Vera James House Care Home

Chapel Street, Ely, CB6 1TA
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9.7 26 Reviews
  • Vera James House Care Home, Ely
Vera James House is a purpose built residential care home for older people situated in the historic centre of Ely within walking distance of the market place and the cathedral. The scheme has 42 single rooms, all with ensuite facilities.

They have rooms available on two floors with lift access to all areas and some rooms have views of the Cathedral. Regular trips to the market and Cathedral are arranged for residents. Visitors to the home include local school choirs, the PAT dog, carol singers, local church and volunteers. All meals are cooked on the premises in the kitchens, in partnership with Apetito, and have been awarded a five star rating by Environmental Health.

Vera James House offers:

42 single rooms, all with en-suite facilities

Designed for residents who require permanent or respite care in a residential setting. Vera James House is designated to support older people living with dementia and other related illnesses

In order to ensure peace of mind, all rooms are linked to a call system when staff assistance is required

The home is fully wheelchair accessible with a lift to the first floor

Bedrooms are grouped close to shared living/dining rooms

Specialist bath rooms have modern care equipment for a quality bathing experience

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Care Provided by Vera James House Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 42 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Beverley Murray (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Open
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (42)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 1990
    • Last Refurbishment: 2013
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Vera James House Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £1,495 – £1,495
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,495 – £1,495
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,495 – £1,495
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,495 – £1,495

  • Hairdressing, chiropody and all private treatments are not included in the cost.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Vera James House Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome at any time.


  • Parking

  • Visitor parking at Vera James House is limited. If the on-site spaces are full, visitors may use street parking nearby or the St Mary's Street Car Park, which is conveniently located around the corner and offers ample parking.


Vera James House Care Home Reviews (26)

Total of 26, showing 1-20
9.7

Vera James House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.746) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Vera James House Care Home has 26 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from M B (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot fault Vera James House. The staff, office and carers alive are so lovely, so caring, so efficient, so friendly, so reassuring, so professional, so experienced. My father was desperately in need of 24/7 care with Lewy Body Dementia progressing. Unfortunately he passed after only 2 1/2 wks in
Vera James. This was due to his own health. Vera James was faultless - treating him with their care, dignity and respect. They kept me informed at all time, and I have appreciated greatly their support and care for me too. I really cannot recommend this home enough. Amazing!

Reply from Beverley Murray, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your heartfelt review and recommendation. We are deeply touched by your kind words and glad to hear that our care and support were comforting during such a challenging time. Your appreciation for our staff's dedication means a great deal to us.


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Review from A P (Friend of Resident) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful care home, extremely clean, well cared for, resident settled within a couple of days due to the care of the staff. All staff, everyone has been outstanding for their love, care and support to all of us.

Reply from Beverley Murray, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your glowing review. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!


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Review from Bernadette S (Wife of Resident) published on 24 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has had a couple of stays in respite before he had a permanent placement. From his first time at Vera James, he was made to feel comfortable and secure. The staff were extremely welcoming for both him and me. This was not his first experience in a care home, which did not go well. So, thank
you so much for peace of mind.

Reply from Robert Hart, Registered Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your positive feedback. We are pleased we are able to ensure outstanding care and offer a comfortable home.


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Review from Tim F (Son of Resident) published on 24 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has not complained about anything to me, has settled in quickly, and is well looked after. They always notify me concerning any matters regarding her welfare, and the staff are very friendly and professional.

Reply from Robert Hart, Registered Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to hear your mother has settled in well.


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Review from Jan M (Friend of Resident) published on 23 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am impressed and grateful for the care which the staff show the residents. I am also hugely impressed by the number of activities provided to help residents remain alert and feel useful and active. Communication with residents friends and relatives is also very good and allows them to be included
in the running of the home and the care of the residents. Sadly, my friend can no longer benefit from activities that are organised, but it does seem a very happy and caring home. I think both the manager and the activities coordinator have made a huge difference.

Reply from Robert Hart, Registered Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your thoughtful review and the positive comments about our staff and activities at the home. We're glad to hear that you appreciate the efforts made to keep our residents engaged and families informed. We're sorry to hear that your friend can no longer participate in the activities and would welcome a conversation to discuss any specific feedback or suggestions you might have to further improve our services. Please feel free to reach out to our management team at your convenience.


