Sonder Home Care

2nd Floor, St Georges House, 25 Bridge Street, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1AF
Review Us
9.9 91 Reviews
  • Sonder Home Care, Walton-on-Thames
Sonder Home Care provides a flexible care system to adults and older people with a wide range of needs, including companionship, personal care, help with household tasks and live in care.

A bespoke service is individually planned to suit each client, from a team of care professionals who prioritise compassion and empathy, including for adults with a diagnosis of dementia.
Show Sonder Home Care on the Map

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

  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • Shopping Service / Errands
  • Transportation Service

Other Care Provided

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

Funding & Fees

Cost is bespoke to the package you might need.
Please call the office for information on different packages available.
Hourly, overnight and live in.

Good to Know

Owner

  • Sonder Home Care

Person in charge

  • John Dooley (Registered Manager)

Sonder Home Care Reviews (91)

9.9

Sonder Home Care has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.909) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Sonder Home Care has 91 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 86
  • 5
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 91
  • 3
  • 8
  • 19
  • 72
Reviewer Connection to Sonder Home Care
  • 45
  • 16
  • 12
  • 6
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 91, showing 1-20
Review from Robin C (Son of Client) published on 19 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The service my father received from Sonder/ Home Instead was exceptional, not only in terms of the level of care but also in the manner it was delivered. Many of the staff went above and beyond was was expected of them. Always polite and patient, they treated my father with dignity and also provided
great emotional support to my mother at some very difficult times. They were some of the most considerate and caring people I have come across.
Reply from John Dooley, Operations Manager at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We will be sure to share your positive comments with our team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Louise J (Daughter of Client) published on 12 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We used Sonder Home Care while on holiday to support mum, who has dementia - and I couldn't be happier with the care provided. The whole team was fantastic - friendly, professional, and genuinely compassionate. The carers took the time not just to help mum with her needs, but also to sit and talk to
her during each visit - which made a real difference. It was such a comfort to know she was in good hands while I was away. Highly recommend!
Reply from John Dooley, Operations Manager at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We will be sure to share your positive comments with our team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Alison L (Daughter of Client) published on 9 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very pleased with the service my mother has received. The care taken initially to find out her needs and the right person to help us was amazing and very reassuring. The support via the app has been useful to see each week how the visit had gone. I could not recommend the team highly enough and
would not hesitate to call again in the future if we needed more help. A very professional team with the needs of the client at the heart of the care provided.
Reply from John Dooley, Operations Manager at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We will be sure to share your positive comments with our team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Philip H (Son of Client) published on 26 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I chose Sonder Home Care to provide care for my mother on the basis of a recommendation, and their Outstanding CQC rating. Initially, this was to provide care and support on Sunday mornings to help her go to church: this went very well, and I was very impressed by the kindness and resourcefulness of
the carer. From November 2024, when her health got worse, the amount of care my mother needed rapidly increased. All the carers who visited were very competent with the physical side of the work, and also pleasant, friendly and able to communicate with and reassure my mother, whose dementia by this stage was moderately severe. The office staff have been extremely helpful throughout, showing a great deal of tolerance and flexibility in dealing with what were often very last-minute changes and requests for additional care. I am very happy indeed with the care that Mum has received.
Reply from John Dooley, Operations Manager at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We will be sure to share your positive comments with our team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from D B (Husband of Client) published on 26 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We chose Sonder Homecare (which, at the time was part of Home Instead) to help me and other family members care for my wife because of their excellent reputation. We are extremely glad that we did so. The carers are all friendly, helpful and conscientious and come for their 4 visits a day at (or very
close to) the scheduled times despite the frequent traffic problems in the area. My wife took to the arrangement immediately and got to know some of the carers well while chatting with them. We wouldn't be able to manage without them.
Reply from John Dooley, Operations Manager at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We will be sure to share your positive comments with our team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Robert B (Son of Client) published on 14 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has received care from Sonder Care for the last four years, beginning when I rang the office in desperation from my hospital bed when admitted for Covid during the pandemic. They swung into action with such professionalism and compassion and Mum has received the same high level of care since.
Dementia is making her life more and more challenging and the office have helped increase both her care and the frequency of that care whilst keeping it within her budget. Her primary care worker is an absolute gem who really understands her and with whom I have a very good working relationship. The office members, meanwhile, are friendly and really efficient, always quick to put any changes into place that will help both my Mum and myself. I strongly recommend this care company.
Reply from John Dooley, Operations Manager at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We will be sure to share your positive comments with our team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Julia W (Daughter of Client) published on 18 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We chose this company 7 years ago because the administration was excellent and the company was large enough to be able to provide flexible care for my parents. They were very good at matching them with the right carers and were quick to adjust the number of visits required when situations changed. The
carers were wonderful: kind, caring and endlessly patient, enabling my parents to live at home for many more years than we expected. Mum and Dad would look forward to the visits. The app was really helpful in letting us know about each visit.
Reply from John Dooley, Operations Manager at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We will be sure to share your positive comments with our team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Liz D (Daughter of Client) published on 21 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I chose Sonder Home Care to help me provide care for my mother in her own home, based on a personal recommendation and the agency's 'Outstanding' rating from the CQC. I was not disappointed. The care provided was always good and usually, outstandingly so. The carers were kind, knowledgeable, reliable,
careful, courteous and really supportive, both to Mum and to me. The managers were understanding, helpful and flexible. They made every effort to ensure that most of the care was delivered by a small group of carers who got to know Mum well and responded quickly when I asked for increases in the number of visits and changes to the nature of the service needed. From the initial kindness I received from the member of staff who answered my first, tentative call to ask for some help, to the time when, sadly, Mum needed to move to be nearer her family, I felt that we were in very safe hands. An extremely difficult time for our family was made manageable. Thank you.
Reply from John Dooley, Operations Manager at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We will be sure to share your positive comments with our team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from T L (Daughter of Client) published on 29 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Home Instead have been incredible to work with and was very professional and helpful right from the first meeting and beyond.
We appreciated how they were able to adapt to the schedule of care we needed for our mother and they kept us involved every step of the way as well as keeping my mother central
to everything.
The staff are fantastic, helpful, and kind and it was good that we had a team of regulars so my mother could get to know them.
The app is also brilliant as it was so reassuring to read the carer's reports and see that all of the agreed tasks were done and any notes on her status.
I highly recommend the company.
Reply from Damien Nolan, Owner at Sonder Home Care

