Hillcroft House

Finborough Road, Stowmarket IP14 1PW
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9.5 108 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.
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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

  • 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

  • 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)

Hillcroft House Reviews (108)

9.5

Hillcroft House has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.476) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Hillcroft House has 108 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Hillcroft House
  • 36
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Total of 108, showing 21-40
Review from Z K (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
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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Review from J I (Wife of Resident) published on 12 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been at Hillcroft for just over one month. He has been treated with care and dignity and is settling down well with the help of the staff and management.
Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

It is a pleasure to care for and support your husband. Thank you for your kind words. I will pass this on to the care team.

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Review from Marilyn A (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hillcroft House is a very happy place, and the residents are well looked after. The staff are lovely, kind and caring and always go the extra mile to look after everyone's needs.
Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for the kind comments which I will pass onto the team.

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Review from Martin R (Son of Resident) published on 7 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just want to say a massive thank you, to the staff that organised the pod today, for our parent's diamond anniversary, the decorations, the china tea set, all the little touches, and the beautiful flowers. Made the day a bit more special.
Thank you all so much.
Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for your kind words and i am happy you had a lovely time.

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Review from Ann M (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our thanks to the manager and all of her carers and support team. This includes the activities lady, the caterers, laundry people, maintenance people, cleaning people and anyone I’ve accidentally omitted, here. What an incredible team! They all took wonderful care of our 88 year old Mum for the three
months that she stayed there, after release from hospital. We were kept well informed of any health concerns and falls. There also seems to be very good GP cover for the home. When Mum left Hillcroft house, she was looking better than she had done in the previous two years. It is just a shame that Hillcroft House is too far from her children's homes, to make it an option for Mum to stay there permanently.
(A small comment for improvement could be for activities to also be available for the residents at the weekend. Hence 4 stars. However, Monday to Friday activities would be 5 stars)
Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for these lovely sentiments which have been passed onto the team.

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Review from Susan B (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Where do I start, my mum was at Hillcroft House for a year before her death in December 2022, I was continually heartbroken at having to leave my lovely Mum in their care but because of her small stroke and her now lack of mobility I could no longer have her live with me. My Mum did not have dementia
and at 96 was very aware of everything. She was not treated well, on so many levels, and had she not passed away the whole family were set on moving her asap in the new year. I have nothing positive to say about Hillcroft House apart from if you are reading this don’t!
Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Your concerns are being looked into and a response will be sent.

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Review from Mark C (Son of Resident) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother spent nearly 3 years at Hillcroft House care home with various ailments, she enjoyed the various singalongs and other activities which the home laid on weekly.
The staff kept me updated and were always helpful if I contacted them.
I was initially worried about Mum going into a care home,
but during my frequent visits, I don't think she could have gone anywhere better.
Reply from Jan Heti, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for kind words i have passed this onto the team.

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Review from A B (Relative of Resident) published on 14 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister-in-law has dementia and couldn't receive better care in Hillcroft House. The staff are are caring, kind and extremely patient. I cannot thank them enough especially during this most awful pandemic.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much Ann, it is a pleasure, I will pass on the great comments to the team!

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Review from Sandra T (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly caring staff, always pleasant to deal with. My mother is always treated kindly.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much; it is big pleasure!
Much love from Hillcroft House!

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Review from Agee H (Niece of Resident) published on 12 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My auntie loves being in Hillcroft House. The Hillcroft House manager is a star and staff are very friendly, professional and caring and the facilities are superb. My auntie loves the food and enjoys interacting with the other residents and the staff. She states that she could not be happier and praised
all aspects of the home. A great choice!
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much for these kind beautiful words, they mean a lot!

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Review from Jackie E (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident of Hillcroft House since April 2021. Every time I visit her she tells me how happy she is and how kind the staff are to her. She enjoys the food and always looks well, happy and clean. The food and accommodation are very good and the staff are very attentive (I have witnessed
this). It is a great relief to me that my mother is being well cared for and that she is happy.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much, Jackie, for these amazing words, it is a great pleasure!

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Review from Brigit E (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hillcroft House dementia care home in Stowmarket is an excellent place for my mother. Always a happy environment, very clean which is so very important and familiar faces which in itself gives great comfort. Always a little entertainment if so wished a little sing-song or tea and cakes, cards etc.
If my mother has any issues such as a fall or not feeling well I’m always informed also if I notice anything when I visit I’m always listened to. All staff are approachable and give comfort to me that my mother is in good care. It is so very important to me that my mum feels safe and Hillcroft house is very much her world. Thank you.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much, Brigit, for such beautiful comments, lots of love from the Hillcroft Team!

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Review from Penelope V (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum recently spent 3 weeks at Hillcroft House for assessment. The staff were exceptionally caring and kind to both my mum and to me. All staff were friendly, approachable and supportive. My mum kept them all on their toes and their patience never wained. Mum was well cared for, always clean and well-fed.
Hillcroft House always smells fresh.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much and wishing you and Mum all the best!

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Review from Bridget P (Wife of Resident) published on 28 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I feel my husband received the best care he could have in the 2 weeks respite he had there. All the staff are very helpful.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you, Bridget, it was a pleasure! All the best!

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Review from Jonathan N (Son of Resident) published on 5 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My father spent some time at Hillcroft for respite care after a fall. He ended up staying about 10 weeks. We were pleased with his care there and very impressed with the many staff that we met. There was always a positive response on the phone and in person when visiting. His room was comfortable and
despite wanting to go home, my father was content during his time at Hillcroft.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you, Jonathan, we are all happy that Dad settled well at home and wishing you all the very best!

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Review from Anna L (Cousin of Resident) published on 17 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This was a very hard decision - to accept my relative needed residential care but this home and its wonderful staff couldn’t have made me happier that my relative was so well cared for and they made the whole thing stress free. Covid compounded everything yet they more than made up for this. The kindness
they showed us and him is immeasurable and I’ll never forget this as it really helped us all through a very stressful time and made this decision so much easier. I had no regrets and would highly recommend this home. The staff are truly especially kind and professional. Thank you!
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you Anna, it was a great pleasure to have your relative around and wishing you all the best! With love from all at Hillcroft!

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Review from Frank W (Resident) published on 10 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Treated with dignity.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you, it was a pleasure to have you and wishing you all the best!

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Review from A N (Resident) published on 9 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have only been here for three weeks but I have found the experience enjoyable and interesting. The food is excellent.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you. It was a pleasure to have you and we are all glad you have enjoyed your stay. Wishing you all the best.

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Review from Natalie H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I miss my nan every day and the care from all the staff is second to none! Nan has been so well looked after during this time and her care has been provided with such professionalism, kindness and attention to detail. Thankfully, my nan has been kept safe from the pandemic due to the hard-working staff.
I know that I can telephone at any time if I have any queries and I am extremely pleased Nan is at Hillcroft House.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you so much, it's really kind of you, will pass on great comments to the team and it's a pleasure!

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Review from Joan H (Resident) published on 21 January 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Good, happy home.
Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you Joan, how lovely of you! I am glad you are feeling happy and we can be here for you!

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.476)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.476) out of 10 for Hillcroft House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.476 for Hillcroft House is calculated as follows: ( (114 Excellents x 5) + (52 Goods x 4) + (18 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 187 Ratings = 4.476
  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 Hillcroft House is based on 16 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 43 registered maximum number of service users is 8.6, which has been reached with 16 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: 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: 13 Sep 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)

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!”

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