Handford House

27a Cumberland Street, Ipswich IP1 3PA
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9.1 78 Reviews
  • Handford House, Ipswich
Located in the oldest Anglo-Saxon town in England, Ipswich in Suffolk, Handford House takes a holistic approach to providing outstanding care to local residents that have nursing, respite, dementia or palliative care needs. The passionate team take pride in providing a warm, welcoming and friendly care offering and embody the ethos of dignity and respect for residents at all times.

The home is specifically designed to provide a comfortable, accessible and safe respite for residents. Whether it may be the many communal areas (either tailored for groups, or quieter areas), the two patio areas or the well-kept colourful gardens, Handford House has space suitable for every one’s needs. The home boasts dedicated lounges for activities, an in-house hair salon and a sensory room.

Dedicated and tailored activities include, but are not limited to, mind body and soul sessions, book club, movement to music and shopping trips. The activities coordinator also works to ensure that activities are personalised and to each individual’s needs and wishes.

Accommodation is arranged over two floors offering 52 bedrooms that are able to be personalised to each resident’s wishes. Rooms come fully furnished, ready for residents to personalise and make them their own. Equally, the home encourages residents to bring their own furniture to make their room feel like a home-from home, should they wish to. The garden offers a garden pod, well-kept flower beds and patios and quiet spots for residents to enjoy their own company or enjoy an afternoon tea.

Handford House has a passionate and enthusiastic team and has a reputable long-standing relationship with the wider community.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Younger Adults

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 52 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • 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

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Renata Sulugiuc (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (52)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (32)

Handford House Reviews (78)

9.1

Handford House has a Review Score of 9.1 (9.085) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Handford House has 78 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Handford House
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Total of 78, showing 1-20
Review from Wendy W (Wife of Resident) published on 30 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
from the very first day my husband has been treated with respect and care. The staff have been amazing and are very patient and gentle. it is a peaceful home with extremely attentive staff and the Manager and Senior staff have been very sympathetic and professional in their care, not only for my
husband but for myself.
Reply from RS, Home Manager at Handford House

Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback. Thank you for your kind words.

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Review from M H (Wife of Resident) published on 3 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to say the care my husband has received has been excellent during a difficult time with his needs becoming more severe. Care and support have also been offered to me from all staff, which was comforting.
Reply from RS, Home Manager at Handford House

Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback. Thank you for your kind words.

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Review from Fran B (Niece of Resident) published on 29 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My aunty lived at Handford for 3 years. She always appeared contented and calm when i visited and i therefore had no concerns over her care and support. My review however relates to her final weeks in March this year. Throughout her final journey, the staff at Handford kept me fully informed and involved
in her care. When she was admitted to hospital with an acute infection, the staff supported me throughout and were genuinely concerned for our wellbeing. With the decision taken to come back to Handford, i could not have asked for more. It was clear that the staff were driven to keep my Aunty comfortable and and to respect her final wishes. Even in her final hours when i was unable to be present, i received regular phone calls and someone stayed with my Aunty so that she was not alone. I take great comfort in knowing that my Aunty was genuinely loved by all the staff and that her end of life care was of a standard that they can be proud of.
Reply from RS, Home Manager at Handford House

Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback. Thank you for your kind words. Please take care

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Review from Kiera V (Great-granddaughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I went for a meeting on the 30th of January with my mum for my great grandad, since there is new management and staff have taken over, the home seems a better place my grandad seems happy. A lot of change has been made which I've never seen before. I can't wait to do more stuff with my grandad with
all the new activities happening, I am really happy with the meeting and the progress they are making.
Reply from Handford House, Home Manager at Handford House

Thank you for for sharing your feedback it is much appreciated

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Review from Natasha V (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I came to the meeting on 30th of January for my grandad. The meeting went really well. They have changed the home so much and made many more changes. Since the new staff at the home and management, it's looking like a home for my grandad and many more residents. I can't wait to do more stuff with him
and do some activities that the new lady has organised. I am so happy with the new progress.
Reply from Naomi Bender, Home Manager at Handford House

Thank you for for sharing your feedback it is much appreciated

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Review from Jan H (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Activities co-ordinator made a fabulous job of arranging a 82nd birthday afternoon tea. Room was decorated with banners and balloons. Family provided all the food and drink. The activity room had just been re-painted.
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Review from Robin C (Son of Resident) published on 6 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident of Handford House for several years. We remain very impressed and happy with the care, kindness, and compassion that my mother receives. The management, nursing and care staff are very well-trained in all aspects of the care they provide. My mother's journey following her
dementia diagnosis has been difficult and challenging, Handford House has always worked with us to support my mother and often the wider family's needs during this time and I thank them all for all their hard work to date and their continued support hereafter.
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Review from R F (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 18 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Finally, the truth has come out! My mother-in-law was treated with no care or respect during her time in this home. Since she passed away staff, including directors of Healthcare Homes have treated the family with nothing but contempt after we reported her care, accusing us of lying about what was witnessed.
Thankfully they have been found out and changes now have to be made for current/future residents but it's too late for my mother-in-law.
No official apology has been made, just one cover-up after another denying stuff that we have proof of in black and white, be interesting to see if one comes now, I think not!
Good piece online if anyone wants to have a look.
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Review from J C (Son of Resident) published on 5 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with Handford House. In particular, the staff are wonderful and caring and our mother is in a special place.
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Review from G L (Resident) published on 2 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had a private singer and he played my favourite songs. I love being here. I think the new manager will be an excellent manager.
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Review from H G (Sister of Resident) published on 22 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Handford House/Healthcare Homes, you have the audacity to respond to reviews on your website with thank you for your feedback, we are sorry to learn of your experience. You have known for months about the terrible care my sister received in your home. We proved to the local authority that you were guilty
of neglect but still you denied it. The truth will always come out in the end. You should all hang your heads in shame. It appears I cannot give a negative review without giving you one star, ridiculous!
Reply from Martin Kirkup, Marketing & Sales Director at Handford House

