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 101-120
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 Winifred M (Client) published on 25 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am most pleased with the service offered, including punctuality. Always ready to help at all times.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your feedback, we do appreciate you taking the time to share your comments.


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Review from Naomi S (Daughter of Client) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Found Gardiner's really helpful and speedy in setting up a service for my mum when she was taken ill quite suddenly. The carers were all very professional and kind to Mum and I had no concerns about the level of service she was getting, including when I wasn't around to keep an eye out. Would recommend.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Many thanks Naomi, very kind of you. We will be sure to pass the feedback on to the team.


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Review from Stewart S (Husband of Client) published on 27 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very satisfied with all. Including office staff.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your feedback, we do appreciate it.


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Review from Michael J (Son of Client) published on 9 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's carers have been of a very high standard and the company has been very helpful in finding a team of carers that suit my father's needs. They have always been very efficient in responding to my requests and provide an out of hours service that has handled a number of crisis caused by outside
circumstances.
I'm very happy to continue using Gardiner's carers to look after my father.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Good to read you comments, thanks. We do aim to ensure that the team of carers are kept as small as possible, as consistent as possible and suited to each individual person.


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Review from J A (Wife of Client) published on 9 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's Homecare helped both my husband and sister to remain at home. The carers were all friendly and efficient and arrived at the time expected without fail if due to weather etc a call would be received to explain. I can't praise the service enough.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your praise, we really do appreciate it and will ensure that the carers are made aware.


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Review from Mary H (Daughter of Client) published on 29 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has three or four hours of care each day as she is 91 and has dementia. The carers show genuine concern for her and I feel reassured when they are with her, knowing that she is being looked after properly. They inform me promptly of any concerns but also use their initiative to sort out problems.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you leaving some feedback and we are pleased to know that you are reassured by the carer's visits to your mother.


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Review from Betty W (Client) published on 20 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Reliable, consistent carers who always treat me with respect and dignity. Thoughtful, considerate ladies who have become friends over the past five years. Excellent service.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Great to hear that about the care workers, we should all be treated with dignity and respect at all times.


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Review from T W (Daughter of Client) published on 12 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother who has dementia has been looked after with kindness and care.
I am confident and happy to leave Gardiner's carers with my mother's wellbeing.
As Mum says 'never a cross word'.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

We are pleased to hear that you feel happy and confident with the care provided to your mother, thank you for sharing.


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Review from Dave A (Son of Client) published on 12 June 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care my late father received from Gardiner's Homecare was always of the highest order. The individual carers and support staff were always professional, kind, considerate and compassionate. My father very much looked forward to the visits and regarded the carers as friends. It was a comfort to me
that dad was in such good hands.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of our care service. It is always lovely to hear that the care worker's visits are looked forward to and that as a family you find it comforting.


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Review from Rosa B (Daughter of Client) published on 31 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother has received the very best of care and the team of carers have gone beyond their call of duty. Would highly recommend Gardiner's Nursing 5*s

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Wow, fantastic feedback, thank you. We really do value our amazing team of Care Workers.


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Review from N P (Husband of Client) published on 20 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare is excellent. The staff are caring and professional.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your feedback.


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Review from Corinna H (Daughter of Client) published on 13 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We were very pleased with the care and attention given to my Mother during her engagement with Gardiner's. The office staff were very attentive and were easy to contact by telephone and email.
It was helpful to have a dedicated care manager as she was aware of my mother's personal needs and concerns
and was able, without fuss, to provide additional care when it was needed.


But, particular praise must be paid to those carers who came to my Mother's home on a daily basis. The team of carers were kind and gentle and always listened to my Mother's requests and concerns and she was able to retain her dignity to the end of her life with their help and attention.


My family and I were very grateful to Gardiner's Homecare and would not hesitate to recommend them.


Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for such great feedback regarding the care that your mother received, we have shared this with her team of care workers. They really appreciate hearing these sort of comments.


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Review from Graham C (Son of Client) published on 11 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum had two care visits a day (early morning and lunchtime). Carers always arrived at the appointed time and undertook their duties diligently, at the same time offering friendship and support to Mum, who had, until the care package commenced in Spring 2018, resisted any help as she was fiercely independent,
despite being age 96. The fact that Mum began to welcome the carer visits illustrates the rapport and empathy that was built up between them. Thanks from all the family - sadly, Mum passed away at the beginning of April having been admitted to hospital at the end of January where she suffered two strokes.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for choosing Gardiner's to support your Mum. It is lovely to hear that she came to welcome their visits during her time with us.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The recent review was good and covered everything relevant to my care needs.
At the present time, I need the minimum of care but realise that this will almost certainly change. We discussed this amongst other things.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

We regularly review all care provided to ensure that it is meeting your needs and that we adapt our services as necessary, we are pleased to hear that you thought it was good.


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Review from Janice J (Wife of Client) published on 2 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner’s Homecare is a responsive and caring agency and the staff generally well trained and helpful. Most of them formed a good rapport with my husband and treated him with courtesy and kindness.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your feedback, we truly appreciate it.


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Review from Judith F (Client) published on 28 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the carers that have visited and helped me have been exactly what I had hoped for - encouraging, helpful, cheerful and willing. I look forward to their company and efficient assistance.
As I am about to leave the area I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to Gardiner's Homecare for an exemplary
service.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

We shall pass on your heartfelt thanks to your team, we wish you all the very best and thank you for your feedback.


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Review from John D (Client) published on 28 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

With Gardiner's my misgivings about employing a care service have disappeared. I was allocated an excellent main carer from the beginning and the office staff have succeeded in finding a helpful and friendly team for me. I do not require personal help but my carers share all the housework that I can
no longer do, mainly because of extreme walking difficulties, pain and fatigue. They take me on social visits and short trips, often to the garden centre. We make shopping lists together and some enjoy cooking a variety of meals. Gardiner's accommodate their clients' needs. I am pleased to recommend them.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

We do offer a wide range of support and tailor it to individuals needs, it sounds like you made good use of our excellent care workers.


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Review from Simon (Son of Client) published on 28 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Responded quickly to the requirement. Staff were reliable, punctual, pragmatic, helpful, efficient and trustworthy. I would have no hesitation in using them again.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Glad to hear that you found our staff great, we think they are!


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Review from Elizabeth T (Client) assisted by family/friend published on 20 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Caring, helpful, willing and cheerful.

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Review from S L (Daughter of Client) published on 5 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Last year I organised Gardners to provide home care for my mother who at 95 years old still lives alone. I live in Canada and it has provided me with peace of mind to know that mum is receiving the help and support she needs for her to remain in her own home.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Good to know that not only is our support enabling your mother to remain in her own home, but that you have peace of mind when living so far away!


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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.

View Latest Report

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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