Crouched Friars

103-107 Crouch Street, Colchester CO3 3HA
Submit a Review
9.8 48 Reviews
  • Crouched Friars, Colchester
Ideally located in the heart of Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, Crouched Friars is just a one minute stroll from the town centre shops and amenities.

The sympathetically restored part Grade II listed home supports a small community of residents and their priority is in delivering care that maintains the dignity and individuality of each person, providing both physical and mental stimulation for those with residential care needs. Crouched Friars is a Residential care home that benefits from a team of experienced care staff who provide around the clock care for residents. Led by manager Paulina Eagle, the team work to ensure that every resident receives a high standard of care and support.

Surrounding the home are beautiful landscaped gardens that provide ample hard walking surfaces and seating, along with plenty of attractive flora and fauna. All rooms are spacious and offer TV points along with a wardrobe, chest of drawers and seating. Many rooms also benefit from en-suite facilities and a telephone.

Residents are encouraged to bring their favourite furnishings to their room to make their room as homely as possible. The home also has suitable wheelchair access and a lift to all floors is available. In addition to this, all of the home’s living spaces have been designed specifically to create a welcoming, friendly space that retains a sense of homeliness.

Residents can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in one of the dining rooms, or in the privacy of their own room. All meals are prepared fresh on the day by the home’s in-house chef who always makes use of the season’s best market produce.

Each day, the menu will offer a range of good quality food based on traditional recipes. The varied options also ensure that residents can enjoy a nutritionally balanced diet that is catered for any dietary requirements.

Show Crouched Friars on the Map

Care Provided by Crouched Friars

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 56 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism/ASD
  • Other Care Provided
  • Day Care
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • S A & J O Care Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Paulina Eagle (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (56)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (50)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2022

Funding & Fees Guide for Crouched Friars

  • 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 £995 – £1,350
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £995 – £1,350
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £995 – £1,350
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £995 – £1,350
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Crouched Friars to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Due to Covid restrictions, please contact the home prior to any family visits.


Crouched Friars Reviews (48)

Total of 48, showing 1-20
9.8

Crouched Friars has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.760) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Crouched Friars has 48 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 30
  • 16
  • 1
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

48
6
8
21
27

Review from G E (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was welcomed into Crouched Friars after a very long year of hospital admissions and declining health. The management and staff were amazing the minute we stepped into the home. Within weeks, mum felt settled and comfortable. Its lovely to see her gaining strength and getting back to her normal
self with the full support of staff. We are encouraged to decorate her room with personal touches, attend resident meetings and are always welcomed with a smile.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you so much for taking the time to review Crouched Friars. We really do appreciate your feedback. I am delighted that you feel that our wonderful team provide fabulous care to your mother. We are delighted that you felt reassured that your mum is safe and well looked after.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Andrew G (Son of Resident) published on 15 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Most important thing at Crouched Friars is, they are real people who look after residents as people not as patients. Ok, it's not a resort hotel but the care they give to residents is the most important thing. Managers work hard to provide a comfortable pleasant home. All the staff are cheerful and
helpful.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your wonderful review. I am incredibly proud of our team, so it is great to get such lovely feedback. I will be sure to share your kind words with everybody.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jane L (Wife of Resident) published on 15 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has lived in Crouched Friars for nearly 3 years, in the care of the manager and her dedicated team. I cannot speak too highly of all the staff, from managers, admin, carers, cooks, cleaners and handyman. All are kind, caring and committed. The support they give to all residents is underpinned
by their obvious commitment to the individual needs and concerns of all the residents. I also appreciate their open, friendly approach to visitors. No set visiting times, we are always made welcome. Rooms are always fresh and clean, and the food is extremely good. Freshly prepared with a good range of fruit and veg. I feel privileged to be part of the Crouched Friars community, which has offered me love, support and sanctuary through the ongoing process of my husband's dementia.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review of your experience at Crouched Friars. I am delighted that you felt the standard of care was excellent. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team. We appreciate your recommendation.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C A (Son of Resident) published on 11 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After trying to keep mum at her home, with live in carers, we had to take the necessary decision to place mum into care. We viewed 4 different care home facilities and after very careful selection, myself and my sister decided upon the Crouched Friars.
Can we both say what an absolutely outstanding
home the Crouched Friars is! 5 STARS!
A special thanks to the manager and deputy manager who do an absolutely fantastic job looking out for our mum.
Mum has very complex care needs and in the last month she has come on in leaps and bounds and totally settled within the Crouched Friars.
A massive thank you to all the care staff who are all absolutely fantastic. All with sense of humours which you definitely need, they all deserve medals.
The food is wholesome and nutritious and mum has tried new foods that she has never eaten before. Mum has gained weight and is looking so very well. May we also mention that the home is excellent value for money for a care home facility. THANK YOU

