Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

13 Reading Road, Pangbourne, Reading RG8 7LR
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9.9 38 Reviews
  • Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd, Reading
Gardiner's Live-In Care is an independent care agency operating since 2013 in the South Oxfordshire and Berkshire areas. As a local and family-run agency they pride themselves on spending quality time listening to clients and building trusted relationships. They are committed to providing a client led, bespoke service to each and every individual family.

They offer a full range of services from companionship, personal care (changing and bathing), medication support, specialist care, palliative care and live-in care. With this spectrum they are able to help clients throughout their care journey and adapt the services to their changing needs.

They are fast and flexible with a simple pricing model and no hidden fees or uncharges. Engaging Gardner's is a simple process: there is a short initial call to gather some information, an in person needs assessment to ascertain what services are required, and then a care team is assigned. Q1Care responds rapidly to new client requirements and can typically place carers within 48 hours of a needs assessment.

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Care Provided

Types of Home Care

  • Visiting Care
  • Live-in Care
  • 24 Hour Care
  • Adult Home Care (18+)
  • Respite Care

Personal Care & Household Services

  • Washing & Dressing
  • Medication Assistance (Oral)
  • Domestic Services / Home Help
  • Cleaning Service
  • Companionship
  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • Shopping Service / Errands

Other Care Provided

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Hospital Discharge
  • Cancer Care

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 (38)

Total of 38, showing 21-38
9.9

Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.935) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd has 38 reviews.

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Review from Bruce T (Husband of Client) published on 11 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has enjoyed the support of daily morning carers from Q1 for over 2 years. During that period we have had a number of different people engaged as carers.
Throughout, we have received professional care combined with a sympathetic and helpful manner by every individual. My wife regards these carers
as her 'friends'.
All requests for changes/additional services have been met in, again, a helpful and courteous way.

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 this on to the team.

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Review from Caroline J (Daughter of Client) published on 11 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to recommend Q1 to anyone looking for care for their loved ones. Since Q1 have taken over the care of my father, he has been thriving and really enjoys the visits, of which he has four a day. The standard of the girls is very high and they all go above and beyond their duty to make sure
Dad is happy. The whole company is very professionally run and the office staff are also exceptionally efficient. Thank you, Q1, for everything you do.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

It is a pleasure looking after Dad, he is a joy to care for, like part of our family.

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Review from Sarah P (Daughter of Client) published on 11 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad was in his early 80s and started to struggle getting in and out of the bath or do his personal care. I asked Q1 to do a weekly visit, to help him take a shower and be there for some company. He loved it and the carers who looked after him. As he got increasingly frail and his health deteriorated,
we asked Q1 to do visits twice a day, to help him with meals, cleaning and a bit of company. They were amazing. Knowing that he had visitors coming to see him twice a day was a huge comfort to him and he looked forward to them visiting. I would not hesitate to recommend Q1 to anybody who has someone at home who needs either full personal care or just needs someone to pop in to ensure they are ok. They were a huge comfort to me and to my dad.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your kind words. I will pass this on to the team. It was a pleasure caring for Dad.

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Review from Barry K (Friend of Client) published on 12 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Your carers have only been visiting our close friend (who we have known for 40 years), for a few consecutive days, but already there has been a huge improvement in the health of our friend. We (ie. my wife and I) visited her today and were impressed with the marked change for the better! This was our
first experience with yourselves, but we won't hesitate to use you again and recommend you to others should the need arise. Thank you very much for all that you are doing and for the way you are doing it!

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your kind words and welcome to the Q1 family.
I will be sure to pass on your wonderful comments to the team.

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Review from Suzanne C (Daughter of Client) published on 8 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother has had care at home provided by Q1 Care since last August.vWe have been really impressed with the company and the care they provide. Any issues have been dealt with promptly, their communication is excellent, easy to get hold of, respond to e-mails promptly and keep us informed of things
we need to organise and stock up on. Would definitely recommend this company they are a league above others.

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, we wish you all the best for the future.
Thank you for being part of the Q1 Care family.

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Review from B S (Client) published on 30 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Generally excellent service. The roster still needs improvement. Changes of time/carer are rarely given. The Rosta published Friday/ Saturday is often incorrect and not communicated to me. Several of the more mature carers have become good friends.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your review. I will address any issues with you individually regarding your roster, to ensure communication is improved.

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Review from Amanda M (Daughter of Client) published on 28 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so grateful for the excellent care provided by Q1 to enable Mum to continue living in her own home, safely and with dignity. All the care staff supporting Mum are professional, caring and vigilant. It is so important how staff have invested in getting to know and understand her, so she feels
comfortable accepting the help she now needs, due to her dementia. The management team are efficient, responsive, supportive and have our complete trust.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your wonderful review. It is a pleasure having mum as part of the Q1 family. I will be sure to pass on your comments to all the team.

