
She is very happy here, the staff go above and beyond to meet her needs.June C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The staff are very friendly and helpful and chatty with my husband.Rosemary H(Wife of Resident/Service User)


She is very happy here, the staff go above and beyond to meet her needs.June C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The staff are very friendly and helpful and chatty with my husband.Rosemary H(Wife of Resident/Service User)


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 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
- 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
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Handford House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
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
- Healthcare Homes Group Ltd
- Private Owned
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
They are so caring, helpful and loving, and Arthur seems very happy.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Our team works hard to create a warm, supportive, and respectful environment for all residents,...
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.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Please be assured that your feedback has been shared
My wife immediately seemed content, this reflect the kindness & care given by the staff.
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.
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.
Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback. Thank you for your kind words.
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.
Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback. Thank you for your kind words. Please take care
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.
Thank you for for sharing your feedback it is much appreciated
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.
Thank you for for sharing your feedback it is much appreciated
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.
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.
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.
We are very happy with Handford House. In particular, the staff are wonderful and caring and our mother is in a special place.
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.
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!
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
To the management and staff well done, even some of them need more improvement to rending care to the service user.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 19 March 2025Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledRequires improvement
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 (8) & Events (0)
- 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...
There are no upcoming events for Handford House.
Awards / Recognitions (11)
- 07 May 2026Recipient: Handford House
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Healthcare Homes Group Ltd
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Healthcare Homes Group Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Handford House.
Meet the Team (4)

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.

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.

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.

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.