Home Instead (Dartford)

St Fidelis House, St Fidelis Road, Dartford DA8 1AT
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9.9 47 Reviews
  • Home Instead (Dartford), Dartford
If you want to stay living comfortably at home, Home Instead Dartford can help you make that choice an informed one.

Your home is where you feel the most comfortable and the happiest. It’s the place you know the best. Why would you move away from the place you love if you are faced with needing some extra care and support as you age?

Whether you are looking for someone to help just a few hours a week, or need comprehensive 24-hour assistance, Home Instead provides Care professionals who are: thoroughly screened, extensively trained, insured and bonded, matched to your preference, professional, reliable and dependable.

Home Instead offer support ranging from companionship to home help services and personal care through to specialised dementia care. Home Instead Senior Care is recognised for the quality of Alzheimer's and dementia care and even has a City and Guilds accredited training programme that provides staff with the tools to provide the best care possible.

Services are tailored to each individual and are delivered by carefully recruited, vetted and trained ‘Care Professionals’, who are chosen for their empathy, compassion and reliability.

Our Care Pro are matched to clients so that a long-lasting bond and friendship can form, and the same Care Pro visit the client on an ongoing basis.

Care Provided by Home Instead (Dartford)

  • Type of Service
  • Home Care Provider
  • Privately Owned
  • Specialist Care Categories
  • Companionship
  • Dementia
  • Domestic Services / Home Help
  • Food Preparation & Serving
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Assistance
  • Older Person Care
  • Personal Hygiene Care
  • Respite cover
  • Shopping Service / Errands
  • Sit in Service
  • Other Care Provided
  • 24 Hour Care
  • Hospital Discharge
  • Live in Carer
  • Personal Care (on a contracted hours basis)
  • Risk Assessments in the Home

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Christina Uppenkamp (Director)

Funding & Fees Guide for Home Instead (Dartford)

  • Prices
  • Available on request


Home Instead (Dartford) Reviews (47)

Total of 47, showing 21-40
9.9

Home Instead (Dartford) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.921) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Home Instead (Dartford) has 47 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the start of asking for help for my uncle, I received all the support I could have wished for. The manager and carer listened to all my worries and really took the time to know my uncle and myself. I am a natural worrier and they have totally put my mind at rest with their caring attitude. Always
keeping me informed and when I ask questions they take the time to ensure I understand the answers. Absolute professionalism with excellent caring attitude.

Reply from Christina Uppenkamp, Owner at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you for taking the time to leave this review and for your very kind words. We are glad we were able to relieve you from some of the worries surrounding your uncle's care. It's a pleasure to look after him.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

He was very efficient and helpful. Has a very good underlying knowledge of the field he works in. Showed respect to myself and client. Both myself and client are very pleased with the service we have received to date.

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you very much for your kind words. We are delighted that you are so pleased with our support for the client. It is our pleasure to look after her.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Could not do better, very happy.

Reply from Christina Uppenkamp, Owner at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you for your review - we are very pleased that you are so happy with our support for your husband.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

In general, we are pleased overall with the care service. There have been a few glitches since my mother had the live-in care service from November last year. I accept that my mother can demonstrate challenging behaviours, but carers need to be able to deal with this and demonstrate the necessary skills.
One small point I would pick up is taking a photograph of a client whilst eating and ensuring that consent to take the photo is obtained. I accept this is a minor issue, but personally, I would not like to be photographed whilst eating. Photos of the meal itself would be most welcome.

Reply from Christina Uppenkamp, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and to speak to me about it all as well. As we both discussed, your mom's condition is changing rapidly and our Live In Care Professional is continuously adapting to it whilst being fully supported by the office. We will continue to monitor it all, keep her preferences in mind and implement new ways to support your mom to stay safe and happy at home. We are pleased that you are overall happy with our services and appreciate your input, as we take any feedback very seriously.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would just like to say how fantastic Home Instead has been with my mum and dad since being with the agency for the past 2 years.
The care and attention are second to none, the communication is brilliant and any phone calls made are answered on the 1st ring. All the office staff are extremely kind
and helpful, always keeping in touch. Their main carer is simply the best. Always going above and beyond even staying later than she should to do all the jobs. But all the carers are wonderful. We love you. Thank you.

