Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Unit 7, The Appleyard, Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norwich NR16 2HE
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9.8 22 Reviews
  • Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich, Norwich
Gentle Folk Community Care Ltd has been under new ownership and management since June 2023.

A company which is focused solely on the quality of care and support provided, the team are the highest grade of care workers available, and training and standards are far above the accepted standard. They are passionate for excellence and endeavour to set and deliver the highest standards of services, values, integrity and professionalism.

Gentle Folk Community Care offers care packages that are tailor made for each individual, empowering the people they care for to take ultimate control over their own care. They work alongside clients and their loved ones as well as health care providers, ensuring that people are able to continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes.

With a team who are passionate about improving the lives of the people they care for, you can be sure that you'll receive the highest quality support from Gentle Folk Community Care.
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Care Provided

Types of Home Care

  • Visiting Care
  • Live-in Care
  • 24 Hour Care

Contract Durations

  • Ongoing / Long Term
  • Respite / Short Term

Age Ranges

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

Personal Care Services

  • Washing & Dressing
  • Medication Assistance (Oral)
  • Companionship

Household Services

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

Other Care Provided

  • Dementia
  • Cancer Care
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Alcohol / Drug Misuse
  • Hospital Discharge

Funding & Fees

  • Hourly Visiting Care Fees: £24 – £31
  • Weekly Live-in Care Fees: £1350 – £1550

Available on request

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich 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

Person in charge

  • Carole Howlett (Registered Manager)

Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich Reviews (22)

9.8

Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.795) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich has 22 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 22
  • 5
  • 8
  • 22
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Reviewer Connection to Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich
  • 9
  • 2
  • 2
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Total of 22, showing 1-20
Review from J H (Daughter of Client) published on 14 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the care that was provided for my elderly 96 year old mum. Will definitely use them again if and when needed. Mum was having anxiety attacks at night time and was feeling lonely when this was happening. Her carer helped in the night when it was needed. 100% recommend this company.
Reply from Umair Ali, Director Operations at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Gentle Folk Community Care. Your feedback is important to us, and we will make sure your review is communicated to all the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Shirley B (Daughter of Client) published on 19 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum lives with me and my husband and is a very independent 93 year old. Because of her independence she does not want, or indeed need, to go into a care home. However, as she has the beginnings of dementia, I am not comfortable about leaving her alone while my husband and I take a holiday.
We asked
Gentle Folk to pop in for an hour every day, while we were away, just to make sure that she was well, hadn't had a fall and had taken her medication.
They were able to do exactly as we asked.
Mum was happy! She had told them that they were not to do anything, just sit with her and have a chat and a coffee. In fact she was disappointed, when got back, that the 'lovely young people' were not coming to see her anymore.
I was happy! I'd had a lovely relaxing holiday because I was confident that Mum was being checked on, so confident that we have booked another holiday for September.
Reply from Umair Ali, Director Operations at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Gentle Folk Community Care. Your feedback is important to us, and we will make sure your review is communicated to all the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from R P (Brother-in-law of Client) published on 2 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Prior to changing to Gentle Folk Community Care my sister-in-law had been cared for by two companies and the care given was awful. After the change to Gentle Folk the difference is amazing. Gentle care seem reliable, friendly and the attention to detail is good. The management listen and acts on any
problems that may occur and the staff are professional. All in all we are very happy with Gentle Folk Community Care.
Reply from Umair Ali, Director Operations at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Gentle Folk Community Care. Your feedback is important to us, and we will make sure your review is communicated to all the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Leanne F (Power of Attorney of Client) published on 16 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The standard of care delivered by Gentle Folk was outstanding. The carer took time to get to know the service user and developed a bond, ensuring he felt supported and cared for at the end of his life. The particular carer who was with him for his final days went above and beyond to make sure our friend
felt safe and comfortable. We are incredibly grateful.
Reply from Umair Ali, Director Operations at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Gentle Folk Community Care. Your feedback is important to us, and we will make sure your review is communicated to all the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Ruth D (Niece of Client) published on 7 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are amazing, my uncle has dementia is sometimes very rude but they manage to deal with the situation professionally and guide him along. They have been providing 24-hour care recently and it has made a big difference to my aunt, she has started smiling again, they are so caring and helpful.
Thank you for all your support, especially when my uncle was taken to hospital and how quickly you managed to arrange a carer to stay with my aunt so I could be with my uncle. Thank you.
Reply from Umair Ali, Director Operations at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Gentle Folk Community Care. Your feedback is important to us, and we will make sure your review is communicated to all the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from D N (Son of Client) published on 19 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Gentle Folk has been looking after my elderly parents at home. They have been brilliant, professional and caring. Special mention to the ladies. Thanks for everything you have done.
Reply from Umair Ali, Director Operations at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Gentle Folk Community Care. Your feedback is important to us and will make sure your review is communicated with all the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from S S (Client) assisted by family/friend published on 30 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An excellent service. The staff always do what is asked of them. They're always very present, friendly, thoughtful, kind and caring. They are also clean and tidy and leave everything as it should be. I do have one suggestion, living in the country there is lots of natural debris on pathways and drives
etc and even though the staff always wipe their feet, mud, leaves, and gravel get caught in the tread of shoes and transfer to interior carpets and floors. To avoid this they could wear disposable slip-on plastic foot coverages like Crime Scene Investigation do.
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Gentle Folk Community Care. Your feedback is important to us and will make sure your review is communicated with all the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from S B (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 23 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The carer stayed with my mother-in-law, who was unwell until she had someone with her. He was reassuring and made sure she was comfortable whilst waiting for advice from 111 and did not leave until he was sure she was not alone. Contact was made with my brother-in-law who was able to inform my husband
and myself what was happening. After a short hospital stay my mother-in-law was sent home, still far from well and, due to us living a 3-hour drive away, we relied very much on the Care Agency for her care and well-being. Extra care was provided at short notice and we were kept informed. She was very confused and unable to get about on her own. Following a visit from her GP surgery, she went back to a different hospital and is still in the care of the NHS. The Care Agency showed care and concern throughout and knowing she was being looked after as much as possible was certainly a big help to us. Thank you to all concerned.
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review as your feedback is very important to us. I will make sure your kind words are passed over to the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Dianne W (Sister of Client) published on 17 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister has advanced Alzheimer's dementia and is also autistic. She was not taking care of her personal hygiene and any prompting from me was resulting in her being more agitated and defensive. She did not qualify for social service care as she was quite able-bodied. I found Gentle Folk and they fully
understood my problems. I had carers 3 times a week to shower and wash my sister's hair. My sister accepted their professionalism and all my worries disappeared as her appearance improved overnight. All the staff that came to see her were extremely lovely with her and she trusted them. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated their visits. I would recommend them to anyone looking for care.
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review as your feedback is important to us. I had the pleasure of meeting you and your sister in person and what a pleasure it was to know you both. Myself and Gentle Folk Community Care wish you both well.

