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Handford House

27a Cumberland Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3PA
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She is very happy here, the staff go above and beyond to meet her needs.June C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
Handford House, Ipswich
The staff are very friendly and helpful and chatty with my husband.Rosemary H(Wife of Resident/Service User)
Handford House, Ipswich
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 residents with nursing, respite, dementia, or palliative care needs.

The passionate team take pride in providing warm, welcoming and friendly care, embodying 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....  

Care Provided by Handford House

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

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,500From £1,550
Residential Dementia CareFrom £1,500From £1,550
Nursing CareFrom £1,500From £1,550
Nursing Dementia CareFrom £1,500From £1,550

Contact Handford 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)

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 £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Group / Owner

Person in charge

  • Agnieszka McDonald(Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

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

Handford House Reviews (84)

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8.7

Handford House has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.665) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Handford House has 84 reviews.

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Showing 84 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Maggie H (Wife of Resident) published on 24 July 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My husband has been a resident at Handford House for six years. Although the level of care has always been good, I have noticed big improvements recently and the home has a much happier feel to it. I am very happy.

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Review from Martin H (Husband of Resident) published on 8 July 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My wife, who has very advanced Parkinson's Disease, has been a full-time resident at Handford House since September 1st 2025. I was her only carer for many years prior to this and really struggling to cope. I can honestly say that she is now in the very best place. She is so well looked after by every staff member. Her bedroom looks out on to the garden and we were allowed to have a television installed and family photos etc on the wall. All the meals that she has are excellent, varied and plentiful. She is always being given drinks during the day and cakes in the afternoon on most days. There are plenty of planned activities going on each month including live music. The new cinema room will be well used I'm sure, as will the new sewing room. I visit my wife most afternoons, or as often as I can, and it's a real pleasure getting to know all the carers and a few of the other residents. I can't think of anything else to add right now but in my opinion the home is great.

Reply from Agnieszka McDonald, Home Manager at Handford House

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind review. We really appreciate your feedback and are delighted to hear about your positive experience. Your comments mean a great deal to our team and help reassure other families who are looking for the right care. Thank you again for your support.

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Review from Linda S (Friend of Resident) published on 17 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Arthur was moved into the care home from hospital in just his pyjamas and had no other personal belongings, and the home, not knowing anything about Arthur and his background, welcomed him in with open arms into a secure and caring place.

They are so caring, helpful and loving, and Arthur seems very happy.

Reply from Agnieszka McDonald, Home Manager at Handford House
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review.

We are delighted to hear that you have had a positive experience with our home and team. Your kind words mean a great deal to us and will be shared with all of our staff, who work hard to provide a welcoming, caring, and supportive environment every day.

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Review from Christos P (Son of Resident) published on 18 May 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

First my mother is attacked by another resident! Now today they call me to say they took her bed rails off(she can't walk) and now has fallen out of bed! Absolutely disgusting! This isn't a home it's a death trap! Staff and especially the manager are totally useless.

Reply from Martin Kirkup, Director of Marketing & Sales at Handford House

Thank you for the feedback. Whilst we entirely understand the distress you and your Mother must be feeling following recent events, we object in the strongest possible terms to the language you use towards hardworking, committed care staff. The circumstances you describe are far from an accurate...  

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Review from Stephen C (Son of Resident) published on 24 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My Mother entered Hanford house Ipswich on 30/12/25 and passed away 02/04/26
My mother was not an easy person to please but the Staff here kept their smile and Care levels did not change at any time. She really enjoyed the entertainment and made great friends with Nick. She was bed bound from day one and why the hospital admitted her along with social services. Each and every member of nursing/care cleaning and admin- management were there for everything she needed night and day. The young man who looked after her clothes went above and beyond.

We stayed with Mum over night and all day the last few days of her life and was offered more tea / coffee and sandwiches than we could ever need while at the same time left us to spend special time alone with mum.

