Hillcroft House

Finborough Road, Stowmarket IP14 1PW
Review Us
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.

Show Hillcroft House on the Map

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)

Hillcroft House Reviews (107)

Total of 107, showing 41-60
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

  • 76
  • 29
  • 1
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

107
6
10
15
92

Review from Paule W (Son of Resident) published on 11 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been here for four years. Her health has deteriorated over time. She is now bedridden. She receives excellent care and the carers all know her by name. They spend time with her. Her room is always clean. I am confident that she is well cared for.

Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you Paule, I will share it with the team, it will mean a lot for them and it's a pleasure to look after Mum.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Sheila T (Resident) published on 8 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home is very well run and administered. We are welcomed to feel at home. The carers are first class and quickly become friends, some in a long term sense.

Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you, Sheila, how lovely of you. I am glad you feel part of the family.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from E H (Wife of Resident) published on 8 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Recently because of covid, I have not been inside the home but my earlier experience of everything was good. I now see my husband in a pod in the garden and he appears well and content. The staff are kind, helpful and very welcoming and I am happy that he is there.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Ann T (Friend of Resident) published on 15 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you is not enough for this home, the visiting pod is great and the manager personally let me in for a visit to ensure we do not lose contact! They did so well keeping everyone safe and sane!
This home has always been good, I cannot wait to see all the wonderful changes I heard about from happy
looking staff! Keep going you’re doing an amazing job!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Nick C (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 18 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father-in-law went to Hillcroft House after a brief stay at another care home, who said they couldn't cope with Dad. Hillcroft House was very welcoming and understanding of Dad's needs. Dad has settled in well to his new surroundings, and the staff are really good. They also update us as and when
they need to regarding anything dad needs or is short off, giving us enough notice to sort things out. Overall a really good care home and we are happy that Dad is there being looked after in a professionally ran home.

Reply from Dagmara Kaminska, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you for kind words, from all at Hillcroft House.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from G B (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 26 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Visiting my mother-in-law, I have found that Hillcroft House is a very good home. The staff from management to the cleaners are always attending to the people around them. Hillcroft is very clean and looked after. The meals are of good quality as I've seen them enjoy dinner. The patients always seem
to be well looked after and well entertained during the day with TV or music which they really enjoy. Hillcroft House is a real value for money.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M A (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Mum has several ailments both physical and mental. Her mental capacity has got much worse of the last 6-9 months. Overall my family are satisfied with her care. We have had issues regarding the emergency bell not being plugged in, but this has been addressed. I do not always approve of the way she is
dressed, as she used to care about her appearance. Due to her disability, she is unable to join in with some of the activities.

Reply from Jon Hammond, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

The care and support we offer our residents is of high importance to the staff who work at Hillcroft House. Any matters that arise in the care and support of the residents are responded to immediately. We are very grateful for all the comments and feedback we receive which enhance the ways in which we perform.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Andrew K (Son of Resident) published on 22 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no complaints at all. Very pleased.

Reply from Jon Hammond, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

The staff at Hillcroft House take great pleasure in supporting our residents, helping them live a fulfilling life. Working closely with relatives helps us build a working relationship and enhances the homes' atmosphere.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C A (Niece of Resident) published on 21 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our experience with Hillcroft House is very good. Staff are always pleasant and helpful. Standard of accommodation is very good. Food looks wholesome and nutritious. I have found the staff very willing and able to track down items when belongings, usually slippers have gone missing.

Reply from Heather Choat, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Looking after our residents is a great pleasure to each and every one of the staff. We thrive on getting to know our residents, their past lives and personalities. Listening to the stories that our residents tell us about the local area, helps us appreciate the input they have had in building a local community and how this community has developed into Hillcroft House.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 21 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandfather has lived at Hillcroft House since February 2019, following facial injuries, following a fall. Staff have looked after him well allowing him to recuperate. He enjoys the company of the staff, all of whom, I found to be very friendly and helpful, which goes toward making it feel really
homely for the residents. Grandad enjoys the indoor bowls and also his food at Hillcroft House. I would certainly recommend it and am grateful for the additional help and support to ensure he is safe and being looked after.

