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The Orchards

2 Forsythia Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 2FU
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The Orchards, Ely
The Orchards, Ely
The Orchards, Ely

The Orchards Care Home is a not-for-profit care home in Ely.

The home provides person-centred residential, dementia and respite care in a safe and secure environment. The Orchards has modern facilities including spacious bedrooms with ensuite facilities, cinema, salon and an array of lounges and quiet spaces.

As part of Greensleeves Care, a respected UK charity, The Orchards puts people before profit.

Located within a new residential development and beside a...  

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

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential Care£1,600 - £1,750£1,600 - £1,750
Residential Dementia Care£1,750 - £1,900£1,750 - £1,900

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.

Contact The Orchards 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)

Good to Know

Group / Owner

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 (51)

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9.8

The Orchards has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.774) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Orchards has 51 reviews.

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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 July 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
This review reflects Mum's last 2 years at Orchards.

Our family were very happy with the care our mum received on the cherry floor of The Orchards. The seniors led by example, to care for all of her needs with great kindness and affection. She had the death that we'd all hoped for, in The Orchards. She was comfortable, free from pain or suffering, and still cracking jokes!

Reply from Alastair Rayner, Care Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback during this difficult time, which I will pass onto the team.

It is always appreciated when family members take time to give feedback to our staff, as they do dedicate themselves to caring for others who can no longer do so for themselves on a daily basis....  

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Review from Linda D (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 July 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
When our mother moved to the Orchards 4 years ago we wanted to be certain that she would be able to stay there for the rest of her life, and we are so grateful that it became her home from home. Throughout her journey through the stages of dementia the staff provided a comfortable, caring and safe environment,. She was treated with dignity and compassion; the lovely carers becoming like family members to her.
Certain features stand out; the entertainment programme was wonderful; it was a joy to watch the elderly residents come to life as they participated in musical shows recalling their past.

As our mother's dementia advanced she was moved to the first floor , where the outstanding care, led by Krishna, was compassionate and loving. During our frequent visits we all became friends with the staff, and we were kept updated of our mother's condition at all times. True to her wishes, mum passed away peacefully at the Orchards , surrounded by the caregivers she had come to love.

Reply from Alastair Rayner, Care Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you so much for your heartfelt appreciation of the superb love and care that your mother and her wider family received during her stay at The Orchards.

Since I arrived im post early March 2026 I have witnessed first hand the love and care that our team show to all the residents and...  

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Review from Susan H (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Dad went into respite care for two weeks. He stayed for the extra week. He was very well cared for during the full three weeks. He enjoyed the meals and snacks, I believe he even managed to put on a little extra weight!
All of the staff seemed lovely. One carer even took time to help me find a lost mobile phone.
Dad tripped and had a fall, I was reassured by the actions of the staff. An ambulance was called, he went into hospital where another health issue was diagnosed. If he had been at home I really don't know what would have happened.
Dad has complained about his own home being much too quiet, it took him a while to get used to chatter but that soon settled.

All in all, a very good experience, we hope he can return again for his next respite stay.

Reply from The Orchards, Team at The Orchards

Dear Susan, thank you very much for your considered and kind words. We are incredibly pleased that Dad found his respite stay enjoyable and supportive - we certainly loved having him with us, and very much look forward to his next stay. Our doors are open, and you are of course welcome to pop in for a visit any time. In fact, our Summer Fete is on 8 August - would be lovely to see you there!

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Review from Diane M (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Recently my mother became too unwell to remain in her own home. I contacted The Orchards in Ely to enquire if they had a room for my mother to move in. The manager was so kind, very efficient and definitely went the extra mile for mum to go in very quickly. Since moving in the staff have been wonderfull to my mother and to me - they are all so kind and caring.

Reply from Alastair Rayner, Care Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you so much for your positive feedback. It means so much to myself and our wonderful team at The Orchards.
It is our honour and privilege to support families in the community who need that additional level of care and compassion at such difficult times.

Every new resident becomes a part of our family, as does their wider family.

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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

We would like to thank all the staff for caring for my mum so well. Mum is so happy when we visit her, everyone is so friendly. The food is very nice and nobody can make cakes like the kitchen staff, everyone is so kind from the carers, cleaners, kitchen, maintenance, management and reception.

