Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

13 Reading Road, Pangbourne, Reading RG8 7LR
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9.9 40 Reviews
  • Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd, Reading
Gardiner's Live-In Care is the specialist live-in care branch of Gardiner's Homecare, a family-owned business operating in Berkshire and South Oxfordshire since 1968. Live-in care is ideal for those with ongoing or complex needs, as well as those looking for round-the-clock peace of mind.

They offer a fully-managed and CQC registered live-in service: meaning they provide you with a trained and experienced carer, manage the ongoing care, and provide replacements and relief when needed.

Carers go through an industry-leading selection and training process, with every carer passing through their Pangbourne office in person. With a dedicated care manager assigned to you and the support of an experienced and dedicated team, Gardiner's provide the support you need to maintain independence and quality of life in your own home.
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Care Provided by Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Types of Home 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
  • 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

Nursing / Nurse Led Care

  • Stoma Care
  • Wound Dressing
  • Catheter Care

Other Care Provided

  • Dementia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Cancer Care
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Hospital Discharge

Funding & Fees

  • Weekly Live-in Care Fees: from £1500

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd 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

  • Michelle McDonnell (Manager)

Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd Reviews (40)

9.9

Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.922) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd has 40 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 40
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Reviewer Connection to Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
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Total of 40, showing 1-20
Review from Clare C (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 24 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother in law now has a live in carer and receives excellent care which gives the family such piece of mind. Her carer continually goes above and beyond on all aspects of my mother in law's care. She is hugely supported by Gardiners management and between us we communicate very well to ensure all
of my mother in laws needs are met - I cannot recommend them highly enough
Reply from Simon Mahony, Director at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for such a lovely review, I'm delighted you are having a good experience. I will be sure to pass on your positive feedback to the team.
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Review from Annette F (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 19 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic care from the carer, who respects my father in law at all times and provides superb care for him. Also her manager who listens to Dads concerns and ours as a family, trying to ensure that she meets all the requirements asked of her. She responds quickly and with understanding and empathy.
Exactly what you want from someone you are trusting the care of a loved too
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your wonderful feedback I will share with the teamIt is a pleasure looking after dad
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Review from J C (Daughter of Client) published on 7 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All current carers and those in charge have been excellent. Whenever there is something that we as a family think maybe a problem if is sorted out without any problem. Thank you for that it really is appreciated.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you so much for your lovely review I will share your feedback with the team
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Review from F L (Daughter of Client) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Q1Care have been committed, professional, kind and extremely responsive in their care of my mother. Their care has included helping her wash, dress, other care support, preparing breakfast and ensuring that any issues are discussed both with my mother and, as appropriate, with the wider family. It
has been a great comfort to know Q1Care have been supporting my mother as she has become both physically frail, with mobility issues and also as her memory has reduced. Q1Care have also taken the initiative to call an ambulance quickly when required as well as promptly calling around family members.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely feedback I will pass on to all the team
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Review from C M (Daughter of Client) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I found Q1 Care to be very professional and reliable. We were keep informed of any concerns and the care staff who looked after mum very well. Mum was clearly comfortable with her carers and the Birdie app was very helpful.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely feedback I will be sure to pass on to the team It was a pleasure supporting mum
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Review from N V (Husband of Client) published on 14 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Never tardy. Considerate, thoughtful and kind. Treated my wife with dignity and patience. I was never worried to leave her in their care. I would recommend their professional services without reservation.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely words, I will pass on your feedback to our team.
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Review from G H (Client) published on 14 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've been with Q1Care for nearly a year and their service has been excellent. The carers arrive on time, are friendly and helpful, and complete all the work asked of them to a high standard. The back office team are also very good, answering requests and questions in a quick, efficient and friendly
way.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely review, I will pass on your feedback to the team.
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Review from Leigh P (Son of Client) published on 9 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager and the entire team at Q1Care have been absolutely exceptional in looking after my mum for the past five years. Their warmth, empathy, and professionalism have been remarkable. They provided consistent, compassionate care, always treating my mum with the dignity and respect she deserved.
I am truly grateful for their dedication and tireless efforts to make her as comfortable as possible. I cannot thank the manager and the team enough for their wonderful support throughout these years.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, it has been a pleasure looking after mum and supporting you all as a family
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Review from Denise K (Daughter of Client) published on 18 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been in and out of hospital. When she has been home the care team have been wonderful in meeting Mum's needs in a caring and thoughtful way.
They know what she likes and are always endeavouring to make sure she's comfortable and has everything she needs. They always have a smile on their
face and bring some laughter to their day.
When she's been in the hospital the office team have continued this caring process regularly touching bases to ask how she is and what's happening. Equally offering advice when negotiating the care and social services system.
I would recommend the company and team.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely words, it was a pleasure looking after mum and we wish her all the best in her new home.
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Review from E M (Friend of Client) published on 22 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Q1 are kind, helpful, good at their job and always go above and beyond to provide the best care possible. They are completely reliable and have never let us down. The communication with management is excellent and we are kept fully informed of everything that is going on at all times. I couldn't recommend
them more highly.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for taking the time to write us a lovely review, I will be sure to pass it on to all the team.
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Review from S M (Daughter of Client) published on 22 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful, kind and caring team. Carers are supportive and understanding, management respond quickly to enquiries. There is a feeling of wanting what is best for the client and family to provide the changing needs.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely review, I will be sure to pass on your feedback to all the team.
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Review from C H (Daughter of Client) published on 9 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Q1Care has been truly fantastic. They stepped in with a care package when our father got ill with Covid after Christmas and worked with us to adapt and take out visits. They accommodated the timings to suit our dad. All of the staff are caring and often go way beyond when something happens. Removing
a rogue pigeon who’d come into the house via a chimney!
Always happy to talk things through on the phone, understanding old people’s behaviours, needs and desires for independence and autonomy.
Our dad is completely blind and profoundly deaf but the carers are respectful and understanding of the situation.
Thank you so much all at Q1Care.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely review, we really enjoy caring for Dad and the pigeons. I will be sure to pass on all your kind words to the team.
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Review from Karen A (Daughter of Client) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has received care at home twice daily provided by Q1 for sometime now and I have always been impressed with the care provided. Communication is excellent and any issues or new needs are resolved promptly. Everyone in the Q1 team is professional, approachable and knowledgeable. The carers are
friendly, patient and understanding with my mother and always show her respect. I would definitely recommend the company to anyone looking for care at home.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your kind words, I will share your great feedback with the team.
We enjoy supporting Mum, she is like the art of the family.
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Review from P S (Daughter of Client) published on 4 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend Q1 to anyone looking for care. Q1 have taken over the care of my mother after terrible service from another care company. Mum has care twice a day, and has nothing but praise for the five carers who look after her. The standard of the care, communication and empathy is excellent.
The manager is very professional, efficient and proactive. Thank you, Q1, for everything you do.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely kind words. It is a pleasure looking after Mum, she is a joy to support. I will pass your wonderful feedback to all the team.
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Review from B W (Client) published on 19 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Following the great care given to my late husband who suffered with dementia, the Q1 lovely ladies are caring for me every morning. This means that I can remain living in my own house and, with family support too, I am managing quite well at the great age of 95 years.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
And it was an absolute pleasure looking after both your late husband and yourself.
Thank you for your kind words.
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Review from Stephen T (Son of Client) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Q1 were great and always went the extra mile when I needed them too. Nothing was too much trouble. You just had to talk to them and they would help you get things sorted. Always managed to provide help when Mum came in and out of hospital and needed some extra help they could always manage to sort it.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely feedback I will pass it onto the team.
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Review from Peter A (Son of Client) published on 5 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father lived on his own and was beginning to struggle following the loss of my mother and his worsening Alzheimer's. Q1 was engaged as the first choice given the excellent care my mother-in-law was experiencing with them. The whole process of setting things up was very efficient and after an initial
meeting with dad and the manager. I felt that Q1 were fully invested in giving dad their best. This certainly turned out to be the case and was like day and night when compared with other care companies we had used for my mother a few years earlier. We recieved regular updates on any issues, observations and any ideas to improve dad's care during the twice-daily visits. There was also a very good app which shows details after each visit. Dad developed a good relationship with all his carers and talked fondly about them. Eventually, dad needed 3 visits a day and then finally had to go into care. We were grateful for the help dad recieved for 12 months and would highly recommend Q1 Care Home.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your kind words and wonderful feedback, it was a pleasure looking after dad over the past year. I will be sure to pass on to all the team.
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Review from Valerie N (Client) published on 3 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent care
I feel that my needs are very well taken care of and I am treated with dignity and respect.
I would recommend the carer to anyone.
My carer is there for me when needed and allows me private time when necessary.
I am supported physically and mentally and assisted with personal care,
physical exercise and companionship.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your wonderful feedback.
It is a pleasure having you as part of the family and wonderful to hear your fabulous comments.
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Review from Chris U (Client) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Q1 Care is a totally professional organisation. Their response to an urgent care need has been prompt and highly personal. It is clear that the owner of the company is very much a hands-on individual, we are very fortunate to have found this company that has provided so much support to help us through
a very challenging period. The owner of the company has ensured that the whole carer teamwork in a consistent way, which demonstrates a high-quality service, sensitivity and reliability. I can highly recommend Q1 Care.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your kind words, it is a pleasure having you as part of our Q1 care family.
I will pass on your lovely words to all the team.
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Review from Paula U (Client) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience with Q1 Care has been exceptional from having a couple of visits a day to now having live-in care. Every carer has been sensitive to our individual needs and gone above and beyond our expectations especially as my husband now needs palliative care. We are very lucky to be looked after
by Q1 Care who treat us as people not just clients. Thank you.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely words, I will pass on to all the team, it is a pleasure having you as part of the Q1 family.
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  • Treated with Dignity
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.922)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.922) out of 10 for Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd 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 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.922 for Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd is calculated as follows: ( (94 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 102 Ratings = 4.922
  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 Live-in Care Ltd is based on 17 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: 25 Aug 2018

