The Firs Residential Care Home

Tower Farm, Tower Road, Little Downham, Ely CB6 2TD
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9.3 14 Reviews
  • The Firs Residential Care Home, Ely
The Firs Residential Care Home is situated in the east of Cambridgeshire, in a stunning historical Parish village of Little Downham (historic name of 'Downham-in-the-Isle'. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the village is called Duneham, and is located 3 miles (5 km) north of the city of Ely.

The Firs Residential Care Home hosts up to 29 residents across two floors. The team encourage residents to customise their rooms. The home offers quality personalised residential & dementia care for residents in a pleasant countryside environment.

The home has a devoted team who are committed to providing an unparalleled experience, ensuring residents feel at ease from their first moments at the home. Specialised training equips staff to support residents living with dementia, exemplifying their dedication to provide care in a person-centred way to make residents feel comfortable, safe and included. The friendly and professional care team pride themselves in providing expert care and a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for both residents and their families.

Facilities include two communal lounges where residents can enjoy and socialising with each other and a dining room area that provides residents with the ideal environment to enjoy their meals. There is also a conservatory/sun lounge where residents can relax with their families. It is an ideal environment for people who love countryside, horses and the charming sound of birds. The home offers a wide range of activities that create friendships and interaction with others. The home has 26 fully furnished and spacious single bedrooms as well as 3 ensuite bedrooms that have a view of the open countryside and horses, perfect for people to enjoy when they are in their room.
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Care Provided by The Firs Residential Care Home

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Eating Disorders

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 29 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1050 – £1500
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1050 – £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1050 – £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1050 – £1500

Our weekly fees range from £1050 to £1,500, tailored to individual care needs, room type, and support level. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, person-centred residential and dementia care in a warm, homely setting.
We also run seasonal offers to support families—such as our '2 Weeks on Us' promotion (active in July 2026 ) and our current 25% discount on respite stays booked for more than 6 weeks.
All fees are transparent with no hidden costs, giving you complete peace of mind.

The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact The Firs Residential Care Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.

Contact The Firs Residential Care Home 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)

Contact The Firs Residential Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Owner

  • Barrels UK Care Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 1984
  • Last Refurbishment: 2024
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (29)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (3)

Visiting

  • There are no visiting restrictions for family members. However, any other visitors who wish to visit the home must inform The Firs office in advance to ensure that someone is available to accompany them

Parking

  • Parking available for all visitors.

The Firs Residential Care Home Reviews (14)

