Gardiner's Homecare

10 Church Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8DZ
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9.9 185 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.

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 - £35.00 per hour.
    Weekdays after 6pm + weekends all day - £39.38 per hour.


    Sleeping nights (10hrs): Mon-Thurs £165, Fri-Sun £185.
    Waking nights (10hrs): Mon-Thurs £215, Fri-Sun £240.


Total of 185, showing 121-140
9.9

Gardiner's Homecare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10, based on 39 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Gardiner's Homecare has 185 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My carer has been looking after me since approximately last November. She is always cheerful and quick to see something which needs her attention. She has become a close friend and companion and I shall miss her when she has to stop and let me start to look after myself.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

We shall ensure that your care worker is made aware of your lovely comments, thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am extremely happy with the care and support Gardiners have provided to my aunt. They have always kept me well informed had there been anything not quite right on their visit. Regular carers were always used when possible. The carers were always on time, very professional, kind and friendly. I cannot
thank the whole team enough for all they have done for my aunt.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

We shall pass your thanks onto the team, they will be delighted with your feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We find the carers extremely helpful, caring and extremely professional at all times, always a pleasure to see. It does help to have the same carers on a regular basis as it gives continuity.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback, much appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My year-long experience of using Gardiner's has left me very impressed and I cannot praise the workers highly enough.
I found them all to be kind, caring and intelligent.
They foresee possible problems arising and act upon them.
Above all, they actually listen to what the service user wants and act
accordingly.
Administratively they are excellent, courteous and helpful at all times.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Great to know that you appreciated the fact that we listen to your needs.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very reliable service in all aspects.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

A lovely short but sweet review, thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All Gardiner's staff were very professional, punctual and sympathetic. I certainly recommend the agency. It is a pity that they do not offer half hour slots - this could discourage some potential clients, but they will cheerfully fill in the hour (their minimum) with anything you ask them to do. This
worked well when they were dealing with my awkward husband. They could return to him a few times in the hour. Their experience of dementia was invaluable and they gave me such support.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Such helpful feedback, thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiners have looked after my dad for the last 4 years, both dad and I have been very happy with them. The carers have been very caring and even going above and beyond when the need arose to make sure he was okay, they always arrived on time and stayed the full time.


I would be extremely likely

to recommend Gardiners.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Pleased to hear that you have been very happy with the service provided.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend the care and expertise of Gardiner's enough. My sister had been diagnosed with cancer in July of last year and when she came out of hospital in September, we contacted Gardiner's who came to see her very promptly to assess her needs. They suited my sister's personality and demeanour
to appropriate carers which was a great way to care for her.


After another few weeks in hospital, she needed palliative care on her return home. She had carers who came in four times a day and laterally night sitters which Gardiner's organised efficiently and promptly.


Nothing was too much trouble, and we shall be eternally grateful for all who helped with her care.


Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for taking the time to share your comment, we shall pass your gratitude onto the care workers. And I am sure they would want to thank you for the lovely flowers you dropped into the office for each of them.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the ladies who came to provide care for Mum were lovely. They didn't provide personal care but would come to sit with Mum to give me respite. They were caring, reassuring to me that Mum would be well looked after whilst I was out and happy to do anything that I asked in terms of helping Mum with
her meal, doing some ironing etc. What was lovely was that I didn't really need to ask, they used their common sense and got on with things - a fairly rare quality these days! Mum sadly passed away in November 2018 and her carer came, as usual, the day before even though I didn't go out as Mum was clearly very poorly but it was good to have her here and she gave me a lot of support. Having used a good number of agencies over the 8 years since Mum had her stroke, Gardiner's are one of only two I would recommend. They have an excellent reputation locally and whilst they are not the cheapest the reason for that becomes clear in terms of the quality of carers and also the way they operate.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Great to hear that you would recommend Gardiner's Homecare. Thank you for sharing your experience of the care provided by our wonderful team of care workers.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had 2-4 regular carers going to visit my mother since last Summer, usually for just an hour in the day. She has memory problems and has become very isolated, lonely and sometimes struggles to deal with basic daily life. They have provided her with companionship and cheerful company as well as
practical support when needed. We have asked that they try and get mum out of the house as often as possible - to shop or just go for a walk etc which they always try and do. Two of the carers, in particular, have gone above and beyond the call of duty in dealing with certain issues that have arisen. We are extremely grateful to them for their compassion and professionalism and feel so much happier knowing they are looking out for our mum when we are not able to. Having Gardiners involved in mum's care has provided her with regular company and support and us with some much-needed peace of mind - I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

