Christies Care Ltd

Rose House, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham IP17 1AL
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9.8 200 Reviews
  • Christies Care Ltd, Saxmundham
Christies Care has over 30 years of experience providing high quality domiciliary care services to help people live well in their own homes.

Twice rated 'Outstanding' by CQC (July 2019, December 2016), they give you the carers you need to help you be as independent as possible, for as long as possible.

Christies Care is a family run local organisation, who provide outstanding, personalised visiting homecare throughout Suffolk and North Essex, 24 hour live-in care across England and Jersey.

Every one of Christies Care's carers undertake a Princess Royal award-winning training programme, so they can provide the best person-centred care possible.

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Care Provided

Types of Home Care

  • Visiting Care
  • Live-in Care
  • 24 Hour Care

Contract Durations

  • Ongoing / Long Term
  • Respite / Short Term

Age Ranges

  • Older Person Care (65+)
  • Younger Adult Care (18-65)

Personal Care Services

  • Washing & Dressing
  • Medication Assistance (Oral)
  • Companionship

Household Services

  • Cleaning Service
  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • Laundry Service
  • Shopping Service / Errands

Other Care Provided

  • Dementia
  • Cancer Care
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Learning Disability / Autism
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Alcohol / Drug Misuse
  • Hospital Discharge

Funding & Fees

  • Hourly Visiting Care Fees: from £35
  • Weekly Live-in Care Fees: £1600 – £2000

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Christies Care Ltd to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Private Funding (Self-funded)
  • Direct Payments (from Local Authority/NHS)
  • Local Authority (Contracted Provider)
  • NHS (Contracted Provider)
Explain these funding types

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Charlotte Driver-Young (Operations Director)

Christies Care Ltd Reviews (200)

Total of 200, showing 61-80
9.8

Christies Care Ltd has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.750) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Christies Care Ltd has 200 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 160
  • 34
  • 4
  • 1
  • 1

Date Published

200
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169

Review from J R (Son of Client) published on 15 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The service Christies Care have provided has been first-class in every respect. The last two years can’t have been the easiest environment in which to operate; nonetheless, Christies have provided our dear, demented, mother (93) with a succession of excellent live-in carers. Where there have been issues
- and there have been few - the company has resolved them quickly and without fuss. Critically, they have put in place a team that is well suited to our mother’s needs, which is very reassuring for our father (91) and my brothers and me.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

I am so very glad that we have done the right thing, that our carers have been the right sort of people to do what we believe in, which is to make life better.
Thank you very much indeed for writing this review.

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Review from I R (Relative of Client) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All carers have been excellent. Only complaint is that carers change after a few weeks - not good for a dementia sufferer whose short term memory is gone. Otherwise, I can't fault the care given. We couldn't manage without it. My husband's aunt is 96, seems a lot healthier than before she had care.
The carers look after her well and go beyond the call of duty to make arrangements, such as appointments, that we would have had to deal with before. They also prepare meals, administer medication, do the shopping and washing and keep the house clean as well as providing company and mental stimulation. Many thanks to them.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

I am really glad that this works well and that the carers go beyond the call of duty. It is unfortunate that the carers change after a few weeks but we find that it is essential that the carers have a good rest. A well-rested carer is miles more effective than one who is exhausted. Thank you very much indeed for this review.

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Review from Simon H (Brother of Client) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good communications (by phone) with the care setting up team. Details followed up and confirmed by emails. All very efficient. Care provided is reliable and to a high standard. Easy to contact the main office and speak to a member of staff.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

I am really happy to read this review - we spend a huge amount of time and effort to set up a team well and to make sure that the background work is efficient and effective.
The most important though is that the care is of a high standard, I'm very glad that it has been.

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Review from Mark F (Son of Client) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carers have all been fantastic with my parents and have coped with changes of plan at short notice because of people testing positive for Covid. Living three-hours drive away, I have not been worried about their care in the two years since we took on our first Christies Care carer. Superb!

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you for this. Covid has been a nuisance, especially when carers test positive. But we have (thanks to our fantastic carers who have been amazingly adaptable) managed to cope and always make sure that our clients have the care they need.
I am particularly pleased to read that you have not been worried since our carers came. That is one of the things our carers do - they stop our clients' relations from worrying.