Reply from christine shorter, manager at The Orchards
we would like to thank you for your kindness in taking time to write such a nice review, it is very nice to see such positive comments

thank you from all the staff

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Review from C h (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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, and it means a great deal to know that both he and your family felt supported and respected.Your kind...  

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Review from L C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 staff provide, and it's truly rewarding to know their dedication has made a meaningful difference.

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Review from Susan W (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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. Feedback like yours and that of other family members and residents, reminds us why we do what we do....  

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Review from Matthew W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 18 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 each day. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the care of your loved one, and we remain dedicated to delivering the highest standard of support and compassion.

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Review from S S (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 tirelessly to provide the highest standard of care, engaging activities, and a comfortable setting for those who call The Orchards home. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

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Review from C H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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 meaningful to us, and we sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share it.

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Review from Neil C (Son of Resident) published on 28 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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 your wonderful feedback on to the team-they will truly appreciate it.

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Review from Janice B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 14 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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 are grateful that you entrusted The Orchards with her care.

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Review from C C (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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 will make sure to share them with the entire team. Your support is greatly appreciated.

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Review from M G (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 absolute privilege to support your mum, and we are committed to continuing to provide the highest level of care and compassion.

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Review from G C (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 17 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 standard of care.Our dedicated staff take great pride in providing compassionate and professional...  

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Review from P P (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 staff at The Orchards. Our team takes immense pride in offering the highest quality of care,...  

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Review from G B (Wife of Resident) published on 7 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 feedback, as it plays a crucial role in helping us enhance various aspects of our home. Our...  

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 15 August 2025
Overall
Requires improvement
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeRequires improvement
  • Well-ledRequires improvement
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.

News (8) & Events (0)

News
  • 12 Jun 2026

    We're proud to share that Greensleeves Care has been named among the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026. With more than 60 colleagues currently undertaking apprenticeships across our homes,...

  • 02 Mar 2026

    Greensleeves Care has once again been recognised in the carehome.co.uk Top 20 Large Care Home Groups in England for 2026 – a remarkable milestone and the organisation’s ninth consecutive year...

  • 04 Dec 2025

    The Orchards Care Home, a Greensleeves Care home in Ely, has become the first residential and dementia care home in the area to achieve the prestigious Gold Standards Framework (GSF)...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for The Orchards.

Awards / Recognitions (11)

  • 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Greensleeves Care
  • 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Greensleeves Care
  • 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Greensleeves Care

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for The Orchards.

Meet the Team (9)

Alastair Rayner
Alastair RaynerJob Title:General ManagerJoined: 2026

Alastair’s career began in the British Armed Forces (1988–1992), followed by a role in quality assurance (1992–1997), before dedicating 14 years (1997–2011) to caring for his wife and bringing up his children. This life experience continues to shape his values with empathy, dignity, and respect at the heart of everything he does.

Since moving into care as a profession in 2011, Alastair has progressed from Healthcare Assistant to General Manager, gaining hands-on experience at every level. Most recently, he led Kingfisher House Care Home in Newmarket, where he built a stable, supportive team and enhanced daily life for residents as well as securing seventy 5-star reviews on carehome.co.uk, elevating the home to a phenomenal 9.9 score and placing it as the No.1 care home in West Suffolk.

Prior to this, Alastair achieved an Outstanding CQC rating at St Peter’s House in Bury St Edmunds (2017–2020) and successfully improved standards at Norwood House in Saxmundham, Suffolk (2020–2022).

Ivan Heviamoovima
Ivan HeviamoovimaJob Title:Care and Compliance ManagerJoined: 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.

Lisa Brooks
Lisa BrooksJob Title:Healthcare assistantJoined: 2019

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

Barbara Shaw
Barbara ShawJob Title:Healthcare assistantJoined: 2021

A good place to work

Michelle Crick
Michelle CrickJob Title:Healthcare assistantJoined: 2021
I enjoy looking after people.
I like to make sure their needs are met.

I am devoted to my job.

Krisha Jaya
Krisha JayaJob Title:Healthcare assistantJoined: 2022

I like caring for people

Tony Brooks
Tony BrooksJob Title:Maintenance ManagerJoined: 2022

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

Victoria Wood
Victoria WoodJob Title:Activities AssistantJoined: 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 Huggins
Erin HugginsJob Title:Activities AssistantJoined: 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.