Thank you for your feedback. We understand and we hear your concerns and have made you aware of the measures that have been taken to address those concerns. As you and the 2 other reviewers that have posted feedback will be aware, your concerns have been passed through each stage of our complaint handling process. We are sorry that you have not been satisfied with the answers that we have given during this process and we would respectfully re-iterate that you are fully entitled to take your case to the Ombudsman.

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Review from J V (Next of Kin) published on 13 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Shocking place. My mum suffered so badly here, and it's been proven! Shouted at, talked over, not listened to, left needing help for hours, Wrong drugs given, no drugs given, dirty, unprofessional, no empathy, no dignity at all, manager told on several occasions but did nothing.
Reply from Martin Kirkup, Marketing & Sales Director at Handford House

Thank you for your feedback. We understand and we hear your concerns and have made you aware of the measures that have been taken to address those concerns. As you and the 2 other reviewers that have posted feedback will be aware, your concerns have been passed through each stage of our complaint handling process. We are sorry that you have not been satisfied with the answers that we have given during this process and we would respectfully re-iterate that you are fully entitled to take your case to the Ombudsman.

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Review from Stephanie C (Sister of Resident) published on 13 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
If I could have put a minus I would have but this app won't allow it. My sister spent only a few days in Handford House care home and in my opinion she was neglected on every level before she died. It has left me very anxious about having to spend any time myself one day in a care home, and as a family
we await some kind of justice for her.
Reply from Martin Kirkup, Marketing & Sales Director at Handford House

Thank you for your feedback. We understand and we hear your concerns and have made you aware of the measures that have been taken to address those concerns. As you and the 2 other reviewers that have posted feedback will be aware, your concerns have been passed through each stage of our complaint handling process. We are sorry that you have not been satisfied with the answers that we have given during this process and we would respectfully re-iterate that you are fully entitled to take your case to the Ombudsman.

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Review from R M (Husband of Resident) published on 7 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
To the management and staff well done, even some of them need more improvement to rending care to the service user.
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Review from L M (Uncle of Resident) published on 8 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My uncle spent three weeks in this wonderful care home, all staff are very professional and always have a smile. The rooms are very big, large windows, bathroom with toilet - TV. Outside for those who like fresh air and a sneaky cigarette. Easy to visit, parking etc. Tea, coffee on tap.
Thank you
staff and carers.
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Review from Pauline G (Wife of Resident) published on 28 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband was only with you for a short while, but the care he received from all of your staff was second to none. Nothing was too much trouble.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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Review from C R (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From start to finish we will be forever thankful to the carers at your home. Always professional and at the end, Mum and myself were made comfortable to stay over. Another resident was moved to a different area so Dad had peace. We wish Dad had come here first as 2 other places didn't understand dementia.
Thank you, you're all fantastic!
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Review from P H (Wife of Resident) published on 20 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very caring people. Nothing too much trouble. I will book myself in for a rest one day.
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Review from L H (Son of Resident) published on 15 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very helpful staff, clean and tidy. Plenty to do i.e puzzles, TV, games and meet with other people in the pod lounge.
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Review from M K (Nephew of Resident) published on 29 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found Hanford House to be a fantastic care home for my uncle who is being cared for end of life and has numerous complex needs. The staff at Hanford House are all very friendly, helpful and polite the home is very clean and always decorated for halloween, christmas etc. Making it a very comfortable
place for my uncle for his remaining time. Thank you.
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Current Review Score: 9.1 (9.085)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.1 (9.085) out of 10 for Handford House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 27 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 4.085 for Handford House is calculated as follows: ( (175 Excellents x 5) + (90 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) + (47 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 319 Ratings = 4.085
  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 Handford House 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 52 registered maximum number of service users is 10.4, 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: 19 Mar 2025

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Requires improvement
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 nursing, respite, palliative, and nursing dementia 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 (2)

Renata

Renata Sulugiuc

Job Title: Home Manager

I have been a registered nurse for over 10 years and managed nursing homes before, I always like to maintain the ‘family feel’. We have lots planned for the residents in the coming months, which is really exciting as there will be some new activities, along with loved favourites. My door is always open so please feel free to pop in and say hello.

Andy

Andy Crack

Job Title: Maintenance

Andy decided to work at Healthcare Homes as he wished to do something different. Prior to joining Healthcare Homes he was a maintenance handyman.
He believes, to be good in his role you need to enjoy your job. The
favourite part of his day is in the morning when everyone is up and smiling. The qualities he thinks make him stand out are he is hard working, and is always there to help
Outside of work he is a season ticket holder at Ipswich Football Club and he loves going to the cinema.
He looks forward to going in to Handford House and seeing the residents smiling. They have a good team at Handford House.

Frequently Asked Questions about Handford House

What types of Care is Handford House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Handford House have?

There are 52 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Handford House?

Own Furniture if required, 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 Handford House to the centre of Ipswich?

0.6 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 Handford House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Handford House has an Enhanced Service - more info.