Gardiner's Homecare

10 Church Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8DZ
Review Us
9.9 189 Reviews
  • Gardiner's Homecare, Reading
Gardiner's has over 50 years of providing domiciliary care to people in their own homes in and around Reading and South Oxfordshire.

Their experienced and friendly team are passionate about helping others and supporting them to continue independent and fulfilling lives in the comfort and familiarity of home.

If you are looking for someone to provide company and a little help around the house, or perhaps to assist with personal care or medication, Gardiner's can help.

Gardiner's takes great care to recruit care workers with a passion for helping others. They highly value their team, looking after them and supporting them at all times. It is a family business with an enviable reputation locally. They frequently receive fantastic feedback from grateful clients and their families, and indeed have been recognised by this website on several occasions for that.

Show Gardiner's Homecare on the Map

Care Provided

Types of Home Care

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

Minimum Visit Duration (Visiting Care)

  • 60 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
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Hospital Discharge

Funding & Fees

  • Hourly Visiting Care Fees: from £38.50

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Gardiner's Homecare 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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Krista Hallett (Registered Manager)

Gardiner's Homecare Reviews (189)

Total of 189, showing 41-60
9.9

Gardiner's Homecare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.941) out of 10, based on 34 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Gardiner's Homecare has 189 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 179
  • 10
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

189
6
10
34
155

Review from Paul L (Son of Client) published on 1 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can only say good things about the service Mum and the family received from the team at Gardiner's Homecare. The organisation initially was very clear and helpful from all the staff. The ladies that visited Mum were all so professional. They alerted us to any issues as they arose and completed their
tasks always and on time. The online reporting was very helpful to us.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

That is great to hear, thank you for sharing and we are also glad you found the online report helpful. We know how reassuring it is to be able to read how family members are from the care notes recorded by the visiting team.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Robert L (Brother of Client) published on 20 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We knew the care period might be short because my brother was unwell. Gardiner's staff embarked on a series of tasks and initiatives to improve his situation. I am so pleased he was surrounded by so much positivity. The house was tidier, the kitchen was organised and the laundry was under control. My
brother was brighter and more engaged than before. Thank you, Gardiner's staff!

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We are so glad to have been able to make a difference during your brother's short time with us, both from a practical perspective and a personal level.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from John H (Husband of Client) published on 20 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When we needed homecare for my wife who had come out of a lengthy stay in the hospital, we decided on Gardiner's Homecare as we knew of them having been in the area for many years. They were immediately helpful in being able to provide what we needed. Someone came out to see exactly what was wanted
and everything went like clockwork. What is impressive about Gardiner's Homecare is that they are supervising a number of carers from different backgrounds and ages, all of whom behaved very professionally but at the same time were very friendly. They were always on time and would do anything that we asked of them - I have never had so many shirts ironed! As my wife improved and we didn't need them anymore we were very sad to say goodbye to them. If we ever need carers in the future we won't hesitate to use Gardiner's.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for such lovely feedback and please do get back in touch if ever you would like our services again.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from V J (Daughter of Client) published on 10 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum started having home care three times a week when it became clear that she needed extra help. Gradually this increased to three times a day. The carers were always very kind and although she couldn’t remember their names, she said that they were always nice. They had to try very hard to persuade
her to eat sometimes, but they managed it with good humour. She always looked clean and tidy, and the carers also kept the house looking clean. One carer even managed to persuade her to go out in the wheelchair for a walk along the road, she could be quite stubborn at times and didn’t always think she needed the chair! As she had lived on her own for many years it took a lot of persuasion for us to get her to agree to having carers; it certainly provided peace of mind for us. It also meant that she had different people to chat to.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

How lovely to hear about your experience, thank you for sharing.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from C C (Wife of Client) published on 3 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care staff have been helping me and my husband for the last 12 months with the house and general chores.
They were able to quickly adapt to personal care for my husband when his condition deteriorated and was present at his passing.
The care my husband received was so kind and caring. They enabled
him to stay at home with dignity.
I continue to use Gardiner's, who once again helps me with chores around the house. Would highly recommend their services.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