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your wonderful review. I am incredibly proud of our team, so it is great to see them all included in such lovely feedback. I will be sure to share your kind words with everybody.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Philip W (Nephew of Resident) published on 11 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle has been resident at Crouched Friars for more than two years now. In that time, he has been extremely happy. The environment and the care he receives makes this truly his home. All the staff go out of their way to be truly caring and the home is very clean and always smells fresh. From being
a fussy eater in the past, the excellent food has ensured that he looks forward to mealtimes!
The way the home is run is a tribute to the excellent manager and deputy manager.
I have no hesitation in recommending this home to anyone wishing to find an excellent caring home for a relative.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review of your experience at Crouched Friars. I am delighted that you felt the standard of care was excellent for your uncle. I am very lucky to have such a dedicated team. We appreciate your recommendation.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from L G (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An amazing care home with great staff. They are caring, understanding and have the time and patience to care for each resident. The food is wholesome and nutritious with dietary requirements catered for.
The activities are constantly changing and residents needs are always accommodated.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many Thanks for you wonderful and kind review of Crouched Friars. This is appreciated by all at the home.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Steven C (Son of Resident) published on 8 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad did not want a care home and was not in a good way at home. But he chose to go in. Since being in, he has changed so much. The carers make him happy and treat him as a person. He is much happier now he is there.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your wonderful review of the home. All connected with the home will be so happy to hear about the positive words you have to say about Crouched Friars Residential Home.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A B (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are kind and considerate of residents and visiting relatives at all times.
Residents are treated as family at all times.
Food is of a high standard with a good variety of dietary needs.
The home is always kept clean.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks for your wonderful review of Crouched Friars. It's appreciated by all at the home.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Brenda J (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 1 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am writing to all the kind staff at Crouched Friars Carehome. I would like to say a big thank you to you for looking after my dear brother-in-law, who was taken into care over a year ago. Everyone made him feel so at home, especially when the dementia was deteriorating. The staff couldn't do enough
for my brother-in-law, and we, as a family, thought he appreciated it. Whenever my sister came to visit her husband, she was given a warm welcome by all, and it brought comfort to her to know her husband was in safe hands. Thank you once again.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you, Brenda, for your kind words and wonderful review of the home. So nice to hear such positive words about the care we give your brother-in-law.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Joan P (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 22 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When my sister was no longer able to care for my brother-in-law who had dementia, we found Crouched Friars, who took over the caring. My brother-in-law fitted in straight away, he was happy there, which made us feel we did the right thing, on every visit they made a fuss of my brother-in-law and his
lovely lady. A month ago my brother-in-law was taken to hospital, unfortunately it was serious, he was welcomed back to his second home, the care he received in his last days was amazing. It would be unfair to mention any names, the whole team deserve our thanks from his loving family.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your amazing review of Crouched Friars. Your kind words will mean a lot to all who cared for your brother-in-law.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Richard P (Son of Resident) published on 22 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum, who suffers from Vascular Dementia, has now been in Crouched Friars for 3 months. All the staff are kind, considerate and patient with a sense of humour. As a family, we couldn't ask any more of Crouched Friars and are happy we have found such a good place for Mum to spend the rest of her days.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you, Richard, for your kind words on the care your mother receives. All at the home appreciate the positive review.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Fiona B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The atmosphere is great at Crouched Friars, and I am aware that the residents take part in activities. The staff are friendly and interact with family and staff.
The home is always clean and tidy and does not have the usual care home off-putting smell.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many Thanks for your wonderful review; it's appreciated by all at Crouched Friars.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Patricia L (Wife of Resident) published on 19 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I recommend the home to everyone I speak to.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks for your wonderful review of Crouched Friars, it is appreciated by all.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jonathan A (Son of Resident) published on 23 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so pleased we found Crouched Friars.
Mum has dementia and the staff there go out of their way to make sure she is looked after, safe and importantly happy.
Well done to the manager and all of the staff for your incredible work.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