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Review from Stephen N (Resident) published on 18 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Vera James provides a truly outstanding level of care. My Mum has Alzheimer's and from the moment she moved into the Home in July staff were attentive to her needs and made her feel welcome. The nature of her illness means that she can become confused and behave in ways outside the norm: because the
staff members are all skilled in dementia care they are adept at dealing with this empathetically and kindly. The family lives some three hours away and we can have absolute confidence in the care she is receiving. Vera James House has a pleasant atmosphere and is always welcoming: I unhesitatingly recommend it.

Reply from Robert Hart, Registered Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your wonderful review. Hearing how well your mum has settled into Vera James House is heartening. We truly appreciate your recommendation!


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Review from Gary B (Son of Resident) published on 18 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for nearly two and a half years. Moving her into Vera James was the best thing we could have done. She gets on well with the staff who are friendly and helpful and enjoys the activities. Whilst long-standing health issues have meant a loss of mobility the staff have adapted
to each change and take trouble to make sure she doesn't miss out on activities and events. The Summer 'trip to the pub' was a treat she really enjoyed and I can only congratulate whoever thought it up.
The reception staff are excellent and always friendly and keep us informed with what is going on both with our mum and what is going on in terms of events etc. We really like the way the home/staff seek to involve the families in events and to a degree, what is happening regarding developments.

Reply from Robert Hart, Registered Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. We're thrilled to hear that moving your mother to Vera James House has been so positive. We appreciate your kind words about our team's efforts to keep families engaged and informed!


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Review from J R (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A refreshing change from the perception of care homes. Vera James truly does care. The friendly, approachable and responsive team could not have done more for Mum whilst there for the last 9 months of her life. Despite at times being difficult to reason with due to her dementia, they displayed patience
and courtesy at all times.
Activities were organised and she was encouraged to join in. They took time to understand her likes and dislikes, and supported her.
Mum's room was redecorated before she arrived, and we were able to add items from home to ensure that she felt she had her own space to retreat to, albeit she was happiest in the day room engaging with others.
The team are all long-standing, a clear demonstration that they too are ideally suited to such a dedicated role, and they are all commended for the commitment they show to the residents and each other - it creates a great atmosphere as soon as you walk in!
Fully recommend a visit if you are searching for a care solution.

Reply from Robert Hart, Registered Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, it is hugely appreciated by the team at Vera James House. We are always striving to provide outstanding care to residents in a person-centered way. Your comments have such a positive impact in recognizing the amazing dedication of the team at Vera James House.


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Review from T D (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the first moment we met with the manager and had a tour of the home we dismissed looking at other options, it was absolutely perfect for Mum.
We tried a week of respite care in the first instance to see how Mum would settle and quickly wondered why we hadn’t considered it before; it was the right
thing for Mum and gave Dad the break he needed. It also made him and us realise that the time had come to let the professional carers take over.
The care and attention given, to not just our mother but visibly to all the residents, was at times above and beyond anything we could have wished for.
Mum was strong-willed and the team took time to understand her needs and learned very quickly how to get the best out of her. She enjoyed her time at Vera James and was treated with dignity at all times.
My special thanks to all, you made a difficult time so much more bearable. I cannot thank you enough.
Anyone considering Vera James House, it’s the best!

Reply from Robert Hart, Registered Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words, it means the world to the team at Vera James House.


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Review from J T (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I live the furthest away that you can in the U.K. from my father but knowing that he is being well looked after helps no end. The staff I have spoken to are all wonderful and although I don’t have much dealing with them I feel I can call at any time.

Reply from Andrew Siano, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. This means a lot to the team at Vera James House. We look forward to seeing you next.


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Review from John N (Son of Resident) published on 5 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother recently spent 2 weeks in respite care at Vera James House. The time was a positive experience for her. She remarked how kind and caring the staff are. The food she said was very good.
I made numerous visits to her, and always found the staff to be friendly, efficient and courteous. All in
all, it was a positive experience for our family.

Reply from Andrew Siano, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Many thanks for your kind comments. Vera James House aims to deliver good quality care to all our residents.
With Kind Regards.


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Review from Jacqueline B (Friend of Resident) published on 29 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no problems at all with staff, my friend has not ben there long but is really enjoying her stay.

Reply from Andrew Siano, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your review of Vera James House. Your feedback is very important to us.


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Review from Mike H (Son of Resident) published on 25 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has now been a resident for over a year, she is content and comfortable with both the staff and services provided. The home is very calm and there is always a warm welcome from all the staff which makes it feel very homely. I am so glad that we found Vera James.

Reply from Andrew Siano, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you Mike, the Vera James House team appreciates your positive comments and we will continue to deliver the best services to our residents.


