Gardiner's Homecare

10 Church Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8DZ
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9.9 192 Reviews
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. ... Read more
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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)

Gardiner's Homecare Reviews (192)

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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  • 36
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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 1-20
Review from M M (Daughter of Client) published on 16 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Gardiners cared for Dad at home in the final year of his life. At first these were daily companionship visits and then as Dad became acutely unwell increased to four paired visits a day involving personal care, feeding assistance and meds. Dad and the family received wonderful care from the Gardiners'
team who treated Dad with such dignity, warmth and kindness. We found the whole team to be very responsive whenever changes were necessary as Dad's health declined. Dad and the family also really benefitted from the very many helpful and practical suggestions that only such a very experienced team can make.
In Dad's final days, the team could not have been kinder. It means a lot that with Gardiner's support we were able to fulfill Dad's wish that he die peacefully at home.
Reply from Simon Mahony, Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your lovely comments - it was a privilege to look after your Dad. We will pass on your wonderful feedback to the team who will be delighted to hear it.

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Review from Richard F (Friend of Client) published on 3 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have a friend with dementia who lived on his own and had no family or relations in this country.
From September 2024 when he started needing help until May 2025 when he went into a care home he had carers from Gardiners visit him at home, at first three times a week and then twice daily.
Gardiners
were very flexible in what they could provide and in the hours they could attend. They cooked, tidied, washed up, bathed him, took him shopping and to the surgery, even providing money if he found he'd forgotten his wallet when out. All the carers seemed well-trained, cheerful and sympathetic, taking time to ask him about his life and interests.
I was particularly impressed by the manager. All requests seemed to be possible, such as visits out of hours at short notice. The manager also had a good understanding of the type of dementia suffered by my friend, and made predictions as to its development which have proved accurate and useful for forward planning.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We appreciate your detailed feedback, thank you. We are proud of our team and shall ensure they read your lovely comments.

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Review from Jane M (Daughter of Client) published on 29 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic care agency!! Having spoken to various friends who have used local care agencies, and heard some negative reports, I was anxious about getting care for my elderly parents.
Gardiners have been excellent in every way, brilliant carers, super communication, together with support
and advice above and beyond what you'd expect.
My parents have very different needs and Gardiners' staff have met all of the requirements. Carers take time to chat with my parents whilst also carrying out the tasks and doing anything extra that's needed.
I have been incredibly impressed with every aspect of the care provided and feel so relieved that my parents are receiving the very best care and support. I've seen at first hand what excellent care looks like! Thank you Gardiners!
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Such amazing feedback, thank you for sharing your experience of our support. Your comments will be shared with your parents team and they will be delighted!

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Review from P G (Daughter of Client) published on 12 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and kindness my Father was given was fantastic. He looked forward to the carers visits. They were always thoughtful and receptive to his needs each day. I cannot fault the girls that visited him, and can't thank them enough.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We do have an amazing team here! I shall be sure to share your feedback with those that visited him, they will appreciate your kind words. Thanks

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Review from H N (Daughter of Client) published on 22 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A few misunderstandings about meals which left a lot of food unused so wasted. Some carers infinitely better than others. The office were always quick to change the not so good ones though.
The office would always address problems Very quickly
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for sharing your feedback and giving us 5 stars across the board! We were sorry to learn about the misunderstandings with the meals but glad that the office team quickly addressed any issues. We take pride in our team and are committed to ensuring all our carers provide the highest level of service.

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Review from Cherry T (Wife of Client) published on 27 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had excellent care for my husband and when extra care was required Gardiners were very quick at responding to our changing needs. Leanne was good at looking after my husband along with Michelle, Heather and Holly. Alex worked wonders arranging the care.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We all appreciate your great feedback, thank you for taking the time to share this. We will ensure the ladies mentioned are also made aware.

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Review from J P (Partner of Client) published on 7 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All carers are very helpful and patient. Willing to do anything to help in the house. Very good with him and kind. Can not think of anything else to say other than the office was very helpful and efficient.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We appreciate your lovely feedback. Many thanks from us all.

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Review from Clare A (Daughter of Client) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Gardiners consistently provide carers that are highly motivated to meet needs identified. They are usually friendly and happy to chat or just get on with jobs depending on what is required on a particular day. It is usually the same person on a particular day of the week, such as carer A on Mondays,
carer B on Wednesdays. Staff usually arrange cover when usual carers have planned leave.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We do appreciate your taking time to provide some great feedback, thank you.

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Review from Christine B (Wife of Client) published on 12 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I turned to Gardeners Home Care when my husband's Alzheimers started to get worse and I was in need of respite care. One staff member in particular came to visit and assess us to see what we would require and then got the ball rolling for us. We had a lovely lady who has experience in Alzheimers so
was able to cope with my husbands demands and attention. The carer would often turn to with the hoover and dusting for me while I took time out to be me for a day. She also looked after our dog if needed. Gardeners were very helpful and understanding and would listen to you if you wished to talk. The carer went above and beyond her caring role. She to would listen and was very understanding. I would like to thank you for all your help in caring for my husband and helping me fill out the Attendance Allowance form and for the lovely card you sent to us and we wish you all the very best.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

So lovely to read such great feedback, thank you! We have an amazing team and they often go above and beyond for their clients. We shall be sure to share your comments with them. Especially the one particular individual involved.