It's very much appreciated your kind words on Crouched Friars residential home and the positive feedback you gave on the manager and her team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Josephine S (Sister of Resident) published on 22 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister has dementia and is unable to live independently, she has been staying here since December 2020. I am very relieved she is in such caring hands I honestly can't find a single fault with how she has been treated and looked after, the staff (especially the staff on the dementia unit and the
manager) attend to all her needs as nothing is too much trouble for them, the staff are very friendly and always happy to assist with any care, outstanding in every way.
The entire home is clean, fresh and tidy, and my sister's room is beautiful, having been personalized with her items and pics, the entire home is well decorated and smells clean and fresh. The food served is excellent and delicious.
Management is amazing, and this is reflected in the care given and the patience and warmth every member of staff showed, this is what all care homes should be like a wonderful excellent environment.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your wonderfully positive review of the care home. It's a real credit to the team at Crouched Friars and all they do that we get such nice feedback.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Selina H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 20 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Care homes get a bad press however Crouched Friars is so much more than a care home it is quite simply a home from home. Even before my grandmother arrived the staff went above and beyond to help me prepare her room for her. The friendly very accomodating assistant manager allowed me to choose a different
room to the one allocated. The lovely man in maintenance was so patient hanging all of my nan's pictures on the wall. The lady from housekeeping couldn't have been more helpful. The professional yet down-to-earth manager is never too busy to take your call or reply to your email. Another wonderful member of staff is a credit to the care industry.
My nan was merely existing in her own home and concedes she wishes she'd have made the move to Crouched Friars years ago.
Despite the challenges of caring for our elderly loved ones, the staff seem genuinely happy and the fact there are several generations of the same family working at Crouched Friars speaks for itself.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your wonderful review of Crouched Friars Residential Home.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Patrick C (Son of Resident) published on 16 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very kind and helpful staff. Much effort is made to engage and entertain the residents. A very caring environment. Communication is great but maybe a more efficient system could be devised for relatives to phone residents.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thanks for your fantastic review of our care home. All connected with Crouched Friars will appreciate it.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Nick B (Son of Resident) published on 15 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I generally visit Crouched Friars each week to see my mum who is a resident at the home. There is always a warm welcome from staff and the atmosphere is always friendly amongst staff and residents.
My mum always tells me how caring everyone is in the home and she is always chatting with friends and
staff. It always feels like I am going into a family home - in fact, I think of Crouched Friars as an extended family. All the staff are lovely and very caring. I know that my mum is very happy and well looked after.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

We are very happy you gave such a nice review of Crouched Friars. It's greatly appreciated.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from David M (Son of Resident) published on 14 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father has been at the home since February 21 and has settled in very well. He has had a couple of falls, one that led him to break his hip and had to be operated on, the home was excellent in their response in getting him to the hospital and a carer stayed with him until I arrived and thankfully
he has now recovered from the operation. He has just celebrated his 100th birthday and the home has done him proud with a small party for family, I have no problems with the home and Dad knows he is being taken care of, and the staff are very caring and helpful.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your great review of Crouched Friars Residential Home.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Margaret B (Relative of Resident) published on 13 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Crouched Friars is an excellent care home. All the staff are so caring to my mother-in-law and welcoming to us too.
Crouched Friars is one big happy family and my mother-in-law is very happy there. We have a family wedding soon and the care home is going to support her there, nothing is too much trouble.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks for your wonderful review. We are glad you are happy with all Crouched Friars does.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.760)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.760) out of 10 for Crouched Friars is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.760 for Crouched Friars is calculated as follows: ( (190 Excellents x 5) + (60 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 250 Ratings = 4.76

  • 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 Crouched Friars is based on 21 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 56 registered maximum number of service users is 11.2, which has been reached with 21 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

Date: 8 Oct 2022

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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (3)

Paulina

Paulina Eagle

Job Title: Home Manager

As Home Manager, I am responsible for the day-to-day running of the home and ensuring we are consistently delivering a high-quality care service. I have worked in care for the last 10 years and am very passionate about Crouched Friars, it’s a lovely home and we provide high-quality care.


Linda

Linda Barry

Job Title: Deputy Manager

As a Deputy Manager, I am responsible for the safe delivery of care, ensuring the care team are able to be person-centred and following unique care plans for each and every resident. I mentor and support all members of the senior care team to provide inspiration and confidence.


Sheila

Sheila Conway

Job Title: Administrator

I’m a highly organised and friendly person, and have experience working as an administrator and accountant in previous roles. I have many responsibilities including being the first point of contact for the home, payroll and resident and personnel management. I take a keen interest in the well-being and welfare of our residents and staff.


Frequently Asked Questions about Crouched Friars

What types of Care is Crouched Friars registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Crouched Friars provide?

Day Care & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Crouched Friars have?

There are 56 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Crouched Friars?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Crouched Friars to the centre of Colchester?

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