Our guys said it was a pleasure to work with you in looking after your mum. Good luck with the next chapter, and if we can help in any way in the future do let us know. We will pass your thanks on to the rest of the team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Navita S (Daughter of Client) published on 7 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
It was a very stressful time when Mum was hospitalized and then when discharged, needed assistance at home. We were referred to Home Instead by a friend. The lady at the Elmbridge office has been understanding, empathetic and wonderful to work with right from the beginning. She understood Mum's need
and my (and my brother's) concern for her as we live overseas. This staff member has also been quick to address any of our concerns. The carers assisted with serving dinner, washing dishes, taking the bins out, and helping Mum get ready for bed. The carers have been great and Mum was particularly fond of three of the carers. The office staff have also been great and very responsive. My only recommendation would be to reduce the number of carers on rotation per client. Otherwise, the services from Home Instead have been good.
  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Brydon N (Client) published on 17 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I benefited hugely from the Care provided to me by a charming carer who couldn’t do enough to help me. Being a few weeks on my own was a challenge and I appreciated the support I got from Home Instead at pretty short notice too.
Reply from Damien Nolan, Owner at Sonder Home Care

Thank you so much for the kind words, and we were glad to be of help. We will be sure to let the staff know.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Tracy P (Daughter of Client) published on 1 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It was an extremely stressful time leading up to Mum's Alzheimers diagnosis. Home Instead were recommended by the mental health team. Right from the outset when Kirstie came to meet Mum for an assessment I knew we were in good hands and felt like we had backup. Mum and myself were always shown great
respect and were very flexible and understanding. I can't recommend the care pros and the organisation highly enough.
Reply from Damien Nolan, Owner at Sonder Home Care

Thank you so much for your kind words, we will let the staff know.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Katie C (Daughter of Client) published on 26 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We first started using Home Instead a few years ago when my mum was diagnosed with dementia. The large majority of carers we have used have been excellent. They were so kind and patient with my mum and always went above and beyond. If we experienced any problems, they were always quick to rectify them.
In particular, one staff member in particular has been amazing. She always spent time with my mum and never rushed her. She even came out late in the evening to put my mum to bed when she refused so many others. She also came out on Xmas day which we were so grateful for. We know if we ring Kirsty she will sort out any problem we have.
Sadly Mum's dementia deteriorated and she went into a home and then passed away on September 2022. We have continued to use Home Instead for my dad who is now living alone. Initially, we have had cleaners and now are having meals two days a week. Dad has a really good relationship with his carers, in particular with four carers, who are brilliant at their job.
Reply from Damien Nolan, Owner at Sonder Home Care

Thank you so much for the kind words, we will express your gratitude and kind words to all the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Sara K (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 23 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the care pros are fabulous, polite, compassionate and everything you expect.
The office team are very helpful and respond to enquiries within a very good time frame. They try to accommodate your requests as best as possible.
Home Instead originally started caring for my mother-in-law and father-in-law.
Unfortunately, my father-in-law died earlier this year, the care pros made his last moment at home comfortable, they treated him with dignity and respect. They helped support the whole family at a very difficult time.
Reply from Damien Nolan, Owner at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for the kid words and we will pass them on to all the staff involved.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from A W (Client) published on 10 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very approachable and kind staff. The office is always very responsive and understanding. We had to implement some unexpected changes to the care schedule which Home Instead managed with efficiency and efficacy.
Would recommend it highly.
Reply from Damien Nolan, Owner at Sonder Home Care

Thank you so much for your kind words. We will make sure that the staff know.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Alex R (Daughter of Client) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I live a good distance away from Mum but when visiting I have met one of the Care Professionals and I found her to be excellent. Kind, caring, bright and cheerful and quick to assess Mum's needs and help her with whatever needed doing.
Mum told me she was very happy with Home Instead and enjoyed the
Care Professionals' company as well as their help. She said she found them all to be very easy to talk to.
I also noticed that the carers got on with tasks without needing to be asked.
All in all, a helpful and efficient service and I would definitely recommend Home Instead.
Reply from John Dooley, Operations Manager at Sonder Home Care

