Vera James House Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the picturesque Cathedral City of Ely, you'll find Vera James House, a specially designed care home dedicated to providing exceptional 24-hour…
DementiaResidentialRespiteNursing
Care homes in Ely
Ely is a historic market town in the East of England with a slightly above-average share of older residents and a good range of social and green spaces nearby. It offers straightforward access to everyday amenities and care homes, though families should weigh transport links and whether the town's character suits their needs.
Average residential fee in Ely: £1,295/week — in line with the UK average of £1,279
Living in Ely
Green SurroundingsWell Served
What do these badges mean?
- Green Surroundings — Excellent access to parks, playing fields and other green space nearby (OpenStreetMap).
- Well Served — Excellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
SafetyB
Good — safer than 45% of similar areas
Green SpacesA
Excellent — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Daily ConveniencesA
Excellent — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
The estimated average residential care fee in Ely is about £1,295/week, above the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
Council funding & top-up in Ely
The average residential care home in Ely costs about £1,295/week, while Cambridgeshire’s published usual rate is around £918/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £377/week (≈ £19,604/year) to bridge the gap.
Average fee in Ely
£1,295/wk
Cambridgeshire usual rate
£918/wk
Likely top-up gap
£377/wk
Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Cambridgeshire’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
Care homes in Ely on the map
- Good
Care homes (3)
updated September 2026
Fen House
CQC GoodResidential
Lily House
CQC GoodLily House is a 44-bed care home in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
What care costs in Ely
Residential (avg)
£1,295/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,295/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,295/week
Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.
Types of care in Ely
Residential care homes
2 in ElyResidential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.
Nursing homes
1 in ElyNursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.
Dementia care homes
1 in ElySpecialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.
Respite care
1 in ElyRespite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.
Safety
119 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.
- Violent crime33
- Anti-social behaviour22
- Shoplifting16
- Criminal damage & arson14
Is Ely a good retirement location?
Ely is a modest retirement area with a 19% over-65 population — slightly above the national average — suggesting an established community of older residents. It suits people who value historic character, accessible town-centre living and a quieter pace, but isn't a dedicated retirement destination. Care home provision exists, though choice may be more limited than in larger centres. Proximity to family and your own mobility needs will matter most here.
Health & support
- Medical access: GP surgeries and pharmacies are available in town; the nearest major hospital is within reasonable reach by car or arranged transport, though you should confirm exact distance and ambulance response times with your GP practice.
- Safety: Recorded crime in the most recent period was 119 offences, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour among the most common types. This is a consideration worth discussing with local providers and current residents.
- Family & connection: Think carefully about whether family members or support networks are close enough to visit regularly and help in a crisis.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Weekly care home fees in Ely are typically in line with or slightly below the national average, making it a reasonably affordable option compared with southern England and major cities.
- Transport: The town has bus links to nearby Cambridge and other centres; it is fairly walkable for daily needs, though a car or arranged transport helps access hospitals and further afield. Rail connectivity is limited.
- Housing options: Care home provision is available but not extensive; choice is narrower than in larger towns, so early enquiry and planning are wise.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Ely has 50 parks and 5 allotments, plus a cathedral and riverside walks that draw visitors. There are 42 restaurants and cafés and 15 pubs, supporting a modest social scene.
- Community: Social groups and community activities exist, though you should ask local care homes or the town council about memory cafés, lunch clubs and other support networks for older residents.
- Climate: The East of England experiences a fairly dry, cool climate; winters can be cold and damp, and summers mild.
Things to weigh up
- Crime levels: The recorded crime figure includes a notable share of violent crime and anti-social behaviour; speak to care home staff and local residents about how this is managed and what day-to-day life feels like.
- Limited care home choice: Ely's provision is modest, so availability and variety are smaller than in major retirement hubs; book visits and plan early.
- Transport for hospital visits: Reliance on car, taxi or arranged transport for hospital appointments is common; confirm you have a plan before moving.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Ely?
There are 3 care homes listed in and around Ely on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Ely cost?
Care homes in Ely range from around £1,295 per week, with averages of £1,295 for residential, £1,295 for dementia, £1,295 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Ely compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Ely is about £1,295 per week — broadly in line with the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Ely are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
3 of the 3 care homes in and around Ely are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Ely?
Homes in and around Ely offer residential (2), dementia (1), nursing (1), respite (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Ely offer dementia care?
1 care home in and around Ely offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Ely offer respite care?
Yes — 1 care home in and around Ely offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Ely area?
Ely is graded B for safety on AskBart — safer than 45% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Ely?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, East Cambridgeshire Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Ely?
A care home's weekly fee in Ely usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Ely may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Ely?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Ely?
Start by shortlisting homes in Ely by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Ely?
Care homes in Ely are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
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