Welcome to

The Orchards

  • 2 Forsythia Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 2FU
  • Top 20 Care Group
  • CQC Good

Choosing care can feel like a big step for you and your loved one. At The Orchards, our highly rated not-for-profit home in Ely, we provide residential, dementia, and respite care in a calm, welcoming setting, with thoughtful spaces and a dedicated team helping residents feel comfortable, supported, and at home from the moment they arrive.

New Care Enquiry: 0000 000 000
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phone For friends and family: 0000 000 000

Summer Respite Offer

Enjoy our summer short-stay offer, stay for 3 weeks for the price of 2 (T&Cs apply). Find out more.

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About The Orchards, Our Top-Rated Care Home In Ely

The Orchards offers award-winning residential, dementia and respite care in a purpose-built, modern setting. The home sits on the outskirts of the town in a growing, well-connected neighbourhood, close to local schools and community life. We provide highly rated care across 66 en-suite bedrooms, with spaces designed for comfort and ease of movement, from accessible layouts to welcoming shared areas for relaxing or socialising, creating a warm, home-like environment.

Ranked as the top charity-run care home in Ely based on independent resident and family reviews, we understand that no two people are the same. That’s why our care is flexible and shaped around individual needs, whether that’s support with daily routines, help with mobility, or more specialist dementia, each floor is arranged as its own household, supported by dedicated Care Unit Managers and teams to provide consistent care.

Life here is about maintaining independence where possible, while providing support where needed. Residents can enjoy a range of activities, spend time in the garden, or simply relax in a familiar and comfortable space. Family visits are always encouraged, helping everyone stay connected.

As part of Greensleeves Care, people always come before profit. This shapes everything we do. Our six-week trial period gives you time to see if The Orchards feels right, while our Home for Life funding assurance offers lasting peace of mind, helping residents stay with us if their private funds decline over time.

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Care services

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Care
  • Respite Care
  • End-of-Life Care

Key Facilities

  • Dining spaces
  • Relaxing lounges
  • Garden area
  • Hair salon
  • Cinema room
  • Tea room
  • Library room
  • Sky bar

“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.”

Son of Resident

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Why Choose The Orchards In Ely, Cambridgeshire

Home for Life Funding Assurance

We support our self-funded residents stay in care with us if their financial circumstances change over time.

#1 not-for-profit care home in Ely

Recognised on carehome.co.uk through independent reviews from residents and relatives for the quality of care and support provided.

Fund care, not shareholders

As a non-profit organisation, every penny goes back into supporting residents, improving the home, and maintaining high standards of care.

Palliative care excellence

We are accredited by the Gold Standards Framework for delivering high-quality end-of-life care, with a focus on comfort, dignity, and support.

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A Home for Life

Greensleeves Care’s Home for Life funding assurance means that if a resident’s personal funds are ever depleted, they will be supported to stay in the place they call home. This helps residents remain in their chosen care home, surrounded by the people and spaces they know, and gives families peace of mind.

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Our Services in Ely

Residential

Residential Care

Residential care at The Orchards supports daily living while helping residents stay independent. Our team provides round-the-clock support, including personal care, mobility, meals, and medication, guided by personalised care plans tailored to individual routines and preferences. We take a person-centred approach, so care feels familiar and reassuring. Residents can enjoy social activities or shared spaces, with support from the moment they move in. Our focus is on helping each person settle in comfortably and feel safe, valued, and at home every day.

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Life at The Orchards

Accommodation

The Orchards is a purpose-built home set across three floors, with 66 spacious bedrooms, each with a private en-suite wet room for comfort and privacy. Rooms are bright and fully furnished, with a complimentary TV and phone, and many enjoy views over the surrounding countryside. Every room includes a profiling bed and a nurse call system, so help is always close by. Residents can bring personal belongings to make their space feel like home. There are also modern assisted bathrooms, welcoming lounges, and ample on-site parking for visitors.

The Orchards Accomodation
The Orchards Accomodation
The Orchards Accomodation
The Orchards Accomodation
Bucklers Lodge 16 11 23 077 (2)

Fees & funding at The Orchards

At The Orchards, our fees are comprehensive and tailored to each resident’s needs. They cover fully-personalised care around the clock, accommodation and furnishings, all meals and utilities, activities and more. And, as we have no shareholders, every penny goes back into care and enhancing our residents’ lives.