Reply from Christina Uppenkamp, Owner at Home Instead (Dartford)

This was wonderful to read! Thank you so much for your kind words, which we will share with your parents' Care Professionals as well. It's our pleasure and privilege to support your parents. Thank you for choosing us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My relationship with Home Instead is perfect. They do everything I ask them to do, I don't think that I would do better.

Reply from Christina Uppenkamp, Owner at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you for your kind words - it is our pleasure entirely to support you and we are glad you have built such a nice connection with your Care Professionals.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Service is really good.
Carers really helpful and treat him with respect.
Contact with office good, staff very helpful.

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you very much for taking the time for this review and for your kind words.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely satisfied with all.

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you so much for your kind words. It is our pleasure to look after you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We started using Home Instead a year ago with carers visiting twice a day to my mum. This increased to 3 times a day in December. I cannot speak highly enough of the management and all the staff in the office and their amazing carers. They have all been professional, caring and have shown patience in
dealing with my mum. They may not be the cheapest around but you certainly will not get a better standard of care. I cannot recommend them enough. Thank you to everyone there for all you have done.

Reply from Christina Uppenkamp, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you so much for these kind words, Graham. It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to look after your mom. She has a special place in the hearts of her Care Pros and we thank you as well for your support throughout the time and your lovely cards to the office and team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In March 2021, we needed to urgently find full-time care for our mother, who still wanted to remain in her own home.
The owners and admin staff of this branch talked through the process as we had no experience of how things worked, and nothing was too much trouble.
I now appreciate that is not an
easy thing to find the right carer to fit the role, but if things were not quite right, they would address issues quickly and professionally.
With communication, you never feel alone if you need advice relating to the care of your relatives.
I would describe Home Instead Dartford as professional, caring, friendly and understanding.

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you, Sheila, for your kind words. It is our pleasure to look after your mom, and nice to see the positive difference we make in her life.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We contacted Home Instead when we needed assistance with my brother who suffered from middle stage dementia. Our needs were more for company and guidance than personal care. What we received was an excellent carer that carried out all we needed and more, she went the extra mile and treated my brother
with such compassion and kindness she made him feel as if she was a friend and not someone paid to care for him and for anyone suffering from this horrible illness this is so important. I cannot thank them enough and would recommend them to anyone.

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you so much, Diane, for your kind words. It's especially nice to hear about the care by our caregiver. We are very particular in how we choose team members and will only take someone on board if we can imagine them looking after our own relatives. Nice to hear this was another great match and you were all happy.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Home Instead Dartford came as a recommendation to me after my mother came out of hospital. My mother needed morning and evening care to ensure, and give that bit of help and reassurance to start and finish the day with confidence. The director came and personally assessed the needs of my mother.
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service level was constant and of a high standard and also took away some of my daily concerns about the safety and welfare of my mother. Highly recommended - trustworthy and completely reassuring. A good decision.

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you very much for taking the time for this review and for your kind words. It was our pleasure to look after your mom and make sure she was able to stay safely at home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found Home Instead Dartford to be absolutely excellent - helpful, kind, cooperative, patient, willing, friendly and extremely caring. Right from the carers through to management, I have found them all to excel in their duties. Nothing is too much trouble. They give attention to detail and have
always treated my mum with the highest of respect and their kindness to her is unbelievable, and they extend that kindness to myself too (her daughter). I would thoroughly and most highly recommend this company if you are looking for the best care you can possibly get. Have been using this company since December 2020.

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you very much for these lovely words and the review. It is our pleasure to look after your mom. We will share this kind feedback with the team as well.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that my elderly aunt receives for Home Instead (Dartford) is excellent. The carers are kind, friendly, efficient and always reliable, I cannot praise them enough. It is so reassuring to know that I am contacted immediately if any problem arises and that the management team are always available
should I need to speak to them. Thank you Home Instead (Dartford)!

