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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 (9.775) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Orchards has 51 reviews.

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Showing 51 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from J T (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 outstanding care and support to all of our residents. Knowing that you are pleased with the level of care...  

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Review from P L (Husband of Resident) published on 3 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 significantly boosts staff morale. We look forward to your visits and always enjoy seeing you

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Review from Angie D (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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 to providing the best possible care and creating a warm, welcoming environment for all our...  

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Review from Trudie H (Niece of Resident) published on 17 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
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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Review from Ruth W (Resident / Service User) published on 26 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I was very ill when I arrived at the care home, 29 May 2023, and I was convinced I would be dead by the end of July. But the care I have been given - from tests to a complete change in medication - have helped me stop being wheelchair-bound, learn to walk again and become a useful resident. I lost my sense of taste and smell a few years ago but food is more than that. I enjoy the feel of what's in my mouth. But since Autumn 2023 stews/casseroles have dominated the menu and repetitive vegetables have added to the boredom. We thought a new chef would liven things up. Is he being given sufficient funds to buy the ingredients or is he limited to buying cheap?

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your review. I am delighted that your move to The Orchards has been so transformative for you and that your mobility has so greatly improved. It is wonderful to read that you now feel you are a useful addition to our community. We most certainly agree! I very much appreciate your...  

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Review from P H (Friend of Resident) published on 28 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Very pleased to be seeing my friend and happy that she is being cared for in the best way.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for leaving us with a beautiful review. I am so pleased that your friend is happy and that you feel that she is being cared for in the best way. Thank you once again for taking the time to leave a review.

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Review from A G (Friend of Resident) published on 28 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

All the staff are so kind and caring.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for leaving a beautiful review of The Orchards. Thank you for taking time to leave a review of The Orchards. All of the staff at The Orchards are passionate about delivering outstanding person centred care every day. Once again thank you for your kind words.

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Review from Liz D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 22 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Overall care is good. Management never see the residents are the main cause of very good carers leaving.

The food is generally poor - so no value for the amount residents pay.

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Review from A H (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My dad was very well looked after at The Orchards. It was very clean and comfortable. A lovely garden the residents can sit in. The staff were great, but the management was very unprofessional and not upfront in the way they communicated with the family.

Reply from Donna Mills, Support Manager at The Orchards

Many thanks for submitting your review, we really appreciate honest feedback as it helps us to reflect and ultimately continue to improve our services. As discussed in our recent correspondence, we regret that the lack of communication from the hospital regarding your father's care meant we were...  

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Review from Geoff F (Son of Resident) published on 30 May 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I live overseas. My mother recently passed away as a resident of the Orchards Care Home in Ely. They called me and I flew over to support Mum in her passing. I would like to share my feelings of gratitude for the beyond-excellent care provided by the staff. I visited Mum in the secure unit every day for 3 weeks before her passing. I was always kindly received and I was able to see the extraordinary kindness of the staff shown to all the residents of this special unit for people with dementia. The staff were caring, friendly and kind, they were also very skilled in managing the significant cognitive and physical needs safely of these special residents. I would also like to mention that the home was superbly clean and tidy and I was struck by the complete lack of any smells that I often find in care homes. The management are competent leaders and very approachable. I had complete confidence in their care of Mum.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your lovely review of The Orchards. The staff appreciate the feedback, it was a pleasure to look after your mother, please keep in contact.

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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The lovely thing for our family is that our mother speaks very highly of The Orchards. She is very fond of the staff and feels safe and well-cared for. She thinks the food is lovely and enjoys all of the wonderful activities. Her room is comfortable and attractive too.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for The Orchards, I will ensure that your kind words are passed over to the team.

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Review from L G (Friend of Resident) published on 8 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
I have visited my friend on several occasions. Without fail, I have met with smiles and friendliness. I witness the interactions with my friend, always polite, with a smile and very respectful.

Prior to my retirement, my work involved visiting many residential nursing homes. I can honestly say that the care at The Orchards is exceptional and a pleasure to witness.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for taking the time to share your lovely feedback myself and the team really do appreciate it.