We accommodate a range of funding options, including self-funding, local authority support and NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). We guide individuals and families through the funding process and support residents in staying in care if their private funds deplete.

Fees and key information
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What's included

  • 24/7 care & support
  • Spacious bedroom with en-suite
  • Nutritious meals & snacks
  • Utilities and Wi-Fi
  • Activities and outings
  • Access to all facilities
  • Laundry & housekeeping

A message from our care home manager

Hello, I’m Alastair Rayner, Home Manager at The Orchards. Having worked in care since 2011, I’ve progressed from Healthcare Assistant to Manager, which means I understand what good care looks like at every level. Before this, I served in the Armed Forces and spent many years caring for my family, experiences that continue to shape my approach today. For me, care is about kindness, respect, and taking the time to understand each person. I’m proud to lead a team that creates a warm, supportive home where residents feel comfortable, and families feel reassured. I’d be very happy to welcome you in and show you what life here is like.

Alastair Rayner

Home Manager, The Orchards
14+ Years of Hands-on-Experience In Care.

The Orchards in Ely

The Orchards is located in a quiet residential area of Ely, close to the city centre, shops, cafés, and everyday amenities. Set within a modern neighbourhood opposite a local school and overlooking woodland, the home offers a peaceful setting while remaining well connected. Families visiting from Littleport, Soham, Cambridge, and surrounding areas can easily reach the home via the A10, Ely railway station, and nearby bus routes. Free on-site parking is available, while Princess of Wales Hospital, Ely Cathedral, and the riverside are all just a short drive away.

Hospital 5 mins
Ely Cathedral 8 mins
Train station 10 mins
On-site parking

Frequently
asked questions

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What happens if my funds run out?

At The Orchards we offer a Home for Life funding assurance, which means we will support residents to stay with us if their funds run out over time. As part of a not-for-profit organisation, our focus is always on people, not profit. Our aim is to provide stable, long-term care, so you and your family can feel reassured about the future.

Can I arrange a trial or respite stay?

Yes, short-term respite stays are available, along with a flexible trial period of up to six weeks. This gives families time to see if The Orchards feels right before making a longer-term decision. During their stay, residents receive the same care, meals, and access to activities as permanent residents. It’s a helpful option for short breaks, recovery after illness, or exploring care in a calm and supportive setting.

How is the transition into care supported?

Moving into a care home can feel like a big change, so the team takes time to make the process as smooth as possible. Before arrival, a full assessment is carried out to understand each resident’s needs and preferences. A personalised care plan is created, and staff support residents as they settle in. Families are kept involved throughout, helping routines feel familiar and reassuring from the very beginning.

How do you care for residents living with dementia?

We provide specialist care for people living with dementia in a safe, supportive setting, including a dedicated dementia care floor. Our team is trained to understand how dementia affects each person and adapts support as needs change. We focus on simple routines, calm spaces, and activities that support memory and wellbeing. Care is always personal, based on each resident’s history and preferences. We also keep families involved, offering regular updates and support so you feel informed and reassured at all times.

What does a typical day look like at The Orchards?

Each day at The Orchards is flexible and shaped around the individual. Residents can choose how they spend their time. Some enjoy activities like crafts, music, or gentle exercise, while others prefer quiet time in the lounge or garden. Meals are served throughout the day, and there are always chances to socialise. Support is available whenever needed, so your loved one can feel comfortable, relaxed, and in control of their routine.

Can residents personalise their bedrooms?

Yes, residents are encouraged to make their room feel like home. Each bedroom at The Orchards is fully furnished and has its own en-suite, but you can bring personal items such as photos, decorations, and small furniture. These familiar things help residents feel more comfortable and settled. Our team will support you in setting up the space, so it reflects your loved one’s personality and feels warm, safe, and familiar from the start.

Colleague and male resident

Ratings &
accreditations

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 wonderful to my mother and to me – they are all so kind and caring.

Daughter of Resident

A legacy of care

Our home is part of Greensleeves Care, a leading group rooted in a charitable legacy that began after World War II with the Women’s Voluntary Service. Inspired by the green sleeves in their iconic uniform, our name reflects a long-standing commitment to compassion and service. Since becoming an independent charity in 1997, we have built on this heritage to deliver award-winning residential, dementia, and nursing care across England.

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

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