Gardiner's Homecare

10 Church Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8DZ
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9.9 186 Reviews
  • Gardiner's Homecare, Reading
Gardiner's has over 50 years of providing domiciliary care to people in their own homes in and around Reading and South Oxfordshire.

Their experienced and friendly team are passionate about helping others and supporting them to continue independent and fulfilling lives in the comfort and familiarity of home.

If you are looking for someone to provide company and a little help around the house, or perhaps to assist with personal care or medication, Gardiner's can help.

Gardiner's takes great care to recruit care workers with a passion for helping others. They highly value their team, looking after them and supporting them at all times. It is a family business with an enviable reputation locally. They frequently receive fantastic feedback from grateful clients and their families, and indeed have been recognised by this website on several occasions for that.

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Care Provided by Gardiner's Homecare

  • Type of Service
  • Home Care Provider
  • Privately Owned
  • Specialist Care Categories
  • Call in Service
  • Cancer Care
  • Cleaning Service
  • Companionship
  • Dementia
  • Domestic Services / Home Help
  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • High Dependency Care, two carers attending
  • 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
  • 24 Hour Care
  • Adult Home Care (18+)
  • Hospital Discharge
  • Live in Carer
  • Personal Care (on a contracted hours basis)
  • Personal Care Assessments
  • Risk Assessments in the Home

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Gardiner's Homecare
  • Person in charge
  • Krista Hallett (Registered Manager)

Funding & Fees Guide for Gardiner's Homecare

  • Prices

  • Mon to Fri before 6pm - £38.50 per hour.
    Weekdays after 6pm + weekends all day - £42.90 per hour.


    Sleeping nights (10hrs): Mon-Thurs £181, Fri-Sun £203.
    Waking nights (10hrs): Mon-Thurs £236, Fri-Sun £264.

Gardiner's Homecare Reviews (186)

Total of 186, showing 81-100
9.9

Gardiner's Homecare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.942) out of 10, based on 38 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Gardiner's Homecare has 186 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from Brenda C (Daughter of Client) published on 13 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiners were extremely helpful when my father suddenly needed 24-hour care, and there was no help available from statutory agencies. All the carers who looked after my father were kind, caring and professional. The management team in the office were also very kind and helpful, supporting me through
a very stressful time. Great service all-round.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Delighted to have been able to support both you and your father. We truly appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that you found our service great.


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Review from Janet S (Wife of Client) published on 12 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Over 3 years my husband received excellent care from all his Gardiner's Homecare carers. They were all well trained, sympathetic and managed all situations.
Because of their excellent abilities, combined with my own care, my husband was able to die peacefully at home and thankfully a move to a care
home or hospital was avoided.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your lovely feedback. So pleased that we were able to support your husband and that between us he was able to stay in his own home.


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Review from Jane N (Daughter of Client) published on 20 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

For more than 14 years we have worked with Gardiners, initially to help our mum during her years with dementia and subsequently, they have cared for our dad. Their professionalism, kindness and respect have always been outstanding and during lockdown when 24hr care was suddenly needed, they put in place
a plan which was exemplary. Office and carers alike, they are outstanding and we are so grateful for everything they have done. We would not hesitate to recommend them.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Delighted to have supported both your mum and dad over the years. We shall ensure that your fantastic feedback is shared with their team of care workers. Thank you.


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Review from Judith B (Wife of Client) published on 20 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I used Gardiner's care agency for several years and found their service to be very professional. My husband had a number of different carers and we found them all most pleasant. They looked after his complex needs and helped me deal with some of the emotional stress which came as his condition worsened.
I would definitely recommend this agency to anyone who needed care in their own home.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your lovely feedback and recommendation, this is truly appreciated by us all.