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Review from M A (Sister of Client) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother has had Christies Care carers for sixteen years after his aneurism in Spain. After a year in neuro-rehab in the UK, he moved into a flat with Christies carers providing support. He has made great progress over the years with the help of his carers, despite his short term memory problems.
They have been proactive in improving his brain function with outings, crosswords etc. They get on very well with the family and show initiative in overcoming any problems. They are reliable in taking him for medical appointments and reporting back any results. They are very professional and well trained and I would recommend them to others in need of home care.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

This review is fantastic, thank you. In particular, I am so glad that the carers have actually managed to make your brother's life better and improve things. They are certainly there to do that. Our carers are not just there to keep someone safe and well, they are there to help their clients have a more full and active life than they would have had otherwise.

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Review from M H (Relative of Client) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very caring, honest and reliable carers. Happy to help with lots of things. I was anxious to have an unknown person in our house but it has worked seamlessly.
I am so grateful to have found a very genuine agency!

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

I am so glad that the care worked so well. I quite understand your anxiety about having an unknown person in your house (I would feel the same) but I am delighted that everything worked well despite this.

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Review from L F (Mother of Client) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Christies Care carers have always been professional, caring and knowledgeable. Over the last six years, they have got to know my daughter and her complex and variable needs.
They have enabled my daughter to feel safe and supported in these difficult times. They have always communicated with me when
necessary in an appropriate and professional manner.
Thank you.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you so very much for writing this review. I am glad that we have enabled your daughter to feel safe and supported for six years and I hope that we can carry on for more than another six!

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Review from Patricia M (Next of Kin) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I needed seven days, 24/7 live-in respite for the friend I've been looking after post hospitalisation. Christies Care was recommended (by one of the company's ex carers) when I was unable to find a residential place for him. Everything was arranged quickly, efficiently and with a great deal of compassion
and support for me as well as being closely listened to regarding the needs of the client. My friend was very worried about being left in the total care of a stranger living in his home but quickly settled during the 24-hour handover. The carer was well versed in Korsakoff syndrome and managed to engage my friend in stimulating activities and use distraction techniques. They provided meals exactly as requested and maintained good hydration. My friend was well and happy and the house was immaculate on my return. If ever the need for live-in care arises again I won't hesitate to use this service again. Highly recommend.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you so much for this review. I am particularly delighted that one of our ex-carers would recommend us, as we know that a recommendation from a carer (who knows exactly how things work) is worth a huge amount.
I am very happy that you had such a good experience.

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Review from R P (Mother of Client) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Christies Care carers are generally well trained, friendly people. They are experienced and empathetic and show great initiative. Christies are quick to resolve any issues that may arise if client and carer do not 'gel'.
We rarely have any issues and have been with Christies for seven years.
Recently
Christies have tried to change carers and hand over day or time at very short notice which has caused huge anxiety for my adult daughter and for me reorganising my work schedule. Due to my daughter's condition, she needs regular, consistent carers and good notice of any changes. Whilst we appreciate that crises can happen at short notice, respect should never be an issue.
That said I would recommend Christies as a good company with lovely carers.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you for this review.
I am sorry that we have had to change carers at shorter notice than we would all have liked; these past few months have been particularly tough for all our sector. However, I am confident that we are out of the woods now and that we are back to our normal outstanding level of service.

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Review from Lynne C (Wife of Client) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't praise highly enough my husband's live-in carer. My husband is palliative/end of life and has a range of complex health issues. From the outset, our carer listened carefully, not only to what is required in terms of 'hands-on' care but also to our wish to give my husband the best quality of
life for however long. Our carer has been highly professional, kind and respectful.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you so very much for writing this - it is great to read this kind of review and all the praise goes to our carers, who really are special.

