The Orchards

2 Forsythia Road, Ely CB6 2FU
Review Us
9.7 47 Reviews
  • The Orchards, Ely
The Orchards is a leading not-for-profit care home in the historic city of Ely, rated 'Good' by the CQC (February 2021). Purpose-built with modern facilities and a welcoming community atmosphere, the home provides person-centred residential, dementia, and respite care.

As part of Greensleeves Care, a respected UK charity, The Orchards puts people before profit. Residents benefit from award-winning care, beginning with longer trial stays to ease the transition into care. With Greensleeves’ 'Home for Life' funding assurance, they also have peace of mind knowing they will never be asked to leave if personal funds run out.

Located within a new residential development and beside a primary school, The Orchards is an active part of the community. Its Cambridgeshire setting allows residents to enjoy local amenities such as Ely Cathedral, cafés, and the Ely Beet Social Club. The home has 66 fully furnished bedrooms with ensuite wet rooms, and residents are encouraged to personalise their spaces with photos, ornaments, and small furniture for comfort and memory support. An onsite hair and beauty salon and small shop add to the homely feel.

Daily activities and social events are tailored to individual interests, whether trying something new or continuing a favourite pastime. Facilities including landscaped gardens, a sky bar, tearoom, and cinema host a varied mix of opportunities that promote wellbeing and foster friendships. Mealtimes are central to life at The Orchards, with in-house chefs catering to personal tastes and dietary needs. In warmer months, residents and visitors can dine al fresco on the patio.

The dementia-friendly care team is highly experienced, supported by the Family Liaison Manager, who guides families through the home’s welcoming environment. Families are encouraged to contact The Orchards for advice or to arrange a visit.
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Care Provided by The Orchards

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 66 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £2009 – £2208
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £2138 – £2208
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £2009 – £2208
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £2138 – £2207

Fees are set based on the specific care needs of each individual. Fees come with Greensleeves Care's unique Home for Life financial assurance and, as a not-for-profit home, every penny goes towards high-quality care, never shareholders. Give the home a call today for more details.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Orchards to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in Charge

  • Christine Short (General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2019
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (66)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (66)

The Orchards Reviews (47)

9.7

The Orchards has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.740) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Orchards has 47 reviews.

