Home Instead (St Albans)

Unit 3, St Albans Enterprise Centre, Long Spring, St Albans AL3 6EN
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9.8 60 Reviews
  • Home Instead (St Albans), St Albans
Home Instead (St Albans) provide professional care services in the home, with all provision personalised to individual requirements, suiting the needs of older people, disabled adults and many with mental health complications.

This St Albans branch is part of an expanding UK home care provider, whose services are making a big difference to the lives of vulnerable adults enabling them to stay independent and live in their own homes.

Home Instead (St Albans) was rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission in 2019.

Care Provided by Home Instead (St Albans)

  • Type of Service
  • Home Care Provider
  • Privately Owned
  • Specialist Care Categories
  • Cleaning Service
  • Companionship
  • Dementia
  • Domestic Services / Home Help
  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • Laundry Service
  • Learning Disability
  • Medication Assistance
  • Older Person Care
  • Palliative Care
  • Personal Hygiene Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite cover
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Shopping Service / Errands
  • Sit in Service
  • Transportation Service
  • Other Care Provided
  • Adult Home Care (18+)
  • Hospital Discharge
  • Personal Care (on a contracted hours basis)
  • Personal Care Assessments
  • Risk Assessments in the Home

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Kate Court (Care Manager)

Funding & Fees Guide for Home Instead (St Albans)

  • Prices
  • Available on request


Home Instead (St Albans) Reviews (60)

Total of 60, showing 21-40
9.8

Home Instead (St Albans) has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.779) out of 10, based on 25 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Home Instead (St Albans) has 60 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were offered the times and days we requested and have been very well matched with our carer who is a genuine, honest and caring person. We would like to maintain the continuity with our carer as we are building a relationship.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for taking the time to review our services . We pride ourselves on making the right match of our Care Professionals to the clients and are so pleased it has been successful.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used Home Instead for about four years now. The service provided has been first class. Inevitably, there are occasions where a care professional has been unable to arrive on time. We always get a call from the HI office to let us know of the delay. The care professionals in our regular team
are all lovely people. They are not just carers, they have become friends.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your lovely words. We aim to provide the best quality of staff to support our clients and always use the mum test- we are so pleased it has been successful.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Home Instead group are really great. Each week there is something to do or an interesting talk at the cafe they take me to. All birthdays are celebrated and the staff are very helpful and kind, even when we make too much noise.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for taking the time to let us know how much you enjoy our services and its great that you enjoy coming to our Cafe and have such a good time.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

As a carer for my husband, I find it a great help to have people coming in. We took time to accept the help, but we have got to know them as friends. We have also settled with times and carers that suit us well.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for taking the time to review our services. We recruit all of our staff with the Mum test in mind and it is great to hear it's obviously working!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Aunt says "They are very kind and take me to the shops, sometimes we play a game they seem to like". I know they are reliable and always turn up on time. The carers are always happy to take my aunt out or stay in depending on her requirements and she enjoys their company calling them friends.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your review- it's great that we can support your aunt in this way and that she enjoys our visits.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum formed quite a bond with her two carers and always looked forward to their visits. I had the pleasure of meeting both of them, they were completely different characters that complemented each other, they bought joy and positivity with them, something I think older people appreciate. There is one
further thing I have to add, living far away from Mum as I do, there had been times when I asked them to do things for me that they weren't obliged to do, they always did them without question. I cannot thank them enough and would happily recommend Home Instead.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your kind words - we will pass this on to the Care Professionals. We always aim to go the extra mile and ensure we are there for our clients when their loved ones can't be.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Home Instead St Albans have provided fantastic care and support for both of my parents over the last few years. All of the carers provided were professional, caring and dependable and friendly with a notable few who were outstanding and exceptional in the care they provided for my parents. My mother
became extremely unwell and throughout this time Home Instead adapted their care and support to my parent's needs. I would highly recommend Home Instead St Albans. Their support and organisation has always been exemplary, always being given timetables and plans. They are an excellent organisation.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be able to support your parents. Thank you for your kind words.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very professional and knowledgeable standard of care. My mother only used the service for 4-months and has now moved to a care home as both she and now also my father have a multitude of issues. During the 4-months of care, the carers were not only very professional but became firm friends with my
mother. My mother went from not wanting a care service, to looking forward to their visits. There was a regular rota of three staff. On the rare occasions that it was necessary to send a substitute, or there was a slight delay in arrival, we were always informed in advance. The head office staff were also very professional, keeping us informed at all times and joining us with NHS care assessment zoom meetings. Some disappointment was that there was not the staff available to provide an evening putting to bed service.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your lovely review - we will certainly pass on your kind words to our team. Thank you for entrusting your mother's card to our team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very good service, with the actual care and office communications.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Home Instead have offered essential care which has enabled my mother to remain independent for as long as possible. From an initial point of reluctance, she developed good relationships with her carers who were always helpful and flexible. Changes and delays to her visits were always advised by phone.
Queries and questions with the office were dealt with very promptly.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had a carer for two years. The same person has come throughout the period, apart from occasional days off and holidays and the replacements have always been nice to meet and often interesting to talk to. Timekeeping has been excellent. Our regular carer has been very good at her job and keen
to get on and get the work done. On the very rare occasions when she will be late I have always been kept informed

