Gardiner's Homecare

10 Church Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8DZ
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9.9 192 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.

Care Provided by Gardiner's Homecare

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)
9.9

Gardiner's Homecare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10, based on 36 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Gardiner's Homecare has 192 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 182
  • 10
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Date Published
  • 192
  • 6
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Reviewer Connection to Gardiner's Homecare
  • 80
  • 36
  • 29
  • 16
  • 14
  • 5
  • 2
  • 2
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  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 192, showing 41-60
Review from Kathryn C (Daughter of Client) published on 6 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Carers gave individualistic care and were able to adapt to the needs of my mother who has Alzheimer's. My mother loved them coming and we as a family had confidence in the care and support that was given. Would highly recommend this agency and its staff who were all exceptional.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your high recommendation and the great feedback on the team's support provided to your mother.

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Review from William B (Husband of Client) published on 16 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the first moment that I met Gardiner's, I realised I was dealing with a truly professional organisation. They went into my request for care for my wife before agreeing to take us on.
At no time have they let me or themselves down by not providing everything they promised. Their whole attitude
to my wife and her family was always full of empathy. This meant that we felt they were almost part of the family, as their sympathy and work dovetailed into our own approach.
My wife enjoyed the greatest level of care possible and this enabled her to live the final years of her life in some comfort and almost more importantly in a jovial atmosphere in which laughter played a most therapeutic part. She made great friends with the regular carers and I felt they shared mutual respect.
We have at no time questioned the wisdom of our decision.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you so much for this amazing feedback, which we feel so proud to receive.

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Review from Chris G (Son of Client) published on 16 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After many years caring for Dad and some years ago for Mum, myself and the whole family are so grateful for the exceptional care provided by Gardiner's Homecare.
Friendly, efficient, caring and hard working, is how I would describe all your staff, not phased by any situation they were confronted with.
Dad
will miss his dear friends from Gardiners, now he has gone into full time care, as will we.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you so much for the feedback - it's so good to know how much of a difference our team made.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.944)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10 for Gardiner's Homecare 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 36 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 36 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 4.944 for Gardiner's Homecare is calculated as follows: ( (203 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 214 Ratings = 4.944
  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 Gardiner's Homecare is based on 36 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: 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

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

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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.

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