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Review from Penny W (Mother of Client) published on 2 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We have had a carer for my son for seven months and cannot wait for him to return after his holiday. He has been with us for a few years. My son finds short-term carers very hard to get used to. As he goes out six days a week the carer has to become familiar with where he goes as it is different every
day. By the time a short-term carer has got used to everything they leave. I find Christies are not very good with short-term care. We have been using Christies for over sixteen years.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you very much for your review. I am very sorry that you find that our carers leave after they have got used to things. I will dig into this and find out the root cause and will find a solution. I know that we have had quite a lot of success with regular short-term or respite carers with many of our clients.
I am particularly happy that you have been with us for sixteen years. This shows that although we are not perfect, we have certainly done well enough to get that kind of loyalty!

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Review from S D (Next of Kin) published on 18 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When organising a live-in carer I was apprehensive about the service to be provided but I have found kind, caring, trained people who communicate well with me with regular updates. The encouragement given to my relative has assisted her in improving her quality of life. This in turn has given me peace
of mind as I know that there is someone living inside who is on hand to help.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you very much indeed for this review. I am so glad to hear that the team are doing the right thing which in turn means that your relative's quality of life is getting better.

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Review from Angie K (Wife of Client) published on 17 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

I was clearly told that you had dementia experienced carers available to me when I signed up with your agency. My husband has challenging, complex late Alzheimer's needs and I had to refuse the first inexperienced carer you provided, after which we were provided with a carer that has turned out to be
kind, competent and caring so no complaints there.
However when it came time to replace him I was once again presented with newly trained carers with no ‘hands on’ experience using the Covid excuse for lack of experienced carers. There is a world of difference between newly trained carers with no prior experience and experienced dementia carers, no matter how good you feel your training is.
I am disappointed with the level of service and the lack of dementia experienced carers that you can provide and expected more from a company with a good local reputation. After reading your reviews, I can see for some less seriously ill you are doing a reasonable job. Sadly this is not true for me.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

I am very sorry that we did not meet your expectations. While the carer we provided may not have had “hands-on” experience, to pass our 10-day programme (which includes specific Dementia training) they will have achieved the skills and competencies to be outstanding as well as having the right values and compassion to be a Christies carer.


It is something that seems intuitive; that an experienced carer will be better than a new carer who has just been trained, but our newly trained carers are just as good as our experienced carers.
How do I measure how good a carer is? I ask the client whether he or she would like that carer back.


For both newly-trained and experienced carers, the success rate is more than 90%. There is no statistical difference between them.

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Review from Eleanor F (Daughter of Client) published on 14 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I first engaged Christies Care to provide care for my dad in 2020 when my mum passed away. I had not had any experience in the care profession and really didn't know where to start. My dad had very complex needs, including type 1 diabetes, and it was important for me to find the right care agency that
could offer carers who could provide his insulin injections.
The staff at Christies were very helpful and arranged care very quickly, making what was a stressful time much easier. Right from the start, the carers were excellent; very professional and intelligent, which gave me confidence that my dad would be well cared for.
The booking coordinators on the Sapphire team managed to book carers that met my dad's needs perfectly and eventually we had a small group of carers that returned regularly. This continuity was really important and made things much easier for my dad to cope with. Sadly he has recently passed away but I will never forget the care that the Christies carers provided. Thank you!

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you very much for your kind words. I am so glad that the team did their job well and did what we expect; giving your father the right team of carers.

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Review from Michael S (Son of Client) published on 29 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Christies Care came recommended by a family friend, and I was most impressed by the care provided for my father.
He was treated with a great deal of compassion and kindness.
Highly recommended.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you very much for this review. I am so very glad that your father was treated with the compassion and kindness that everyone deserves.

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Review from Virginia H (Client) published on 23 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were very happy with our carer who was perfect for our circumstances. She was kind and diligent and we got on very well with her. We would be delighted to have her again should the need arise.
My only criticism of Christies Care was that I was not advised of the arrangements until quite near the
time of my leaving home to go for my operation, and would have liked to have known a bit earlier.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you very much for these kind words. I am sorry that we didn't tell you earlier about the arrangements, I will look into this and will try and make sure that this doesn't happen in the future.

