Merryfields

7 Mill Lane, Felixstowe IP11 7RL
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9.7 56 Reviews
  • Merryfields, Felixstowe
Merryfields is a beautiful, family-run 20 bedroom home providing the highest standard of care whilst maintaining a home-from-home environment.

Each bright, sunny room has an en-suite bathroom with modern décor. The home is in short walking distance of the town and seafront.

A hand-picked team of friendly, highly qualified staff have been specially chosen for their dedication and attitude towards the elderly.

Extensive activities, entertainment and outings are undertaken regularly for both individuals and groups.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 20 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1250 – £1250
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1250 – £1250
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1300 – £1300
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1250 – £1250

Merryfields charge a fixed rate of £1250 per week for all room types. Respite is for a minimum of 2 weeks. Additional services such hairdressing and chiropody will incur an extra charge that is subject to discussion.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Merryfields 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

Owner

  • Felixstowe Care Home for the Elderly Ltd

Person in charge

  • Samantha Shapwanale (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2020

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (20)

Visiting

  • Visit the home at any time

Parking

  • Plenty of free parking

Merryfields Reviews (56)

9.7

Merryfields has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.724) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Merryfields has 56 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Merryfields
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Total of 56, showing 1-20
Review from A C (Sister of Resident) published on 17 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister quickly settled into the home 4 months ago and seems very happy. After caring for others all her life, I am so grateful that she is now receiving the care she deserves in a very 'homely' home. The staff are so patient and caring. The daily activities prove to be very popular and keep the residents
moving. My sister does not have a great appetite and is also on a gluten free and diabetic diet, which is challenging but the catering staff do their best to tempt her appetite. Visitors are always given a welcome and treated with respect and offered a cuppa.
Reply from Samantha Shapwanale, Manager at Merryfields

Thank you for your lovely review. We're so glad to hear your sister has settled in well and is happy at Merryfields.It's wonderful to know you feel she's receiving the care she deserves, and we appreciate your kind words about our staff and daily activities. Our catering team are doing their best to support her dietary needs, and we're pleased that's being noticed.

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Review from L C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been really pleased with the care and dedication the staff at Merryfields have given to my mum. At first, I was apprehensive about moving Mum into a care home but I should not have worried. She has received a high level of care tailored to her needs. The staff are extremely kind to Mum and treat
her with as much dignity as they can, her comfort and quality of life have been given a high priority.
Reply from Samantha Shapwanale, Manager at Merryfields

Thank you for your feedback regarding the care your mum receives at Merryfields. We're so pleased to hear that you feel she's being treated with kindness and dignity, and that her comfort and quality of life are prioritised.

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Review from Helen T (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 16 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Merryfields has a very friendly and homely atmosphere. The staff make great efforts to provide a comprehensive programme of entertainment and to include all residents in this - they are not left alone in their rooms and can participate or not as they wish. The food seems good with choices available
at each meal, and the homemade cakes at tea time are excellent.! The staff keep a close eye on medical needs and conditions, there are regular checkups from medical staff and the doctor is always called quickly if there are any infections or issues, and we are contacted and kept informed of the situation.
Reply from Samantha Shapwanale, Manager at Merryfields

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review of Merryfields. We're thrilled to hear that you appreciate the friendly and homely atmosphere we strive to create. Our dedicated staff work hard to provide a comprehensive program of entertainment, ensuring that all residents feel included.

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Review from Lucy G (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My lovely mum moved into Merryfields when she was no longer safe at home. She has been living there for nearly two years now and is always happy, clean and dressed beautifully whenever I visit. Mum's appearance has always been an important part of her life. At Merrifield Mum's individual identity has
been nurtured and loved by all. What a wonderful relief and weight off my mind.
Reply from Samantha Shapwanale, Manager at Merryfields

Thank you so much for your kind review. We're delighted to hear that your mum has been happy and well cared for at Merryfields. It's so important to us that each resident's individual identity is recognised and continues to be respected and maintained. Knowing that we've helped provide peace of mind for you is truly heartwarming. Thank you again for your lovely words and for trusting us with your mum's care.

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Review from T S (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had to make a decision to put Dad in a home after Mum passed away in 2023, although hard at the time, it was the best thing we have done. The care and support he has had since he has been a resident has been excellent from every single person at the home. The trips out and activities that they encourage
him to do are marvellous, he is well-settled and very happy in his new home. Sister and I can't praise Merryfields enough for what they do. Thank you!
Reply from Samantha Shapwanale, Manager at Merryfields

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for trusting Merryfield Care Home with your dad's care. We're delighted to hear that he enjoys the activities and that our team has made him feel comfortable and well-supported. We genuinely care about each resident's well-being and strive to provide the best experience possible.

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Review from T E (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Merryfields feels like a family. They provide a wonderful standard of empathetic care catered to the needs of the individual. My mother has dementia and I appreciate the effort they go to with activities to provide stimulation and fun to what is essentially end of life care. As a visitor I enjoy the
flexible visiting and that I also am made to feel part of the Merryfields family.
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Review from G H (Son of Resident) published on 26 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the moment my mother entered Merryfields, where she was washed, clothed and tidied up after a prolonged spell in hospital, I knew it would be a good place for her. In the two months since arriving, she has regained weight and her (zimmer frame) walking has improved. Merryfield organises many activities,
and Mum participates in as many as she can. Staff are caring and personable, food is great and varied, the garden is well maintained and there are a number of communal rooms so you can choose where to sit.
Reply from Samantha Shapwanale, Manager at Merryfields

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. We are truly touched by your kind words about Merryfields and the care we provide to your mother. It means the world to us that you feel like part of the Merryfields family and that we have been able to create a supportive, nurturing environment during this important stage of her life.

