






Oakwood House is a nursing home that offers complex care specialising in mental health.
Whether it’s reducing anxiety or pro-actively managing pain, knowing every resident individually lets staff deliver friendly, support that’s always one step ahead.
Oakwood House employs its own fully-qualified nursing care team.
Registered general and mental health nurses work alongside specially trained care staff. They ensure continuity of care, 24 hours a day.
Set in extensive private gardens...
Care Provided by Oakwood House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 24 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Bariatric Care/Obesity
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
Funding & Fees
Contact Oakwood House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Cathena Healthcare Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Michala Hartley-Brown(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Last Refurbishment: 2025
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (24)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (24)
Visiting
- open visiting
Parking
- Parking Onsite
Oakwood House Reviews (28)
Oakwood House has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.594) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Oakwood House has 28 reviews.
Staff always pleasent its like my second home with greeting from staff on duty nurses and management even entertainment is brilliant and my husband loves the singing.
I would without hesitation recommend the home.
I have found the staff at Oakwood very polite and helpful. I can see that the nurses and the domestic staff are very caring to the residents in general. Mum's room is clean and tidy. Mum's room is always very clean and her clothes are her own not muddled up as I have known in other residences. The new gardener is amazing and is making the home look very well presented. It's lovely to see this. I am aware of lots of activities for my mum. Sadly Mum has been in bed on one occasion in the morning. It was a shame she was not got up for this as she does like to be involved.
Thank you very much for this positive feedback. I will ensure Mum is involved in all the activities unless she is physically unwell at the time.
It's a relief to know that he is in a safe place and being cared for by supportive and caring staff.
They have even given him daily tasks and interests by purchasing tropical fish and budgerigars for my brother to assist with looking after and he was able to help with the setting up and then managing of the tank etc. This has given him purpose and has helped boost his feeling of self worth.
He often tells us of crafts and other entertainment he has been involved with the members of staff and they do their best to keep him occupied.
Thank you very much for this wonderful feedback. Your brother is a wonderful asset to our home.
My husband has been a resident of Oakwood House for nearly four years now. Where have those years gone as Oakwood just feels like our extended home. The management and staff are all so thoughtful and caring. They have patience and spend time with all the residents in their care, however complex needs are. The activities team work wonders in providing a variety of special days which residents, their families and staff all take part in and enjoy. The garden has improved with a regular gardener who keeps it looking nice for all to enjoy. Oakwood is a happy, caring respectful environment for residents, their family and friends. Words can't express how grateful we are personally and would strongly recommend Oakwood to anyone who has a relative who needs specialist care that the home provides.
Thank you very much for the wonderful review. Integration of residents' families is very important to us and the residents. We always aim for a homely environment where both residents and their relatives feel comfortable and inclusive
My father required nursing home care. The Management did everything they could to support a good transition for him. He has received first class care and attention from the nurses, carers and all auxiliary staff working in the nursing home. Our mum also required nursing care, and fortunately, a room vacancy at Oakwood House meant she was able to be in the same nursing home, close to our dad. The atmosphere in the nursing home is friendly, caring, patient and supportive. Events and activities are planned and enjoyed by residents and their visitors too. My siblings and I, have been delighted to see how well our parents have been cared for, when we visited Oakwood House. I don't live locally and am pleased the communication with the staff at Oakwood House has been excellent when I call (or visit) to get updates on my parents.
Thank you so much for this lovely review. Both your Mum and Dad were a pleasure to care for.
I cannot praise Oakwood House enough. Every member of the staff have welcomed my brother-in-law into the home. Nothing is too much trouble for them and everything is done with a smile. The food served is outstanding and he has gained weight already which he needed. The bedrooms are spacious with ensuite shower and furnished well. The lounges are bright, spacious and have a welcome decor. The gardens are well tended - my brother-in-law loves to be outside in the fresh air. The staff always welcome me whenever I visit. We are so lucky to have found a home where he is safe, happy and well cared for.
Wow what a wonderful review to read. Thank you so much for putting the time and effort in to writing this review for us. To know we are getting it right and making positive changes to people's lives is the best feeling. Thank you.
Currently, I feel a great sense of relief when I visit my father in Oakwood House. After only a few visits I can see he is being well cared for, but also looked after in a way that gives him some sense of existence and safeguarding. Compared to a home that we had to 'rescue' him from the whole set-up at Oakwood seems calm and dignified. From my very first visit, I found the overall vibe to be friendly and welcoming, from all the staff members.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review. To know that you are now happy with the care that your father is getting from Oakwood means a lot to us and is exactly what we aim to achieve.
My father has been a resident at Oakwood House for just over three weeks. Since our initial contact a few months ago, to now, we have been extremely impressed with Oakwood House. All the staff have been so kind and welcoming to my father, and to us all as a family. There is a strong sense of community within Oakwood House. My father has settled in very well there, the staff have gone above and beyond to ensure that all his complex needs are being met, and continue to do so as his condition sadly deteriorates. Having been cared for at home for several years, it was a heartbreaking decision for my father to be moved into a care home. So it is huge comfort to us as a family to see him being cared for so well at Oakwood House. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this very lovely review. In such a short time your father and family have become a wonderful part of our home. He is an absolute pleaser to care for.
