman

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2011

“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!”

Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcroft House

What types of Care is Hillcroft House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Mental Health Condition 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 Couple/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.