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Review from Sarah E (Daughter of Client) published on 16 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were very impressed with the service provided for my mother.
All the carers were friendly, patient, professional and very respectful
We were also impressed with the admin service provided when arranging the hours required.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Gardiners Homecare to anyone
needing carer support.
Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

What a joy to read - thank you so much Sarah for your review.

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Review from Caroline G (Niece of Client) published on 13 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was looking for care for my Aunt and found Gardiners on the internet. From the first meeting with the client manager, the assessment and the care given they were extremely professional always helpful and offered superb service.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We do appreciate you sharing your experience of our service, thank you.

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Review from Kate B (Daughter of Client) published on 5 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were very happy with the care the team at Gardiners provided for my Mum. The carers were really supportive and my mum came to regard several as friends. They not only gave my mum the physical care she needed to remain in her home for as long as possible but their friendly and cheerful visits really
brightened her days. I would definitely recommend Gardiners to anyone looking for carers.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

How lovely to hear that our visits brightened your mum's day! Thank you for sharing this feedback and we shall be sure to share this with her team.

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Review from Jo B (Daughter of Client) published on 6 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I really appreciated how responsive Gardiners was. Being in touch immediately when I put my enquiry in was so helpful. We were ready to go so quickly and with the thorough set-up done by one of the staff, everything worked really well.
My relative felt well cared for and we all appreciated how responsive
Gardiners was to our situation.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for sharing your experience and your kind words, much appreciated.

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Review from Jennifer N (Daughter of Client) published on 7 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the assessment through to the care given my mother was treated as an individual with respect and dignity from the Gardiner's team.
The carer assigned to Mum was professional at all times and documented daily activities of Mum's in the communication book clearly and with knowledge.
I would have
no hesitation in recommending Gardiner's to anyone.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Your fantastic feedback and recommendation are much appreciated, thank you. We shall be sure to pass these comments onto her carer.

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Review from Gillian W (Daughter of Client) published on 15 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We, as a family, were so pleased with the care and friendship that the ladies that attended our dad provided. He so enjoyed their company.
Just having a chat meant so much to him.
Thank you so much to all those involved with our lovely dad.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

So lovely to hear how much pleasure he took from their visits. We shall be sure to let them know.

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Review from Donald D (Husband of Client) published on 15 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Would recommend Gardiner's, they provided good care for my wife at all times. We have now moved out of the area and hope our new care provider can match Gardiner's quality, care and support.
Gardiner's provided care to my wife for over 2 years.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Your recommendation is much appreciated, thanks. Hope the move went well.

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Review from Jo B (Daughter of Client) published on 2 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff were very kind and chatty with my mum. The office support staff very helpful and efficient. Good email communication.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We appreciate your taking the time to provide some lovely feedback, thank you.

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Review from Martyn B (Brother of Client) published on 18 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since engaging Gardners in April 2021 to provide care for my brother I found that all aspects of their service overall was excellent. In particular the quality and performance of all the staff involved. The difficulties of dealing with him increasingly became so and I fully appreciated what these difficulties
caused them.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

We are glad to have been able to support you in supporting your brother. And thanks for sharing that you found our service to be excellent.

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Review from A M (Wife of Client) published on 31 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I found the process to engage Gardiner's Care very straightforward never having done it before. The carers were looking after my husband to enable respite breaks for me. They all built up a good rapport with him and always dealt efficiently with anything required.
I was pleased that carers were very
flexible and willing to help with housework without compromising his care.
The biggest compliment I can pay is that he always looked forward to the carer's visits and I felt very comfortable leaving him in their care.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Delighted to hear that he looked forward to their visits, that is lovely. Thank you for sharing your experience of our services.

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Review from Mark T (Son of Client) published on 30 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Gardiner’s enabled my mother to live content and secure in her own home for 3 years, till full-time residential care was necessary. Gardiner’s had previously cared for my father for 1 year, including end-of-life support. The team were friendly, efficient, respectful and caring with both parents. In
particular, they matched individual carers to Mum’s temperament so that designated tasks could be successfully completed. Our family were able to review the outcome of visits via an app and this was supported by regular reviews with care manager to assess any changes required. Regular carers chatted freely with Mum as part of the duty, so that over time Mum looked forward to seeing them. We also felt comfortable interacting with carers, regarding several as friends, and welcomed their feedback and support when issues, whether of a domestic, physical or medical nature, were proactively raised.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Gardiner’s services.
Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

What a detailed and comprehensive review, thank you. And we are delighted to hear you would have no hesitation in recommending us.

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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)

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.
... Read more
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.
... Read more
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.
... Read more
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.
... Read more
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.
... Read more
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.
... Read more
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.
... Read more
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.
... Read more
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.
... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about Gardiner's Homecare

What Type of Services does Gardiner's Homecare offer?

Gardiner's Homecare offers Home Care.

How many Carers does Gardiner's Homecare employ?

Gardiner's Homecare employs 90 carers.

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.