A selection of comments from real people that we have looked after, loved ones and colleagues.
P Thomas Client's Wife
I needed some extra help with looking after my husband who has vascular dementia. Home Instead stood out from the other care givers as having a higher CQC rating in two areas, so I decided to see how they could help us. I cannot fault their commitment to both their Care Professionals and to me and my husbands’ needs. ’’
Mrs G - Client's Wife
We were recommended to contact Home Instead by some one in Hampshire. Sadly we were not able to benefit for long from the advantages of their help and care giving. Graham came three times a week to help John have a shower, shave and dress. He also encouraged him to do his exercises, which they did together. I enjoyed seeing them marching as they hung onto the kitchen sink!
Coffee was served afterwards for three. The 10-15 minutes of conversation with Graham I treated as "me time" as speech was, at times, difficult for John.
Some help was arranged for housework and here June came and helped with the cleaning and ironing. I felt rather spoilt.
The family found the electronic report/ log book, where Graham wrote up his visits, very helpful. Another good point their timing of visits. Start and finishing times were kept exactly so you knew when visits were starting .etc.
I am sorry these visits came to an end, but I am very happy to recommend Home Instead to others in need of help and care. Initially Cath came to the house and convinced a few members of the family that help might be needed. It was true. Thanks to you all.
Hayley - Client's daughter
I'd like to say a big thank you to Andrea. She seems to get loads done with Dad. He's really pleased with the jumper he got when out shopping with her and she took a faulty alarm clock back to Sainsbury's that I'd been meaning to do. I read the notes each week & it sounds great that she hoovered while dad washed up & she wiped out the fridge. It's all so helpful.
Mrs P - Fleet
Thank you. You were great.
David L - Husband of Client
"In 2015 my wife was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), a rare form of dementia which primarily impacts younger people and has a shorter lifespan than what would be described as “traditional dementias”.
As her condition deteriorated it was our family’s wish she should remain at home for as long as was possible, however it was soon established support with care would be necessary.
After a review of the options that were available we selected Home Instead to work with on this part of the journey, and at the outset it was evident we had made the right choice.
They demonstrated great expertise in meeting our requirements in all areas, and especially finding carers compatible for my wife’s changing circumstances.
We have used Home Instead for almost 4 years and would have no hesitation in recommending their services. They have never failed to meet some demanding requirements at short notice and have always shown care, compassion, patience and an understanding of the challenges such events can inflict on a family.”
Derek D - Husband of client
"Excellent customer service provided by highly skilled and empathetic carers with whom the client (my wife) was very comfortable. Provided much-needed and well appreciated support to allow me some relief from caring duties."
Shaun M - Relative of client
"We only used HomeInstead for a little while as our relative declined more rapidly than anticipated, however the preparation for organising care at home was sensitively done by trying to match personality of the Care Professional to our relative's interests and the care givers she had a good knowledge of dementia as well as caring and respectful of her. There appeared to be good communication between care givers to ensure continuity of care. Specific call out to Cath and Michelle for their support."
Rachel P - Relative of client
"Home Instead looked after my mother-in-law for four years. Their service was always excellent. The standard of the carers was very professional and caring at all times.They became friends to both my mother-in-law and me and were always happy to look after not just her personal care, but also do light housework duties, keeping her comfortable in her own home, which was invaluable. The team in the office were always on the end of the phone or email, with quick response to any of my worries, concerns or questions. I would recommend Home Instead to anyone looking for a professional, reliable and caring service."
Rachel W - client
"We have been clients of Home Instead Farnborough for more than 4 years. All our care givers have been kind, caring and hard working. My mother and I both have diverse care needs, Alex B our carer, is a real gem and gives so much to both of us. She is always bright and positive; we enjoy her companionship. She not only does the work we ask for, but also anticipates what we might need. Quite often after her visit, I will find a small household task that she has completed, because she noticed it needed doing and because she knew it would be debilitating to my health if I had to do it. This gives me a real lift. We are blessed to have her in our lives."
David L - Relative of client
"We used Home Instead to fill gaps in my partially sighted father's care calendar - two sessions of three hours each per week. In this time they cooked and served his lunch, prepared his tea and generally tidied the house. The provision of carers is well organised and carers were always pleasant and hard working. The quality staff keep a close check that the care provided is right for the client and regularly interview him to check that his needs are fully met. Many thanks to all involved in my father's care."
Pam and Chris B - Relatives of client
"Home Instead have been incredibly. Over the last year my mum has been quite demanding but all the Home Instead staff have been very patient with her. A couple of times they have called an ambulance for mum and stayed with her until I got there and she went to hospital by ambulance. She has sadly recently passed."
Ria C - Daughter of client
"Our mum has been determined to stay in her own home despite becoming rather infirm, anxious and in and out of hospital. Home Instead have enabled mum to feel safe at home for far longer than we all expected. Their flexibility, in terms of mum's ever-changing needs has been exemplary. As well as care in a very practical and personal manner, her lovely carers have constantly offered reassuring emotional support. Conversation, together with a good balance of professionalism and friendship with a regular bank of carers, has mum feel valued, and, as far as the family are concerned, stimulated. Communication between carers, office staff and our family has been effective throughout and we would heartily recommend HI services to anyone considering home care for a loved one."
