Crouched Friars

103-107 Crouch Street, Colchester CO3 3HA
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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.

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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 21-40
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
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Date Published

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Review from Mary M (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident at Crouched Friars since January 2023. The staff are very kind and caring in a friendly yet professional way. All areas are lovely and clean and bright and kept to a very high standard. Mum settled in very quickly because she was made to feel at home straight away and there is
a lovely rapport between staff and residents who share a joke with Mum and keep her spirits up. The afternoon activities she enjoys especially if music is involved but she likes the exercise and quiz afternoons too. A lovely home for Mum to be happy and safe and cared for.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks for your lovely review of the home, it's appreciated by all at Crouched Friars.


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Review from L R (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the home, my dad has been at this home since August 2021 and he seems settled and very well looked after. The staff are very helpful and answer questions to the best of their knowledge and their interaction with residents, colleagues and visitors are lovely and appropriate. I cannot
recommend it more highly, the home is comfortable, clean and very homely!

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your wonderful review of our home. It is appreciated by all from Crouched Friars.


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Review from T M (Friend of Resident) published on 31 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have visited my friend in Crouched Friars on a regular basis over the last 2 years and he always looks happy, well cared for and just loves living there. The staff are always welcoming and friendly and always engage my friend in our conversations and activities. The care home manager is simply outstanding.
She always goes above and beyond the call of duty and her colleagues follow her exceptional standards. It is so lovely to see how my friend has flourished since being welcomed into the home, despite his deteriorating dementia and general health.
I feel very lucky that he is surrounded by so much love and support. Thank you to the whole team.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your good review of our home. The team at Crouched Friars will appreciate all the kind words you have said about the care we give at the home.


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Review from Steven M (Son of Resident) published on 31 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum has been in Crouched Friars Care Home for just under a year after leaving hospital, originally for assessment. She struggled at first, as did I to be honest, but has made great strides over the last few months. She has made new friends and is happy and healthy. The staff are very good. Now lockdown
has finished she is now going out on organised trips. Knowing she is safe and cared for has been great for my mental health too.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for you kind review of Crouched Friars, all at the home will be very happy with the positive feedback.


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Review from H M (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The ethos of the home is that it is a family and that is evident every time we visit. It truly is Dad's home now and he is safe, happy and very well looked after. The effort and planning to make us feel welcome is phenomenal. We have had a number of milestone events whilst Dad has been at Crouched Friars
Care Home, big birthdays, anniversaries and visiting overseas relatives and on each occasion, all the stops were pulled out to make sure we had a fantastic celebration. The garden room has been decorated for us a few times, extra effort with catering from the kitchen and staff joining in our celebrations. We really couldn't ask for more! There really are not enough words to say how thankful we are to management and all the staff at Crouched Friars for their continuing love and care for Dad.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Your kind review of Crouched Friars is appreciated by all and testimony to all at the home. Many Thanks for the excellent feedback.


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Review from Jacqui B (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Seeing Mum happy and relaxed when I visit puts my mind at ease. Mum has resided at Crouched Friars Care Home since August 2021. She enjoys all the activities and I'm so happy to have had a call today that she is going out on a trip this week to a garden centre.
I am always impressed with the cleanliness
and tidiness of her room and communal areas. Carers are always welcoming and show kindness and care for everyone in the room.
I have found the management and office staff always friendly, very helpful and super efficient.
Mum's room is bright and well-decorated and the walled garden is very pretty and inviting.
Happy Mum, happy me.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks for such a brilliant review of the home which is full credit to the team at the home and all the hard work they do. All connected to Crouched Friars will appreciate the kind words you have given about the care your mum receives.


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Review from Jim B (Son of Resident) published on 8 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved into the home earlier in the year and has settled in very quickly - the staff are taking good care of her and are happy to help get her the things she wants (a lot of fruit which they are happy to prepare for her every day, not going for the pre-prepared or tinned types). I have seen her
improve during her stay, she seems happy, has made friends and has put on a bit of weight (she was very thin).
The staff also encourage her to be more mobile and active and she has gained some more independence - she definitely seems to be more of her "old self" and has regained more of her mischief and humour, which has to be a good thing! She has a lot more to talk about and her quality of life seems much better than trying to continue to live alone when she really needs the care and support Crouched Friars Care Home are providing.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your kind words about our home. It will be appreciated by all at Crouched Friars.


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Review from Derek B (Son of Resident) published on 28 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Mum was discharged from the hospital and moved into room 219 on the first floor of Crouched Friars. The room was labeled as 'waiting decoration' and all the areas of the home I saw needed decoration or a good clean! The bedroom was too small to accommodate her bed frame I'd brought in from home and
when I went into the en-suite toilet to fit Mum's raised toilet seat I was quickly told not to waste my time, the room is too small to get two people in! Mum would have to use a commode (which had no toilet paper left beside it). I spoke to the Manager as soon as I could to say the room wasn't safe for Mum and the following day she fell and badly hurt her head on a large wooden radiator cover whilst trying to get to the proper toilet. Once in the hospital again I refused to let them return her to Crouched Friars.
I seldom saw carers on the first floor, took flasks of tea in as Mum was thirsty every day, and when Mum buzzed for toilet assistance the carer asked her to wait until after resident's teas had been served! Mum has mixed dementia.

