The Orchards

2 Forsythia Road, Ely CB6 2FU

The Orchards, Ely

At The Orchards, the team knows that moving into a care home can be a bit daunting. So, you can be reassured that at this not-for-profit care home, you get to try your new home before committing longer term, support always comes with a smile, and you will never be asked to move out just because your funds run out.

In a stunning purpose-built home in the heart of Ely, The Orchards has developed a welcoming community where residents and their families enjoy around-the-clock award-winning residential and dementia care. Residents are cared for with a well-established methodology that is centred on keeping them as independent as possible for as long as possible. Care at The Orchards means highly-skilled and compassionate staff who also recognise when you just need a cup of tea and a listening ear.

The home is part of not-for-profit group Greensleeves Care. Named in the Top 20 in the country, as a charity, Greensleeves’ focus is on people and not pockets and any surplus from fees goes back into continuously improving care. The Orchards also offers Greensleeves’ Home for Life Commitment, which means residents will not be asked to move out if they run out of personal funds while in their care.

Along with specialist care and peace of mind, when you join the Orchards family, you also enjoy:
•        Stunning grounds and views
•        Modern, spacious bedrooms all with en-suite wetrooms
•        Comfortable lounges, dining areas, and library
•        Delicious and nutritious meals cooked daily on site

The Orchards’ promise to you is that, from the moment you get in touch a member of the team will be there to listen, answer your questions and help you make a care choice that feels right to you.

* CQC inspected in January 2021 and reviewed in July 2023

Care Provided by The Orchards

Primary Care Categories
Dementia
Older Person Care
Physical Disability
Respite Care

Care Types Provided
Dementia Residential Care
Residential Care
For a maximum of 66 Service Users
Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Dementia Care Types
What are the different dementia care types?
Mild Dementia
Moderate Dementia

Care Offered
Alzheimer's
Cancer Care
Colitis & Crohn's Disease
Epilepsy
Hearing Impairment
Parkinson's Disease
Speech Impairment
Stroke
Visual Impairment

Other Care Provided
Convalescent Care
End of Life Care
Palliative Care
Physiotherapy
Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

Group/Owner
Greensleeves Care

Person in charge
Elaine Cole (Registered Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services
Cambridgeshire County Council ( click for contact details)

Admission Criteria
- Ages 65+

Room Information
- Single Rooms (66)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (66)

Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 2019
- Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for The Orchards

Funding Types Accepted
Self funding (Private)
Local Authority with Top-Up
Local Authority
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding

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 detail and indicative fees.

Facilities

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

Order by:

Review from Jane B (Wife of Resident) published on 24 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My husband first visited The Orchards for two weeks of respite care some months before becoming a resident. We were delighted with the friendliness, care and compassion that both of us received. When his dementia and increased frailty became too much for me to manage at home, he entered The Orchards

as a permanent resident. I have nothing but praise for the staff who are so kind and nothing is too much trouble. They seem to enjoy working at The Orchards and appear to have very few changes. They always have time to speak to me if I wish to discuss a situation and make me feel we are managing my husband's illness together. The new building is spacious, warm and welcoming with communal lounges and quieter rooms for those who wish for privacy. My husband has settled in well and is relaxed and contented because of the loving care of the staff. I am completely satisfied with The Orchards.

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Review from Terry W (Friend of Resident) published on 24 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My wife's best friend move to The Orchards two years ago. She has two sons both of whom live with their families in the U.S.A. Covid has meant that they have not seen their mum for a long time. We visited regularly until the various lockdowns and have now been able to do so again.
The first thing to

say is that the frontline staff are amazing. They are relaxed and good-humoured and our friend sees them as her friends.
Secondly, The Orchards has taken great pains to set up protocols which keep the residents safe. These have been successful.
Thirdly, the care home itself is very like a top hotel. The facilities are excellent and the garden room, cinema, library and dining rooms are excellent.
Fourthly, the emergency procedures and medical care are faultless. Our friend has, unfortunately, had to have short hospital stays whilst in The Orchards. Things have been handled very efficiently with no fuss.
A care home is only as good as its staff. Excellent.

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Review from Elizabeth B (Friend of Resident) published on 23 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

An elderly friend of mine was living at home with carers going in and out 4 times a day, had not been out of bed since Christmas and was been given drinks out of cups with lids etc. After 10 days in Ely I went to see her yesterday and found her up in a wheelchair, dressed and spotlessly clean drinking

coffee from a cup and saucer. It was wonderful to see that some of her dignity is being given back to her and to notice that everyone knew her name, all about her and was treating her with kindness and empathy.

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Review from Anne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

When my mum first went into the Orchards I was singing your praises as my initial impressions were highly favourable.
However, I feel that a lot of promises were made as to the facilities on offer that have not been lived up to. Furthermore, there have been and still are a lot of issues with the home

that cause me concern. I am hopeful that these issues will be resolved with the new management.
As far as actual care goes the carers themselves are lovely and treat mum with the utmost respect and kindness. I am truly grateful to them.

