Care homes in Ipswich

Ipswich is a busy market town with above-average numbers of older residents and a small but mixed care-home sector. It offers decent access to shops, green space and social outlets, though crime rates are higher than many UK areas and choice of care homes is limited.

Average residential fee in Ipswich: £1,432/weekabove the UK average of £1,279

Living in Ipswich
Green SurroundingsWell Served
What do these badges mean?
  • Green SurroundingsExcellent access to parks, playing fields and other green space nearby (OpenStreetMap).
  • Well ServedExcellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
SafetyC

Limitedsafer than 13% of similar areas

Green SpacesA

Excellentparks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

Daily ConveniencesA

Excellentshops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

How we grade areas

Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.

Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.

How care costs compare

The estimated average residential care fee in Ipswich is about £1,432/week, above the UK average of £1,279.

Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.

The care market in Ipswich

100% of Ipswich’s CQC-rated care homes are rated Good or Outstandingabove the national average of 79%, including 4 rated Outstanding.

Good or above in Ipswich
100%
National average
79%
CQC-rated homes
16 of 16

Of the homes in and around Ipswich, 1 offer nursing care, 4 offer dementia care and 6 offer residential care.

Based on 16 CQC-rated homes in and around Ipswich. National baseline: CQC State of Care (2024/25).

Council funding & top-up in Ipswich

The average residential care home in Ipswich costs about £1,432/week, while Suffolk’s published usual rate is around £1,064/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £368/week (≈ £19,136/year) to bridge the gap.

Average fee in Ipswich
£1,432/wk
Suffolk usual rate
£1,064/wk
Likely top-up gap
£368/wk

Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Suffolk’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).

Care homes in Ipswich on the map
  • Outstanding
  • Good
  • Requires improvement
Care homes (4)

updated September 2026

Top-rated in Ipswich

Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission — the CQC’s highest rating.

Park Manor

CQC Outstanding
21 beds

Park Manor is a care home in Ipswich, Suffolk, providing residential care for 21 residents.

Prince of Wales House

CQC Outstanding
49 beds

Prince of Wales House is a 49-bed residential care home in Ipswich, Suffolk, providing care for older people and younger adults with dementia.

DementiaResidential
From £1469/wk·80 beds·All en-suite·Care UK

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant town of Ipswich, you'll find the award-winning Asterbury Place, a Care UK home renowned for its exceptional residential,…

DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing

Montrose House

CQC Outstanding
10 beds

Montrose House is a 10-bed care home in Ipswich, Suffolk, operated by BRAND Mind.

Run a care home, property or business in Ipswich?

If it’s missing from this page — or a listing looks out of date or incorrect — let us know and we’ll get it added or put right.

Add or update a listing
What care costs in Ipswich
Residential (avg)
£1,432/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,523/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,469/week

Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.

House prices in Ipswich

The average house price in Ipswich is £219,070, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.

Average price by property type

All property types
£219,070
Detached
£389,553
Semi-detached
£257,887
Terraced
£203,484
Flats & maisonettes
£127,415

Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.

Types of care in Ipswich

Residential care homes

6 in Ipswich

Residential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.

Nursing homes

1 in Ipswich

Nursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.

Dementia care homes

4 in Ipswich

Specialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.

Respite care

3 in Ipswich

Respite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.

Safety

601 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.

  • Violent crime234
  • Shoplifting115
  • Criminal damage & arson51
  • Public order50

Is Ipswich a good retirement location?

Ipswich suits people who want to stay in an established community with good everyday services and plenty of parks and cafes, and who aren't put off by a busier urban environment. The town has a notably high share of residents aged 65 and over (24.2%, compared to the national average of 18.6%), suggesting a settled older population. Care-home choice is small — four homes listed, ranging from 27 to 80 beds — so advance research and early enquiry are important.

Health & support

  • Medical access: GPs and pharmacies are well distributed across the town; the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is within reach for emergency care.
  • Safety: Recorded crime in the area is relatively high, with 601 offences recorded in the most recent period; violent crime, shoplifting and criminal damage are the most common types. This is a consideration for anyone prioritising a quieter setting.
  • Family & connection: Think through how close your support network is; a busy town can feel isolating or energising depending on your links to people there.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Local care-home fees vary across the four available homes; check individual providers against the national average to understand the likely cost for your needs.
  • Transport: Ipswich has bus services and rail links to nearby cities including Norwich and London; the town centre is reasonably walkable, though some outlying areas are car-dependent.
  • Housing options: Four care homes are listed, with a range of sizes. Availability may be limited, so early contact with providers is wise.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: The town has 27 parks and 8 allotments, plus 100 restaurants and cafes and 45 pubs and bars, offering good scope for outings and socialising. Walking routes and community gardens are accessible.
  • Community: A high proportion of older residents means established social networks; local groups and memory cafes are worth exploring with individual care homes.
  • Climate: East Anglia has a relatively dry climate with cool winters and mild summers, typical of eastern England.

Things to weigh up

  • Limited care-home choice: With only four homes listed, your options are narrow; early planning and contact with providers is essential.
  • Crime rates: The recorded crime figure is notably above many comparable areas, with violent crime and criminal damage among the most common offences. Whether this affects your sense of security matters here.
  • Urban environment: Ipswich is a busy town rather than a quieter market town or coastal area; if you're seeking a more peaceful setting, this may not suit you.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Ipswich?

There are 18 care homes listed in and around Ipswich on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.

How much does a care home in Ipswich cost?

Care homes in Ipswich range from around £1,251 to around £1,576 per week, with averages of £1,432 for residential, £1,523 for dementia, £1,469 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

How do care home fees in Ipswich compare to the national average?

The average residential care fee around Ipswich is about £1,432 per week — above the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

Which care homes in Ipswich are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?

16 of the 18 care homes in and around Ipswich are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, including 4 rated Outstanding. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Ipswich?

Homes in and around Ipswich offer residential (6), dementia (4), respite (3), nursing (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Ipswich offer dementia care?

4 care homes in and around Ipswich offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.

Do any care homes in Ipswich offer respite care?

Yes — 3 care homes in and around Ipswich offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.

How safe is the Ipswich area?

Ipswich is graded C for safety on AskBart — safer than 13% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.

Can I get council funding for care in Ipswich?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Suffolk Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.

What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Ipswich?

A care home's weekly fee in Ipswich usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.

What's the difference between residential and nursing care?

Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Ipswich may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.

Could the NHS pay for care in Ipswich?

If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.

How do I choose a care home in Ipswich?

Start by shortlisting homes in Ipswich by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.

Who regulates care homes in Ipswich?

Care homes in Ipswich are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.

What other nearby areas have care homes in Suffolk?

If you're widening your search beyond Ipswich, nearby areas with care homes include Aldeburgh, Babergh, Beccles, Brandon and Bungay. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

Weighing up your options in Ipswich?

Care needs change over time. Compare the other kinds of later-life care in Ipswich:

Talk to a Ipswich care expert.

Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.