Gardiner's Homecare

10 Church Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8DZ
Submit a Review
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 141-160
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

  • 175
  • 10
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

185
5
16
39
146
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiners were able to help me out at short notice. The carers were really friendly and were really flexible with what they help me with. They were really understanding at a very difficult time.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Glad you were pleased with the care provided and we are always here for you should you ever need assistance again.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All three carers that attended to my wife over a period of two weeks were very professional and she felt very comfortable with each one. They went out of their way to be helpful and nothing was too much trouble.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for your lovely comments, we have shared these with your wife's team of care workers who will be very appreciative.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy to recommend Gardiner's. The company's reputation for providing excellent, professional care and support is well deserved.
Every member of the management team and staff I've encountered have been friendly, understanding, accommodating and efficient and the carers are wonderful - experienced,
highly trained, skilled, very capable, warm, kind and respectful. When my brother is with them, I breathe. Gardiner's is a safe pair of hands, not cheap (I dread the day when the money runs out) but everything and more I was told the company would be.
I wish there was a Gardiner's carer for everyone in need of care and support.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

What fantastic feedback, thank you. We are very proud of the service we offer and delighted to hear that it offers you the support you require.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is not often these days that one can find a provider of any service, banking, local authority services, power suppliers etc., etc., that reaches the consistently high standards met by everyone connected with Gardiner's Reading. I recommend them to anyone seeking care at home.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Such fantastic feedback, thank you. The team really appreciate your comments.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An excellent, professional, reliable, caring service that I can highly recommend. This is the second time I have used Gardiner's services in the last couple of years and I really cannot fault them. All the staff (both Admin and the Carers) are so kind and helpful.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Welcome back and great to hear that you would recommend us highly.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father in law suddenly came to live with us due to ill health. After looking into care agencies we came across Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare. From the start, the care and compassion shown was amazing and just what we needed at the time. They arranged carer effortlessly and quickly reassuring me that
the carers were suitable for a family home with children. The carers were so professional and understanding and knew what needed to be done before being asked! Excellent service!!!

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

Really pleased to hear that you found our care workers and the overall service to be excellent.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I needed only minimal help mainly for the emptying of a commode which I needed to use for a time. The carers were excellent, very helpful, cheerful, kind and efficient.

Reply from Suzanne Screen at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you for taking the time to provide some feedback, Joyce.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband received care from Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare in only the last few days of his life. I was very reluctant to relinquish his care to others but was persuaded by the medical professionals involved to "get things in place" for a worsening situation. The Gardiner's team were there immediately
when they were asked for and I cannot praise them highly enough, they were kindly, efficient and professional and my husband felt completely at ease with them. I am so very grateful for the care and support they gave us both.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam at Gardiner's Homecare

So pleased to hear that in the short period of time we spent with you and your husband that we were able to provide the care and support needed.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's dedicated staff has looked after my Dad during the final year of his life, which allowed him to live his final days in his own home as he always wanted. He always spoke highly of the tender loving care and the laughs he had with the dedicated care team who looked after him. This was a great
comfort for us then, and remain a source of great comfort now.

Reply from Suzanne, Office Manager at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you, Sue, for such lovely heartfelt comments.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very organised and thorough package was created and carried out by a small team of carers who are trained understanding and professional. The care package is listed on an app that is accessible to the office, the team and the client which is completed at every call and any problems are listed and
actioned very promptly.
The thought that went into the care package has reduced anxiety and increased confidence for a young adult with complex needs. The calls are never rushed and are always prompt.

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

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Sue. We are delighted to hear that you have found our team to be reliable, professional and understanding of your son's needs.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's staff cared for my father during the last weeks of his life. He wanted to be at home and without the professional care provided by Gardiner's, this final wish would not have been possible. Gardiner's provided 24 hours cover at short notice and went to extraordinary lengths to make sure Dad
always had the care he needed.
Every single member of staff involved showed compassion and sensitivity. As a family, we are truly grateful for the service that Gardiner's provided. We know that Dad was treated with dignity and understanding. This was a great comfort to us then and continues to comfort us now. Gardiner's were exceptional.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you, so lovely to read such great feedback


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the initial visit to arrange through to all visits by carers and admin staff, I have been impressed by the professional and friendly approach to myself and my wife (Alzheimers). At no time has there been any reason to consider any changes other than a possible reduction to the present daily visits.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Many thanks for your kind feedback Keith.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My parents used Gardiner's for home care for over 5 years. The carers were marvellous - professional, well trained, punctual, kind, understanding and always willing to go the extra mile. In addition, the office staff were wonderful, responding promptly to every change in need as it occurred including
setting in place home care over Christmas at very short notice when my mother was due out of a hospital.
I could not rate them more highly, they were fantastic in every way. Thank you for a job well done!

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

Such lovely comments, thank you Diana.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The quality, dedication and support provided by your team over the last 5 years has been tremendous. From the early days, through to more recent times, we could not have asked for a more professional and caring team.

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

So pleased to hear that you found the high standard of care received to be consistent throughout the 5 years.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's is a caring family run community of amazing people. Relationships with their clients are based on empathy, respect and dignity. They give holistic care and take the time to understand an individual's health and social needs. They listen to you and are committed to their clients. I felt happy
and relaxed knowing they were caring for my mother whilst I was at work and I visited their amazing app during the day to read how my mother was doing. This fantastic app made me feel involved as well. FIVE STAR CARE.

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

So lovely to read your positive comments on the care that Gardiner's provided. We are pleased that you found the app of benefit too. Thank you for your feedback.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An excellent service kind and caring staff.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After the initial few weeks, we found that we were fortunate in picking a team of first class carers who cared for my wife's needs in a loving caring way. Anytime left was always used in carrying out domestic duties, i.e. bed making, washing, mopping the floors, hoovering but always getting approval
first.
When they left my wife was always in a better frame of mind and looking forward to the next visit. An excellent provider of carers and organisers at every level. Thank you and keep up your excellent work.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Thanks for the feedback.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care and friendship the carers involved have given to my husband and I was so much appreciated. My husband has Alzheimer's/mobility problems and it was taken care of with care and complete understanding. Always on time and if there was a problem due to traffic or expected to be late, I always got
a call to explain the delay. When it became necessary for him to go into full-time care due to medical needs, we felt it was like losing friends.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Managing Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Thank you Joyce.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carers are always punctual, friendly and helpful. From experience, they knew how to deal with problems and had plenty of good, helpful advice. They were a great comfort during a stressful time.

Reply from John-Joe Cottam, Director at Gardiner's Homecare

Many thanks for the feedback Mr Lee. I will be pleased to pass this feedback on to the team.


Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gardiner's Nursing & Homecare team looked after our mum 24/7 when she became terminally ill. They were professional, kind and caring. They treated my mum as a person, not an invalid and fitted in well into her home. They also made it easier for us all in a very difficult situation.

Staff

Care / Support

Management

Treated with Dignity

Value for Money

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)

Loading...

Loading

Loading
Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Loading

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.