  • Staff
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  • Treated with Dignity
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Review from Mandy C (Power of Attorney of Client) published on 4 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found all the carers very pleasant and cheerful. They always do as I request and they always are prepared to sit and chat as needed. They are always respectful and concerned that they complete everything I need. If any problem is noted from either side, the care coordinator will respond immediately
and sort things out. An excellent service all round, thank you.
Reply from CAROLE ANN Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review card, your feedback is important to us. I will be sure to pass your feedback on to all the staff at the next staff meeting.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from L M (Daughter of Client) published on 28 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff were amazing and lovely. Even though my mum was independent (stubborn) and wanted to do it all herself they never stopped asking how they could help. Highly recommend in a heartbeat. Staff were respectful and warm and management was amazingly helpful.
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review as your feedback is very important. Can I thank you for your kind words and I will be sure to pass this onto the carers. It was a delight to have the pleasure of meeting you both, and we wish you both well for the future.

  • Staff
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  • Value for Money
Review from K P (Niece of Client) published on 23 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Highly recommend very friendly staff and the company is extremely organised. The management team is also very helpful and accommodating to all my aunt's requirements. It can be stressful looking after an elderly person but when you have a great helping it makes every day less stressful knowing people
care.
Reply from CAROLE ANN Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to complete the review card and appreciate your feedback. Your feedback is important to us and be sure this will be passed onto all staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Debbie S (Daughter of Client) published on 8 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am delighted with the care my dad receives. The peace of mind it gives me knowing that the careers genuinely care about the health, safety and feelings of both my dad (the client) and my mum is invaluable. One of the most valuable parts is to see my parents light up when they talk about the genuine
relationships they are building. Whilst the carers all have different levels of experience, understandably, they all work to deliver their service professionally and with the utmost care! truly life-changing for us all!
Reply from CAROLE ANN Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review card. Your feedback is important to us and appreciate your kind words. Your review comments will be passed on to all staff at the next staff meeting.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Christine C (Daughter of Client) published on 19 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent service by one particular person; he cares for my mother in an attentive way. He understands her needs and responds positively, kindly and very respectfully.
He is friendly, and it’s a pleasure to know and invite him into our home.
He has continued to provide wonderful care throughout March
and into April.
Thank you.
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review; we appreciate your feedback and kind words regarding one of our staff members. The staff member in question has been voted the employee of the month due to the high level of compliments given to him, so please be assured that we have acknowledged and awarded.

