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Crouched Friars

103-107 Crouch Street, Colchester, Essex CO3 3HA
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Crouched Friars, Colchester
Crouched Friars, Colchester
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...  

Care Provided by Crouched Friars

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 56 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Day Care

Facilities

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

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,350From £1,350
Residential Dementia CareFrom £1,350From £1,350

Contact Crouched Friars to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self-Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Owner

  • S A & J O Care Ltd
  • Private Owned

Person in charge

  • Paulina Eagle (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2022

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (56)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (50)

Visiting

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

Crouched Friars Reviews (57)

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9.7

Crouched Friars has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.716) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Crouched Friars has 57 reviews.

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Showing 57 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Steve M (Son of Resident) published on 4 August 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Crouched Freirs has, in my opinion, gone from strength to strength. My mother has been a resident for over four years now and the home constantly strives to improve. The level of care she receives is very good. She is settled and feels safe. I feel all of her needs are taken care of. I don't get to see her as often as I'd like but know she is well looked after there.

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.

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Review from Simon E (Husband of Resident) published on 4 August 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Excellent barbecue last Saturday
Staff put on a great day
Thanks to all who made it a special day
Good raffle and hosting was great
Much care taken when residents needed to return back inside

Home is well run and staff work hard to ensure day to day care runs smoothly

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Review from Gina B (Mother of Resident) published on 4 August 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our mum is in Crouched Friars in colchester since march and has settled in well , staff are lovely , and the home puts on nice activities, just had a lovely fete & BBQ. Staff always approachable & helpful .

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Review from Lesley R (Niece of Resident) published on 28 July 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

During her stay at Crouched Friars my Aunt was exceptionally well care for by the kind and dedicated staff. she was very happy there and enjoyed taking part in the activities especially having her nails done which made her stay all the more enjoyable. The staff really truly wonderful and go 'above and beyond' to ensure each resident receives the best care possible.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughtful review of our home. It was truly an honour to care for your Aunt. We will be sure to share your kind words with our team, as they will mean a great deal to everybody. Please know that you are always welcome at Crouched Friars Residential Home.

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Review from D B (Son of Resident) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My father has been a resident at Crouched Friars for approximately 3 years. He suffers with dementia and has good and bad days. The care home manager, Paulina has been consistently excellent. She's professional, compassionate and has admirably high standards. This attitude has an impact on the staff and carers as they are also attentive, friendly, compassionate and professional. My siblings and I visit dad weekly and so see the staff and the residents regularly. It's always, clean, entry-exits are secure, and from time to time the residents are engaged in activities. They've put on special events, like Valentine's Day meals, Christmas meals (great food at Christmas, very festive!). As a family we sleep easy knowing dad is so well taken care of, and that any health events are communicated to us immediately. Dietary issues with dad were reviewed and recommendations implemented. I just wish all care homes had the standards, professional culture and transparency Crouched Friars has.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your wonderful review of Crouched Friars. 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.

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Review from Dawn C (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Staff who work here are lovely, they are very caring and patient with my mum and all the residents I've seen them interact with. Mum is well cared for and they keep you well informed if they have any medical incidents.

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 Residential Home. 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.

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Review from Kate B (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

All aspects of care, my mother has recieved on every level have been outstanding. She is content a d well looked after. All the staff are amazing and work very hard to maintain cleanliness and care for all the residents

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you so much for your kind words. We believe we have a fantastic team here at Crouched Friars, and your recognition of this is appreciated by every member of our team. By having a whole home approach here at Crouched Friars, we believe this creates a relaxed and friendly environment for our residents to call home.

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Review from Bridget C (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 October 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother is very needy, she is very frail, doesn't have dementia but is very anxious and very deaf, refuses to use hearing aid. The staff are really patient caring for her and not getting annoyed at being repeatedly asked to do the same things. They make sure her cup of tea is three quarters of a cup and more besides. They make sure she eats properly and she is always clean and well presented when I visit.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your wonderful review of Crouched Friars. 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.

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Review from Ann B (Wife of Resident) published on 19 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I chose Crouched Friars for my husband over other care homes I visited because as soon as I entered I felt a homely, friendly atmosphere. It hasn't got a posh hotel style entrance but you do get a warm welcome by whoever opens the front door. My husband had several respite stays before 5 weeks ago I had to make the difficult decision to place him into full time care. The home had advised long term care might be best for him having seen a decline in him. How correct they were, the stability of wonderful care is bringing my husband back to me, he is flourishing. He now is remembering me as his wife again, not his carer or his mum! Whenever I visit now he's clean and well presented, but above all he's much brighter and very happy. He has life back in his eyes and this is all thanks to the superb care he is receiving.

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.

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Review from K M (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Mum joined Crouched Friars in January 2025 after becoming unable to manage at home due to dementia and increasing frailty.
She was made very welcome by the friendly and compassionate staff and settled quickly. She is always well cared for and is happy when I visit. There are a variety of activities on offer if she chooses to join in. Mum enjoys a choice of nutritious meals and her diet is closely monitored.
All the staff make you feel very welcome when visiting and the home is always clean and fresh.
Communication with management is excellent and the relatives gateway gives up to date information about mum's care when I cannot visit.

Thank you to all the staff who work so hard to provide such a happy and caring environment.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a kind review. It is our honour to take care of your mum. You and your family are always welcome at Crouched Friars.

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Review from C M (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My mother was 'adopted' by Crouched Friars, following a stay in hospital where it was decided that, whilst she was medically fit for discharge, she could no longer live independently as before.
Having been living on her own for over 40 years, she quickly adapted to daily life in the lounge, amongst others with similar conditions.
She engaged in the varied activities and was nourished by the excellent food, regaining some of her strength pre admission.
We visited twice weekly and my mother was always dressed carefully and thoughtfully as she had been at home.
We were known by name, and always welcomed by staff. The fact that the staff remained the same said a great deal - staff used joined up thinking to look after residents with their many and varied needs.

Towards the end of my mother's life she needed further care and this was dealt with, without fuss, keeping us informed as appropriate.

Reply from Dave Rai, Owner at Crouched Friars

Thank you for your wondaful review of Crouched Friars about your mothers stay. It will be appreciated by all at the home.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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Review from C A (Son of Resident) published on 11 October 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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.

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Review from Philip W (Nephew of Resident) published on 11 October 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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.

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Review from L G (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 September 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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.

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

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.

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Review from A B (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 April 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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.

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

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.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 08 October 2022
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledGood
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.

News (1) & Events (0)

News
  • 01 Apr 2025

    Colchester-based care home, Crouched Friars, has established a men’s social club so male residents can get together for a beer and a chat. After learning about the rise of men’s...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Crouched Friars.

Awards / Recognitions (0)

There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Crouched Friars.

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Crouched Friars.

Meet the Team (3)

Paulina Eagle
Paulina EagleJob 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 Barry
Linda BarryJob 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 Conway
Sheila ConwayJob 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 are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

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.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Crouched Friars to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Crouched Friars has an Enhanced Service -more info.