Overall Experience
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  • 9
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Date Published
  • 47
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Reviewer Connection to The Orchards
  • 16
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  • 5
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Total of 47, showing 1-20
Review from C h (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father lived at the Orchards for nearly 3 years. He was very well looked after, both medically and socially. On a couple of occasions when he was acutely ill staff dealt with it promptly and our family was keep well informed.
All the staff were lovely and there was a good staffing level. The activities
team were great and included him as often as possible even when he was in a wheelchair. The rooms were spacious and clean, and the food was good, with regular snacks and drinks as well as the meals. Visitors were always welcome and often offered tea and cakes.
During his final illness he was cared for with compassion and the family were allowed to stay with him day and night. They provided a care basket with necessities such as toothbrush, toothpaste and toiletries for us when we stayed unexpectedly.
Staff really took the trouble to get to know him and individualise his care.
As a retired GP I have extensive experience of care homes in East Anglia and this must be one of the best
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt and thoughtful reflection on your father's time at The Orchards. We are truly honoured to have been entrusted with his care over the past three years,…read more
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Review from L C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law is receiving exceptional care. All the team, managers etc. work tirelessly to ensure residents are safe and happy.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you sincerely for taking the time to share such a kind review. It means a great deal to us to hear such warm and positive feedback about our team. We're deeply proud of the exceptional care our…read more
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Review from Susan W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's impressive that the management and staff of The Orchards manage to give frail elderly (and often confused) people a reason to live. There is a lot of compassion.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. At The Orchards, we work closely as a team to ensure every resident receives the care, support, and respect they deserve.…read more
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Review from Matthew W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 18 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the management and staff at The Orchards provide a very caring and interpersonal environment for a much loved relative.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share such a positive review. Your feedback serves as a valuable affirmation of the commitment and professionalism our care team brings to their work…read more
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Review from S S (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are friendly and welcoming, very easy to get along with and helpful with Mum's care needs. Accommodation and resident areas are clean, spacious and homely with a warm atmosphere. Daily activities provided are fun to be part of with a variety catered for all. Mum is very happy living here.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for your positive review. It is truly amazing to see that both residents and their families are pleased with the care, staff, and environment at The Orchards. Our dedicated team works…read more
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Review from C H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at The Orchards have been very helpful and informative, caring and kind since my mother's arrival in February.
We are regularly contacted by email and phone with updates both of medical and general issues.
The Home is always spotlessly clean and clothes that are washed are returned well
cared for.
The general atmosphere is extremely friendly and welcoming.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for your thoughtful review. Our team works tirelessly to provide exceptional care, and your kind words truly reaffirm our commitment to excellence. Feedback like yours is incredibly…read more
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Review from Neil C (Son of Resident) published on 28 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not think of a safer, happier, more settled place for my 98-year old mother to live, than The Orchards in Ely.
Staff are genuinely decent, honest, attentive and kind. Injuries are reported and treated promptly and professionally. Concerns are shared straight away, solutions presented in an
intelligent and balanced way.
The food is outstanding. Standards of pastorale care, cleanliness and entertainment are equally high.
I cannot think of a single fault ... My mother has always felt at home, always felt valued, always felt important and always felt loved.
I would not hesitate in recommending the Orchards in Ely, to anyone.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. Your kind words mean a great deal to us, and we remain dedicated to delivering excellence in all that we do. I will be sure to pass…read more
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Review from Janice B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 14 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff caring, pleasant, always there for residents and family. They keep family informed and are always there to help. Nothing is too much trouble. They are a credit to the care home. Excellent.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We will be sure to share this with the team.
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Review from Jonathan R (Son of Resident) published on 23 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with how Mum is treated.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for taking the time to review us at The Orchards. We truly appreciate your kind words and will ensure they are shared with our teams. It is an absolute privilege to care for your mum, and we…read more
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Review from C C (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum comfortable, well looked after, enjoys the food, all in all, is now very happy.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for taking the time to share such a glowing review. We greatly value your kind words and will ensure they are passed along to the entire team. Your feedback means a lot to us.
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Review from Catherine T (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent and our mother receives outstanding care at all times. She's very happy here. Communication is excellent too.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about The Orchards. We are truly delighted to hear that your mum is happy and comfortable in the home. Your kind words mean so much to us, and we…read more
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Review from M G (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since moving to The Orchards in late Jan my mum has only been met with kindness, care & consideration by the staff. They are patient when she's grumpy, professional & polite & have some amazing activities. This environment has made Mum go from a helpful, hopeless shadow to her old self. I can't thank
you enough.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We are truly delighted to hear that your mum and the wider family are pleased with the care and support provided by our dedicated team at The Orchards. It is an…read more
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Review from G C (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 17 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff and management are excellent and always ready to help. Always very good to our relative. Nothing is too much trouble.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for taking the time to share such a wonderful review. Feedback is invaluable to us, as we are committed to creating a warm and nurturing environment where our residents receive the highest…read more
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Review from P P (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has experienced positive and encouraging care from all the staff. She is helped and supported in every way and the staff create a caring and inspiring environment. The manager is warm and inclusive. Her manner is very approachable and supportive in all areas.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review. It's heart warming to hear that your mother and the extended family are pleased with the care provided by the dedicated…read more
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Review from G B (Wife of Resident) published on 7 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
All in all everything is very good. Good staff, and very friendly. I would and have recommend to other people.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you sincerely for taking the time to share your wonderful review with us. Your feedback is invaluable, and I will ensure it is communicated to our dedicated care team. We deeply appreciate all…read more
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Review from J T (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother relies heavily now on others to carry out everyday tasks. The standard of care shown is excellent and go beyond to make sure her needs are met- always coordinating in dress as as very important to mum, using pretty cup and plates, help with feeding. Always treated with respect and dignity.
Staff compassionate, caring and valued.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you so much for your heartfelt feedback regarding The Orchards. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts about our home.At The Orchards, our mission is to provide…read more
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Review from P L (Husband of Resident) published on 3 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has been resident at The Orchards now for over 3-and-a-half years and has always received the best of care from the staff, who are kind, attentive and well-trained. Visitors are welcomed with a smile and families always kept well-informed of any changes in treatments and made to feel included
in the care package. An excellent rapport with local GPs and community nurses ensures that medical requirements are well-covered. The rooms are beautifully appointed and much above the usual standards.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for your kind review of The Orchards. Our staff are committed to delivering the highest quality of care to our residents. Your positive feedback is not only incredibly rewarding but also…read more
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Review from linda d (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have just visited my mother at The Orchards, and were delighted to see her so happy and settled. We were greeted warmly by a member of staff, who is always friendly and welcoming, and has known mother since she first moved in.
Two members of staff were looking after mother and i was struck with
the way they were caring for her , ensuring she was able to maintain her dignity and independence as much as possible. there is a real family atmosphere on the first floor, and although we didn't meet the manager today we know that it is her leadership which makes us confident that all mother's needs, both physical and psychological, are carefully monitored and met.
Thank you to all the staff on the first floor for everything they so to support my mother, her family are very great full, kind regards.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
I am deeply grateful for your kind words and for taking the time to leave us such a positive review. As the new manager of the home, it fills me with immense pride to hear that our dedicated care…read more
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Review from Angie D (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My family cannot praise the staff enough for all the care & attention they gave our dad whilst in the home. He was so very well looked after by everyone which gave us great comfort & reassurance. We, as the family, were also very well looked after, which was greatly appreciated. Highly recommend The
Orchards Care Home.
Reply from Elaine Cole, General Home Manager at The Orchards
I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the wonderful review you have shared about our care home. Your kind words mean the world to us and truly brighten our day.We are dedicated…read more
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Review from Trudie H (Niece of Resident) published on 17 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
So impressed with the way the home is being run. Such a positive and friendly atmosphere as soon as you walk in the door.
Staff seem much happier in their work, and there seems to be a real connection between management and what goes on "on the floor", definitely not shut away in the office all the
time!
Reply from Clint Farmer, Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for completing a review for The Orchards Care Home and your positive comments, I will share these positive comments with the care team. Many thanks once again.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.740)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.740) out of 10 for The Orchards is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.740 for The Orchards is calculated as follows: ( (256 Excellents x 5) + (54 Goods x 4) + (9 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 323 Ratings = 4.74
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Orchards is based on 27 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 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    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 66 registered maximum number of service users is 13.2, which has been reached with 27 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: 20 Feb 2021