She always appears content and well cared for. She still enjoys her meals and treats and always has enough. The staff all seem to have a good relationship with her, as she does with them. The home itself is clean and well-maintained.
Thank you for taking the time to write this very valued review.
The first time I visited Oakwood House, before my husband moved in, I was aware of an atmosphere of calm, kindness, and care. I wasn't mistaken, my husband is in the best place for his complex needs. As a retired nurse, I may have greater insight into my husband's care needs but I've never felt any concern. Thank you, Oakwood for all you do.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. Receiving a review like this from a professional who understands our challenges means a lot to us.
My sister moved from another care home that was not meeting her needs at all and now has the good fortune to be cared for by Oakwood House. She is very much happier and is enjoying engaging with fellow residents. It is evident that staff are always encouraging her to become increasingly independent and even though she is reluctant the staff have a positive attitude toward her. I have felt included in the identification of her care needs and desires, I have always felt welcome and the home has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I would have no hesitation in recommending this home, as a safe and dignified place for meeting a resident's needs.
Thank you very much for this positive review. Your sister has settled in so quickly and brings us lots of laughter. She is a pleasure to care for. Thank you.
My dad is happy in the care home we enjoy going to visit him. Dad is settled after being there for nearly 12 years. I love to see the other residents and love talking to them, overall it's a good home.
Thank you for your positive review. We really appreciate your feedback.
Apart from the fact that he is no longer around the corner to me, I can now relax knowing that he is happy and thriving as much as he can be.
I am really happy with the relationship I have with Oakwood and would be reluctant now to have him move away from there.
Thank you so much for this heartfelt review. We fully understand how difficult the decision was for you to make and now you have both become a massive part of our bigger family. Your brother brings us much pleasure to care for and we would not be without him, or you!
They are very attentive and caring in every way. They also meet and greet her visitors with the same kindness.
The facilities are very clean, spacious and welcoming.
My sister is very lucky to be in their care.
Thank you!
Thank you very much for this lovely feedback. Your sister is a pleasure to care for and makes us laugh daily. She has very quickly become a part of our family and we enjoy visits from her very supportive and wonderful sisters.
Since my Mother has been in the wonderful care of Oakwood she's a different person, it has enabled me to have a relationship with my Mother again after some very difficult years. The management and staff are always happy to help and they show my Mother love and care whilst still encouraging her independence. I thank them so very much, this is truly an amazing place filled with staff with expertise in providing care with love and dignity.
Thank you very much for this very positive review. It is a pleasure to care for your mum and so pleased that her being with us has enabled you to rebuild that positive relationship.
My partner was cared for by Oakwood House from 2018 until 2021. All of the staff treated him with great dignity and respect and gave him the choice of participating in activities or staying to himself. I cannot thank enough the staff for the care and love they gave to him and me, too. This created a very warm and friendly atmosphere. During my visit, I was warmly welcomed into this nice and caring community. When his health deteriorated, they were very supportive of me during this very difficult time. The nurses kept me informed about his state of health. They offered me the opportunity to keep in touch regularly with my partner via Skype, as I do not live in England and could no longer visit him because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, my beloved partner passed away in December. He was allowed to stay in Oakwood until the very end. The staff stood by me with loving sympathy. I would highly recommend Oakwood House. It is a happy home that is excellently managed.
We cannot thank the staff and manager enough for all the care and support they have shown to Dad and the family since he was moved to Oakwood House, it was a very anxious and stressful time as Dad was very challenging. The care and professionalism the whole team have shown to Dad and the family is next to none, they show so much care, love, patience, sensitivety, warmth, respect and they always manage to have a smile and be happy. It is such a comfort to know Dad is understood and treated with such a high level of dignity we cannot thank everybody enough, Dad is so much calmer and happier now he has settled, it has given us a part of Dad back which we thought had been lost. We would strongly recommend Oakwood House for your loved one as the family is as important as the resident, thank you all.
Since the manager has been in charge, the home and garden has had a wonderful face lift including the reception, each flat and kitchen/dining area, she has also implemented new facilities e.g a pool table and tranquility room where residents can have their hair and nails done.
My dad is very settled here and I would more than recommend Oakwood House to other families who are looking for a caring environment.
My partner has been in Oakwood House since January 2021. He is very settled there and is always treated with loving care, the staff are all incredible, they show loving care, are friendly and helpful to him and myself when I visit. He is always happy to see all the staff if they have been off duty. When I first visited the home needed quite a lot of TLC as had not been kept up to scratch. The most recent manager has now redecorated and it’s looking very nice.
My mum has been living in Oakwood for over 5 years now, we've seen many staff changes in that time but I do feel things are now more stable. The manager has been very supportive of my needs and understands my mum well. Physical changes are gradually being made and the home is looking less shabby now. My only criticisms are the lack of keeping families updated of changes and the overall cost when self-funding.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 07 October 2020Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveRequires improvement
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
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There are no upcoming events for Oakwood House.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Oakwood House.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Oakwood House.
Meet the Team (1)

Michala is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operational oversight of the care home, ensuring the highest standards of care and compliance with regulatory requirements. This role involves strategic planning, staff supervision, budget management, and fostering a safe, compassionate, and person-centred environment for residents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oakwood House
What types of Care is Oakwood House registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Oakwood House have?
There are 24 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Oakwood House?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Oakwood House to the centre of Ipswich?
3.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
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