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a kind review. Your Aunt is really amazing, and everyone enjoying looking after her and feel privileged.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with the service and happier still that Mum and Dad are happy. Caregivers try to be as prompt and punctual as possible, but we realise that this isn't always obtainable. They are all of a high standard and approachable and friendly. My parents have been impressed and like the regular calls
and chit chat, as well as the service. We're pleased that the caregivers appear to like coming here and always seem cheerful about that. Which helps.

Reply from Christina Uppenkamp, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you for these kind words. The team does indeed enjoy the visits to your parents, as they are such a sweet couple. It's a pleasure to support them.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We can't thank Home Instead, Dartford enough for the support they've given Mum (and us) over the last 7 months. I know the caregivers genuinely care about Mum, and the whole team have gone the extra mile on several occasions in accommodating Mum's changing needs and supporting us as a family. Their
attention to detail, kindness and sensitivity have made the last few months much easier than they could have been. When you're leaving your vulnerable loved one in the care of others, it's a huge relief knowing they have your mum's best interests at heart. Thank you!

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you! What lovely feedback! Your mum is such a sweet lady and the team cares very much about her. They will be delighted to read these kind words.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak highly enough of the team at Home Instead from the owners through to all the carers. From the first telephone call when I learnt the company's philosophy of minimum visit time was one hour allied to carers meeting my mum. The weekend care provided has been reliable, caring and of immense
benefit to my mum. Home Instead have also performed near miracles in providing short-notice care in the week on four occasions and I cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you.

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you so much for these very kind words! It is our privilege to look after your mom and make sure she is consistently supported.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Care has been excellent. Reliable service and always on time. Very happy with the care I receive and would happily recommend.

Reply from Ram Chandra Thapa, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you very much for your kind words and this five-star review. It's our pleasure to support you and we are glad you are happy with the services and the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I contacted Home Instead after they were recommended to me by a friend. We were looking for one visit a day to help my Mum who has Alzheimer’s, and just back into home life after a nine-week stay in hospital at the start of the year, and to make sure she was safe and looking after herself. I initially
contacted the company by email and was amazed at how quickly they responded. This is still the case, whenever I contact them they reply so quickly and positively I am always confident that any queries I have will be quickly answered. The management team and the carers are fantastic, they are patient and kind, really care about their clients and their families and are proactive and quick to make suggestions they feel may help. I am absolutely delighted with the level of care Mum is getting and I am also extremely pleased with how much I am involved and consulted along the way.

Reply from Christina Uppenkamp, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

What wonderful words to read on a rainy day. Thank you for your kindness and for choosing us to look after your mum, which is an absolute pleasure for all of us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother could do with a friend when family members could not visit and she found one in her caregiver. She would engage in activities with my mother such as cooking, board games and activities outside of the home. She proved herself to be a considerate caregiver and friend to my mother.

Reply from Christina Uppenkamp, Owner/ Director at Home Instead (Dartford)

Thank you for taking the time to leave this feedback - much appreciated. We will pass your kind words on to the team as well.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.921)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.921) out of 10 for Home Instead (Dartford) 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 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.921 for Home Instead (Dartford) is calculated as follows: ( (82 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 89 Ratings = 4.921

  • 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 (Dartford) is based on 15 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: 11 Feb 2022

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.

View Latest Report

Awards / Recognitions (15)

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Meet the Team (3)

Ram Chandra

Ram Chandra Thapa

Job Title: Registered Manager/Director

Joined: 2019

"I am the proud father of our twin boys and husband to my life and business partner, Christina.


I was born in Nepal and did my studies in India, mostly in the northern part of India. As my father was in the army, we often moved around to different places.


After my studies, I worked in various roles in the hospitality sector for almost 17 years. Some of the famous Chefs I have worked with are Gordon Ramsay, Chris Galvin, and Alex Chow, as well as with international brands like One & Only, Taj Hotels and others.


