Home Instead North Herts

28 Whitehorse Street, Baldock SG7 6QQ
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10 68 Reviews
  • Home Instead North Herts, Baldock
Home Instead North Herts were rated outstanding by CQC in September 2019, an additional assessment was made in 2022 and they continue to remain Outstanding.

Un-rushed Visits - Non-uniformed staff - Outstanding CQC Rating - No hidden costs - Ongoing Assessment - Daily Care Notes to Family via your Mobile - Assigned Management of Care, one to one assessment and communication.

Tailored Made Packages - Including support with:
Dementia & Specialist Support
Medication
Nutrition & Hydration
Housekeeping and Shopping
Pet Care
Personal Care
Ongoing Monitoring and Assessment
Respite, Live-in and Night Care
GP, hospital and clinic appointments

They are an award-winning company providing pro-active companionship-led care to people in their own homes in Letchworth, Hitchin, Baldock, Royston, Stevenage, Knebworth and surrounding villages.

The company individually matches care professionals to the people that they support based on personality, interests and skills required. Their experience is that continuity of care pro makes a huge difference to the quality of support that they are able to provide.

All of the people that work for them live locally and are car drivers insured to take people out into the community if that is required.

The company looks to add some colour into people’s lives that they go to, as well as providing the practical support required that help them to continue living independently in their own homes.

Care Provided by Home Instead North Herts

  • 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
  • Mental Health Condition
  • 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

  • Person in charge
  • Olufemi Babalola (Owner)

Funding & Fees Guide for Home Instead North Herts

  • Prices
  • £36 per hour weekly rate, £37 per hour weekend rate


  • Live in and large care packages POA


Home Instead North Herts Reviews (68)

Total of 68, showing 21-40
10

Home Instead North Herts has a Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Home Instead North Herts has 68 reviews.

