






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.
Care Provided by Merryfields
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 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
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
Respite is for a minimum of 2 weeks. Additional services such hairdressing and chiropody will incur an extra charge that is subject to discussion.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Merryfields for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Merryfields 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
Owner
- Felixstowe Care Home for the Elderly Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Samantha Shapwanale(Registered Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- 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 (64)
Merryfields has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.725) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Merryfields has 64 reviews.
The staff at Merryfields have always taken very good care of my elderly Mother, and are thoughtful, kind, and patient with all the residents, even when some of them are confused or anxious. My Mother is still somewhat mobile, but they are always happy to help her when she needs it. The shared areas and resident rooms are pleasant and cosy, and there are organized activities every morning and afternoon, so the residents are kept alert and entertained, and there's always some joy, fun and life in the home.
I have come to know some of the staff and residents quite well over the past two years, and I'm always welcomed with a smile. If I need to take my Mother out for a while, they almost always have her ready with her coat, and sitting in her wheelchair ready to go. They have provided her with caring, safety and dignity in her twilight years, for which I am very grateful. I hope that all of us receive such care when the time comes. Thank you Merryfields!
The home is everything one could wish for. The staff are amazing, the activities and music inspiring, food choice and quality impressive, the care and love beyond call. All residents are treated with dignity and respect. We are always welcome and treated very very well whenever we arrive. The daily posts on social media are so much appreciated - they are viewed daily by Mum's children and grandchildren (quite often by friends as well) most of whom live abroad. We are so pleased we found Merryfields!! Mum's in very good hands.
Her room is spacious and delightful with a patio door. The food is appropriate for her age and tasty. The staff are just lovely! I cannot fault her care - she's clean, happy and treated with such respect. So many activities too!
Thank you so much for the wonderful care you have always provided our mum (Ann) with.
She needs such a level of support that her family could never provide. We feel rest assured that she is given the highest level of care. All the staff have always been very kind and helpful to mum and to her family. We would always recommend Merryfields.
Having visited many Care Homes I can honestly say that if your loved one has dementia, Merryfields is "Simply the Best" The staff provide the very best care and respect residents needs, with patience and understanding. Staff and residents all use christian names, which I feel creates a homely environment.
Plenty of activities throughout the day, always make you feel welcome anytime of the day.
Merryfields and all the staff have been amazing. They have given my mum the care and support we would have hoped her to have had we been able to be caring ourselves and lived around the corner. It is a family, not a service and we couldn't wish for a nicer place. We feel lucky and grateful, my mum is safe, happy and living the best life possible with the demands of her dementia.
A lovely small, caring, homely environment. Activities in place to keep residents engaged. Everyone is so caring and treat residents (and visitors) with respect. They are all approachable and happy to respond to any questions/queries. We knew that our mum would be so overwhelmed if she was in a large setting with dozens of residents whereas at Merryfields, she joins in with the others. She and I appreciate all the people who assist her. A lovely environment with dedicated and supportive, friendly and caring staff
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Lovely home, like being part of a family. My mum loves it there. She has a great room with a French door window.
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.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 21 April 2018Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- 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 (2) & Events (0)
- 15 Sep 2025
MONDAY AM: Poetry and Story Reading Residents gather to read or listen to classic poems and short stories. This activity encourages memory recall, imagination, and emotional expression. Some may read...
- 30 Sep 2024
We are incredibly honoured to have been recognised at the Suffolk Care Awards this year. Being shortlisted for four categories—Health and Wellbeing, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Developing Young People, and...
There are no upcoming events for Merryfields.
Awards / Recognitions (4)
- 05 Sep 2019Recipient: Merryfields
- 15 Feb 2016Recipient: Merryfields
- 01 Feb 2015Recipient: Merryfields
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Merryfields.
Meet the Team (0)
There are no Team Members posted yet.
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.
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