Crouched Friars

103-107 Crouch Street, Colchester CO3 3HA
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9.8 51 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

  • 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

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £995 – £1350
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £995 – £1350
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £995 – £1350
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £995 – £1350

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Crouched Friars to find out the exact price for your requirements.

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

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 (51)

9.8

Crouched Friars has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.782) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Crouched Friars has 51 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Total of 51, showing 21-40
Review from Patrick C (Son of Resident) published on 16 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
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Review from Nick B (Son of Resident) published on 15 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
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Review from David M (Son of Resident) published on 14 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
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Review from Margaret B (Relative of Resident) published on 13 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
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Review from Mary M (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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 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 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 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 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…read more
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Review from Jim B (Son of Resident) published on 8 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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 Rod B (Brother of Resident) published on 18 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.782)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.782) out of 10 for Crouched Friars is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.782 for Crouched Friars is calculated as follows: ( (147 Excellents x 5) + (41 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 188 Ratings = 4.782
  2. 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 16 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 16 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

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.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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.

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.