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 (2)

Meet the Team (2)

Michelle

Michelle McDonnell

Job Title: Registered Care Manager Joined: 2021

Michelle joined as the Care Manager in December 2021.


She worked in the care sector for many years and during this time has effectively led teams to deliver a high standard of person-centred care. Michelle has worked with the elderly, people suffering from poor mental health and individuals with challenging behaviour.


During her time in the care sector, Michelle took every training opportunity made available to ensure she was equipped with the knowledge to deliver quality care to vulnerable adults.
She has a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care.


Michelle is experienced in medication administration, dementia, challenging behaviour, and leading teams.


She has over 10 years’ experience in the care sector, starting as a care assistant within a care home moving. Then moved on to various settings, including managing services within a supported living setting.


This led her to take a lead role with dementia patients in a residential care setting before progressing to become the deputy manager. Michelle joined Gardiner's Live-In Care as the Registered Care Manager in 2021.


Her passion is to ensure that their clients are fully supported and receive outstanding care personalised to their needs, and that their care staff feel valued and supported.

Germaine

Germaine Goswell

Job Title: New Enquiries Care 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 provided with the required support.


She also supports Michelle in managing Live-In clients and care workers.


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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

What Type of Services does Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd offer?

Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd offers Home Care.

How many Carers does Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd employ?

Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd employs 20 carers.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of homecare.co.uk. Please contact Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd has an Enhanced Service - more info.