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
  • 7
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  • 36
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Reviewer Connection to Gardiner's Homecare
  • 80
  • 36
  • 29
  • 16
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  • 5
  • 2
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  • 1
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Total of 192, showing 141-160
Review from Virginia (Daughter of Client) published on 10 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The most efficient and professional company who provided care for my mother over a seven to eight-month period. They were always cheerful, helpful and the level of care was excellent. When my mother needed extra care they ensured that it was her familiar, regular carers who attended as far as possible
and there was always a good level of communication between the carers, the company and the family.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Fantastic to hear such great feedback, thank you! We shall share your comments with the whole team involved in your mother's care.

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Review from J P (Client) published on 5 December 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Extremely good service through the time the carers were with me.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your great feedback.

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Review from Louise S (Daughter of Client) published on 3 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Gardiners took outstanding care of Mum. The care assistants were always happy to help with personal and household care. She looked forward to seeing them each day and their positive, helpful approach really encouraged Mum in her recovery post hip surgery.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

So glad to hear that our service was not only helpful but that your Mum also enjoyed their visits during her recovery period.

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Review from Joan M (Wife of Client) published on 26 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had fantastic service from Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare for my husband over the last few years. All the carers were excellent! Couldn't fault any of them. Also in emergencies, when I was ill they helped out at very short notice. We will miss having them around the house!
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

It has been a pleasure. We all wish you and your husband all the very best.

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Review from Joan H (Client) published on 26 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having returned home after a knee replacement op in mid-July. My recovery period was very much enhanced by the excellent service of 'carers' provided by Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare. Although my convalescent time included the whole of the month of August (school holidays etc) our carers were varied
but the service I received was in no way affected. My husband and I would thoroughly recommend them for their general care and cheerful attitude.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Lovely to hear, thank you.

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Review from Theresa A (Daughter of Client) published on 22 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I called upon Gardiner's when my elderly mother was poorly and I could not cover all the times that she needed help, especially when I had to be out of the area for a couple of days. Gardiner's stepped in and stayed overnight with her and called 3 times a day to help with all her day to day living tasks
and personal care. They continued to support her for approximately 10 days until she was able to get back to more her normal independent self. At all times, the staff treated her with respect and dignity. They carried out all the tasks that were asked of them and took time to chat and involve Mum which boosted her confidence greatly. All the staff were very professional and Mum would not hesitate to call on them again.


This is not the first time that we have used Gardiners as over the years Mum's health has fluctuated and Gardiners have always provided the best of home care when asked and tried to help out at very short notice if resources allowed.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Such lovely comments, thank you. Delighted to have been able to help and do call us again should you need to.

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Review from Claire S (Daughter of Client) published on 16 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good carers, my dad really enjoyed their company. My house was left tidy and all was well.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Pleased to hear that you are both happy with the service provided.

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Review from Beth W (Client) published on 18 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Gardiners were able to help me out at short notice. The carers were really friendly and were really flexible with what they help me with. They were really understanding at a very difficult time.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Glad you were pleased with the care provided and we are always here for you should you ever need assistance again.

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Review from R H (Husband of Client) published on 31 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All three carers that attended to my wife over a period of two weeks were very professional and she felt very comfortable with each one. They went out of their way to be helpful and nothing was too much trouble.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your lovely comments, we have shared these with your wife's team of care workers who will be very appreciative.

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Review from Erica E (Sister of Client) published on 26 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy to recommend Gardiner's. The company's reputation for providing excellent, professional care and support is well deserved.
Every member of the management team and staff I've encountered have been friendly, understanding, accommodating and efficient and the carers are wonderful - experienced,
highly trained, skilled, very capable, warm, kind and respectful. When my brother is with them, I breathe. Gardiner's is a safe pair of hands, not cheap (I dread the day when the money runs out) but everything and more I was told the company would be.
I wish there was a Gardiner's carer for everyone in need of care and support.
Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

What fantastic feedback, thank you. We are very proud of the service we offer and delighted to hear that it offers you the support you require.