The team were glad to have been of support to your husband, especially at the very end. He was at home and with his loved ones. Thank you for your high recommendation and for sharing your feedback.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Frank B (Husband of Client) published on 23 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Over a prolonged period, my wife was cared for with professionalism and compassion and not a little humour, a great combination.
The care manager and her office colleagues were also excellent when called upon.
Put simply, Gardiner's Homecare is gold-standard care.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

How great of you to rate our care as gold-standard! Thank you for sharing your feedback.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Ann B (Daughter of Client) published on 9 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's looked after our mum brilliantly for over five years as her health deteriorated. They provided friendly and professional advice and support so Mum could carry on living at home, as she wished to do. From our first meeting through to the finish, their managers and team of carers always worked
collaboratively with us. No problem was too big.
Mum very quickly came to know and welcome her team of carers, who were flexible, responsive and always happy to help out - almost like part of the family.
We would wholeheartedly recommend Gardiner's.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for sharing your experience and for your wholehearted recommendation. We were delighted to be able to support your mum.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Sally A (Daughter of Client) published on 20 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Living so far away in Canada, we have been overwhelmed by the quality of care, service and communication given by Gardiner's.
My mother always expressed how wonderful her carers were and a joy to have around. Such lovely, kind girls.
They gave us a lot of peace of mind.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Cannot be easy being so far away from a loved one. We are all pleased to have been able to provide both support to your mother and peace of mind to you.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Geoffrey R (Son of Client) published on 28 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's looked after my father throughout the last year of his life. Over that period, a small group of regular carers provided the majority of my father's care, with the rest being provided by an only slightly larger group of occasional carers. As a result, my father received care with a very high
degree of continuity. The carers were obviously trained to a high standard and provided care in a consistent way, which is important for a dementia sufferer. The most impressive part was that the carers were all so committed to treating my father as a human being, entitled to respect and dignity. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality care from a small team that are well trained. Delighted to hear that this was your experience and that you would happily recommend us.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Shirley A (Daughter of Client) published on 21 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was in unchartered territory when I made the initial phone call to Gardiner's Homecare but I can't praise their services high enough. The office staff were understanding and supportive and led me through the process of obtaining appropriate care for my mother. As far as the carers were concerned,
my elderly mother began to see them as friends and looked forward to their visits. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this provider - in fact, I already have. Thank you

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Delighted to read your comments and we thank you for your recommendation. Many do find it a tricky time when faced with finding support for their loved ones and we are glad to have been of help.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Brian F (Husband of Client) published on 16 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I used Gardiner's Homecare to give me support for my wife daily. Their support, while I was not at home, I had periods where I would be away for several days, was excellent.
I found their staff and administration, both professional and responsive in supplying an excellent care service.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Delighted to hear you were pleased with our support. Thank you for your comments and we shall share these with those involved.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Margaret P (Wife of Client) published on 7 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Although it was only a short period of time that I used Gardiner's Homecare to help with my husband's failing health, I found their staff, administration to carers, both professional and responsive in supplying an excellent care service. Also, their support and care given to me. Thank you so much -
I highly recommend your services.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you from all at Gardiner's. We appreciate your feedback and are glad to have been able to support you.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Sharon Y (Client) published on 2 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Following my hospital discharge after my hip replacement, I used Gardiner's Homecare to give me support for a period of two weeks, twice daily. The carers who visited me were excellent, always cheerful, respectful and considerate of my needs and I could not have asked for a lovelier caring bunch of
people to walk through my door. I had used Gardiner's Homecare some years ago for my late mother so there was never any hesitation that I would use them again and I would recommend them to everyone in need of carers for either themselves or a loved one.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