Thank you for your kind words, we will make sure to share your feedback with the all the team.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from C H (Daughter of Client) published on 15 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We only had need of Home Instead services for a few short months sadly, however right from day 1 they were accommodating and supportive. They provided the right level of care for Mum's needs. All of the carers were kind, friendly and helpful.
A routine was established pretty quickly, which gave us
peace of mind when we couldn't be there.
  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Susan P (Nephew of Client) published on 6 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our aunt had a wonderful team of carers who were always so caring and pleasant. We really felt that she was safe and looked after. As we were not distant we saw her most days and whenever we met the carers they were so nice and helpful.
Reply from Damien Nolan, Owner at Sonder Home Care

Thank you so much for your kind words and we will be sure to forward on the praise to our lovely team. Thank you.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from J S (Son of Client) published on 2 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Reliable, trustworthy and good at communication. No problems and my mum was very happy. The staff need 'directing' a lot, but once a routine sets in, all good. It's good they can flex up and down and change times.
  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Lucinda C (Daughter of Client) published on 12 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is our first experience of live-in care for my mum who has dementia. She was very reluctant to have anyone live in the house with her and took a lot of persuading that this was what was needed. Home Instead listened carefully to our concerns liaised closely with us and were very sympathetic as
to how we were going to introduce someone new into the home which is not easy with someone who has dementia. The carer was introduced to us and from the moment she arrived she fitted into my mother's life. She is cheerful, kind, and understanding of the dementia. She has also introduced new ideas to help make everyday tasks easier for my mother. She takes my mother out walking, they do activities together and my mother is being stimulated which is perfect for a dementia sufferer. I cannot recommend the staff at Home Instead (Elmbridge and East Spelthorne) more highly for their understanding and care at a time that is difficult for our family.
  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.909)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.909) out of 10 for Sonder Home Care is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.909 for Sonder Home Care is calculated as follows: ( (100 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 110 Ratings = 4.909
  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 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 Sonder Home Care is based on 19 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
  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 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: 18 Apr 2019

Overall Outstanding

  • Caring Outstanding
  • 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. View Latest Report

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (2)

Meet the Team (6)

Damien

Damien

Job Title: Owner Joined: 2015

I have been the owner of Sonder Home Care for almost 10 years. started as the owner and I am so happy I did, as we have served and continue to support many delightful, local residents with amazing histories and stories to tell.


I am delighted that we have been rated Outstanding by CQC, a feat which only 4% of businesses across Britain have achieved. This is because staff relentlessly deliver to such a high standard.

John

John

Job Title: Operations Manager Joined: 2020

Hello, I’m John, it’s my role to manage the day-to-day activities of the franchise with the collaboration and guidance of the business owner – Damien Nolan. I joined the company in 2020 from a different sector a short time before the start of the pandemic, so it’s been a steep learning curve. I’m fortunate to have become a member of a wonderful team of people who all go the extra mile every day. Home Instead is a fast-paced environment, the days fly by and never pass without me learning something new.


When I’m not in the office I like to spend time with my daughters, go bike riding and walk with my rescue dog, Pablo.

Debbie

Debbie

Job Title: Care Manager Joined: 2014

I have worked with Sonder Home Care since November 2014. I started my career with Sonder as a carer, progressing through the company and in 2022 I took on the role of Care Manager.


I enjoy working for Sonder, providing care for local residents. There are new challenges every day within all aspects of the business. I love working with a fantastic team of carers and key players.

Elly

Elly

Job Title: Client Liaison Joined: 2016

I have been with the company for 8 years. I began as a carer and worked my way up to the office team, dealing with new care enquiries.


My role is to meet the prospective clients and their families, to help find the best care solution for them.


I love my job as I get to work with an amazing team every day, who are all dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in our local community.

Faye

Faye

Job Title: Business Planning Manager Joined: 2018

I started my career with Sonder as a carer and I quickly realised this was the job for me!


I have worked in many different parts of the company, and I have enjoyed it all! From starting as a carer to being a team leader and working on the client experience team. My current role is scheduling all of our care calls, to ensure that all the clients receive the care that they require, with their usual carers.


I am especially proud of being a finalist for the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ in the Surrey Care Awards in 2022!

Kirstie

Kirstie

Job Title: Client Experience Manager Joined: 2018

I have worked with Sonder for nearly 6 years. I started as a Carer and loved the job from day 1, I have been promoted throughout the company to my current role as Client Experience Manager in 2022.


My role involves completing the care & risk assessments, as well as building the care plans for clients, to ensure that they are receiving the level of care that they need to remain living independently.


I am lucky enough to work with an amazing team in the office and our wonderful carers and could not be happier.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sonder Home Care

What Type of Services does Sonder Home Care offer?

Sonder Home Care offers Home Care.

How many Carers does Sonder Home Care employ?

Sonder Home Care employs 70 carers.

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