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Review from L C (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum moving into Vera James House has changed my life. Knowing she is happy and very well cared for is amazing. The staff are all so friendly and I feel I am part of a very happy place. Mum has been settled from the first week and seems much happier now.

Reply from Andrew Siano, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind words, it is very important to all of us.


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Review from Jane L (Resident) published on 11 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience has been good, although I have nothing with which to compare it. I am particularly impressed with the staff who, without exception, are friendly and attentive and take so much trouble to help, should you need it. At the moment, I do not require much actual care. My decision to come here
was pragmatic and due to circumstances. I have not joined in any activities, though they sound a good variety. I cannot comment on the value for money.

Reply from Andrew Siano, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely comments, much appreciated.


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Review from L C (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 8 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I have been at Vera James House for four months now and in some ways am still settling in. I like my room, which is comfortable and a good size. The staff are kind and helpful, some exceptionally considerate - just one or two not quite as patient and understanding, though I know they're very busy. the
home has been quick to respond if I've had any medical needs or if my daughter has mentioned any problems to them. The food is nice. I haven't taken much part in activities so far but I know there's a lot available.

Reply from Andrew Siano, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Thank you for your thoughtful review of Vera James House. We're heartened to know you find your room comfortable and most of our staff kind and considerate. We genuinely value your feedback and take any concerns to heart, especially regarding consistency in patience and understanding. Every resident deserves the utmost dignity and respect, and we're committed to ensuring this standard is met consistently.
We appreciate your feedback on the range of activities and the food. We always aim to provide an enriching environment and tasty meals. We are keen to hear any suggestions for improvement, especially regarding the areas where you've given a rating of 3/5. Your insights are invaluable in helping us offer the best experience to all our residents. We're here to listen and act on your feedback to make your stay even better.


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Review from Linda F (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum moved into Glenholme Vera James House after her dementia worsened and she was no longer safe on her own, even with regular carers. She settled in surprisingly quickly, although she had been there before for respite care. She was well looked after and enjoyed the regular meals and took part in some
of the activities. When her condition worsened and she was put on end of life care the staff stepped up and made sure her needs were met. They supported her until the end.

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Review from C N (Niece of Resident) published on 5 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle was admitted to Glenholme Vera James House in late 2022. Due to circumstances, he was admitted in a frail condition and very unsure of himself. The past few months have seen such a positive change in my uncle and all the staff have played a part in that. The team is led by an excellent manager,
supported by his deputy, their positive and caring attitude impacts on residents, carers and relatives alike. I have nothing but praise for Glenholme Vera James House.

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Review from Annette H (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother had a few problems she was not happy with, but once the management were made aware, these were dealt with in a prompt and sensitive way and brought to a mutually satisfactory conclusion. Very happy.

Reply from Andrew Siano, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Great outcome Annette. I'm glad we were able to support your Mum. Thank you very much for your time and support.


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Review from Alison Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother is a self-funding stroke resident who is severely disabled by has excellent capability mentally. She is well looked after generally and the staff (permanent staff) treat her with dignity. The staff and management have acted excellently throughout these very difficult times (COVID19) and have
made great efforts in keeping residents safe but giving us the ability to have visits with Mother who is 94. I know she does appreciate them although she doesn't always show it. Thank you.

Reply from Andrew Siano, Home Manager at Vera James House Care Home

Great to hear from you, Alison. Many thanks for your supportive comments. We will continue to do our best.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.746)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.746) out of 10 for Vera James House Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.746 for Vera James House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (162 Excellents x 5) + (41 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 209 Ratings = 4.746

  • b) 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 Vera James House Care Home is based on 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 42 registered maximum number of service users is 8.4, which has been reached with 17 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (1)

Beverley

Beverley Murray

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2025

Beverley is an experienced care professional with over 30 years in the sector, having held senior roles across residential and dementia care services. She has a strong track record in leadership, staff development, and maintaining high-quality care standards. Before joining Glenholme, she successfully managed a 46-bed residential care home, ensuring a Good rating across all areas from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).


Now as Home Manager of Vera James House, Beverley is committed to delivering person-centred care, fostering a warm and supportive environment, and ensuring the wellbeing of residents remains the top priority. With extensive training in dementia care, safeguarding, and quality management, she leads with professionalism, compassion, and dedication to continuous improvement.


Frequently Asked Questions about Vera James House Care Home

What types of Care is Vera James House Care Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Vera James House Care Home provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Vera James House Care Home have?

There are 42 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Vera James House Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Vera James House Care Home to the centre of Ely?

0.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.