Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

2 Canberra House, London Road, St Albans AL1 1LE
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7.8 27 Reviews
  • Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans), St Albans
Helping Hands Home Care (Harpenden) provides care to people in their own homes in St Albans, Harpenden, Chiswell Green, London Colney, Markyate, Hemel Hempstead, Redbourne, Wheathampstead, Sandridge, Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, London Colney, Radlett, and the surrounding areas.

The team offer a whole range of care packages which include short visits to give medication as well as respite care and round the clock live-in care.

Staff have up to date training and offers care that is personalised and tailored to the needs of the individual. Compassion and empathy is at the heart of their care.

Show Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) on the Map

Care Provided by Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

  • Type of Service
  • Home Care Provider
  • Privately Owned
  • Specialist Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Domestic Services / Home Help
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Personal Hygiene Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Adult Home Care (18+)
  • Live in Carer

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Karen Wessels (Branch Care Manager)

Funding & Fees Guide for Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

  • Prices

  • Domiciliary Care From £35.50 per hour.

  • We charge half hour, 3/4 hour and hourly rates, plus a flat travel charge of £4.50 per visit. We also provide waking and sleeping night services. Full costings can be provided.

Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) Reviews (27)

Total of 27, showing 1-20
7.8

Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) has a Review Score of 7.8 (7.833) out of 10, based on 1 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) has 27 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 22
  • 4
  • 1
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  • 0

Date Published

27
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0
1
26

Review from Brian P (Client) published on 25 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two carers, one male and one female. They differ in almost every respect, but the result is a very satisfied client. The management of the team couldn't be more helpful in trying to match our wishes with the availability of carers.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Hi Brian,
Thank you so much for leaving such a great review for us! I'm so pleased to hear how happy you are with our service and our management team have been so helpful! Thank you for your lovely feedback. Best wishes.


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Review from P D (Client) published on 10 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have found all carers to be very helpful, friendly and professional. Our experiences with management has also been very good and any particular requirements for additional visits or rescheduling have been arranged without difficultly. Thank you.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you very much for leaving such a lovely review! I'm pleased to hear how happy you are with our service and that our carers have all been so helpful and friendly. Your feedback is truly appreciated!
Best wishes.


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Review from H S (Client) published on 10 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone is good.

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Review from Ruth L (Daughter-in-law of Client) published on 6 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carer we had to look after my father-in-law has been excellent. Very efficient always prompt and happy to do showers with dignity and respect. Highly recommended, manager is also extremely helpful.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave an amazing review and recommendation! We're delighted to hear how impressed you are with the complete care journey we offer, and it is our absolute pleasure to provide support for your father-in-law. Your feedback means the world to us!
Best wishes,


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Review from M P (Client) published on 3 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In all, I have had nine different carers over the two weeks. They have dealt with personal care mostly in the first week but also with food preparation and housework.
They have followed all the tasks set with cheerfulness and skill always asking if there was anything else needed. Always helpful and
friendly, and I would gladly recommend them.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you so much for leaving us a great review and recommendation! I'm extremely pleased to hear how happy you are with our service and that our carers have been so cheerful and helpful! Your feedback is truly appreciated!
Best wishes.


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Review from Ann W (Client) published on 1 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone who did the review has been very nice.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Hi Ann,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a great review! We really appreciate your feedback!
Best wishes,


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Review from Neil S (Client) published on 31 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I find it difficult to provide appropriate answers to many of the headings, as for most eg. Overall Experience - my evaluation would range from poor to excellent. For instance, I found the timing of some activities (such as breakfast) irritating as it ranged on successive days from 7 to 8.30. I wouldn't
mind what time was chosen but such a wide variety inhibits sufficient accommodation. This lack of consistency merits 'poor' but the staff have started modifying the regime appropriately and satisfactorily, which is 'excellent'. All staff treated us with dignity and respect. The only problem was the occasional failure to listen to what we had to say. As was to be expected some staff were outstanding in their devotion to our wellbeing; others probably as a function of inexperience and the need to familiarise themselves with several homes, were barely competent. This was exacerbated by the stress of having to drive from house to house to cope with the demands of rush hour traffic. Management is generally good or excellent, with sensitivity being shown to our requests and remarks. I have insufficient experience to be able to specify value for money but I am not dissatisfied.

