Barking Hall Nursing Home

Barking Road, Barking, Next Needham Market, Ipswich IP6 8HJ
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9.5 83 Reviews
  • Barking Hall Nursing Home, Ipswich
Barking Hall is a well-established care home set in beautiful surroundings just outside Needham Market in Suffolk. The dedicated team provides quality residential, nursing, and respite care, offering long-term carers a well-deserved break or holiday. Barking Hall supports residents with a range of needs, including dementia and frail physical health.

The home’s scenic countryside location, with its tranquil fountain and the sound of nearby church bells, makes it a sought-after choice for those needing palliative care. Many of the warm, caring staff are from the local community, adding to the home’s welcoming atmosphere.

Each en-suite bedroom is fully furnished, complete with telephone and TV points, but residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture and personal belongings to create a true ‘home-from-home’ feel.

Residents have access to an optician and chiropodist by appointment, and the in-house hair salon offers everything from cuts to manicures and hand massages. The head chef and catering team serve tasty, home-cooked meals, with special diets fully catered.

With two activities coordinators, residents can enjoy a variety of engaging options, from social events to quiet, individual pursuits – all tailored to personal interests and preferences.

To discover more about life at Barking Hall, call today to speak with one of their care advisers or to book a visit.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 49 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1590
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1590

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Barking Hall Nursing Home 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)

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Anna Swed (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2004

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (49)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (43)

Barking Hall Nursing Home Reviews (83)

9.5

Barking Hall Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.480) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barking Hall Nursing Home has 83 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Barking Hall Nursing Home
  • 29
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Total of 83, showing 1-20
Review from Tracy E (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has recently moved to Barking hall, we have found the staff amazing nothing is to much trouble the home is very clean, my father is very happy there, so far I can not fault anything. I would definitely recomend Barking hall to anyone
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Review from M M (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad moved here the 3rd week of June after being in a home for the last 8 years. He is very happy that he moved here. The food, staff, room are so much better than he had at other home. He always looks lovely and clean and gets on well with all the staff. His room is also lovely and clean. We are very
pleased that he has moved and how much happier he is.
Reply from Anna Swed, Home Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review. These are the stories that keep us so motivated to continue doing what we're doing, and we're so happy to hear that you and your dad had a great experience. Let us know if we can do anything else for you.

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Review from Sarah M (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Barking Hall Nursing Home is such a warm friendly and lovely place that my Dad nows lives in.


The staff are all so professional, kind patient and caring, not only towards the residents but the same warmth is shown to family members.
Nothing is too much trouble for anyone, we are always offered a

drink when the tea trolley comes round, and every member of staff throughout the whole home is wonderful.
It makes me feel at peace knowing that my Dad is so well looked after and is happy.
The staff all work so well together which is evident.


I thank everyone for their continuing first class care.

Reply from Anna Swed , Home Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

We're incredibly grateful for your continued support and for sharing your positive experience with us. Loyal relatives like you inspire us to strive for excellence. If there's anything else we can do for you, please let us know!

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Review from B B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 2 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Considering the absence of a manager (up until recently) the care and administration has been adequate. We are hoping the new manager can implement changes as discussed to improve the areas which are currently satisfactory to good/excellent. Individual carers and nurses, particularly the activity coordinators,
are fantastic. Areas of concern which are in the process of being addressed by the new manager include:- Not changing resident's hearing aid batteries, placing food out of resident's reach, not waking resident up for lunch and discouraging movements out of bed.
Reply from The Manager, Home Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to reach to us. Your feedback helps us improve, and we take your comments seriously. We are currently working on care standard making sure hearing aid batteries, placing food in resident's reach, waking resident up for lunch and encourage movements out of bed is our priority and to ensure this doesn't happen again. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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Review from Russell L (Son of Resident) published on 2 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has 5 grandchildren who visited him quite a few times in the 10 months he was a resident whilst my sister and I both visited at least 3 times per week. We all found the staff very helpful and caring. I often said to my father 'are they looking after you?' and he always said that they were.
At all times we were treated with respect and we all felt that dad was treated with respect all the time.
Reply from The Manager, Home manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with us. We're so pleased to hear that you found the staff very helpful and caring. Your dad satisfaction is our top priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. Looking forward to seeing you again!

