1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

5a Ridgeway Court, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4SF
Review Us
9.9 66 Reviews
  • 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd, Leighton Buzzard
1st Homecare Solutions Ltd takes pride in delivering a friendly and reliable service, available in the Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable and nearby villages in Bedfordshire and in parts of Buckinghamshire.

The company is part of the 1st Homecare group which has additional offices in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and a dedicated live-in service, offering care at home as an alternative to residential care. In March 2025 the Group was awarded as Winner of 'Most Outstanding Regional Homecare Provider in UK' by Homecare Awards.

Promoting respect as a key value, the provider looks for a flexible service that is adapted to each individual's personal requirements. Carers want to see clients continuing to enjoy their lives as much as possible.

As well as personal care, the agency provides companionship, help with medication management, respite and specialist needs like dementia and end-of-life care.

1st Homecare is Registered with the Care Quality Commission with an overall rating of Good (and Outstanding in Responsiveness (February 2020)).
Show 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd on the Map

Care Provided

Types of Home Care

  • Visiting Care
  • Live-in Care
  • 24 Hour Care
  • Overnight Care (Waking)

Minimum Visit Duration (Visiting Care)

  • 30 minutes

Contract Durations

  • Ongoing / Long Term
  • Respite / Short Term

Age Ranges

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

Personal Care Services

  • Washing & Dressing
  • Toileting Assistance
  • Medication Assistance (Oral)
  • Companionship
  • Continence Care
  • Feeding & Drinking Assistance

Household Services

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

Other Care Provided

  • Dementia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • 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

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

  • Helen BAckhouse (Registered Manager)

1st Homecare Solutions Ltd Reviews (66)

9.9

1st Homecare Solutions Ltd has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.916) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd has 66 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 48
  • 16
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 66
  • 3
  • 5
  • 14
  • 52
Reviewer Connection to 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd
  • 25
  • 20
  • 7
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 66, showing 1-20
Review from Keith J (Client) published on 22 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Although personal care for my wife was tried earlier this year, it stopped due to resistance from her. The primary care worker was very good but still unable to make a breakthrough. I am now using the sitting service and the regular worker is engaging with my wife well. The care company has been helpful
and flexible meeting my carer needs. Communication is good.
Reply from Helen Backhouse, Branch Manager at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for this review. I am pleased to hear all is going well and that the care and support we provide is working well for you and your wife.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Jane L (Wife of Client) published on 21 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All carers arrive promptly, they are polite and respectful. My husband enjoys their company and is able to spend time, chatting and playing board games, also doing jigsaws. He needs to spend time with different people and these visits stimulate his mind and helps his memory.