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Review from Kevin A (Client) published on 31 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Good service. I am happy with everything.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Hi Kevin,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a great review! Your feedback is truly appreciated!
Best wishes,


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Review from Maureen B (Wife of Client) published on 31 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with carer who makes us laugh as he is an Essex boy, like that he has a sense of humour which is a joy on a Friday afternoon for my husband and I.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you so much for leaving such a brilliant review! I'm delighted to hear that our carer has been able to make you and your husband laugh and that he's a wonderful match for you both. Your kind feedback means the world to us.
Best wishes,


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Review from E M (Client) published on 30 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’ve been using helping hands services for just over six years now whilst I have been studying at university. This team is fantastic, always friendly and welcoming to talk to, quick responses if you need to change anything and brilliant at supporting young people to become more independent!

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you ever so much for this wonderful review! I'm beyond thrilled to hear how happy you are with our service and that you consider our team to be so fantastic and welcoming to talk to - that's amazing. Always happy to help!
Best wishes


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Review from Liz P (Daughter of Client) published on 17 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Helping Hands (St.Albans branch) provided outstanding care for my mother. The carers were all excellent - kind, thoughtful and completely trustworthy and my mother loved them. Communication was excellent - the carers and office staff were brilliant at sharing information and then contacting me to make
me aware of any signs of illness or to share any thing they had noticed. They were always very friendly, helpful and extremely efficient. I can recommend Helping Hands unreservedly.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you so much for leaving such a wonderful review! I'm so thrilled to hear how impressed you are with our service and that our carers have been so helpful and efficient. It is our absolute pleasure to provide care for your mother, and we are truly grateful for your kind feedback.
Best wishes.


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Review from Roger S (Son of Client) published on 17 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am more than satisfied with the level of service my father is receiving. The carer is always polite and attentive and I have every trust in her. I have noticed a big improvement in the cleanliness of his house which has a beneficial effect on his well-being. He looks forward to the visits and chatting
with the carer.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Hi Roger,
Thank you so much for your five-star review! I'm thrilled to hear how your father looks forward to our visits and it is our absolute pleasure to provide care for him. Always happy to help!
Best wishes.


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Review from Emily F (Client) published on 16 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’ve been a client at the branch since April 2018. I receive four care calls per day, with two carers at a time, and this continued uninterrupted throughout the pandemic. The carers are always cheerful and professional (full PPE has been worn at all times!)
The staff in the office have always been
very supportive of and helpful to my mum and me. They will accommodate any request if it’s within their power to provide the service.
I would unhesitatingly recommend the carers and the office staff at this branch. I’ve had experience of other care agencies and, while Helping Hands isn’t the cheapest, I believe they are good value as the service they provide is excellent.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

This is such a great review and recommendation, thank you ever so much! I'm so pleased to hear how our carers are always so cheerful and professional and that we've been so supportive and helpful towards you are your mum. Your kind feedback truly means the world to us!
Best wishes.


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Review from P R (Son-in-law of Client) published on 11 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Consistently good care for my father-in-law. When changes are required efficient and prompt response from management. In general, the care staff seem well trained and responsive to my father-in-laws needs.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you so much for leaving this great review! I'm very pleased to hear how happy you are with our service and that our care staff have been responsive to your father-in-law's needs. We're very grateful for your feedback!
Best wishes.


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Review from G C (Partner of Client) published on 4 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been using Helping Hands now for a year and a half to look after an elderly gentleman with dementia who can be difficult at times and now has double incontinence. I could not have survived the last eighteen months without them, they are thoroughly reliable, professional, and importantly always
cheerful. Even through the difficult days of Covid they kept going, and kept me going as well! Before they came I was almost tearing my hair out but they have now taken away so much of the stress and freed up my life. I'd recommend them without hesitation to anyone in need of carers.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you so much for leaving such a glowing review! We're thrilled to hear how impressed you've been with our service. It's really important that we match our carers with our customers, so it's great to hear that you consider our carers to be so reliable and cheerful. Always happy to help!
Best wishes,


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Review from Joanne S (Mother of Client) published on 15 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since changing my sons care provider to Helping Hands I have been very happy with the care and carers provided. I would definitely give this company 5 stars. Nothing is ever too much trouble for these guys and when my teenage son goes out with his carers I know he is in good hands.
Thank you for making
my life easier, well done helping hands.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you ever so much for the five stars and the fantastic review! It's a pleasure to support your son and it is lovely to hear your kind words about our team. Your feedback is truly appreciated!
Best wishes.