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Review from David K (Friend of Resident) published on 10 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Always very welcoming and personable staff and joy to come and visit our friend.
Reply from Barking Hall, Care Home Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for your feedback. it is greatly appreciated.

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Review from Terry D (Friend of Resident) published on 10 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found on each visit the staff are very friendly helpful and entertaining. I can leave knowing my friend is happy and well cared for.
Reply from Barking Hall, Care Home Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback.

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Review from R B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum has settled into Barking hall extremely well. The nursing staff, especially, are proactive and all of her medical and personal needs are fully met. When there has been cause to raise concern, this has been addressed promptly and pragmatically. Thank you.
Reply from The Manager, Anna Home Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We're so pleased to hear that your Mum settling into Barking hall extremely well. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. Looking forward to seeing you again.

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Review from Sue B (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very caring environment with lovely staff who were extremely kind and helpful. They cared for Mum in her last week of life with compassion and were very good to all the family.
Reply from Barking Hall Nursing Home, Home manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for your review, we aim to give the best experience possible for all of our clients and feedback is always welcome. I will share this with all the staff.

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Review from Stu H (Son of Resident) published on 19 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
In my mother's final month at Barking Hall Nursing Home, I can't given enough praise to the staff. Care beyond words, patience without fail and kindness to an end.
My mother's passing was painless and stress-free because of where she was and who she was with.
During the proceeding months, she had
been at ease with herself and her surroundings.
There was a friendship with the staff she had grown close to.
Thank you.
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Review from Cort W (Brother of Resident) published on 3 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great location and wonderful, caring staff. Lovely room with a country view and settled in quickly, following previous month in hospital following a fall. One month on much stronger. Lovely meals, helping with weight gain and stamina. Perfect respite and keen to stay on. Also regular activities for
all.
Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for taking time to review our lovely home ,and the staff. I will share your feedback to our staff team.

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Review from L O (Wife of Resident) published on 29 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Everyone tries very hard to make my visit as normal as possible and make special dates possible such as having a meal together. There are individuals that work well with my husband and reassures him.
Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Hi, Thank you for your review for Barking Hall. We love when family members come and share a meal with their loved ones and help to celebrate their special event. I am glad that you are reassured that your husband is supported well by our team.

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Review from Jackie G (Wife of Resident) published on 25 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When you visit the home, it's like coming home to your own home. The staff are always pleasant and you are made to feel welcome and they want to help with any problems I might have. My husband is very happy, very clean and really enjoys all his food. The staff, from the office workers to the carers,
are really wonderful.
Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you, Jackie, I will pass your comments on to our team, it is always rewarding to hear appreciation for the varied roles the team have supporting our residents.

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Review from M L (Son of Resident) published on 25 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my parents have been residents for nearly three years and I have to say, I can't fault the care they are given. The staff treat them with care and compassion.
Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to complete the review, we are glad that your parents are happy at our home. We love having them here.

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Review from J W (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum is always lovely, clean and clothes always washed. Room always tidy and clean. The staff are lovely, always helpful and always cheerful. The food is reasonable, could be better as it's a bit basic.
Reply from Jan Seal, National Operations Manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you for your review, we always appreciate feedback. I will make sure that your kind words get passed on to the team at Barking Hall.

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Review from Jacky M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I found the staff helpful and welcoming. I thought the hall did smell a bit but I guess to be expected. My mum's room was clean and tidy and met her needs. I was even made a cup of tea for a 3-hour journey home.
Reply from Sarah Collins, Home manager at Barking Hall Nursing Home

Thank you very much for the kind review. I am sorry you noted an odour on your visit and will ensure that the issue is addressed. Best wishes, Sarah.

