
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....
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. Whether it is 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 everyone’s needs.
The home boasts dedicated lounges for activities, an in-house hair salon and a sensory room.
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 to each individual’s needs and wishes.
Accommodation is arranged over two floors, offering 52 bedrooms that can 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.
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 (86)
Handford House has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.727) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Handford House has 86 reviews.
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.
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...
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.
I am very pleased with the way all the staff have looked after my husband since he has been in here. The food is good. He has a nice room and he looks good.
I am very pleased with the way all the staff have looked after my husband since he has been in here. The food is good. He has a nice room and he looks good.
Thanks for leaving such a lovely review, I will pass this on to my team.
Staff are always friendly and willing to help. Nothing is too much trouble. Care and support very good. Room always clean and resident, as unable to dress himself, is always tidy and well presented.
Staff are always friendly and willing to help. Nothing is too much trouble. Care and support very good. Room always clean and resident, as unable to dress himself, is always tidy and well presented.
Thanks for leaving such a lovely review, I will pass this on to my team.
Very pleased that my Dad is being well looked after here. The surroundings seem very warm, cosy and comfortable for him and the staff very caring and helpful.
Very pleased that my Dad is being well looked after here. The surroundings seem very warm, cosy and comfortable for him and the staff very caring and helpful.
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review, I will share this with the team.
My experience since my Mum has been here has been very positive. I find the staff very friendly and the home is always clean and tidy. I know while my Mum is here there is nothing to worry about.
My experience since my Mum has been here has been very positive. I find the staff very friendly and the home is always clean and tidy. I know while my Mum is here there is nothing to worry about.
Thanks very much for your review, very much appreciated!
It would help if daily comments written in the green folders could include how the resident has been, whether they are eating, been...
It would help if daily comments written in the green folders could include how the resident has been, whether they are eating, been unwell etc. As they cannot always express this themselves. We appreciate the staff do what they can under very trying circumstances.
Thanks for your lovely review and suggestion which I will discuss with the team.
My husband is new to the care home but he has settled in very well. The staff are very friendly and helpful and chatty with my husband. He is 86 years old. As my husband has Alzheimer's disease he can be aggressive at times but the staff understand this and take extra time to work with him. Very...
My husband is new to the care home but he has settled in very well. The staff are very friendly and helpful and chatty with my husband. He is 86 years old. As my husband has Alzheimer's disease he can be aggressive at times but the staff understand this and take extra time to work with him. Very pleased.
Thanks very much for your lovely feedback!
All staff at Handford House are friendly and it feels like a home away from home. There's always plenty of activities. The laughter around the home is wonderful to hear.
All staff at Handford House are friendly and it feels like a home away from home. There's always plenty of activities. The laughter around the home is wonderful to hear.
Thanks for leaving us such a lovely review, greatly appreciated.
My husband has only been a resident for six weeks, but as a family, we are very impressed with the care he is receiving. The welcome we received when we first viewed the home made us think it was the best place for him. Everything has been done to help us all through a very great change in our...
My husband has only been a resident for six weeks, but as a family, we are very impressed with the care he is receiving. The welcome we received when we first viewed the home made us think it was the best place for him. Everything has been done to help us all through a very great change in our lives.
Thanks very much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. I will pass your comments on to the team.
I visit my husband every other day. I feel comfortable and made welcome when I am there. I feel happy that my husband is well looked after.
I visit my husband every other day. I feel comfortable and made welcome when I am there. I feel happy that my husband is well looked after.
Thanks very much Pam for leaving us such a lovely review, it really does mean a lot to me and my team.
I chose December to comment on as the staff put on a very good Christmas party and buffet, Christmas meals, carols. I know my mother is quite impatient but the staff are always very...
I chose December to comment on as the staff put on a very good Christmas party and buffet, Christmas meals, carols. I know my mother is quite impatient but the staff are always very pleasant and unphased by this. They are always available if I need an update on my mother. As she is content, then I can relax and endeavour to enjoy my retirement.
Thank you very much for leaving such a lovely review which I will share with my team. I'm very pleased you are happy with Mum's care and look forward to sharing with you the great events we have planned in 2019.
Kind regardsMike
Can't fault the management, the nurse's activities and the amazing care team within this care home they have made me and my father very much welcome and have made sure my father settled in well, giving him the patience needed while settling in, this home is a home, a welcoming warm and friendly...
Can't fault the management, the nurse's activities and the amazing care team within this care home they have made me and my father very much welcome and have made sure my father settled in well, giving him the patience needed while settling in, this home is a home, a welcoming warm and friendly one, always there to answer any worries or concerns. I would highly recommend this home.
Thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely review, it really is appreciated.
From the very first day that we were welcomed into Handford House, we have been made to feel at home. We have been supported by a team of warm, kind and caring staff who do their best in what can be very challenging circumstances. The caring staff are so hard working and show great skill in what...
From the very first day that we were welcomed into Handford House, we have been made to feel at home. We have been supported by a team of warm, kind and caring staff who do their best in what can be very challenging circumstances. The caring staff are so hard working and show great skill in what they do while at the same offering compassion, tolerance and understanding. Also, we have noticed how clean the home is and how our clothes are beautifully folded and always delivered with a smile. Both the food and 'activities' are varied and of a high quality. In fact, we are very happy here and wish to say a big THANK YOU.
I have been at the care home for nearly three years and found it to be very good. The staff and everyone connected with the care home are very nice and look after all the residents and patients with care dignity so nothing is too much trouble.
I have been at the care home for nearly three years and found it to be very good. The staff and everyone connected with the care home are very nice and look after all the residents and patients with care dignity so nothing is too much trouble.
I hope I can stay here the rest of my life.
I hope I can stay here the rest of my life.
We were particularly pleased that when our mum first visited him she was unsure where to catch a bus home when leaving. Staff were extremely kind to her and walked her to the nearest bus...
We were particularly pleased that when our mum first visited him she was unsure where to catch a bus home when leaving. Staff were extremely kind to her and walked her to the nearest bus stop.
Mum is very happy that Dad is being well cared for.
Now the home has a new manager it has improved greatly. The staff are happier in their work. A nice refreshing change and many good things are to come. Uniforms have been introduced which is good so now visitors and staff can be identified.
Now the home has a new manager it has improved greatly. The staff are happier in their work. A nice refreshing change and many good things are to come. Uniforms have been introduced which is good so now visitors and staff can be identified.
The staff are friendly and helpful, I was offered help to move my dad's belongings in.
TV was checked straight away, so was...
The staff are friendly and helpful, I was offered help to move my dad's belongings in.
TV was checked straight away, so was ready for dad to use.
The staff bend down to be level with the residents and treat them with care and respect and are very helpful.
My brother was cared for with dignity and respect. His needs were met by the staff in a most caring and considerate manner. We thank them for making his time with them so stress free for all the family and himself.
My brother was cared for with dignity and respect. His needs were met by the staff in a most caring and considerate manner. We thank them for making his time with them so stress free for all the family and himself.
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 (4) & Events (1)
- 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...
- 17 Sep 2026Organiser: 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...
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...
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...
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 -what an Enhanced Service includes.