9.3

The Firs Residential Care Home has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.318) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs Residential Care Home has 14 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to The Firs Residential Care Home
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Total of 14, showing 1-14
Review from Richard G (Brother of Resident) published on 6 May 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The level of care out weighed my first impressions of the location.
The level of empathy and attitude of the staff and management to the residents and their profession is second to none.
With a happy and friendly environment from being a smaller care home and has a more of a family approach then
the bigger care homes.
Having their meals made from scratch is a Plus, unlike some other homes of having frozen ready meals brought in.
I have a high adoration towards the staff management ( not a job I could do )
PS ; fantastic Christmas party
Kind regards Richard
Reply from Raj The Firs, Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeThank you for taking the time to share your feedback. It means a great deal to us that the care, empathy, and dedication of our team stood out to you. We are proud to provide a warm, family-style environment where residents feel valued and supported. Your kind words about our home-cooked meals and community atmosphere are truly appreciated. We are also delighted you enjoyed the Christmas celebrations with us. Feedback like this reassures us that we are on the right path, and we will continue to strive to maintain and improve the quality of care we provid
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Review from M S (Brother of Resident) published on 30 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are very pleasant and always attentive to my sister. Any issues that come up, they try to resolve straight away. They are trying to improve the place; their attitude is very good. Anything that we bring up that is a problem, they try and address it straight away and try and find a fix for
it. Overall, the staff are very good, thank you.
Reply from Rajbeer Singh, Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeThank you for your kind feedback. We're really pleased to hear that you've found our staff attentive and responsive to any concerns raised. It's important to us that issues are addressed quickly and that families feel listened to and involved. We are also continuing to make improvements across the home, and it's encouraging to know this is being recognised. Your comments will be shared with the team as they continue to provide a good standard of care and support.
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Review from D C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum has dementia and has been a resident of The Firs since July 2025 and has settled in very well. Her mobility has declined over time but the care she receives in assisting her with daily needs is very good. She has taken part in various daily activities, especially when she was more mobile. I am
always made to feel welcome, tea is offered and I've stayed for lunch occasionally. I have been there on occasions when a birthday has been celebrated with cakes and banners and Christmas dinner was a lovely occasion. It is worrying to have to entrust a loved one into the care of strangers but I cannot find fault at The Firs and I know my Mum is comfortable and happy there. The carers take time to talk with her about her early life, her interests and her career.
Improvements are being made to the building which will be nice in the future.
Reply from Rajbeer Singh, Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeThank you for sharing such a thoughtful review. We understand how important it is to feel confident when placing a loved one into care, and we're really pleased to hear your mum has settled well and feels comfortable and happy at The Firs. It's lovely to hear that she enjoys the activities and that our team take the time to get to know her as an individual. We also appreciate your kind words about the environment and occasions celebrated within the home. Your feedback means a lot to us and will be shared with the team as encouragement to continue providing good care.
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Review from Patrick L (Son of Resident) published on 30 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum needed to go into a care home shortly after Christmas the one thing she'd never let us do so for her safety and welfare you had to make the decision to put mum into care fast forward to April she's settled in wishes she had moved into The Firs sooner really can't fault the care she's getting has
made friends the staff fuss over all residents agree can't find anything really to find fault with
Reply from Rajbeer Singh, Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeThank you for taking the time to share your experience. We understand how difficult the transition into care can be, and we're really pleased to hear your relative has settled well and is enjoying being part of the home. It means a lot to our team that you've noticed the care, support and attention given to residents. Creating a warm, safe and friendly environment is very important to us. Your kind words will be shared with the staff, who work hard every day to make a positive difference.
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Review from Sam G (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has settled and is so much more herself now that the Firs have been giving structure to her day and reduced her medication, and now she smiles more. She went with us today and ate a lovely lunch in the dining room. This is the first time mum has felt confident to eat in the dining room, and the
staff, chef were very attentive and provided everything she needed. Mum is more animated nowadays and is more curious about things around her. Even if she is more "feisty" now! She also sat in the conservatory today with us.
Reply from Hasib Rahman, Home Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeHiThank you for your kind feedback. Thanks to express how you now feel about your mum's care. We are really appreciate that you recognise our hard work. You feedback make us to go extra mile to support our service users. Thank you again.
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Review from Emma U (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 22 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father in law seemed very happy and comfortable. Staff were very friendly.
Reply from Hasib Rahman, Home Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeHi Thank you for your kind review. Your review give us the opportunity to update o make a change where possible. The room we provided one of the three en-suite room. Our home is not purpose build and we try our best to make all rooms nice, tidy and comfort for our service users. We continue developing in our care home. If you have any suggestion, please feel free to let us know and we are happy to make the changes where possible.Thank you again.
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Review from Claire R (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We are really happy with the care my dad gets at The Firs. The staff are always happy, caring and willing to help. My dad seem relaxed and at ease and this is down to the care from the staff. The management is good too. Always willing to chat and update. It seems as though its a great place and we always
leave happy, knowing my dad is in a nice and caring place.
Reply from Hasib Rahman, Home Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeHiThank you for your review. Your review will help us to develop the area where needed. Our management team will discuss about the review and will find a solution. Thank you you again.
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Review from Glyn T (Husband of Resident) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The food is good, and care for residents is first-class. The environment warm and clean. My wife has been here for almost 2 years. Home has improved over time, and food. Care was always good.
Reply from The Firs, Deputy manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeThank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We are truly grateful for your continued trust over the past two years. It means a lot to hear that the improvements in food and the overall environment have made a difference. We remain committed to providing high quality care in a warm and supportive setting, and feedback like this encourages our team to keep striving for excellence.
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Review from C K (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has just become a resident of the Firs care home ..I have visited on occasion and find the staff to be very helpful and friendly..The care manager takes his time to inform you of any issues that may arise which sets your mind at ease..A fairly basic home but as long as Mother gets her needs
met what more can you ask for..I'm very happy and grateful so far ..Keep up the good work..Well done .
Reply from The Home Manager, Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeHi. Thank you for your nice comments. Your feedback will encourage us to go extra miles to support individuals in person-centred ways. We appreciate your kind words
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Review from Ruth E (Friend of Resident) published on 5 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have always found The Firs Care Home to be most satisfactory for my friend who has been in their care for about three years. Her room is always warm and clean, and I have found all the staff to be pleasant and helpful at all times. I have never heard any complaints about the food she is served, and
as far as I am concerned she is quite happily being cared for there.
Reply from The Home Manager, Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeHi, Thank you for your kind feedback. Much appreciate your valuable comments. Your comments help us to provide care and support to our loving residents in person-centred care.
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Review from Malcolm B (Son of Resident) published on 21 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother recently became a resident of the home. The care she has received so far has been very good. The care staff are very good and treat my mother with dignity, empathy and kindness. They are very attentive to her needs and in a short time have an understanding of her personality and are never
judgmental.
Reply from Hasib Rahman, Home Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeThank you for your kind feedback. We are the home to support individual person centered way with dignity and respect according to individual needs. Thank you.
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Review from Lesley T (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has not been at the home very long but we are very happy with her care so far. All the carers are very considerate to her needs and she has settled in very well and seems very content. Her room is excellent and the meals are good. We can visit at anytime, without notice, which suits us very
well.
Reply from Hasib Rahman, Home manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeHi Lesley. Thank you for your kind review. We are working on providing the best care in a person-centred way for an individual including your mother to meet their needs. Thank you again.
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Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Firs Residential Care Home are caring and understanding. They put my father's best interests first. They are always welcoming and happy and do the very best they can to ensure my father is comfortable and his needs are met. The staff always appear happy and make time to talk.
Reply from Hasib Rahman, Home Manager at The Firs Residential Care HomeThank you for your review. This was a nice and reflecting review. you regular visit The Firs to see your dad and you know how we support and care our service users. We appreciate your support. Thank you so much.
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Review from Michael G (Brother of Resident) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My sister has been a resident since May 2023, she lives with dementia.
Since moving to The Firs she has lost her permanent sense of anxiety. She is still confused, but contented. She believes she is at home and having a lot of visitors.
The environment at The Firs suits her very well. She has been
a sheep farmer for 40 years and would feel very out of place in a five-star hotel. There is a very homely 'rough and ready' atmosphere at The Firs (in terms of furnishings not personnel) which suits her perfectly.
The staff monitor her general health with the help of a visiting GP very successfully. She is not very suggestible, but the staff have managed to work with her resistance very successfully.
There is a new manager and a person in charge of activities: hopefully these will provide a good sense of continuity of care.
The facilities are being updated and routine maintenance improved.
The Firs fills a much-needed niche in care home provision. One size does not fit all.
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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.318)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.318) out of 10 for The Firs Residential Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.493 for The Firs Residential Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (84 Excellents x 5) + (53 Goods x 4) + (11 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 148 Ratings = 4.493
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 4.825 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Firs Residential Care Home is based on 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.825
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 29 registered maximum number of service users is 5.8, which has been reached with 13 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 7 Nov 2024