The management team

are excellent, responding quickly to any request, helping with any difficulties. Always pleasant and organised.
Reply from Helen Backhouse, Branch Manager at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for this review, it is always lovely to hear the positive comments from our clients and their families, I am pleased we are able to support your husband with this social time and I hope you feel the positive outcome of our carers visits.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Melissa M (Daughter of Client) published on 19 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad is more than happy with his daily carer, he tells me the carers are always so friendly, bright and bubbly and concerned for his welfare and well being. This review doesn't just relate to April but every month.
Reply from Helen Backhouse, Branch Manager at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for this review. I am pleased to hear Dad is happy with his carers.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Karen H (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love the prompt attention to everything that we get when needed! Those texts are a real connection when things go a bit wobbly around medicines or heating etc!
Mum's team is phenomenal - kind, thorough, thoughtful and attentive.
One staff member in particular always makes mum feel heard!
  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from R K (Client) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
This review relates to use of Conveens. One member of staff in particular came to change my conveen and told me she had never fitted a conventional to a person! However she had been trained on them. She went ahead and fitted one, decided it was not brilliant and replaced it. The result was very good
and no leaks appeared. From my point of view this was excellent result from her.
Then I had a carer at teatime who said she had never trained at all Conveens, on a mannequin nor on a person. This was resulted that the need to change it at bedtime caused us to change the carer. And now I discover she is scheduled to 'service' me for a change of Conveens a week later. I hope we can sort something this time.
  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Clare G (Daughter of Client) published on 20 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was my Mothers's 24/7 carer for 10 years, in the last few years, we had the support of 1st Homecare Solutions, as well.
My mother passed in March of this year and I cannot thank 1st Homecare enough for the help and support my Mother received from them, in those years. They came in four times a day
to help with my mother's personal needs and I found they were also a support to me, as caring for a loved one, who is slowly deteriorating can be emotional.
1st Homecare is very professional, supportive, and caring and when they came into the house it was like welcoming friends. I would highly recommend 1st Homecare Solutions.
Reply from Emma Batchelor, Registered Manager at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for a wonderful review, it has been our absolute pleasure to support you and your mother over the years.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Sandra Y (Sister of Client) published on 10 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was on holiday in Australia when my Brother developed a rash on his back. 1st Homecare emailed me immediately to let me know. Because of the time difference between the UK and Australia, it was very difficult to speak to a Doctor. The care team was extremely helpful, they sent me a photo of his back
and contacted the doctor's reception directly. This help was above and beyond and completed with such efficiency. It was very much appreciated. The excellent care and assistance gave me peace of mind to enjoy my holiday.
My Brother has Autism plus other health issues. The Carers always treat him with kindness and are mindful of his needs, including administering pills and checking his wellness.
When you phone the 1st Homecare team, each member is polite and friendly, always efficient and flexible. A very professional, helpful, and friendly service.
Reply from Emma Batchelor, Registered Manager at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for an amazing review, we do our very best to accommodate and adjust to changing requirements.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from L H (Son of Client) published on 10 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Home Care has been providing home care for my father for just over two years now, unfortunately, my father’s condition has gotten slightly worse and the homecare has had to increase, the service they provide gives me a great place of mind when I’m not there in
a week. The carers I have I have come
across whilst down at my dad’s, generally do care for my dad.
The management staff I have found are excellent, providing a professional and friendly service, but also there has a personal touch which is so important to me and I have built up a good relationship them and have been so patient with me when chopping and changing days of the carers when I can get down to my dads in the week.
I would not want any other company other than 1st Home Care looking after my dad.
Many Thanks.
Reply from Emma Batchelor, Registered Manager at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for such a wonderful review, it is a great pleasure to support your dad and can adapt to the changing requirements.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Cathy M (Daughter of Client) published on 26 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After Mum passed away last year, we brought Dad home with us to live as the thought of a care home so soon after her death was unthinkable.
Dad has mobility issues and couldn’t live on his own, so we needed help as we both work full time - my husband works from home.
I looked at reviews of carers
online and got in touch with 1st Homecare.
I have found them caring, helpful, professional and friendly. The care my dad gets is outstanding from all the carers he sees, and if I need any help or advice, I can always call.
Reply from Emma Batchelor, Registered Manager at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for a glowing review; it is our pleasure to support your father. We pride ourselves on providing a high standard of care and are pleased to see this reflected in your review.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Karl C (Son of Client) published on 23 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The carers provide a consistently high level of care and support. They work hard and also take time to have a chat with my mother so that she feels cared for and supported. They are always courteous and friendly.
Reply from John Rennison, Owner at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for such kind words, it has been a great pleasure supporting your parents.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from M G (Relative of Client) published on 22 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
You know when you are in good hands when a service provider steps up when the unexpected happens. 1st Homecare Solutions adapted when a crisis occurred with my mother and we were on holiday. The additional support they gave to Mum and ourselves meant she was happy and safe and we could return to enjoying
our respite break without worry. When you care for people long term, stress-free time is worth its weight in gold. We will therefore continue to use 1st Homecare Solutions hopefully long into the future.
Reply from John Rennison, Owner at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