Reply from Kirsty Price, General Manager at The Orchards

Dear Anne, thank you for your feedback. We greatly appreciate your comments and we will take on board what you have suggested. I am glad you are happy with the suggested outcomes which we covered during our chat and look forward to making the home even better for our residents.

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Review from Janis B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Every time I visit my father, he tells me how happy he is to be in such a lovely, friendly place. All the carers are kind and cheerful and he values their upbeat conversation. He chooses to spend much of his time in his room which has a door directly into the garden. The room and en-suite are always

beautifully clean. He is invited to all the social events and activities but has not been well enough to go to many. The maintenance team recently helped me to install a Hearing Loop that improves the TV sound through his hearing aids. I visit frequently and always feel welcome.

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Review from Mark B (Son of Resident) published on 9 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Mum took time to settle in due to her dementia, but the staff were very patient and caring from day one. She has been there eighteen months now and I couldn't be happier with the standard of care etc that she is getting.

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Review from Val B (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My parents both went into the Orchards in March 2021. My dad was suffering from terminal cancer and my mum from dementia. Unfortunately, my dad's condition deteriorated quickly but he couldn't have been better cared for in this difficult time. He died just over 6 weeks after he arrived. The staff were

great, in the final few days they held his hand day and night when we were unable to be at his bedside. Following his death they have been taking good care of my Mum, urging her to join in any activities. They supported Mum on the day of the funeral, doing her hair and makeup so she could look her best for the day. I am very pleased that we chose the Orchards and would certainly recommend them.

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Review from Elizabeth I (Wife of Resident) published on 15 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My husband went to live at The Orchards on February 1st having previously spent a month there while I was ill during the autumn. He was welcomed back like an old friend, and there was even a box of chocolates and flowers in his room!
The whole admittance procedure was masterminded by the family liaison

manager, who is wonderful at her job and couldn't have been more sensitive and helpful in what was a difficult transition for us both.
Since he has been at The Orchards, my husband has been cared for with great kindness, and attention to all his needs; he has settled in well to his new way of life. I feel that he has rapidly become a member of a large loving family.
The Orchards is a lovely place for him to be, and I have been met with nothing but kindness on all occasions.

Reply from Donna Mills, Interim Home Manager at The Orchards

Dear Elizabeth, thank you very much for your lovely review and kind words. We will share your nice comments with our staff.

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Review from Peter N (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 25 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Last August I had to find a care home for my mother-in-law, and after a lot of searching found, The Orchards. The home is very new and has the highest standard and facilities. The standard of cleanliness is exceptional. The in-house chef prepares a wide range of freshly prepared food to meet the resident's

needs. During the last months as I have got to know the staff, they have impressed me. They treat the residents with respect and care. (As a person, not just a number). When I was able to visit my mother-in-law, she was always smartly dressed and looked well cared for. They keep the relatives fully informed of the weekly activities by way of an email and a newsletter keeping you up to date with what is happening in the home. During the lockdown, I have been able to phone and enquire how she is, and nothing has been too much trouble. If they were not available, they will always call back. The manager has an open-door policy and will always speak to you. To sum it up, well done, The Orchard!

Reply from Donna Mills, Home Manager at The Orchards

Dear Peter, thank you very much for your lovely review and kind words. We will share your nice comments with our staff.

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Review from B F (Son of Resident) published on 6 November 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Although my father was only resident here for a little over a week - unfortunately, he became poorly and passed away - he truly had a wonderful few days in The Orchards. He settled in immediately, the staff were wonderful, Dad said (after a day), I should have moved here weeks ago!

Reply from Donna McCormick, Home Manager at The Orchards

Thank you for your lovely review. We will share your kind comments with our staff at The Orchards.

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Review from Lorna B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Orchards Ely is a lovely home, staff are all so welcoming and caring towards the residents and visitors. The care my Grandad receives is amazing they couldn’t have cared for him better. They have many areas in the home that you can go sit in a tea room, cinema room, hairdressers, bar room, a garden

room and lovely outside areas to sit in. Great activities are offered too. The home is kept really clean and tidy. Thank you for all you do. I highly recommend to anyone that is looking for a care home.

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Review from G B (Wife of Resident) published on 6 April 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I find all the staff very kind and helpful in every way. The food is always good and the rooms are kept nice and clean.

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Performance

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.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (10)

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Meet the Team (13)

Alyce

Job Title: Senior

Joined: 2019

I enjoy being a carer as I love learning about my residents’ lives and taking care of those that have made the world what it is today. When I’m not working I love to curl up at home with a cup of tea and a good book!

Rebecca Lambert

Job Title: Healthcare assistant

Joined: 2021

Looking after my Nan got me to start working as a carer.
I enjoy going home every day knowing that I have done something positive for the residents I look after.