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
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.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (3)

Rajbeer

Rajbeer Singh

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2023

Rajbeer Singh is an exceptional and visionary Manager with over six years of dedicated experience in the adult health and social care sector. Combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational expertise, he has built a reputation for delivering measurable improvements, strengthening governance, and cultivating high-performing care teams.


Holding advanced qualifications in Leadership and Management at Levels 5, 6, and 7, and currently progressing through his Level 5 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care, Rajbeer demonstrates an unwavering commitment to professional excellence and continuous development. As a distinguished graduate of the University of Greenwich, London, he seamlessly integrates academic insight with frontline compassion.


Rajbeer’s leadership was instrumental in the successful transformation of The Firs Residential Care Home, guiding the service to achieve a ‘Good’ CQC rating through strategic restructuring, cultural renewal, robust compliance systems, and enhanced quality assurance frameworks. His approach is defined by clarity, accountability, and empowerment, ensuring teams feel supported, confident, and inspired to deliver their very best.


Renowned for his turnaround capability, operational precision, and people-centred philosophy, Rajbeer champions dignity, independence, and outstanding outcomes for every resident. His leadership style not only drives performance but creates environments where excellence in care becomes the standard, not the aspiration.

Mandy

Mandy Peters

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 2022

I am the Team Leader and Med Champion. I have been working in health and social care for a long time. I enjoy my work and my residents. I create a good relationship with residents and their families.

Luisa Maria

Luisa Maria Muñoz Rayo

Job Title: Activity Coordinator Joined: 2025

I`m Luisa Maria. I hold a degree in Occupational Therapy from Colombia, as well as a Master’s degree in Peace Culture, Human Rights, Conflicts, and Education from Spain. I am currently undertaking doctoral studies and am delighted to join the team, where I hope to make a meaningful contribution to enhancing the quality of life of the residents.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Firs Residential Care Home

What types of Care is The Firs Residential Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment & Eating Disorders are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Firs Residential Care Home have?

There are 29 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Firs Residential Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Firs Residential Care Home to the centre of Ely?

2.6 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 The Firs Residential Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Firs Residential Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.