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Review from Stephen W (Son of Client) published on 23 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was cared for by Gardiners over the last 6-years until sadly passing away on 1st May 2020 at the great old age of 94. Having carers 3-times a day enabled Mum to remain living on her own at home, my father having passed away in 2001. Mum always referred to the carers as ‘ her girls’. Every
day she updated them on all the gossip she read in her magazines and told them what was coming on TV that day. She was always interested to talk about their families and about what was going on in our family. She told everyone that visited her and I’m sure the carers regularly that she was the same age as the Queen. She was our Queen, and I used to tell her that the family and Gardiners looked after her like the Queen. So on behalf of the family, I’d like to thank Gardiners for caring for Mum and enabling her to remain living in her ‘Castle’, I know that she very much enjoyed all the chats and care that her ‘ girls’ gave her, and looked forward to every visit. Thank you.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

So good to know that the service we provided enabled your Mum to remain in her 'castle' and that she looked forward to 'her girls' visiting. We shall be sure to share these lovely comments with her team of care workers; they will appreciate them.


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Review from J H (Wife of Client) published on 2 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care, wonderful ladies. Treated my husband with dignity and respect. Also very punctual. They made his last few days very comfortable.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

He was with Gardiner's for a short time but we are delighted to hear that we made his last few days comfortable. Thank you for sharing your feedback.


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Review from Fiona C (Stepdaughter of Client) published on 26 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I found Gardiners to be extremely efficient, caring and flexible. As the needs of their client changed they adjusted their services accordingly, sometimes at very short notice. I wanted, whenever possible, for the same small group of carers to visit so their client knew and recognised them and this
almost always happened. As well as cooking and cleaning for her they willingly took her out to the shops, and to appointments. She came to look upon them as her friends. They respected her desire to retain, where possible, her independence but at the same time ensured she received the care she needed. I cannot thank all of the carers enough. I would also like to thank the office staff who were approachable, understanding and always tried to carry out their tasks in a positive manner.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Such great feedback, thank you for taking the time to share your experience of our service. Your comments and thanks shall be shared with the team.


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Review from Jacqueline (Daughter of Client) published on 30 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Over the past 18 months, Gardiner's have consistently provided professional, compassionate, understanding and responsive care for my father, adapting to his changing needs. They have enabled him to remain as independent in his home as possible, always treating him with kindness and respect. They have
often needed to provide extra care at short notice and have been calm and efficient in doing so - it helps me as the next of kin as I know that I am part of a team providing the best support possible for my Dad, which is very reassuring for a next of kin.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback. We are pleased to hear that you find our support reassuring, we all want the very best for your father.


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Review from Carol D (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 18 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiners provided excellent care and support to my mother-in-law for over two years until she recently moved to a care home. She had poor mobility and dementia but the good care and support enabled her to stay in her own home for as long as possible. Her carers were kind, thoughtful, considerate and
reliable. Also, the good communication between family, carers and the care manager meant that any medical problems were soon resolved. The carers were also happy to feed her pets. Our family would definitely recommend them.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for choosing Gardiner's Homecare and for your lovely feedback. Wishing you and your mum all the very best for the future.


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Review from Hillary S (Daughter of Client) published on 2 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was diagnosed with moderate cognitive impairment. Unfortunately, she lost her husband quite some time ago and my sister and I both live out of the country. It is very important to my mum that she remain living at home for as long as possible. We have arranged to have Gardiners come in twice a
day to help her take her medicine, overall health, keep her place up, pick up groceries, make sure she is eating and drinking and have companionship. The CareGivers at Gardiners are so lovely, they treat her with respect and gently guide and prompt her to do what she needs to do. They are warm and she feels comforted by them. Most importantly they have literally been lifesavers a few times when Mum has been sick but did not call for help. The Gardiners Team allows my mum to stay at home safely which is so important to her and allows my sister and I to feel that we are respecting her wishes and keeping her safe. We are thrilled with Gardiners and couldn't survive without them.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for such detailed feedback on our service. It is great to hear that our care workers have enabled your mum to remain as independent as possible in her own home, whilst ensuring her well-being and safety. Also that she finds them warm, comforting and respectful. We shall share your comments with her team, they will be delighted.