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Review from Colin P (Friend of Client) published on 12 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A dear friend, who is suffering from cancer, was in hospital undergoing treatment and was desperate to get home but could not be discharged as she required 24-hour live-in care. The care team at the hospital were unable to provide the care immediately on discharge, we approached Christie's Care, who
pulled out all the stops at very short notice to ensure a carer was waiting at our friends home, to see her safely in on arrival from hospital.
The carer was thoroughly professional and familiar with all medication and ensured visits were carried out by the district nurse. She also tenderly attended to our friend's personal needs. She has also prepared and cooked all meals from scratch - all fresh and tasty produce and together with stimulating conversation has increased our friend's wellbeing and continuing interest in life. Nothing was too much trouble for the carer. She obtained mobility equipment and even did some light housework when time allowed.
Well done Christie's.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

It is lovely to hear this, I am so glad that we were able to help in what must have been such a tough time.

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Review from Valerie T (Sister of Client) published on 9 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Due to my brother's wife dying unexpectedly, Christies Care were so efficient in providing emergency care for my brother in very difficult and emotional circumstances. They continued to provide services up until we moved my brother to a care home.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you very much for this review. I am so glad that the carers were able to help in such a difficult time, at such short notice.

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Review from Karen Y (Daughter of Client) published on 5 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease and blindness when we contacted Christies Care Ltd about live-in care. The office provided a very swift response and arrangements were made very quickly. Both live in carers were attentive, caring and flexible, provided excellent care under difficult
circumstances. The communication between the carers, myself and local support services was also exemplary. I'm certain that Mum would not have been able to spend her last few weeks at home without such high-quality care. We will always be grateful to Christies and these carers.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you very much indeed for this review and I am very proud of the team and carers who did such a good job.

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Review from Sarah B (Daughter of Client) published on 12 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very good experience from booking the carer through to the time the carer spent with my mother. The carer was attentive, patient and kind. Altogether a very professional service. I would use this company again if further care was required.

Reply from Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, Managing Director at Christies Care Ltd

Thank you very much for this review. I am glad that our carer was (and is) attentive, patient and kind. Just the characteristics we recruit for.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.750)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.750) out of 10 for Christies Care Ltd 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 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Home Care Provider 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 4.750 for Christies Care Ltd is calculated as follows: ( (155 Excellents x 5) + (17 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (6 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 180 Ratings = 4.75

  • 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 available are broken down as follows: 3 points for the first Positive Review, 2 points in total for each of the next 9 Positive Reviews (1st = 3, 2nd = 0.5, 3rd = 0.5, 4th = 0.25, 5th = 0.25, 6th = 0.1, 7th = 0.1, 8th = 0.1, 9th = 0.1, 10th = 0.1)

    The 5 points relating to the number of Positive Reviews for Christies Care Ltd is based on 30 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as follows: 3 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 5

  • 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 Home Care Provider 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: 28 Dec 2019

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Outstanding

  • Responsive

    Outstanding

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Outstanding

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Awards / Recognitions (14)

Meet the Team (2)

Charlotte

Charlotte Driver-Young

Job Title: Operations Director

Joined: 2020

Charlotte’s background working within Operational Policing for Suffolk Constabulary and HR provides an invaluable foundation for her dual role as Operations Director and Registered Manager for Christies Care Ltd.


“I had heard so many good things about Christies and their reputation in the live-in care sector and I feel very privileged to be a part of this. Christies is a real family-run business, we have strong values which resonates throughout the company. Christies Care really does have that family feel which sets this company apart from so many others.


“We have just launched our Christies Care Commitment which I am so passionate about; it encapsulates who we are and what will do for our clients, carers and staff.


“My key focus for Christies is continual service improvement and change management. My passion is people: I love working with our staff to influence and lead them to ensure that we give the best service possible to our clients and carers. As Registered Manager, my mission is to ensure Christies Care provides the highest quality of care possible and to ensure we are outstanding at everything we do.”

Freddy

Freddy Gathorne-Hardy

Job Title: Managing Director

Joined: 2009

Freddy joined Christies Care in 2009, with a career history that included exploring the jungles of the world, studying for a PHD at the Natural History Museum and working as a management consultant in London, specialising in improving the performance of companies.


“I joined because I wanted to do something more fulfilling than management consultancy. I wanted to really help build something and see it grow. Our main value is: Do as you would be done by and is embedded throughout the company. If everyone behaves like this, and follows this value to make decisions, we will achieve our company Purpose: To make life better – for both our clients and carers.”

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