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Review from E H (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Barking Hall Nursing Home looked after my father who passed away at the beginning of April. He was much loved by all the staff and very caring towards our family both when visiting and after Dad had passed. I cannot be more proud of this care home.
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Review from Oakley L (Grandson of Resident) published on 7 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Unreal especially considering it was Covid times. Staff were always very helpful and hard working.
The management team is equally impressive, demonstrating a genuine commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. They are responsive to concerns and proactive in implementing improvements,
ensuring that both residents and their families feel heard and valued.
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Review from Melvyn B (Son of Resident) published on 15 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Well pleased with his care. The staff were very kind, caring and efficient under quite difficult circumstances.
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Review from Linda C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very kind and caring. Took the trouble to explain everything to us.
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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.480)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.480) out of 10 for Barking Hall Nursing Home 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 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.480 for Barking Hall Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (177 Excellents x 5) + (80 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (7 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 281 Ratings = 4.48
  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 Barking Hall Nursing Home is based on 23 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 49 registered maximum number of service users is 9.8, which has been reached with 23 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: 6 Mar 2019

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

5 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 13 Sep 2025

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

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

Meet the Team (8)

Anna

Anna Swed

Job Title: Home Manager

I enjoy supporting the team to deliver excellent care and creating the right environment for residents to thrive. I always take the time to understand their needs and keep an open-door policy. With NVQ Level 5 and over 15 years of experience, I bring the skills to make a difference.

Nisha

Nisha Kurian

Job Title: Deputy Manager

I am a registered nurse from India with training in management, end-of-life care, and clinical leadership. I enjoy the clinical side of my role, focusing on audits, compliance, and medication management. My priority is delivering person-centred care and building strong relationships with residents and their families.

Tanya

Tanya Bolger

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

I love working with our great team and look forward to every shift. The personal bonds I share with each resident are unique, and I use my photography and artistic skills to enhance their experience in the home.

Claire Jane

Claire Jane Campbell

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

I love being part of an amazing team at Barking Hall, building strong connections across all departments. I enjoy interacting daily with residents and their families. My experience managing my own hair salon, combined with Health & Safety training, gives me a solid foundation for my role.

Ray

Ray Miles

Job Title: Maintenance Manager

I enjoy the challenges at Barking Hall, where no two days are the same. I enrich residents' lives by making it feel like home for them. I have training in Carpentry, LPG Gas fitting, Health and Safety, and ongoing job-specific courses.

Korrie

Korrie Bennett

Job Title: Head Chef

I enjoy working with the people here and the freedom I have in the kitchen. I prioritise residents' needs, considering their likes and dislikes. I've completed an NVQ in Food, Hygiene, and Catering, Nutritional Therapy, and Level 2 in Food Hygiene.

Abi

Abi Jolly

Job Title: Head Housekeeper

I enjoy working with a great team at Barking Hall across all areas, not just housekeeping. I build strong relationships with residents through daily conversations and helping with simple requests. With over 10 years of cleaning experience, including running my own business, I have the necessary qualifications.

Percy

Percy The Peacock

Job Title: Grounds Engagement

I enjoy walking freely around the grounds at Barking Hall, greeting visitors with a friendly hello. I enrich residents' lives by showing them my beautiful feathers, and sometimes they even give me treats! Having roamed the area for about 15 years, I know it well.

Frequently Asked Questions about Barking Hall Nursing Home

What types of Care is Barking Hall Nursing Home registered for?

Older Person Care & Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Barking Hall Nursing Home have?

There are 49 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Barking Hall Nursing Home?

Own Furniture if required, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, 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 Barking Hall Nursing Home to the centre of Ipswich?

7.6 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 Barking Hall Nursing Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Barking Hall Nursing Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.