It was a delight to support you through your recovery period and we wish you all the best for the future.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Julia L (Daughter of Client) published on 13 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Gardiner's Homecare highly enough. My mother has dementia and can be very difficult, it took a lot of perseverance, patience and skill to deal with her, but the carers managed to get in the door in the end and she really enjoyed their visits. Communication is excellent as is their
support, quickness to deal with everything that arises day to day and were able to up care when things were difficult. I really don't know what I would have done without their support.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Delighted to hear that you would recommend us and that you were so pleased with the support provided. Many thanks for your feedback.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Margaret M (Daughter of Client) published on 25 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's Homecare provided twice-a-day calls to my elderly mother to provide support to me as my mother's main carer and to make sure she took her medication. By helping her with personal care twice a day, this enabled me to focus during the day on other responsibilities with my own family and business
as well as getting in food and sorting out finances. We asked Gardiner's Homecare to provide help at a time when staff were in short supply. As a result, we had more than the usual number of carers, often stepping in at short notice. Without exception, they were all very professional, kind and supportive, and my mother looked forward to their visits. Communication via their app provided a useful update on each of their visits and access to an ongoing timetable of who would be visiting and when. Thank you, Gardiner's Homecare; I could not have survived without you!

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review of your experience of our service. We are delighted to hear that we were such a great support to both you and your mother during her time with us.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Felicity P (Daughter of Client) published on 22 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's superb team have looked after our father for the last few years with tremendous care and attention and we strongly recommend them - both management and carers.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing that Dad was being looked after by a consistent, capable, flexible and reliable team -
underpinned by cheerfulness, genuine compassion and care were wonderful. Many of the Gardiners team feel like extended family members.
Throughout the pandemic, they did not falter in the level of care provided which is amazing.
Dad appreciated the cooking skills - ranging from well-cooked scallops to creamy porridge (telling me I needed a lesson from them as mine wasn't good enough...) and of course new people to tell his fund of stories to.
We would like to say a resounding thank you to you all. You are amazing people doing an amazing job - we salute you.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

How wonderful to read! We shall ensure his team of carers receive this feedback as they will be touched. Thank you for sharing your experience of the support we provide, your words are much appreciated.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Stephen T (Son of Client) published on 10 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the initial contact with Gardiner's, everything has been without fault. They were recommended to me by a previous client and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
The team of carers who looked after my Father were amazing, so kind, caring and respectful.
All of the support team in administration
and client services were responsive and really supportive and so keen to help and meet our care needs. A First Class Company and Team.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Such a lovely review and great to know you would have no hesitation in recommending us. Thank you for sharing your experience, we were glad to have been of support

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Pauline J (Daughter of Client) published on 21 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's were able to provide my parents with their wish, to remain safely in their home for the remainder of their lives. Their care package started with just 2 visits per week for everyday chores, but were able to provide daily personal care as and when it was deemed necessary. The girls were always
cheerful and nothing was too difficult to remedy.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Many thanks for sharing your experience of our service. We are delighted to have been able to help support your parents to remain at home as they wished.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Christopher F (Son of Client) published on 11 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We engaged the services of Gardiners to look after our ailing mother with short daily visits. We were very happy with the staff and the care that they provided and have no hesitation in recommending their services.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Delighted to know you would recommend us; thank you for sharing your experience of our service.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Review from Patricia T (Daughter of Client) published on 17 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's have been a great support to Mother and I over an extended period where the ability to tailor changes in care requirements was crucial.
The carers were at all times supportive and comforting to my mother whilst offering both care and companionship. My mother looked forward greatly to her
visits from Gardiner's and formed a strong bond of trust and friendship with her carers, taking great interest in their personal lives as if they were extended family members.
I was also offered advice and guidance to help me navigate the prospect of future changes in health and needs, for which I was extremely grateful.
Gardiner's offers so much more than care in the home, they give you the benefit of their years of experience in areas which are unknown.
The app is an invaluable resource to be able to access remotely how the visits have gone.
I would not hesitate to recommend Gardiner's to anyone who is thinking of setting up care plans for a relative - they are second to none.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Wow, your feedback is so wonderful, thank you! It means so much to us all and is much appreciated. Thank you.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.941)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.941) out of 10 for Gardiner's Homecare is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 34 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 34 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 4.941 for Gardiner's Homecare is calculated as follows: ( (191 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 202 Ratings = 4.941