Reply from Jon Hammond, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

It is always a pleasure supporting all our residents with the daily activities. We take great pride in watching our residents having enjoyable fulfilling lives. Hillcroft House is a home from home with a family feel. Visitors and guests are always welcome at Hillcroft House.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Margaret P (Resident) published on 23 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Well looked after.
Excellent food.
The activities lady is very good keeping us busy.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Kimberley R (Wife of Resident) published on 13 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My opinion is I would highly recommend to anyone who was going into a care home to go into Hillcroft House. The staff are wonderful, the residents are very well looked after in every way. Cannot fault the staff or home in any way.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Samantha R (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I haven't seen my dad so happy and healthy since he lived here. The care provided is exceptional. All the staff are always so happy and cheerful and always go out of their way. The activities coordinator is brilliant with the service users and the deputy manager is always so helpful. What a wonderful,
caring home Hillcroft House is.

Reply from Heather Choat, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Thank you very much, Samantha, for your lovely review, we are so pleased Dad is happy here. He is such a character and he gives us as much fun and laughter as we give him.
Thanks.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Donna W (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Hillcroft House is a lovely, friendly safe environment with fantastic professional caring staff and dad was so well cared for and he thoroughly enjoyed the music on a Friday afternoon which the staff would sing and dance along with him, such lovely memories for us. Nothing was too much trouble and they
were all so supportive to us as well as dad, especially in our last days with him. Wonderful.

Reply from Amanda Atkins, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Dear Donna,
It was a pleasure to have known you and your family and an honour to have cared for dad. He will always be remembered for his smile and his cheerful nature but especially for his singing. Thank you for your lovely comments to the team that well deserves to be appreciated the way your family did.
Regards
Amanda

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Kate B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent staff who have time to interact with residents they are very caring and enjoy their work. Activities are planned and appropriate with activities carer who works every day. There are days out, memory tasks, entertainment every week, one on ones and crafts.
Residents have their independence
and walk about and are busy. The staff take care of family too. Not enough room on here for my comments, the main point is mum is very happy and settled.

Reply from Amanda Atkins, Home Manager at Hillcroft House

Dear Kate
Thank you for your lovely comments. Staff appreciate the positive feedback and its a pleasure to care for mum.
I would also like to thank you for your support with activities and treats that you bring for our residents. Thanks again for your support.
Regards
Amanda

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Vivien B (Wife of Resident) published on 19 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The care and understanding to my husband was faultless. The staff couldn't do enough for making him feel welcomed, involved, included. The deputy manager was fantastic as was the activity coordinator. He was only there for a brief time but was happy whilst there. He even started to put on weight. The
food was appetising especially the desserts! Fantastic staff!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P A (Brother of Resident) published on 13 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Good staff excellent housekeeping. Good menu for patients and very varied entertainment.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Linda A (Sister of Resident) published on 12 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having worried about my brother going into residential care, I am extremely happy and grateful to Hillcroft House! He has settled in wonderfully and the standard of care. Real care and stimulative activity and a very comfortable and clean environment and friendliness has helped him enormously. Well
done Hillcroft House!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Thomas A (Son of Resident) published on 6 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Hillcroft House is a clean, friendly and safe place for my father. I feel very comfortable that he is in the best possible place. I am greeted by the friendly and professional staff, whenever I visit the standard of care is exceptional with lots of activities and interaction to keep all residents involved
and occupied. First class.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Melenie M (Relative of Resident) published on 13 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A safe haven where I feel confident my father is receiving the very best care. All of the carers are lovely, friendly and always smiling. Nothing is too much trouble and the rooms feel like home from home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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.

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

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.

No image found

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!”

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.