
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 mother has been a challenging resident and the staff have handled her with care and respect, this also applies to family that visit. They ensure that her needs are met with good communication with the family.
Thank you for taking the time to write this kind review. I'm sure the team will also appreciate it when I share this review with them.
I would not let my worst enemy stay here. Not only was my father's room dirty, I could never find a member of staff and when I did they did not seem to care. My father ended up in hospital with a serious injury in which he told me how he did it but a carer tried to say he rolled out of bed. I am so glad he is now in a lovely home that cares and gives their all.
I wouldn't let my dog stay here! So glad my Nan has left this awful place. The rooms were so dirty, tenants walking around half dressed with no shoes on. Tenants left without food and drinks. Dining area was disgustingly dirty with food left on the floor. My Nan was given a dirty plastic mattress with no blanket during one of our coldest winters and she was regularly found like this. If you love your relative do not send them here. And if you have loved ones here get them out. Handford House these people deserve better, sort it out. Minus 10 for all aspects!
I have looked into your concerns and shared them with the team. We...
My husband has been at Handford House for well over a year. He arrived from a mental health unit after being sectioned by another home and then being discharged. Handford House welcomed him, assessed his needs and made sure that he had the help that he needed. The staff are helpful, cheerful and caring. Thewy are patient and personal with him. He is now relaxed and settled. As a family, we are tremendously grateful.
Thank you so much for your kind words, I shall pass this on to the team.
Since my step sister has lived at Handford House sadly her condition has deteriorated. This has come as no surprise to me as her condition is progressive. However, the staff have looked after her with such care and attention, recognising her specific individual needs, that this experience has been made so much easier not just for me but especially for her. Communication with me has always been good and she has been cared for with the dignity and respect she deserves. As she approaches the end of her life it is so reassuring to know they make every effort in her best interests to make her comfortable. Although she has never been able to voice her thanks I can thank you all for your kindness and understanding towards my lovely sister, and if she could voice it I know she would share my gratitude.
Thank you for your review, I will pass your kind words through to my colleagues.
Dad suffers from dementia and was transferred to Handford House from hospital. The home was a complete unknown to the family but it was quickly apparent that the staff provided excellent care and nursing with compassion and understanding. Dad's health improved and after 9 months he is settled and happy. Communications with the family are very good, we are promptly informed of any health issues, if required the nursing staff call in the local GP and carers accompany Dad to hospital for outpatient appointments as I live in the North of England. He is assisted to participate in activities and trips that he greatly enjoys. Whenever I talk to Dad, I always ask him two questions; is he happy and is everyone kind to him? The answers are always yes!
Thank you for your lovely words, I will pass these on to our teams.
A very good establishment throughout and supportive staff I have seen to my knowledge.
Thank you for your kind review, I will pass this on to my team.
A happy and friendly home, nothing is too much trouble. Also spotlessly clean.
Thank you for your feedback, I will pass this on to my team.
I am happy and content here, nice rooms, clean and light friendly staff and residents. Would be nice to have some activities.
I am so pleased to hear that you are happy here, I will pass your feedback onto the teams.
Having been here for six weeks, I am settled and happy with good treatment and support from friendly staff.
Thank you for you feedback, We're really pleased that you're happy and settled here.
Mum seems to have settled well, always clean and book filled in daily. The staff are friendly and willing. Thanks for doing a great job.
Thank you for your feedback, I will pass this on to the teams.
End of life care very good from carers and nursing staff. Made to feel very welcome by all.
It was an honour looking after your Brother, Thank you for your feedback.
My mum has been in Handford for almost two years and moved in the pandemic. Although we had no choice in where to place Mum, we couldn't have chosen a better home. The staff are personable, polite and respectful, going out of their way to learn about her, our family and Mum's likes and interests. They are happy to put up things on her wall to personalise Mum's room, activities are organised, the place is clean, and the food is excellent. Well done, Handford House.
Thank you for your lovely words; I will pass this on to my team.
Mum has been with Handford House since 2010. We, as a family, cannot fault the care she receives. She is very happy here, the staff go above and beyond to meet her needs. I would definitely recommend Handford House. Even during the current pandemic with restrictions in place, they have made sure Mum is happy.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a kind review.
The home has shown organisation and compassion in these unique times ensuring the safety and best interests of Mum. The new visiting procedure has been challenging but best efforts have been made in ensuring contact for Mum - especially window visits with notice.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a kind review! We always want to make sure you are all able to see your loved ones and keep up to date with what they are doing.
I have always found the staff very helpful and obliging. Although my husband has not been well enough to participate in the activities, having seen the programmes I am sure they are very good.
Magda
We are very pleased with the care my father is getting. The staff have been so helpful in this very difficult time for our family. My father seems so happy with everything, the facility is very clean and tidy and we always get a warm welcome when we visit. Could not ask for anything more from Handford House. 10 out of 10. Fantastic.
Thank you for your review. We appreciate your feedback and we will share it with our team at Handford House.
Our family would like to pass on our thanks to everyone at Handford House for their dedicated care for our Mum. Whilst she was only with you for a short while, our overall experience was extremely positive. All the staff are so kind and caring and cannot do enough to help, despite working during these challenging times. Special thanks go to all of the staff who cared for her. We will be forever grateful that our Mum was able to spend her last few days in the care of Handford House. We would not hesitate to recommend others to consider Handford House for their relatives too. Congratulations to the management and the wonderful team of workers you have. Please pass on our thanks to everyone.
A very caring environment with lovely professional staff. They helped my uncle settle in by taking him on a trip to the seaside, which reminded him of many happy childhood memories. Both his sister and brother have also been well cared for at Handford House care home.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this lovely review which I will share with the team here at Handford House.
We had no previous experience of related matters, but were given 100% support and clear, concise guidance from the initial enquiry to pre-arrival meeting and most importantly, settling my uncle in. Everything was professional but friendly. Making the decision that my uncle needed 'care' was the hardest, finding and visiting Handford House was the easy part.
Thanks very much for taking the time to leave us a review. I will share your kind feedback with my team.
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.
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.