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Review from Sandra B (Client) published on 7 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It is not often these days that one can find a provider of any service, banking, local authority services, power suppliers etc., etc., that reaches the consistently high standards met by everyone connected with Gardiner's Reading. I recommend them to anyone seeking care at home.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Such fantastic feedback, thank you. The team really appreciate your comments.

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Review from A C (Daughter of Client) published on 6 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An excellent, professional, reliable, caring service that I can highly recommend. This is the second time I have used Gardiner's services in the last couple of years and I really cannot fault them. All the staff (both Admin and the Carers) are so kind and helpful.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Welcome back and great to hear that you would recommend us highly.

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Review from Suzi P (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 5 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father in law suddenly came to live with us due to ill health. After looking into care agencies we came across Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare. From the start, the care and compassion shown was amazing and just what we needed at the time. They arranged carer effortlessly and quickly reassuring me that
the carers were suitable for a family home with children. The carers were so professional and understanding and knew what needed to be done before being asked! Excellent service!!!
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Really pleased to hear that you found our care workers and the overall service to be excellent.

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Review from Joyce P (Client) published on 3 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I needed only minimal help mainly for the emptying of a commode which I needed to use for a time. The carers were excellent, very helpful, cheerful, kind and efficient.
Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for taking the time to provide some feedback, Joyce.

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Review from June W (Wife of Client) published on 24 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband received care from Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare in only the last few days of his life. I was very reluctant to relinquish his care to others but was persuaded by the medical professionals involved to "get things in place" for a worsening situation. The Gardiner's team were there immediately
when they were asked for and I cannot praise them highly enough, they were kindly, efficient and professional and my husband felt completely at ease with them. I am so very grateful for the care and support they gave us both.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

So pleased to hear that in the short period of time we spent with you and your husband that we were able to provide the care and support needed.

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Review from Susan O (Daughter of Client) published on 20 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Gardiner's dedicated staff has looked after my Dad during the final year of his life, which allowed him to live his final days in his own home as he always wanted. He always spoke highly of the tender loving care and the laughs he had with the dedicated care team who looked after him. This was a great
comfort for us then, and remain a source of great comfort now.
Reply from Suzanne, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you, Sue, for such lovely heartfelt comments.

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Review from Sue W (Mother of Client) published on 9 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very organised and thorough package was created and carried out by a small team of carers who are trained understanding and professional. The care package is listed on an app that is accessible to the office, the team and the client which is completed at every call and any problems are listed and
actioned very promptly.
The thought that went into the care package has reduced anxiety and increased confidence for a young adult with complex needs. The calls are never rushed and are always prompt.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Sue. We are delighted to hear that you have found our team to be reliable, professional and understanding of your son's needs.

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Review from C M (Daughter of Client) published on 15 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Gardiner's staff cared for my father during the last weeks of his life. He wanted to be at home and without the professional care provided by Gardiner's, this final wish would not have been possible. Gardiner's provided 24 hours cover at short notice and went to extraordinary lengths to make sure Dad
always had the care he needed.
Every single member of staff involved showed compassion and sensitivity. As a family, we are truly grateful for the service that Gardiner's provided. We know that Dad was treated with dignity and understanding. This was a great comfort to us then and continues to comfort us now. Gardiner's were exceptional.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you, so lovely to read such great feedback

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Review from Keith C (Husband of Client) published on 15 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the initial visit to arrange through to all visits by carers and admin staff, I have been impressed by the professional and friendly approach to myself and my wife (Alzheimers). At no time has there been any reason to consider any changes other than a possible reduction to the present daily visits.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Many thanks for your kind feedback Keith.

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Review from Diana M (Daughter of Client) published on 16 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My parents used Gardiner's for home care for over 5 years. The carers were marvellous - professional, well trained, punctual, kind, understanding and always willing to go the extra mile. In addition, the office staff were wonderful, responding promptly to every change in need as it occurred including
setting in place home care over Christmas at very short notice when my mother was due out of a hospital.
I could not rate them more highly, they were fantastic in every way. Thank you for a job well done!
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Such lovely comments, thank you Diana.

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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.

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.