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Review from Peter (Son of Client) published on 18 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother's memory was rapidly failing, but her fierce independence was undiminished despite her increasing confusion. The staff from Gardiner's were caring and supportive of her, willing to "go the extra mile" and were good at keeping her relatives in the loop when issues or potential problems came
up. We were very happy with the professional service provided. Mum challenged her carers by refusing to accept their help (and then forgetting that the task still needed to be done), and we reluctantly came to see that she needed the full-time care offered by a residential home, where she now lives. Gardiner's enabled her to maintain her prized independence for significantly longer than she would have been able to without their skill and effort. We feel lucky to have found them.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

So good to know that the service we provided enabled your mother to remain as independent for as long as was possible. We shall be sure to share these lovely comments with her team of care workers. Thank you.


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Review from I B (Son of Client) published on 18 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always been impressed by the level of care provided by all the Gardiner's carers that attended to my mother, as well as the support received from everyone in the office.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

That is very pleasing to read, thank you. We appreciate your feedback.


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Review from M N (Daughter of Client) published on 6 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Generally very happy with my mother's care. Sometimes it takes a while for my email information to reach the nurses from admin.
The nurses are very caring and supportive.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your comments, and we are glad that you are generally happy with the care provided. We shall look into why your emails are not reaching us promptly but do email Krista@gardinersnursing.co.uk if this an issue for more immediate attention.


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Review from Eleni A (Daughter of Client) published on 6 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Living abroad and having your relative in need of care offers insecurity, stress and anxiety. Gardiner's has not only risen up to the challenge but has surpassed it tenfold. I couldn't be happier with the services offered, the level of care offered and the peace of mind I now have after three months
of Gardiner carers. More than once a situation has arisen whereupon the carers are needed to step up and they do, taking care of the situation quickly, effectively and discreetly. The carers have been kind, responsive and compassionate to my mother offering not only their expertise but companionship.
Any concerns I might have, are answered immediately and responsibly. I couldn't have managed this situation without Gardiner's and I am very grateful to have them not only as part of my mothers life but also as an imperative part of mine. Thank you Gardiner's, I am eternally grateful.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for sharing your experience and gratitude. So pleased we are able to take some of the stresses of living abroad form your shoulders. We shall share these kind words with your mothers team of care workers.


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Review from Anne B (Daughter of Client) published on 21 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's are a very professionally run care agency which puts the client at the forefront of all that they do. We would unreservedly recommend them for reliability, high standard of care, respect for the client and attention to detail. My mother had the same two carers for 5 years. They treated her
with the utmost respect, kindness and dignity.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Fantastic comments! Thank you for sharing your experience of the care provided by Gardiner's. We shall share this feedback with the 2 care workers who supported your mother, they will be pleased to read it too.


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Review from P H (Client) published on 6 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A reliable and friendly service. They do their best to help you with familiar staff and have responded quickly in an emergency.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you, it is lovely to read your feedback and very kind of you to take the time.


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Review from E C (Client) published on 1 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had your carers in as a widow and have has a new knee, I needed help having a shower. I now feel confident after all the help I received from your excellent carers.

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Review from P C (Client) published on 23 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's were able to provide high-quality care at short notice.

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Review from Jenny Q (Daughter of Client) published on 7 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's were amazingly responsive when we had an urgent and unexpected change in need. The staff are high quality and very well trained.

Reply from Suzanne Screen, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of the care provided to your mum by Gardiner's. We hope that she has settled into her new accommodation well.


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Review from F S (Client) published on 2 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had some interesting visits from carers. Most have good qualities in some part of the visit. Having known the owner before their nursing home and home care, I am sure he would be very proud of you all.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Pleased to hear that you think he would be proud of us all, thank you.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.942)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.942) out of 10 for Gardiner's Homecare 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 38 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 38 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 4.942 for Gardiner's Homecare is calculated as follows: ( (214 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 226 Ratings = 4.942

  • 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 Homecare is based on 38 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: 26 Apr 2018

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Outstanding

  • 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 (5)

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Meet the Team (11)

John-Joe

John-Joe Cottam

Job Title: Managing Director

Joined: 2010

John-Joe is the joint owner and managing director of Gardiner’s Nursing & Homecare. He is the grandson of Gardiner’s founder Dorothy Gardiner. John-Joe studied Psychology at the University of Leicester before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2003.


