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103-107 Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3HA
View Full Details of Crouched FriarsLatest Reviews for Crouched Friars
15 October 2025
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.
19 September 2025
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.
19 September 2025
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.
22 August 2025
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.
20 January 2025
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.
15 October 2024
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.
15 October 2024
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.
11 October 2024
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
11 October 2024
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.
30 September 2024
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.
08 July 2024
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.
19 April 2024
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.
01 March 2024
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.
22 February 2024
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.
22 February 2024
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.
22 February 2024
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.
19 October 2023
I recommend the home to everyone I speak to.
23 June 2023
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.
22 June 2023
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.
20 June 2023
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.
Latest Reviews for Crouched Friars
15 October 2025
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.
19 September 2025
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.
19 September 2025
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.
22 August 2025
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.
20 January 2025
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.
15 October 2024
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.
15 October 2024
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.
11 October 2024
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
11 October 2024
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.
30 September 2024
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.
08 July 2024
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.
19 April 2024
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.
01 March 2024
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.
22 February 2024
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.
22 February 2024
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.
22 February 2024
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.
19 October 2023
I recommend the home to everyone I speak to.
23 June 2023
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.
22 June 2023
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.
20 June 2023
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.