Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

After a fall from my bike caused by poor road conditions, my daughter arranged for me to receive daily care from 'Helping Hands' to attend to a neck brace which I have been required to wear to mend a fracture in a vertebra in my neck.

I would like to commend all the carers who visited me for their kindness, friendliness and efficiency.

They were always on time and the rota was helpful in knowing who to expect.

I live on my own and their visits brightened up my day no end.

Asha and her team of carers went above and beyond in terms of the care, support and compassion they provided for my uncle and it enabled him to remain in his own home as was his wish. During their daily visits, they always ensured that he was safe and happy and he enjoyed chatting with each of his carers which was very important to him. Asha arranged for my uncle to be taken to his doctor's appointments, to the hospital when required and they were all very vigilant when it was felt that he needed medical attention. I live a far distance away and it was incredibly reassuring for me to know that he was being looked after in such a caring way and I was informed immediately when there was any cause for concern. I can't thank Asha and all the carers enough for the dignity and respect they always showed not only to my uncle but also to me. A heartfelt thanks to you all; you do such an important job!

Thanks very much Helping Hands, particularly Asha, Louise and all the carers. You stepped in to help our mother with very little notice and were able to cover many unplanned visits and changes, which we were very grateful for. The carers (and particularly Louise) were kind, friendly and professional. We would definitely use your service again if necessary.

We were very pleased with the service provided by Helping Hands. They worked very hard to find carers at short notice after a sudden worsening of my uncles condition. The managers were very empathetic

I have been very pleased with the service and company provided. My carer is always on time and is very pleasant company. He is very helpful around the flat. As well as his help I enjoy our conversations and we have got to know each other well. He has been very encouraging in helping me with my exercise and walking. I look forward to his visits. Substitutes have also been very helpful.

We are happy with the care provided from Helping Hands. We have the same carer every week which is vital as the client has Alzheimer's disease. He always turns up early,pleasant and engaging. On occasions we have had other carers to cover leave etc. Again happy with the replacement carers .Communication from the company is good. I would and have recommended Helping Hands to others.

We found Helping Hands very useful in that it allowed my aged father to remain in his own home and live an acceptable level of independent living. Helping Hands were always flexible to varying situations and the level of service was always high. The carers were always very supportive and developed a bond with my father.

I have two carers, one male and one female. They differ in almost every respect, but the result is a very satisfied client. The management of the team couldn't be more helpful in trying to match our wishes with the availability of carers.

Everyone is good.

We have found all carers to be very helpful, friendly and professional. Our experiences with management has also been very good and any particular requirements for additional visits or rescheduling have been arranged without difficultly. Thank you.

The carer we had to look after my father-in-law has been excellent. Very efficient always prompt and happy to do showers with dignity and respect. Highly recommended, manager is also extremely helpful.

They have followed all the tasks set with cheerfulness and skill always asking if there was anything else needed. Always helpful and friendly, and I would gladly recommend them.

Everyone who did the review has been very nice.

Very happy with carer who makes us laugh as he is an Essex boy, like that he has a sense of humour which is a joy on a Friday afternoon for my husband and I.

Good service. I am happy with everything.

I find it difficult to provide appropriate answers to many of the headings, as for most eg. Overall Experience - my evaluation would range from poor to excellent. For instance, I found the timing of some activities (such as breakfast) irritating as it ranged on successive days from 7 to 8.30. I wouldn't mind what time was chosen but such a wide variety inhibits sufficient accommodation. This lack of consistency merits 'poor' but the staff have started modifying the regime appropriately and satisfactorily, which is 'excellent'. All staff treated us with dignity and respect. The only problem was the occasional failure to listen to what we had to say. As was to be expected some staff were outstanding in their devotion to our wellbeing; others probably as a function of inexperience and the need to familiarise themselves with several homes, were barely competent. This was exacerbated by the stress of having to drive from house to house to cope with the demands of rush hour traffic. Management is generally good or excellent, with sensitivity being shown to our requests and remarks. I have insufficient experience to be able to specify value for money but I am not dissatisfied.

I’ve been using helping hands services for just over six years now whilst I have been studying at university. This team is fantastic, always friendly and welcoming to talk to, quick responses if you need to change anything and brilliant at supporting young people to become more independent!

Helping Hands (St.Albans branch) provided outstanding care for my mother. The carers were all excellent - kind, thoughtful and completely trustworthy and my mother loved them. Communication was excellent - the carers and office staff were brilliant at sharing information and then contacting me to make me aware of any signs of illness or to share any thing they had noticed. They were always very friendly, helpful and extremely efficient. I can recommend Helping Hands unreservedly.

I would unhesitatingly recommend the carers and the office staff at this branch. I’ve had experience of other care agencies and, while Helping Hands isn’t the cheapest, I believe they are good value as the service they provide is excellent.

Consistently good care for my father-in-law. When changes are required efficient and prompt response from management. In general, the care staff seem well trained and responsive to my father-in-laws needs.