We pride ourselves not just on the quality of care and carers that we provide but also on the backup that the office staff can provide when complications arise. Great to see this being acknowledged.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Wendy L (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 12 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law receives weekly companionship visits from 1st Homecare, they have been very successful especially because they are able to provide a carer that speaks her mother tongue. My mother-in-law has built a great rapport with the carer and really enjoys being able to communicate in her own
language.
Reply from Emma Batchelor, Registered Manager at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for a lovely review, it is a great pleasure to be able to support your mother-in-law this way.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Tracy D (Daughter of Client) published on 15 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has two visits per day and the carers who visit her on a regular basis are brilliant, they are always polite caring and respectful. My Mum has dementia but they are always mindful of this when speaking to her.
Reply from John Rennison, Owner at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for such kind words, it is a pleasure looking after you mum.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Joanne P (Daughter of Client) published on 15 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum had carers from a different care company for four years but at the point when she needed additional care, they were unable to provide it. 1st Homecare stepped in at very short notice and initially provided one carer, twice a day. Mum's requirements increased rapidly and at every point 1st Homecare
were able to accommodate the changes and increased the number of carers and frequency of visits in line with Mum's needs. This ultimately involved two carers, four times a day. This was a huge comfort to me as I felt the staff genuinely cared about the service they provided and wanted Mum to be comfortable and have dignity in the last few weeks of her life. Nothing was too much trouble, changes to requirements were always doable, communication was first rate. All the carers were excellent. Kind, cheerful, compassionate and all treated Mum as an individual. 1st Homecare can be very proud of the service they provide.
Reply from Emma Batchelor, Registered Manager at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for such a wonderful review, it was a pleasure to look after Mum.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from D L (Client) published on 8 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thankfully, the majority of carers are of an exceptional standard and caring on a human level too.
Obviously, there are rare blips and also sometimes shortages, as per the national issue and most, but overall good.
  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from J C (Wife of Client) published on 30 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using this service for a few months and have been very satisfied with it. The care comprises giving my husband a light lunch, taking care of any needs he has and talking to him when he’s not dozing. He enjoys the variety of nationalities he meets.
  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Sue S (Daughter of Client) published on 3 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Homecare Solutions have made a big difference to my mum and to us - her family - by supporting her to continue to live comfortably and safely at home and feel independent, even though her memory is now a challenge to that. I would recommend their care as a safe pair of hands for your loved one.
From the initial meeting and assessment, Mum and I felt like she would have company and people who genuinely care about each client.
She likes all her carers and has said how kind they are. We can also already tell that she is enjoying some company twice a day and is happier and calmer knowing someone is popping in to make her food, get tablets out, make a cuppa, check the TV etc.
Communication has been spot on, with helpful advice, weekly rotas and information updates via the app (easy to use). Nothing is too much trouble and can be tailored to what you need.
We’re very happy with 1st Homecare’s service and it’s a huge relief to know they are making sure our Mum is ok every day.
Reply from John Rennison, Owner at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Many thanks for your kind words and good to hear that you feel that your Mum is receiving great care.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Rebecca J (Daughter of Client) published on 20 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has received wonderful care from the carers at 1st Homecare Solutions who come in to assist her every day.
They are very professional and so friendly and genuine. I would happily recommend them to anyone looking to have that extra support and care for their elderly loved ones. First-class care
from 1st Homecare!
Reply from John Rennison, Owner at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for a lovely review, it is a real joy to look after your mum.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Angela W (Sister of Client) published on 19 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Homecare Solutions have been taking care of my sister for almost a year now. She is housebound, partially sighted with very poor mobility and struggles with day-to-day activities. Having always been a proud and independent woman, it was hard for her at first to accept the help she really needed.
The staff at 1st Homecare have made it possible for her to remain in her own home where she feels safe and well cared for and she now looks forward to their visits each day. From my part, as her sister living over 100 miles away, I take comfort in knowing that she is being looked after so well by such a professional and hard-working team of people and having met a number of them during my visits to her I am in awe of their dedication and desire to do their best for their clients. Credit also to the office staff who respond to any concerns I may have promptly and efficiently. Nothing has ever been too much trouble for them. I can't thank them enough on behalf of myself and my sister.
Reply from John Rennison, Owner at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for such a wonderful review, it is a pleasure to look after your sister.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from J G (Daughter of Client) published on 16 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are very friendly. Always ask if anything needs doing above required. Take time to talk to my dad. On occasion I have spoken to the staff in the office or by email, they have been very helpful. Thank you.
Reply from John Rennison, Owner at 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

Thank you for a lovely review, I am glad you are happy with our service.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.916)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.916) out of 10 for 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd 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 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.916 for 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd is calculated as follows: ( (76 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 83 Ratings = 4.916
  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 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd is based on 14 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: 11 Feb 2020

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Outstanding
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
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 (7)

Meet the Team (2)

No image found

Emma Batchelor

Job Title: Branch Manager Joined: 2018

I joined 1st Homecare in 2018 as a full-time care assistant, I then progressed to become a Senior Carer. After a while, I became the care coordinator until recently when I became the Branch Manager. I have enjoyed progressing through the company.

Annabella

Annabella Rennison

Job Title: Training & Compliance Director Joined: 2012

Annabella has been a director for over 10 years and is passionate about providing great care for our lovely clients. She takes responsibility for all training and compliance standards across the Group.


In her spare time, she is an accomplished member of a local choir called the Aylesbury Consort of Voices.

Frequently Asked Questions about 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd

What Type of Services does 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd offer?

1st Homecare Solutions Ltd offers Home Care.

How many Carers does 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd employ?

1st Homecare Solutions Ltd employs 25 carers.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of homecare.co.uk. Please contact 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. 1st Homecare Solutions Ltd has an Enhanced Service - more info.