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
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Total of 108, showing 81-100
Review from Hayley W (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my father has received during his time at Hillcroft House has been exceptional. He is very confused at times but is always treated with care and dignity by every member of staff from manager to housekeepers. Not only does Hillcroft House take care of my dad, they are so very kind and lovely
to my mum and make every member of our family very welcome each time we visit.
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Review from Joy G (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 3 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum-in-law was very happy living at Hillcroft House; she loved the outings and in-house activities and spoke very fondly of the carers/nurses. All the staff are totally lovely; they’re caring and attentive and take an interest in their residents and their families/friends. I attended many of the
quarterly Residents’ Relatives’ Meetings, which were very supportive and informative. I sometimes visited at meal times and had the pleasure of attending many parties, so I can confirm that the cook is wonderful too, and I wish I could poach the domestic staff to clean my house for me! The Administrator is extremely helpful and made things very uncomplicated for me when I needed advice paying bills. I can’t fault the value for money; management definitely make the most of their budget; a home my mum-in-law used to live in charged a lot more but was nowhere near the standard of Hillcroft House. If I could, I’d have my own name on a waiting list for Hillcroft House just in case I get Dementia!
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Review from R H (Husband of Resident) published on 1 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has respite at Hillcroft House and she is always very happy here. Staff are friendly and my wife likes the food. I feel very welcome when I come in to see her. Lovely gardens.
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Review from David L (Son of Resident) published on 1 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Now approaching his 98th birthday, my father has been a resident at Hillcroft House for nearly 8 years. As I live in northern England, I am only able to visit my father about every 6 weeks. However, I can be reassured in the meantime, that he is receiving sympathetic and individual care that meets his
changing needs.
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Review from P F (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 1 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Living within one mile of the care home enables me to visit my father-in-law on a frequent basis. I always find him contented and being well cared for by considerate staff.
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Review from Stephen P (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 27 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hillcroft appears to be run on a caring but professional basis. Residents are clearly well-attended to and always with a smile; whatever the circumstances. Concerns or suggestions are readily dealt with, and regular feedback given on resident's mood/condition. There seem to be plenty of opportunities
for entertainment and trips etc. and a regular programme of events, including group-meetings with residents families, to discuss matter of mutual interest. All in all, a well run care-home.
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Review from P L (Son of Resident) published on 22 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been in this home for over 7 years and we have found the standard of care very high and although staff come and go they still seem to be very understanding with my mother and her moods that she has from time to time. I would recommend this home to other potential clients.
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Review from Andrew (Relative of Resident) published on 19 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very friendly, caring, happy home.


Our relative is happier now than they had been for years and family visits now a joy as we see our dear one, well feed, in clean clothes, properly medicated and smiling.


Staff are always friendly and approachable.


Life in a care home is probably nobodies

first choice but given all the options available to our relative this one certainly fits the bill.
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Review from Rindy C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum has been in Hillcroft House for over 6 years. She is very happy there despite dementia. The food always looks very appetising. The staff have always got time to smile and say hello, even the cleaning staff.
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Review from Donald R (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 16 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been acquainted with other care homes with relatives as a carer. None compare with Hillcroft for standards of care and the quality of their staff both being excellent.
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Review from Cherylyne H (Friend of Resident) published on 16 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Whenever I visit my friend I find everyone is very helpful and kind. The building has a very welcoming sunny disposition, and every where is very bright and clean. The residents are all well cared for and are able to move around freely at their own free will.
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Review from Rosemary (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident for 5 1/2 years and is in her 95th year. During this period the care she has been first class. When visiting one is welcomed by a cheerful member of staff, polite and informative. The staff are supported by an excellent receptionist and hairdresser. Both go the extra mile
to enhance the team. Welcome back to manager!
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Review from Maureen (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My father has resided at this care home for seven and a half years and has been treated in a kind and compassionate manner. The only function he is able to perform unaided is eating and drinking (when feeling well) and on occasions when not able to do so staff are very willing to assist. Family members
visit once or twice each week and invariably find a calm, organised and relaxed atmosphere. My father is 97 years old and appears content with all his needs being met.
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Review from Mandy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad has been a resident for just over a year. Staff have always been supportive, kind and caring. They are welcoming and happy to answer any question we may have. We are able to sit in the garden during the summer with his great grandchildren, who love going to visit him and are made to feel welcome.
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Review from Graham S (Son of Resident) published on 9 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are superb, they look after my father dealing with his every need whilst also ensuring a high level of care to other residents. Hillcroft is like a happy family home, offering high quality care, 'home cooked food' and lots of love.
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Review from Karl W (Son of Resident) published on 3 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
All the staff are very kind, caring and friendly towards my mother. Recently, two carers visited my mother who had to be taken to hospital on their day off in their own time, which was very kind of them. All staff members are genuinely concerned about the well-being of my mother.
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Review from Katie B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 26 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very very relaxed and homely atmosphere! Like home from home. All the staff are extremely friendly, cheerful and helpful. Nothing is too much for them. Although my granddad is confused he is very happy and settled!
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Review from Jean (Wife of Resident) published on 22 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been in Hillcroft House for just over a year now and during that time has been treated with the utmost kindness and dignity. I visit every day and have never found the staff to be anything but cheerful, helpful and so very patient. They all make time to listen to any concerns and go
to great lengths to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of the residents.
The atmosphere is homely and cheerful, impromptu singing can often be heard, and the food is well cooked and appetising.
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Review from Enid H (Niece of Resident) published on 23 February 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with my uncles care. Have no problems at all.
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Review from S O (Sister of Resident) published on 12 February 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Happy calm atmosphere. Plenty of activities if desired. Residents seem content on the whole. The home is clean and cheerful, though some of the rooms are dreary. Staff are quite gentle and caring, especially deputy manager who is such a support to relatives. She always finds the time to reassure visitors
and is really kind with the residents, very 'au fait' with their problems and medication. Car park is totally inadequate, which makes visiting awkward at times. Pretty gardens but I have never seen them.
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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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