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  • Value for Money
Review from C C (Daughter of Client) published on 12 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very happy with the service provided by Gentle Folk Community Care from when my father was first discharged from the hospital in September 2023 until the present.
Upon discharge, we met with the manager, who was very kind, personable and experienced and who discussed setting up an individual
package of care which enables my father to stay at home which is what he wishes.
I have found the level of care is excellent, flexible and responsive to their personal needs. I have experienced the carers as being kind and caring and they are all catheter-trained which is important in my dad’s case.
In addition, the care agency is very good at monitoring my dad’s physical and emotional well-being and medication. The carer notifies me if there are any issues we need to be aware of and contacts me immediately if they have any concerns. They are very kind, understanding and respectful concerning my dad.
Reply from CAROLE ANN Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review as your feedback is very important to us. I will be sure to pass on your comments.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Sandra M (Friend of Client) published on 4 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so glad to have the opportunity to write a review concerning my friend who very suddenly needed to have 24-hour live-in carers to start immediately I looked up some numbers Gentle Folk was the first number I rang and asked for help that we needed to start immediately. I was so pleased they could
send someone straight away. The carer they sent I was truly impressed with the care that she gave both day and night my friend could not have had better care than she had my friend and myself knew the client could not have been in better hands. I would like to say thank you for all the help and care you gave us.
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review and appreciate your feedback as every review is important to us. I will be sure to pass on your comments.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from C L (Daughter of Client) published on 17 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When we were let down by our existing carers we were very impressed that Gentle Folk were able to offer immediate help. They were very supportive, couldn't do enough for us, which was so reassuring. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them.
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review and your feedback is welcomed. I will make sure that your kind words are relayed to the staff.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Jean N (Wife of Client) published on 17 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We enjoy all carers. The morning ones are more welcome than early evening. My husband does not wish to go to bed too early and gets agitated if asked to go to bed before 6 pm. He would prefer to go to bed after 7 pm. I always go with him to bed after doing any washing-up.
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review and any feedback is welcomed. In reply to your review, all evening calls had been accomodated as per your request before 6 pm. On three occasions your time preference changed which we facilitated for. The decision was made by yourself to cancel evening call so you and your husband can go to bed when it suited yourselves.

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Review from Sharon N (Daughter of Client) published on 16 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Overall we have received a very good service from Gentle Folk. We have had the occasional day, usually a weekend when a carer is not available but we have always been given twelve hours' notice.
My mother finds all the carers very pleasant and helpful.
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review and your feedback is important to us. I am aware of issues prior to new ownership, especially weekends but since a care planning system was implemented, there have been no missed visits on record.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Review from Angela C (Daughter of Client) published on 4 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having this care company assigned to my parents has been a real gem. From the moment the manager came to do the assessment, to the carers coming in has been an easy process. We find them professional, kind and caring. My parents are extremely happy with the excellent service they provide and look forward
to their visits every day. Full marks from us!
Reply from Carole Ann Howlett, Registered Manager at Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

Thank you for taking the time to write a review, your feedback is important to us. We appreciate your kind words given.

  • Staff
  • Care / Support
  • Management
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.795)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.795) out of 10 for Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.795 for Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich is calculated as follows: ( (105 Excellents x 5) + (18 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 127 Ratings = 4.795
  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 Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich is based on 22 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: 16 Jul 2019

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • 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 (0)

Meet the Team (4)

Umair

Umair Ali

Job Title: Director / CEO Joined: 2023

In June 2023, I recently took ownership of Gentle Folk Community Care Ltd.

Carole

Carole Howlett

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 2023

I have over 20 years of experience in Health and Social Care. I have had the opportunity to work in many different sectors of care from psychiatric wards, dementia units, and residential and domiciliary care.


My career started as a Care Assistant and I worked my way through promotional roles to Registered Manager.


Throughout my journey, I completed NVQ levels 2, 3 and 5 within Health and Social Care.


Gentle Folk Community Care Ltd has recently been taken over by new ownership. I joined Gentle Folk Community Care Ltd to support the growth and daily running of the business.

Sadia

Sadia Khalid

Job Title: Care Coordinator Joined: 2023

Gentle Folk Community Care Ltd has given me a platform to improve my skills and knowledge within the Health and Social Care Sector.


I have gained my Level 3 in Health and Social Care and hope to progress to a higher level in the future.


Since under new ownership, I have had the opportunity to support Service users within all aspects of care.


I work with an amazing team with a strong support system. Registered Manager has a vast amount of experience and has guided me and supported me in my new role.

Emma

Emma Chaston

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2021

Employed originally as the Office Cleaner and supporting with daily office filing. This progressed to supporting service users with basic domestic tasks then an opportunity arose for promotion to Administrator when the company was under new ownership.


I am now office based working with a fantastic team. Gentle Folk Community Care Ltd has given me flexibility with my hours of work and support as and when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich

What Type of Services does Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich offer?

Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich offers Home Care.

How many Carers does Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich employ?

Gentle Folk Community Care Norwich employs 20 carers.

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