Reply from Agnieszka McDonald, Home Manager at Handford House
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We are truly delighted to hear that you were pleased with the care provided in our nursing home to your mother.

Our team works hard to create a warm, supportive, and respectful environment for all residents,...  

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Review from Carol R (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

We as a family, are so grateful for the incredible care you provided to our Mum. Your kindness, compassion and dedication didn't go unnoticed, and it brought her such comfort during a difficult time. Thank you for making a difficult time a bit easier. I would like our appreciation passed to the whole team at Handford House Care Home.

Reply from RS, Home Manager at Handford House

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Please be assured that your feedback has been shared

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Review from Anthony M (Husband of Resident) published on 29 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
With due regard to my previous care home experience, I find Handford House a vast improvement, with due regard to the manner it is extremely well run. Staff appear happy, not stressed, and standards are high.

My wife immediately seemed content, this reflect the kindness & care given by the staff.

Reply from Naomi Bender, Home Manager at Handford House

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are delighted to hear that your experience of Handford House has been such a positive one.

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Review from Wendy W (Wife of Resident) published on 30 June 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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 Fran B (Niece of Resident) published on 29 April 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience
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
Overall Experience

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 / Service User) published on 2 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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...  

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Review from J V (Next of Kin) published on 13 November 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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...  

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Review from Stephanie C (Sister of Resident) published on 13 November 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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...  

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Review from R M (Husband of Resident) published on 7 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 19 March 2025
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledRequires improvement
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.

News (8) & Events (0)

News
  • 04 Dec 2025

    Residents at Handford House, a care home in Ipswich, received a handwritten letter from Sir David Attenborough. The 99-year-old broadcaster replied after residents wrote to him, sharing how much they...

  • 04 Dec 2025

    Residents at Handford House, a care home in Ipswich, received a handwritten letter from Sir David Attenborough. The 99-year-old broadcaster replied after residents wrote to him, sharing how much they...

  • 13 Nov 2024

    Handford House is thrilled to announce the appointment of Renata Sulugiuc as the new Home Manager. With over 14 years of experience as a registered nurse and a strong background...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Handford House.

Awards / Recognitions (11)

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Handford House.

Meet the Team (4)

Agnieszka McDonald
Agnieszka McDonaldJob Title:Home Manager

I’m passionate about building meaningful relationships with residents and their families, and creating a warm, safe, and supportive environment where everyone feels valued. I take pride in making a positive difference each day by bringing comfort, dignity, and moments of joy to residents’ lives, while supporting their overall well-being. I hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification and am committed to delivering high-quality care at Handford House.

Nicholas Pearkes
Nicholas PearkesJob Title:Activities CoordinatorJoined: 2025

I enjoy the sense of achievement that comes from interacting with residents and getting to know each of them personally. I like to involve residents in decision-making and conversations, and I’ve already introduced activities such as hand and nail care, quizzes, and games of dominoes. I also take time to speak with families to better understand each resident’s needs and interests. I hold a Diploma in Dementia Awareness and a GNVQ Level 2 in Customer Service, which supports me in providing thoughtful and engaging care.

Jennifer Adams
Jennifer AdamsJob Title:AdministratorJoined: 2025

I enjoy the daily interaction with staff, residents, and their families in such a warm and inviting atmosphere. I always greet everyone with a friendly smile, helping to create a welcoming environment where residents and visitors feel at ease.

Catherine
Catherine Job Title:Clinical Deputy ManagerJoined: 2026

Creating a warm and welcoming environment is what I love most about Handford House. I enjoy building strong relationships with residents and their families, helping to ensure everyone feels valued, supported, and cared for.

As a Registered Nurse with 11 years of experience, I am passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care. I have a particular interest in supporting people living with dementia and helping to enhance residents' wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life.

My background includes roles within the NHS and as a Clinical Lead in Neurological Rehabilitation and Complex Care Management, providing me with extensive experience in supporting people with a wide range of care needs.

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.