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Review from Bridget C (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was made really welcome and she was able to bring her own bed and chair. This made the move much less difficult for her. She had been anorexic and very depressed. The staff were very understanding and have really made a massive difference to her wellbeing. They are kind and helpful, they are
like good parents in that they really know what is best for Mum and work tactfully to get her to do what's best. Her confidence was zero when she arrived but now she has regained her old spark and is much more how she was before becoming housebound.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks, Bridget, for taking the time to do such a positive review. We appreciate your kind words on the care we provide.


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Review from Rod B (Brother of Resident) published on 18 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother stayed at Crouched Friars for a few months over Christmas 2020, it was a step from hospital to home.
From his point of view, he felt safe, well cared for, was treated with respect and comfortable in his room.
His stay was during the Coronavirus lockdown, and I was able to speak to him
with a perspex screen separating us. I was temperature checked, completed a questionnaire, wore a mask, and we both felt safe.
My contact with staff/management, in person or via the phone, was very good, always helpful and considerate.
All in all, we are happy to recommend Crouched Friars.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Rod, many thanks for your kind review. It will be appreciated by all at Crouched Friars.


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Review from Peter M (Son of Resident) published on 15 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has two kinds of dementia and had come to Crouched Friars after a two-week hospital stay which had left him in a very distressed state. They settled him in really well, and he is now the happiest I have seen him for a very long time. He is stimulated and has meaningful interactions now. The
home has given me excellent advice and demonstrated good communication as to what they and my father needs. I hope my father is able to spend the rest of his life here, as I feel comfortable he is under good care.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks for your kind review, we are all very happy that your father is doing well at Crouched Friars and you're happy with the care he is receiving.


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Review from Alan C (Son of Resident) published on 13 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has been at Crouched Friars for 9 years and I have always found the staff kindly, caring and welcoming. Over the past couple of years, the home has made huge strides in ramping-up staff training, improving standards in all aspects of care and the environment. This year I have particularly been impressed
by the standard and frequency of communication received personally in regards to Mum's care and well being.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your kind feedback, this is welcomed by all at Crouched Friars.


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Review from Sylvie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Things are wonderful at this home - they take care of your loved ones, and keep you informed with how they doing. It is good for me as I live a long way from here, so updates are important to me. The staff work together taking care of the residents for their needs with respect and dignity.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many Thanks from all at Crouched Friars for your kind words, it will be appreciated by all.


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Review from Lynn W (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum is 84 and has dementia - she was adamant she wasn't going into residential care, but so far she appears to be thriving at Crouched Friars. We, as a family are very pleased indeed. She has a lovely cosy room with all her nik-naks and pictures on the wall plus her own bathroom. She has her hair
done regularly, and eats extremely well, which she hadn't done for a long time before moving in. So far so good.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your kind words, it will be appreciated by all at the home.


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Review from Sara P (Wife of Resident) published on 24 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been a resident for over 2 years and has been happy and well cared for. Even when there were some problems with management the care he received from the staff never waivered. Fortunately since the new manager started and with the help of a new management team so much has improved but
the staff have always remained caring and are so welcoming to relatives and friends of the residents. I can not thank them enough for their kindness and compassion well done to all the team you are all amazing.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks for your kind review. We are very happy you have seen the improvements we have made, and this will be appreciated by all.


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Review from P C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 10 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Friendly, obliging staff who always keep us informed of events and behaviours of our relative in a reassuring way. Approachable managers who always have time to answer any query. I am very happy with the standard of care my relative receives.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many Thanks for you kind review on the care we provide at the home. It will be appreciated by all involved with Crouched Friars.


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Review from Colin F (Son of Resident) published on 20 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The new management team have turned round a place where the residents were looked after into a place where they are treated as people. All the staff now have time to talk and interact with residents as well as visitors (including a cup of tea on arrival whenever that is alas not at the moment), which
is needed especially now during the lockdown. The home has undergone improvements with new and refreshed equipment, the garden is now a great place to visit with flowers and seating.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your kind review. We are very happy you have seen the improvements in the home and all connected with the home appreciate your positive feedback.


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Review from Rod S (Son of Resident) published on 12 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Crouched Friars team arranged a lovely surprise for my mum on her 93rd Birthday. They made a lovely cake and arranged a video call with me her son, daughter-in-law, and her two grandchildren all based at separate locations. This was a real treat because we haven’t been able to visit her because
of the lockdown. My mum loves it at the Crouched Friars. She is always talking about the kind and friendly team and is very happy there. High points for her are also the home-cooked food with breakfasts, fish on Friday, and Sunday lunches. My mum has always had excellent care there but the Crouched Friars care home has come along way in the last 18 months and deserves recognition for its really significant work. Well done and thank you for looking after my mum.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your review of our home. The staff all appreciate your kind words.


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Review from Sara R (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been extremely happy with the care my Dad received here. The management team, all staff old and new have worked really hard over the last year in improving the communication with relatives and enhanced the warm and homely feel Crouched Friars provides, always going above and beyond in the care
being given which my family and I found invaluable. Well done team keep up the good work.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks for your lovely review of our home. All connected with the home very much appreciate your generous words.


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Review from Lucy C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The home has gradually been improving in all aspects and appears to be run much better than it was a year ago. The staff are always friendly and pleasant. My mother always looks clean and well cared for and seems happy to be living there.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Many thanks for your feedback, it is appreciated by all involved at the home.


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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.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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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.