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Review from Sarah M (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was in Merryfields for the past year and we were delighted with the care and the support she received from all the amazing staff.
Every day there was a meaningful activity taking place and during the last few weeks where my mother was unable to partake, 1-1 time was spent with her. Everyone
treated my mother with such dignity and compassion.
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Review from Olive L (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This care home is an outstanding care home. From the moment you walk in the door, you are welcomed by friendly staff.
The home has gone above and beyond to care for my mother; the delivery of care was so gentle and done with such kindness and compassionate care.
During her final days, the staff also
looked after myself and my sister.
We could not have wished for a better place for our mother to spend her final year.
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Review from Alison M (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister and I can not thank the staff enough for the wonderful care that they gave our mum in her last few years. Mum had been living at Merryfields for 5 years, and living with dementia. The staff have always treated her with patience and kindness, always preserving her dignity, always with a smile
and a kind word. They made Mum's last days very calm and happy. As her final days drew closer, they were always in touch, talking through any events and discussing her needs. They welcomed us into the home to be with Mum for long periods and were incredibly supportive in her final hours. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the staff for their warmth and care during that time. We would not hesitate to recommend Merryfields as a loving, safe and happy home to anyone's elderly relatives, especially if they suffer from dementia
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Review from Dawn B (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are very caring towards residents and relations, answering any questions promptly in a relaxed atmosphere.
Lovely home, like being part of a family. My mum loves it there. She has a great room with a French door window.
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Review from N S (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum is well cared for at Merryfields. She isn't always the happiest but I feel the majority of staff do the best they can for her.
Mum suffers from dementia and the staff try and meet her needs even when her needs are sometimes a little difficult. I would like staff to try and spend a little bit more
time with her but I realise how pushed they are for time.
Overall I feel Mum is in the best place.
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Review from Gary H (Son of Resident) published on 24 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been at Merrryfields for about 4 months now. We got her out of the last home as we felt the care was lacking. This home is amazing! The staff are excellent and really engage with the residents. We can always see on social media all the activities that the residents participate in. They
all look so happy. This may be a smaller care home but the care is amazing and my mum is happy to be a resident.
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Review from S L (Niece of Resident) published on 13 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I only have praise for Merryfields, on more than one occasion the staff went above and beyond but not just for my aunt but for us (the family). It helped to know she was being looked after by such caring people.
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Review from Tim M (Grandson of Resident) published on 13 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Merryfields went above and beyond to support my grandma and my family. My grandma has had the best experience whilst residing there. Activities have been sensational, they vary to suit everyone's capabilities and preferences. The home would put daily updates on social media and it always brought us
happiness as a family to see our grandma so happy and included.
My grandma was always so impressed with the food, there was always a variety. And she certainly enjoyed the homemade cakes.
Every member of staff from the owner, manager, carers, domestic and kitchen team are fantastic! I would highly recommend this team!
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Review from Ken M (Son of Resident) published on 11 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am incredibly impressed with all aspects of the care and attention that Merryfields provide. There is a wide range of activities designed to keep residents engaged and active, as well as being good fun and interesting. The staff are always supportive and are happy to go the extra mile when needed.
The team is very well led and the atmosphere within the home is very warm and caring.
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Review from C R (Son of Resident) published on 11 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident for nearly 12 months now and we thought it would be a difficult transition, however, it was the complete opposite. Every experience we have had has been excellent, we visited many homes before choosing Merryfields and it has turned out to be an excellent choice.
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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Good access to resident, who is generally content. Home always clean and non-smelly - a priority. Lots of activities and a real effort were made to make life as interesting and varied as possible. Exercise, musical entertainment, baking etc and lots of art and crafts. "Events" arranged.
Clothing and
personal possessions remain an issue.
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Review from Cindy A (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We as a family can't praise the whole team at Merryfields highly enough. It's been our mother's home for 5+ years and the amazing care she receives is second to none. The home-cooked food is wonderful, everywhere you go is spotlessly clean, the staff go far and beyond caring for their residents and
always have a warm welcome for us as a family (the effort for our mother's 80th Birthday to make it special for her and us was outstanding).
We have observed that turnover of staff is very low which is comforting and is testament to the owner and manager in making it a good environment to work.
Thank you Merryfields for keeping our mum safe and well cared for.
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Review from M M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 7 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My grandmother has lived at Merryfield for over 4 years now.
She is living with dementia and her quality of life was limited, she is now living a full life with amazing care and a full social calander.
I can't praise the staff enough.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.724)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.724) out of 10 for Merryfields is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 9 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 4.824 for Merryfields is calculated as follows: ( (89 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 108 Ratings = 4.824
  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 4.9 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Merryfields is based on 9 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 = 3.9
    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 20 registered maximum number of service users is 4, which has been reached with 9 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: 21 Apr 2018

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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Merryfields

What types of Care is Merryfields registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Merryfields have?

There are 20 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Merryfields?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Merryfields to the centre of Felixstowe?

0.3 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 Merryfields to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Merryfields has an Enhanced Service - more info.