Overall Experience

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  • 5
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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have engaged with Home Instead on three occasions over the last 3 years to support our parents. We have always found the carers and support staff in the office to be professional, caring, compassionate, friendly, reliable and they have gone the extra mile to ensure safety of our mum and dad.
Initially
they supported caring for my mum towards end of life 3 years ago, then helping the care and rehabilitation of my dad back to independence following a major operation and then again over this last year when he (and we) needed help to support him to continue to live at home until he sadly died this year.
As a family, Home Instead gave us confidence that our parents were provided with high quality compassionate care and the support to maintain their independence for as long as possible. I would happily recommend them.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Registered Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you. We love what we do, but it's lovely to get feedback from you, the people we love to support. It was a pleasure and they will both be dearly missed. I'm glad we had a positive impact at this stage of the journey.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both the ladies that came to help mum for a few months before she went into hospital and into a care home were really kind and thoughtful. They really looked after mum so well and I had every confidence in them. The team at head office were very professional and got in touch with me very quickly when
necessary, as well as persevering with getting assistance for her from her doctor's surgery urgently when I couldn't. I would thoroughly recommend their service.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Registered Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you for such a lovely review, I will make sure the Care Pro's see this, it was a pleasure to visit. I do wish your Mum all the best in her next chapter.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A brilliant service. Same two mature staff apart from three occasions over three years. Nothing too much trouble. Flexible and person-centred. Kept my father living with dementia in his own home for much longer than we thought would be possible.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Recruitment & Communication Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you for your kind words, I will ensure the care professionals are made aware. We hope your father is enjoying the next chapter of his life, in the care home. The girls miss him!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The three ladies who come (in rotation) to be with my parents are always kind, professional, enthusiastic and patient. They are very interested in Mum and Dad as people and go to great lengths to ensure that they are as safe and as healthy as possible, whilst helping them to retain as much independence
as is practicable.
Having got to know Mum and Dad so well, the ladies have initiated activities during the day that not only provide companionship (eg, playing games with Mum), but also address their well-being (eg mentally stimulating exercises, like crosswords, and physical exercises for Dad, who has Parkinson's-type dementia).
When I am not with my parents, I have complete confidence that they are being well looked after by the Home Instead ladies, and the notes they write (accessed on my mobile) are very useful in keeping track of what has been happening during each visit.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Communication & Recruitment Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you for this lovely review, I will ensure the care professionals read this and see the difference they are making daily. It is a pleasure to support your family, thank you for giving us the privilege.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Words cannot express our thanks to the kindness, compassion, and care given to our Mum during her final days.
The girls in your team are absolute angels and we cannot thank you enough.
In such a traumatic few days, you treated Mum with such dignity and us as a family with respect. We don’t know
what we would have done without you by our side and we will be forever in your gratitude.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Communication & Recruitment Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you so much for your kind words. We appreciate this is such a difficult time for you all and we were privileged to be able offer our support and care.
We are all thinking about you and the family, and send our deepest sympathy.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really caring and professional staff. Would highly recommend using them. My mum was well looked after and the staff, one in particular, went over and above what was required. My mum was treated with real respect and dignity.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Communication & Recruitment Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you for your kind words. We will miss this beautiful lady, we hope the move goes well and we are sending our best wishes and hope she enjoys the next chapter of her journey.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having used other agencies we were very aware of the excellent care and management provided by the Home Instead carers. A lot of this is to do with the continuity of carer - my aunt had just one or two main carers coming in each morning. They were able to get to know her and she saw them as friends
and looked forward to their visits. They provided the care she needed but were also able to help her with daily chores such as washing, going through the post, sorting any worries she had etc. As they saw her every day they were able to spot any issues early on. Because of Covid we relied on the carers and the information they provided about my aunt on their daily records that we could log on to see. The back office were exceptional in the support they gave and I felt they really were interested in what was best for my aunt and would make sensible and well thought out suggestions. We are so grateful for the fantastic care and support provided by the carers and the office staff. Thank you so much.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Communication & Recruitment Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you so much for sending in this review. It was a pleasure looking after your Aunt, thank you for giving us the opportunity to support and care for her. I will ensure the Care Professionals view this review. We will all miss her dearly and of course, her dementia cat!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We started looking for a care company in the first week of November and we were impressed how quickly it was all set up by mid-November. The care was excellent and our relative was immediately happy and comfortable equally with the 2 caregivers who looked after her one hour a day between them. The only
criticism we had was the paperwork side of things which wasn't explained as clearly as we would have hoped and the one day delay in the carers arriving which caused some short term but avoidable stress. Our association with Home Instead was positive and we would have no hesitation in recommending their services. We felt the caregivers went beyond the call of duty on several occasions. The access to carer notes via the app was really useful and valuable. Thank you.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Communication & Recruitment Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you so much for a lovely review. I'm so pleased we were able to rectify any confusion with the paperwork and ensure everything was explained to you before commencement of our service. Thank you for trusting us to provide quality care for your family and for recommending us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother had a care package with Home Instead for three years until she was no longer able to live independently. The caregivers were kind, caring and willing to undertake any tasks requested of them. They were well matched to mum's personality and needs and the calls never felt rushed. I would recommend
the agency to anyone looking for bespoke home care.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Communication & Recruitment Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you so much for your lovely review. It has been a pleasure providing care for your Mum.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When my Mum broke her foot she needed help and reassurance each day as she was living alone. She already suffered with anxiety issues and was very upset to be immobilised and unable to drive. Home Instead provided a visit each day giving her the reliability and reassurance of seeing a friendly face.
They were able to take her shopping and to keep me in touch with how she was coping. They were professional, accessible and provided a great service exactly when she needed it.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Communication Manager at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you so much for this lovely review. I will ensure the CAREGivers are aware of the Outstanding Care they have provided.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Home Instead changed my parent's lives, they cared for my father in his final months on the planet and shouldered the burden of his care from my mother as much as they could, it made for a much more comfortable life for my dad and ensured mum could take a rest from the day-to-day care she had been giving
him. As much as the tasks and jobs were done and done brilliantly with amazing professionalism. The real difference is in the people, the people that cared for my dad were amazing with him, the promise of quality time spent with the client and the importance of the one-to-one relationship was the most important part of all of dad's care. Beautiful, caring people with a genuine interest in the human being they are spending time caring for is the jewel in Home Instead's crown, it changed my dad and mums lives, for that we will always be grateful.