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 (10)

Meet the Team (8)

Lisa

Lisa Brooks

Job Title: Healthcare assistant Joined: 2019

We have a good team working together to care for the residents.

Barbara

Barbara Shaw

Job Title: Healthcare assistant Joined: 2021

A good place to work

Michelle

Michelle Crick

Job Title: Healthcare assistant Joined: 2021

I enjoy looking after people.
I like to make sure their needs are met.
I am devoted to my job.

Krisha

Krisha Jaya

Job Title: Healthcare assistant Joined: 2022

I like caring for people

Tony

Tony Brooks

Job Title: Maintenance Manager Joined: 2022

I work in a family-style environment, also the job role covered my skills in compliance and maintenance.

Ivan

Ivan Heviamoovima

Job Title: Care and Compliance Manager Joined: 2022

I enjoy getting to know the residents and I enjoy that I can speak to several residents in French.


Knowing that you are making a difference in a person's daily life is always rewarding.

Victoria

Victoria Wood

Job Title: Activities Assistant Joined: 2021

I love working at The Orchards because of the great team that I am part of.


My background in teaching was with Health and Social Care so this seemed a natural progression.


I enjoy the varied nature of each day of working with the wonderful residents.


I enjoy being active and involved in their everyday lives.

Erin

Erin Huggins

Job Title: Activities Assistant Joined: 2021

I enjoy working at The Orchards because it is a great space to learn new things.


It is interesting to hear about our lovely resident's life stories and not to mention how good the team here is.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Orchards

What types of Care is The Orchards registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Physical Disability are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Orchards have?

There are 66 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Orchards?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Orchards to the centre of Ely?

0.9 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 Orchards to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Orchards has an Enhanced Service - more info.