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Review from J L (Client) published on 15 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have an excellent relationship with my carers and find them friendly and professional. They arrive on time unless unexpected circumstances arise and I usually receive a call from the office if this happens.
They greet me cheerfully, asking how I am and wear protective clothing as required. They give
help and advice and are willing, or offer, to do anything I need.
It is a comfort to have them coming in to check that I am ok and chat for a while. Company is important to me and I find the local office staff available and helpful.
I will certainly increase my hours with the company when the need arises.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you very much for leaving this amazing review! I'm so delighted to hear that you're happy with our service and that you find it a comfort to have our carers come and check that you're okay. We truly appreciate your kind feedback.
Best wishes.


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Review from Andrew P (Son of Client) published on 15 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carer provided by Helping hands has been excellent and the St. Albans branch has been great at keeping my brother and I up to date with exactly what is happening with my parents, as we both live a long way from home. Many thanks.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

Thank you so much or taking the time to leave a great review! I'm delighted to hear that you find our carer to be excellent and that you're so pleased with our service. Your feedback really means a lot to us.
Best wishes.


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Review from D R (Wife of Client) published on 15 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We as a family are very happy with the support and care my husband receives from Helping Hands. The carers that attend are very efficient, careful, reliable and kind. Our local branch manager has been extremely helpful. She has spoken on our behalf to agencies that have provided us with equipment that
was much needed for my husband's care. She is also very quick to respond to any questions we have.

Reply from Karen Lane, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

What a lovely review. Thank you ever so much! We're so glad to have helped your husband and that you find our carers to be so reliable and kind. I'm also delighted to hear how happy you are with our overall service. We're always here to help! Best wishes.


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Review from Peter V (Client) published on 11 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I do not have the same carer each day and some are better than others. I responded to the average performance but all are at least satisfactory and a few excellent.

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Current Review Score: 7.8 (7.833)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 7.8 (7.833) out of 10 for Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 1 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.0 out of 5 from 1 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 4.833 for Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) is calculated as follows: ( (5 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 6 Ratings = 4.833

  • 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 Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) is based on 1 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as follows: 3 = 3

  • 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: 13 Mar 2019

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

Karen

Karen Lane

Job Title: Branch Care Manager

About me


Hello, I am Karen, the Branch Manager for the Saint Albans Branch. My responsibility is to
oversee and set up Care Packages in our local area and ensure that we are delivering the
very best care at all times ensuring our customers remain safe and independent in their own
homes. It is important to me and my team to ensure that we provide tailored packages to suit
our customers' needs and in turn develop a strong working relationship between our team and
the customers.


I was born in Ireland and moved to the UK in 1997. My passion to work in the care sector has
come from experience from a young age as my mother was very sick. When my son was born,
he was taken to Great Ormond street where he was an ongoing patient for sixteen years.
Thankfully my mum and son are both thriving. This, in turn, has given me the drive to want to
help others and improve quality of life.


I enjoy swimming and dog walking on my free time.


My experience and expertise


I joined Helping Hands in October 2018 as an hourly carer. From there I worked in a number of office roles within branch and then was successfully appointed as branch manager in September 2021.


Prior to working for Helping Hands I worked in the catering industry.


I am currently training and completing my NVQ 5 to improve my skills to ensure I can always be the best version of myself for my team and customers.


Why I chose Helping Hands


I came to Helping Hands as I had a feeling that this was the place I could make a difference. I have been excited to see the changes that we have made and continue to make as the company grows from strength to strength. The company offers guidance and support and the opportunity to build a career whilst doing something you love, giving back to our local community.


Frequently Asked Questions about Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans)

What Type of Services does Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) offer?

Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) offers Home Care.

How many Carers does Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) employ?

Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) employs 30 carers.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of homecare.co.uk. Please contact Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Helping Hands Home Care (St Albans) has a Platinum Service – more info.