Reply from Dave Marsh, Owner at Home Instead North Herts

We are so very honoured to have received this feedback. Thank You. We will take the time to share with the team how their efforts have made such a profound difference. Thank You so much for your kind words.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum, who suffers from dementia, has been cared for by Home Instead care givers for some time. She has now moved into assisted living but the quality of care and compassion is such that we continue to retain a weekly visit in addition to the on-site care Mum now has. At every stage, Mum has been treated
with dignity and understanding. The maturity of the care givers is second to none. They all took time to get to know Mum and all the nuances of her condition, often going above and beyond my expectations in the care they gave. I can't thank them enough for the peace of mind they have given me and the joy they have given Mum. Thank you!

Reply from Dave Marsh, Owner at Home Instead North Herts

What a lovely review. We can't tell you how much your words mean to us all. What you have described is exactly what we aim to achieve for our clients and their families. Your words provide us with the encouragement to do our very very best to support those who value our efforts and mission.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very professional organisation who were able to respond promptly to our request for a short term care package.
Excellent standard of care provided by caregivers in all areas - cleaning, shopping, care and companionship.

Reply from Jo Hooper, Communications at Home Instead North Herts

Thank you for your lovely feedback. I'm so glad we could offer the support you and your family needed.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum started using Home Instead about a month ago following a long assessment period with a variety of temporary carers. The care and personal touches provided by Home Instead has been brilliant and I have noticed a real difference in mum’s enthusiasm and mood since she has been having these daily visits.
Thank you!

Reply from Karen Marsh, Owner at Home Instead North Herts

Brilliant! We are so happy you can see a positive difference in your mum, that's what we are aiming for. I totally agree it's the little things that make a person feel valued, special and good! Thank You!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Unfortunately, my mother’s health declined rapidly over a few days, from being independent, doing her own cooking and washing to hardly being able to speak, eat and look after herself. Not knowing what was wrong with her, I called the doctor who didn’t examine her and just did her blood pressure.
I live over a hundred miles from my mother, so I searched for suitable carers in Letchworth and I'm so pleased I found Home Instead. The carer came the next day to assess my mother and to everyone's horror found she had a severe infection and sepsis. They immediately arranged for the ambulance and she is now in hospital extremely poorly. But without Home Instead, she would have continued to deteriorate at home in discomfort and pain. I'm eternally grateful to their carers for spotting the problem and acting swiftly.

Reply from Dave Marsh, Owner at Home Instead North Herts

We are so pleased to have been able to intervene in this difficult situation. Thank you for taking the time to recognise our professionalism and dedication to supporting others.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The support, care and kindness shown to my mother has been outstanding. Nothing has been too much trouble for the agency and the carers. As Mum's health has deteriorated they have responded rapidly and thoughtfully to the changing situation. Communication has been excellent - Mum and I feel she is in
safe hands. I really don't know where we would have turned to, so have no hesitation in recommending Home Instead (Letchworth).

Reply from Dave Marsh, Owner at Home Instead North Herts

In these strange times and difficult times, it is an absolute joy when we receive feedback like this. We will let our team know the positive impact their effort is having. Thank you so much.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All good. Could not ask for a better service.

Reply from Dave Marsh at Home Instead North Herts

Our thanks to you for taking the time to give us this feedback. We are delighted to be of service. Thank You.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Home Instead is very proactive and helpful. They do things at a moment's notice. They are good at arranging trips and journeys. They get me out and about and take me shopping and on appointments. Great service and staff.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience with Home Instead caregivers commenced at the beginning of April. I have recently been discharged from a long period in hospital. I was in a physically weak condition. My two carers made sure that I took the necessary medications, drank plenty of water and eat healthy meals though my appetite
was small at that time. The care and thoughtfulness I have received over the past 8 weeks have restored my health. I am sad to be losing these friends.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I called on Home Instead after a couple of friends recommended them to help with my father.
After the first meeting and assessment of Dad's needs, we met the people who will be taking Dad out.
Dad has been to a hospital appointment and general outings with Home Instead staff, he enjoys their visits.
When
his dementia took a dip and he had to move into a residential home they kept in touch and Dad is still enjoying seeing them.
I cannot thank them enough and would recommend them.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (10.000)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10 for Home Instead North Herts is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 5.000 for Home Instead North Herts is calculated as follows: ( (82 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 82 Ratings = 5