Fast forward to 2019, I decided with my wife to do something in the community due to some personal experiences with family and friends. More importantly, I wanted to teach our kids how to contribute and make a positive difference in society. We met the Home Instead National Office team and connected very quickly; our Home Instead Dartford office was set up in the same year.


Our mantra for work is very simple: we look after our clients the way we would expect the service for our loved ones to be. We only hire new team members if they pass our ‘mom test’ (Will I happily send this person to look after my loved ones?). Of course, everything we do is within professional boundaries and all our team members are professionally trained.


We are very proud to have built a very diverse team from all backgrounds and beliefs.


Our office has been rated 'Good' in all areas by CQC, but our ambition and services are ‘Outstanding’. We feel privileged that so many clients and family members trust us for their care.


All our current and past Care Professionals and key players have played a big role in our journey; I can’t thank them enough for their positive contribution towards Home Instead Dartford.


So far, we have won several awards, but we are especially proud of being awarded a 5* employer award three years running.


I also volunteer as a ‘Dementia Friend Ambassador’ and run Dementia Friend information sessions regularly in our local community. Additionally, I run free hands-on CPR sessions for the local community.


Besides budgeting, strategy, marketing, forecasting etc. I also enjoy running the training in our office, as I am a certified trainer for various topics such as Basic Life Support, Manual Handling, Dementia, End of Life and many others.


And to continue enhancing my knowledge further, I am also doing my NVQ L5 in leadership.


In my (little) free time I enjoy spending time with my family or listening to music."


Christina

Christina Uppenkamp

Job Title: Director

Joined: 2019

"Hi, I am Christina, mom of amazing twin boys, Ram’s wife and one of the owners of Home Instead Dartford.


I have been passionate about looking after others since a fairly young age, from spending a school summer holiday in Guatemala to help build a school, working in an SOS Children’s Village in Africa for three months after I finished school and then spending the next 20+ years looking after guests in hotels all over the world.


It was, however, the experience with my grandmother, a friend of ours and a family member of Ram’s that were the main contributors for us to starting Home Instead Dartford.


Having the option to remain in your own home, with great care and by giving you as much independence as possible, should be the norm for anyone needing support, rather than being moved into residential care straight away.


Our slogan ‘To us, it’s personal’ is very much summarizing what Ram and I want to achieve with the support our team provides. From in-depth consultations to get to know the client, to the creation of a bespoke care plan and then regular service reviews and quality assurance checks once a client receives our support – everything we do is person-centred and created for that individual.


At the same time, we support our team in any way possible and ensure they have the right training, tools and supervision to do what they do best: look after our clients with passion and empathy.


Home Instead Dartford is not just a business for us – we want to enhance the lives of everyone we encounter and help ageing adults to enjoy longer, happy times in their own homes."


Dan

Dan

Job Title: Client Experience Manager

Joined: 2021

"My name is Daniel.


I’ve worked in the care sector for over 15 years and gained a lot of experience and knowledge.


I’ve worked my way up in different positions within the industry. I started as a carer; I’ve been a Supervisor, Care Coordinator, Compliance & Quality Coordinator and worked up to the position I’m in now, which is Deputy Care Manager.


I previously worked for Home Instead for over 1.5 years and left to follow a different pathway within the care industry which I didn’t enjoy and wasn’t for me. I also missed everyone at Home Instead and the fulfilment I got from working here. I spoke to Ram and Christina after 3 months of leaving about returning, they welcomed me back with open arms along with the office team and Care Pros.


My goals are to succeed in my new role as Deputy Care Manager and to move the business forward to ensure our clients are receiving the best possible care they deserve and to support/mentor the office team, so they work to a good standard and are confident within their roles. Also, the Care Pros are working to a high standard and they gain confidence and knowledge in their professional role and receive a lot of job satisfaction from supporting their clients. Also, for me to gain even more knowledge within my new role and complete any training within it.


Home Instead is a great company to work for, they have high values on how people should be looked after and ethos. Ram and Christina have supported me in every way they can through thick and thin within my professional career and anything else.


I’m hoping to remain with Home Instead for many years to come."