  • 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 Gardiner's Homecare is based on 34 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: 26 Apr 2018

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

Loading

Loading events

Awards / Recognitions (5)

Meet the Team (9)

Krista

Krista Hallett

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2015

Krista joined Gardiner’s as a Care Manager in March 2015. In September 2018, following Annabel’s retirement, Krista took on the role of Registered Manager.


Before joining Gardiner’s, Krista worked in the care sector for 10 years, starting as a healthcare assistant and then progressing to a Senior care worker/Care Coordinator, assisting with all aspects of the care industry.

Suzanne

Suzanne Screen

Job Title: Office Manager

Joined: 2013

Suzanne is the office manager here at Gardiner’s. Her role is to help ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, this includes looking after our accounts and payroll processes. Suzanne is involved in many other areas of the business including marketing and social media.


Prior to joining Gardiner’s in September 2013, Suzanne was the Practice Manager at Caversham Heights Dental Practice for over 15 years, working with David Cottam, John-Joe’s father.

Germaine

Germaine Goswell

Job Title: New Client Manager

Joined: 2024

Germaine's main responsibility is welcoming enquiries and answering any questions they may have. Anyone wishing to proceed with our service is then guided through the process of assessment and providing the required support.


Germaine has gained her NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care and has many years of experience in the care sector.


She has a wealth of knowledge that she can bring to the role and share with you.

Leanne

Leanne Edwards

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2016

Leanne's main role is to manage the support of her team of clients and care workers. She keeps in regular contact with them, adapting to their changing needs.


Leane has been in the care industry for a long time and joined Gardiner's as a Care Worker in May 2016. In September 2017 she became a Senior Care Worker at Gardiner's before being promoted to the role of Care Manager.

Alex

Alex Snow

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2017

Alex's main role is to look after her team of clients and care workers, providing regular support and adapting to their needs.


Alex originally trained as a staff nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and went on to specialise in respiratory medicine before becoming part of the cardiac care team. She started with Gardiner's as a care worker before progressing to Care Manager, bringing a wealth and variety of experience.

Lianne

Lianne Maguire

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2015

Lianne manages a team of care workers and clients. She keeps in touch with them regularly to respond to any changes required.


Lianne, also known as Mags, had worked in the care industry for over 10 years before joining Gardiner's in 2015. She has a vast amount of experience and knowledge that she brings to the role of Care Manager.

Hayleigh

Hayleigh O'Brien

Job Title: Recruitment & Development Manager

Joined: 2021

Hayleigh looks after the recruitment of care workers and the continuing development of the team at Gardiner's.


Hayleigh joined Gardiner's as a Care Worker in December 2021, previously working as an HR administrator.  She moved into her current position in May 2023, perfectly combining her knowledge of both previous roles.

Jasmine

Jasmine Corbin

Job Title: Care Co-rdinator

Joined: 2023

Jasmine oversees all the duties, booking in care workers for each visit. Her priority is to keep a regular team in place and as small a team as possible. Whilst also arranging cover for well earnt holiday and unexpected time off. Continuity of care is very important at Gardiner's.


Jasmine started at Gardiner's as a Care Worker so understands the needs of the clients and the care workers and the value of matching the right people.

Cheryl

Cheryl Willis

Job Title: Office Administrator

Joined: 2011

Cheryl is the welcoming face of Gardiner's Homecare. She is based on reception and greets visitors with a warm smile and if is unable to assist herself, she points you in the right direction.


Cheryl started at Gardiner's in 2011 as a Care Worker before progressing to Office Administrator in 2014. She has a variety of experience having also come from a background in pensions, retail, accounts, and administration.

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