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Review from Simon R (Son of Resident) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I cannot praise The Orchards highly enough. My mum was in urgent need of some respite care and three days after the initial phone call she was resident in an absolutely beautiful room. She would not have a nicer room had I booked her into a hotel, the en-suite is brilliant and she has patio doors opening to a lovely little garden which is totally secure as is the whole place, you have to be buzzed out so no chance of anyone wandering off. I was worried about the food as my mum can be quite fussy and likes her meals one million degrees hot, having checked with her she commented ‘the food is lovely and it’s always piping hot’ which is a massive compliment from my mum. Nothing is too much trouble for the brilliant staff and I am so relieved to know my mum is safe and being looked after to such a high standard. My mum can be, how shall I put this, rather stubborn and ‘reluctantly’ agreed to a 4-week stay to recover after major surgery but she now thinks she might rather fancy staying longer!

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Review from Charles C (Son of Resident) published on 23 February 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
The most important point is that my Mother is extremely happy at the Orchards and frequently tells us of her own volition. The employed staff are excellent and could not be more helpful or caring. Core staff listen to the needs of my mother and clearly strive to implement any requested changes to routine.
One key issue is staffing particularly the apparent lack of full-time senior staff. The use of Agency staff is entirely understandable and the staffing issues are in no way a reflection on the Orchards as this is a National issue. However, the knock-on effect on some occasions has been a reduced level of interaction and movement encouragement of my mother.
The Quality and variety of food at the Orchards are a concern. I had anticipated a higher and more varied selection.
Overall the quality of care at the Orchards is quite excellent and as a consequence of the incredible effort by everyone my mother is incredibly happy

I would like to sincerely thank you for everything you do.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you so much for your feedback, all of which is appreciated. The team love to hear when the care they provide is recognised as being of excellent quality as this is their aim each and every day. Where we haven't quite met the expectation, we welcome the opportunity feedback provides us for...  

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Review from B C (Son of Resident) published on 14 February 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Since my mother became a resident at The Orchards she has been given exceptionally good care. The staff are very loving and keep a close watch on her, particularly if she became unwell. The building offers many additional benefits not found in other homes and this makes for a better standard of living for the residents, the spacious gardens are an ideal outlet, particularly in the summer. The additional entertainments are a welcome and psychological boost to all the residents as well as bringing together a family atmosphere. Visitors are treated with respect and courtesy and kept informed of all that is going on and are able to join in whenever they wish. The management staff are very efficient and very hands on which gives our family confidence and peace of mind when we are not there. This was a good choice.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for your review of The Orchards.

We welcome all feedback.

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Review from Simon C (Son of Resident) published on 6 February 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My father died at The Orchards in September after a long-term decline with dementia. The staff were so kind, thoughtful, sympathetic and caring. It made his last few days so much more bearable. All the team looked in on us at all times of day and night; brought us food when they thought we would be hungry and made the whole process of the procedure after his death run smoothly and with the greatest dignity.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for leaving a review of The Orchards.

It was a pleasure to look after your father and I will ensure your kind words are shared with all of the staff team.

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Review from Andrew M (Son of Resident) published on 1 February 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The Orchards provide excellent care and I feel that my mother is in safe hands. The staff and management are friendly and caring, and always on hand with a smile and a chat. The home is immaculate and clean and a pleasant environment to be in. The gardens allow for short, safe walks. Meals seem great and always smell lovely whenever I attend. Entertainment is improving and seems that activities are provided every morning and afternoon. I can't stress enough how important this is to maintain and build on for the residents. Only one small request for improvement, staff need to lose the face masks, it makes it very difficult for communication and recognition.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards
Thank you for your review.
I will ensure that the information from the review is passed to the team at The Orchards.

Currently, staff are not wearing face masks whilst working at The Orchards.

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Review from Andrew C (Son of Resident) published on 1 December 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

An elegant and spacious environment. Beautiful ensuite bedrooms with double beds. The staff are clearly well trained, hard-working and professional. They all have genuine caring attitudes toward the residents. My mother has made several good friends since arriving. They all support each other in a calm and happy environment. There is a daily schedule of activities and entertainment.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your review, I will ensure that this is shared with the team at The Orchards.

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Review from Graham F (Son of Resident) published on 31 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

New very good facilities. Good rooms. Friendly staff coping in difficult times. Communicates with family. Very good.

Reply from Sam Humphreys, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your review. We welcome reviews and I will ensure that this is passed to the team. Once again, thank you.

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Review from John P (Resident / Service User) published on 25 January 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The Orchards care home is both modern and pleasing. The rooms are very functional and cleaned on a regular basis. The staff are lovely and very compassionate with the residents who love them in return. The meals are in the main good but I do feel that another meal option would be beneficial. I would thoroughly recommend The Orchards for those wishing to place their loved ones in a 'home from home'.

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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.

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