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Review from david w (Client) published on 18 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Q1Care provided me with support, morning and evening, when I was recovering from a bad fall.
All the staff were professional and also friendly and were happy to carry out many duties around the home. Many thanks for your support.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your lovely review. I will pass this on to the care team.

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Review from E G (Husband of Client) published on 18 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife was recovering from a complex abdominal operation. A number of different carers from Q1Care came twice a day, for an hour each time. All arrived punctually, were pleasant, helpful and versatile. If my wife or I need similar care at home again (we are both well over eighty years old), we should
apply to Q1Care.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your lovely review. I will pass this on to the care team. It would be a pleasure to support you again, if you ever need care in the future, from all at Q1.

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Review from Anthony G (Husband of Client) published on 18 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Apart from a very few exceptions, the Q1Care team have been kind, friendly and professional.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your lovely review. I will pass this on to the care team.

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Review from C M (Client) assisted by family/friend published on 16 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the care I receive from Q1. The carers are kind and respectful of my needs. It would be good to have the same carer all the time, but I realise this is not always possible.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for taking the time to review. It is a pleasure caring for you.

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Review from Gillian S (Daughter of Client) published on 14 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Q1 Care are like another family member. They fill the gaps which I cannot and they are my support network in caring for my mum.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for the time to review Q1Care and your lovely feedback. I will pass this on to all the team.

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Review from C L (Daughter of Client) published on 30 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great care right from the top of the team throughout all the carers. Positive, enthusiastic and professional.
Thanks for starting the day off for my mum in such a bright way. We know we can rely on you all!

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for such a lovely review we enjoy supporting mum she is a valued member of our Q 1 family.

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Review from Louise L (Nephew of Client) published on 24 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Q1 Care have done their best to assist us in a difficult environment post-Covid lockdown. The staff that they have provided have been excellent and made my aunt's life more fun and provided excellent care of her physical and mental well-being, as well as maintaining her dignity and communicating regularly
with members of her extended family.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for the wonderful review and for entrusting us with your loved one's care.

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Review from Mark F (Son of Client) published on 23 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Q1Care office member we have as a point of contact is very helpful, quick and efficient to respond to queries and problems. The carers are lovely and look after dad very well indeed from medical care, personal hygiene and house care. It's a big pressure off us family members to know Dad is in such
capable hands. Thank you Q1Care.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for taking the time to review. It is a pleasure looking after Dad and having him as part of the Q1Care family.

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Review from J B (Daughter of Client) published on 22 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Well-mannered and kind staff who visit for 30-minutes each morning to administer pills, calendar and well-being checks with my mother. My mother sometimes tries to get them out the door quickly but some staff are good at engaging with her, having a cup of tea with her and getting her chatting or fussing
with the dog until her attention is turned and they can interact for the whole visit. When reassured and asked open questions my mother is very social and loves to chat. My mother has enabler visits for two hours once a week for be-friending and to reduce social isolation, with the aim of reassurance and to support my mum to go out for longer walks, go shopping and feel secure. My mother is embarrassed about her memory and has withdrawn from social activities with groups, although when confident, she loves to go out. A computerised system allows me to see daily notes and any concerns raised. Good lines of communication. I am able to email management staff with concerns and prompts that the staff pass on. We also receive a weekly bill.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to review us.

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Review from D G (Client) published on 22 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always helpful, professional and on time for appointments. The staff are extremely caring and I always feel better after their visit to me. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, who are always cheerful and a pleasure to have in my home.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your lovely kind words, our care staff love visiting you.

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Review from Alison H (Daughter of Client) published on 22 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Q1Care Ltd has really gone above and beyond their remit in order to help us care for my father. He was taken ill with a mouth infection and they helped us to source dentists, organised a doctor's visit, went to check on him when no one could contact him and stayed with him until the doctor arrived.
They then collected his medication from the pharmacy, keeping us informed by phone and email all the time. The manager was and is amazing, nothing is ever too much trouble for her and her team. We are very grateful that we have Q1Care Ltd looking after Dad.

Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd

Thank you for your kind words we appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review. You are all a valued part of the Q1 Care family. Thank you from myself and all the team for the chocolates, they were very much appreciated. It was a pleasure meeting you face to face. Safe travels home.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.935)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.935) out of 10 for Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.935 for Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd is calculated as follows: ( (101 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 108 Ratings = 4.935

  • b) 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 18 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

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

Meet the Team (2)

Simon

Simon Mahony

Job Title: Director

Joined: 2023

Simon grew up in a family of carers and is delighted to be continuing the tradition as the director of Gardiner's Care. He has overall responsibility for ensuring that Gardiner's remains at the forefront of visiting and live-in care in the South Oxfordshire and Berkshire areas. He lives in a small village with his wife, son, and small dogs.

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.

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.