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows: 3 points for the first Positive Review, 2 points in total for each of the next 9 Positive Reviews (1st = 3, 2nd = 0.5, 3rd = 0.5, 4th = 0.25, 5th = 0.25, 6th = 0.1, 7th = 0.1, 8th = 0.1, 9th = 0.1, 10th = 0.1)

    The 5 points relating to the number of Positive Reviews for Home Instead North Herts is based on 14 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 Sep 2019

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Outstanding
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Outstanding
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Outstanding

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

View Latest Report

Awards / Recognitions (16)

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Meet the Team (7)

Olufemi

Olufemi Babalola

Job Title: Owner

Joined: 2022

Hello, I’m Femi, the owner of Home Instead in Stevenage and North Hertfordshire. I have a 22 year background in medical practice, specialising in mental health. My clinical practice over the years has helped forge strong personal and professional values that are in line with Home Instead’s core value of client centred care.


My personal experience of looking after a parent with dementia, as well as my professional work as a specialist in dementia care has allowed me to understand the importance of promoting the client’s independence and ability to make choices, even in the face of the odds and challenges they might be facing, as a consequence of poor health.


My experience and values from clinical practice will be brought to bear in providing overarching leadership to the franchise as it continues to further its vision of providing care to the highest standards, in our local communities of Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage and surrounding towns and villages.


Jo

Jo Hooper

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2019

My aim: is to ensure our service is Caring, Safe, Effective and Responsive for our Clients and the team we serve.


My Why: To find a role that gives back, that makes me want to get up in the morning and make a difference. My Mum has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, so I understand how important it is for people to know that care and support are available to maintain a happy and safe life in your home. But not just care ... blooming good care - outstanding care, bespoke tailored care that meets an individual's needs and goals.


Philippa

Philippa Moorley

Job Title: Head of Quality Assurance, Field Care

Joined: 2020

I joined Home Instead in 2020 as a Field Care Supervisor after previously working in many different Residential Care and Domiciliary settings.


Home Instead has enabled me to continue my passion for care out in the field and within the office by supporting our CAREGivers and clients. I look after other CAREGivers and get to see them working with their clients. I support them in their roles and see first-hand the differences that they are making in their clients' lives.


I have my clients and I also get to work with the office staff who are outstanding in their service to others. I am very proud to be a part of Home Instead it is a very different care service!


Sue

Sue Akester

Job Title: Training Manager

Joined: 2022

My aim is to train and educate you so that you can feel safe, supported and confident when visiting your clients in the local community.


My Why: was my dad. When I was young, every school holiday I used to go to work with him and help. Christmas days were spent at the care home dishing up dinner and giving out presents whilst my mum was cooking our dinner. It gave me a passion for this industry which never went away and was always what I was going to do.


Bethany

Bethany Goodall

Job Title: Scheduler

Joined: 2022

My aim is to ensure we give
our Clients and Care Professionals a schedule that runs smoothly and provides reliable continuity of care.


Flexibility is important to the delivery of consistent care and I am always available to clients and their families to discuss the changing needs of care.


This includes putting additional support in place for hospital appointments or responding to additional care needs after hospital discharge.


Joanna

Joanna Atkinson

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2024

My aim is to support the office, care team and clients for smooth and effective of communications for continued success and growth.


Being in this role allows me to identify potential problems across the team and take steps to mitigate them.
The best part of this role is I get to help everyone; the Care Professionals, and families starting their care journey.


I can signpost them to all their information and support needs.


Jenny

Jenny Temple

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2025

I’m an organised and supportive administrator who thrives on teamwork and efficiency.


I enjoy keeping things running smoothly and helping others succeed. Whether it’s coordinating tasks, problem -solving or offering helping hand I am always ready to step in and make a difference.


I believe in collaboration, clear communication and keeping things stress free!