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your lovely words, they will be passed onto our team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleased with all aspects of the service from Home Instead.
Carers are all kind, friendly and helpful. They are always willing to do what Mum asks.
The administration is very efficient and communication is excellent.
Thoroughly recommend.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Hi, thank you so much for your lovely words. The Home Instead Team


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My elderly mother has received daily care visits by the team over the last two years and she gets on really well with them and trusts and values their support. The team are polite, professional and friendly at all times. They are also flexible with visit arrangements and they kindly arranged to get
Mother to her granddaughter's wedding and back last month without any fuss. I would highly recommend Home Instead.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very satisfied with the service. I live on my own, and my wife died several years ago. My son and daughter live miles away and visit once a fortnight; there is no one else except one old colleague. When I meet at a social club on Friday afternoons another old lady friend has done my shopping. Since
lockdown, therefore, the carers are the only other people I talk with. I have had a very active social life. I am 97-years-old and have many different tales to tell them.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your kind words - it is lovely to hear that our caregivers have proved to be such a help to you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I used the St Albans branch of Home Instead for the last 18 months to assist my elderly parents. The service provided did exactly what it promised, it allowed them to stay in their own home, maintaining their independence while providing help and companionship. All of the team, office staff and carers
were professional and caring, always treating my parents with dignity. The knowledge that someone was reliably going into them every weekday was reassuring for me. The organisation of staff and visits was excellent and being able to access information about the visits via the app on my phone was a great asset. I have already recommended the company to several people and have used another branch to provide services to my elderly but very independent mother-in-law.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your lovely words. We will ensure your comments are passed on to the relevant caregivers. Thank you again for taking the time to review our service.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When my mother had a fall and my father was struggling to cope I contacted Home Instead (St Albans). Within a few days they had visited, made an assessment and within a week the home visits were able to start. It was such a relief at a stressful time to have such a prompt service. Two wonderful carers
now visit three times a week and both are caring, considerate and good company. They used their initiative after helping my mother with personal care to support my father with laundry, ironing and general household tasks. They really have made a big difference to their lives, enabling them to remain independent. Great team and service, would highly recommend.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your lovely comments. We aim to ensure our clients receive the highest quality of care and enable them to remain at home. We love it when we receive comments like this which endorses the high quality of service we provide.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Contacted Home Instead to provide help for my elderly mother who is caring for my elderly father with dementia. Lockdown has made life even harder for my parents and Home Instead have provided excellent help and company for both parents.
Both carers and administration staff have been excellent - easy
to talk to and happy to amend care packages as and when required.
We have no complaints and would absolutely recommend them.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your kind words. We understand just how difficult it has been for everyone during this pandemic and we are pleased that we have been able to support your parents.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Home Instead provided a wonderful service, looking after my mother through her later years, and helping the family manage through her progressive onset of dementia. We really couldn't have managed without the help, support and kindness that Home Instead provided.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your kind words - it was a privilege to be able to support your mother.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has only recently received care from Home Instead and I cannot say enough about them. The Caregivers are amazing and have already made a difference to my mother's life. My father has also hugely benefitted and they really look forward to the visits. The Caregivers always have time for their
clients and are always so professional and caring.
Thank you to all of you on the team for an outstanding service.
Best wishes.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you, it is wonderful to hear we are making such a difference to our clients' lives and to get such lovely feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Home Instead have been providing CAREgivers to my mum following her discharge from hospital last year. Mum had always been an active, sociable lady but her declining mobility and confidence was beginning to affect both her activities of daily living and emotional well being. I turned to Home Instead
as I wanted a quality-focused, consistent, proactive, personal and caring service and this is exactly what my mum receives, her life is enriched and she smiles again because of "her girls". If only they could cure her sleeping problems. The CAREgivers not only perform functional tasks but also share the most intimate of moments and brighten her day, they have become part of our extended family. Home Instead have clearly honed their recruitment program to employ people who truly do care and go above and beyond for their clients, the "creme de la creme". Their app also enables us to keep up to date with Mum's well being when we can't see her and office staff are always available and proactive when issues arise.

Reply from Fiona Harrall, Owner at Home Instead (St Albans)

Thank you for your lovely words-we will certainly pass on your compliments to your mum's "girls".


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.779)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.779) out of 10 for Home Instead (St Albans) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 25 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 25 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 4.779 for Home Instead (St Albans) is calculated as follows: ( (119 Excellents x 5) + (27 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 149 Ratings = 4.779

  • 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 Home Instead (St Albans) is based on 25 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.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 25 Jun 2019

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Outstanding
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Outstanding

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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