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
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Reviewer Connection to Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
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Total of 40, showing 21-40
Review from Glen H (Friend of Client) published on 12 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used Q1 since early 2018, initially for domiciliary visiting care.
In early 2020, as my friend's care needs changed, we moved onto live-in care which continues to this day.
After one or two false starts, Q1 found two carers who worked together for over a year until one of them had to stop working.
Q1 responded to this situation quickly and have used some excellent agency carers and have recently put in one of their directly employed staff alongside one of the original carers.
I feel very confident with the live-in care that is provided and the key issue for me and my friend is consistency.
Q1 respond very quickly to any unexpected situations and keep me well-informed of what is happening. We usually resolve any minor issues together and I feel that they care about my friend and value the input they have from me. The carers are brilliant and I have full trust in them and appreciate the dignity and respect they show towards my friend.
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.
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Review from Susan W (Daughter of Client) published on 11 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the first assessment on to the regularly changing care needs of my father, who is now approaching end of life, Q1Care have been with us all the way. Q1Care management and office staff are knowledgeable and professional and have treated us with patience and respect throughout this difficult time.
Communication has been excellent in all essential areas and at all hours (in-person, email, phone, care notes). Each and every one of the care staff who visit arrive promptly, are attentive, skilled and compassionate. My father is looked after with such dignity and care, and my mother is additionally supported with companionship. Thank you so much - an invaluable service.
Reply from Michelle McDonnell, Registered Care Manager at Gardiner's Live-in Care Ltd
Thank you for your lovely review, it is a pleasure looking after Dad and welcoming you all to our Q1 family.
I will be sure to pass on all your lovely feedback to the care team.
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Review from Bruce T (Husband of Client) published on 11 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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…read more
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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.

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.