It is lovely to know that the personalised support provided is not only helping your mum but is providing you with peace of mind too.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are extremely satisfied with the service which Gardiner's provided for my recently deceased father.


My father was cared for by a male carer for over a year, after he came out of hospital and we wanted to have home care in place for him as soon as possible.


We contacted Gardiner's on the day

he came of out of hospital and they sent a representative out very quickly to discuss care for my Father. We asked if we could have a male carer as my father requested this and then set up a plan for him to visit x3 times a week.


Dad became very fond of him and we cannot thank him enough for his care and his companionship to dad. Dad really looked forward to his visits and they certainly kept him buoyant.


Thank you very much to his personal carer and to Gardiner's for their excellent service.


Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your feedback, we really do appreciate it. It is lovely to hear that our service made a difference to your father and we shall share your comments with the care worker referred to.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Like all the carers that come and they are always nice and helpful and good to chat and laugh with.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Lovely comments, thanks you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Carers were prompt and reliable. They were flexible to mum's varying needs day to day. She appreciated seeing the same carers regularly.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

We appreciate your feedback, thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The most efficient and professional company who provided care for my mother over a seven to eight-month period. They were always cheerful, helpful and the level of care was excellent. When my mother needed extra care they ensured that it was her familiar, regular carers who attended as far as possible
and there was always a good level of communication between the carers, the company and the family.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Fantastic to hear such great feedback, thank you! We shall share your comments with the whole team involved in your mother's care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely good service through the time the carers were with me.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your great feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiners took outstanding care of Mum. The care assistants were always happy to help with personal and household care. She looked forward to seeing them each day and their positive, helpful approach really encouraged Mum in her recovery post hip surgery.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

So glad to hear that our service was not only helpful but that your Mum also enjoyed their visits during her recovery period.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had fantastic service from Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare for my husband over the last few years. All the carers were excellent! Couldn't fault any of them. Also in emergencies, when I was ill they helped out at very short notice. We will miss having them around the house!

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

It has been a pleasure. We all wish you and your husband all the very best.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having returned home after a knee replacement op in mid-July. My recovery period was very much enhanced by the excellent service of 'carers' provided by Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare. Although my convalescent time included the whole of the month of August (school holidays etc) our carers were varied
but the service I received was in no way affected. My husband and I would thoroughly recommend them for their general care and cheerful attitude.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Lovely to hear, thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I called upon Gardiner's when my elderly mother was poorly and I could not cover all the times that she needed help, especially when I had to be out of the area for a couple of days. Gardiner's stepped in and stayed overnight with her and called 3 times a day to help with all her day to day living tasks
and personal care. They continued to support her for approximately 10 days until she was able to get back to more her normal independent self. At all times, the staff treated her with respect and dignity. They carried out all the tasks that were asked of them and took time to chat and involve Mum which boosted her confidence greatly. All the staff were very professional and Mum would not hesitate to call on them again.


This is not the first time that we have used Gardiners as over the years Mum's health has fluctuated and Gardiners have always provided the best of home care when asked and tried to help out at very short notice if resources allowed.


Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Such lovely comments, thank you. Delighted to have been able to help and do call us again should you need to.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good carers, my dad really enjoyed their company. My house was left tidy and all was well.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Pleased to hear that you are both happy with the service provided.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.944)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) 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 39 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 39 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 4.944 for Gardiner's Homecare is calculated as follows: ( (220 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 232 Ratings = 4.944

  • 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 39 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.