John-Joe worked as an audit manager with many successful owner-manager-managed businesses until December 2009.


In 2010 John-Joe joined Gardiner’s, taking over the running of Gardiner’s Nursing & Homecare in April 2011.


Krista

Krista Hallett

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2015

Krista joined Gardiner’s as a Care Manager in March 2015. In September 2018, following Annabel’s retirement, Krista took on the role of Registered Manager.


Before joining Gardiner’s, Krista worked in the care sector for 10 years, starting as a healthcare assistant and then progressing to a Senior care worker/Care Coordinator, assisting with all aspects of the care industry.


Suzanne

Suzanne Screen

Job Title: Office Manager

Joined: 2013

Suzanne is the office manager here at Gardiner’s. Her role is to help ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, this includes looking after our accounts and payroll processes. Suzanne is involved in many other areas of the business including marketing and social media.


Prior to joining Gardiner’s in September 2013, Suzanne was the Practice Manager at Caversham Heights Dental Practice for over 15 years, working with David Cottam, John-Joe’s father.


Germaine

Germaine Goswell

Job Title: New Client 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 providing the required support.


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.


Leanne

Leanne Edwards

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2016

Leanne's main role is to manage the support of her team of clients and care workers. She keeps in regular contact with them, adapting to their changing needs.


Leane has been in the care industry for a long time and joined Gardiner's as a Care Worker in May 2016. In September 2017 she became a Senior Care Worker at Gardiner's before being promoted to the role of Care Manager.


Alex

Alex Snow

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2017

Alex's main role is to look after her team of clients and care workers, providing regular support and adapting to their needs.


Alex originally trained as a staff nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and went on to specialise in respiratory medicine before becoming part of the cardiac care team. She started with Gardiner's as a care worker before progressing to Care Manager, bringing a wealth and variety of experience.


Lianne

Lianne Maguire

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2015

Lianne manages a team of care workers and clients. She keeps in touch with them regularly to respond to any changes required.


Lianne, also known as Mags, had worked in the care industry for over 10 years before joining Gardiner's in 2015. She has a vast amount of experience and knowledge that she brings to the role of Care Manager.


Hayleigh

Hayleigh O'Brien

Job Title: Recruitment & Development Manager

Joined: 2021

Hayleigh looks after the recruitment of care workers and the continuing development of the team at Gardiner's.


Hayleigh joined Gardiner's as a Care Worker in December 2021, previously working as an HR administrator.  She moved into her current position in May 2023, perfectly combining her knowledge of both previous roles.


Jasmine

Jasmine Corbin

Job Title: Care Co-rdinator

Joined: 2023

Jasmine oversees all the duties, booking in care workers for each visit. Her priority is to keep a regular team in place and as small a team as possible. Whilst also arranging cover for well earnt holiday and unexpected time off. Continuity of care is very important at Gardiner's.


Jasmine started at Gardiner's as a Care Worker so understands the needs of the clients and the care workers and the value of matching the right people.


Tracy

Tracy Beamond

Job Title: Senior Care Worker

Joined: 2018

Tracy supports the office team and care workers. Her role varies from completing client assessments, reviews and to guiding and observing care workers.


Tracy joined Gardiner's as a Care Worker in November 2016 before becoming a Senior Care Worker in June 2018. Before this, she worked with adults with learning and physical difficulties supporting them in their own homes. Before that Tracy worked in various children's residential homes.


Cheryl

Cheryl Willis

Job Title: Office Administrator

Joined: 2011

Cheryl is the welcoming face of Gardiner's Homecare. She is based on reception and greets visitors with a warm smile and if is unable to assist herself, she points you in the right direction.


Cheryl started at Gardiner's in 2011 as a Care Worker before progressing to Office Administrator in 2014. She has a variety of experience having also come from a background in pensions, retail, accounts, and administration.


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