Kevin T - Son of Client
"High praise for Mahdi (Director) and all his team, particularly the carers that looked after my mother. All, bar none, were lovely caring people, compassionate and excellent at their job. All carers we’re fully briefed by up to date notes and therefore knew a lot about my mother on their first visit. Great teamwork throughout. I would most definitely recommend Home Instead to anyone in the future and will use their services again when required."
Beryl W - Daughter of client
"Our mother (Beryl) was able to stay in her own home for many more months than would otherwise have been the case thanks to the care and commitment of Home Instead. From the professionalism of all of the office team, led by Mahdi, to the kindness and hard work of the care-givers who helped with Mum's personal care and provided such welcome companionship, Home Instead were excellent. They were very flexible and responsive as care needs developed, and carer reports logged on the Mobizio app after every visit meant that we could keep fully up to date from a distance. Finally, while all the care-givers are a credit to Home Instead, we have to highlight Andrea for her sheer brilliance!! Thanks for everything, Mandy and Nick."
Rob G - Son of client
"Our Mum was determined to continue to live an independent life in her flat but with early dementia setting in and with we three "children" all over 65 we needed help. Home Instead were able to arrange evening Carer visits at very short notice which was completely unexpected and their staff were fabulous. When things deteriorated yet further and Mum began falling at night they managed to arrange over-night carers which really lifted a great weight off us all. Great value and lovely people - thank you Home Instead."
Alison - Daughter of client
"The main change seems to be with Mum who is in general much more positive and able to cope. This is helped by the flexible way in which Home Instead works so she has been able to still feel in control of what help happens when. The choir is such a good idea and lovely to think of my Dad being able to join in with something he has always enjoyed. The relief in knowing that my parents have someone else they are confident to be with is huge and their quality of life (and mine) has improved greatly."
Mr J - Farnham
"Thank you very much. I would say that Dad is much happier and at peace with the world since your team started. Keep up the good work and thank you again."
Jan B - Wife of client
"The carers working for Home Instead have provided an invaluable support to my husband and I over a two year period. They were reliable, friendly and patient with him, ensuring his needs were met and that he felt safe and happy at all times. It was always easy to set up or change care needs with the help of very accommodating and understanding office staff.
I would definitely recommend Home Instead, Farnborough, to other people looking for care in the home."
Tina S - Daughter of client
"The carers are varied in their backgrounds. The key to their success is that they are all positive, enthusiastic and loving, which brings the outside world to my otherwise housebound father"
MC - Care Professional
“I am currently in my third year of working for Home Instead and I can honestly say that over time I have enjoyed my job more and more.
Not only have I learnt about other individuals, their lives, families, memories, hobbies and interests, I have learnt a lot about myself. My confidence has grown and I realise new qualities about myself that I never knew I had. I find that work is really like seeing old friends and I really love giving the care to each and every one of my clients.”
SR - Client's daughter
One of our dear clients recently passed away and her daughter very kindly sent us a note thanking us and our Care Professional for our service during the last few month's of her Mum's life.
"The team at Home Instead played a huge part in the happiness of my mum's life since we joined up with you last year - and indeed increased her enjoyment of everyday life. I am incredibly grateful for that."
Mrs N - Client's daughter
"I just wanted to thank all the other kind and helpful staff that I have dealt with during your time with mum. Everyone has gone above and beyond caring for her and helping her out at short notice when she was ill. It has been a great pleasure and although regrettably your help is no longer needed this is partly down to yourselves helping mum regain her confidence. If in the future mum once again needs help I will certainly be coming back to you."
Mrs B - Client's daughter
"Just wanted to say thank you for all your care and kindness you show my mum. You really make a huge difference. They have gone above and beyond to get mum back up to eating healthily and drinking more fluids. At one point thought mum was not going to make it but with the help of the Care Professionals mum has improved in a way I didn’t think was possible."
Mr G - Client, Farnborough
"Very many thanks for the birthday card you sent me back in September. And very many thanks for the Christmas present of the book "Flight-the complete history of aviation." I am thrilled to bits with it all. Very many thanks for it all."
Mr L - Client's Son in Law
"Excellent organisation and service provider who have mastered the essentials of providing compassionate care to the elderly. Staff are well trained and demonstrate high levels of functional competence and respects dignity and difference in their interactions with clients. Overall, the frameworks and systems set up are compliant with regulatory protocols and the service excels minimum standards."
Mrs B - Client's daughter
"We don't know how we could have coped without your marvellous team. The care was superb. By that I mean attentive, thoughtful, imaginative, sensitive, kind and "joined up". The communication was excellent. What a wonderful achievement all of that is."
Mrs M - Client (Farnham)
"All care given has been excellent. Couldn't have asked for nicer people".
Mrs F - Client's daughter (Farnborough)
"Dad's carers are lovely and so very caring of Dad and his needs. They show and demonstrate a great deal of care for Dad. As his daughter it is a great relief that I feel he is being well looked after. Great communication between the carers and myself".
Mrs L - Client (Farnham)
"I am fortunate with my carers, they always do their best for me. It's like another family member. They make me feel safe".
Nikki - Client's daughter-in-law
"Thank you, both Fran and Becky are absolutely wonderful with my father-in-law and are amazing ambassadors for Home Instead. We couldn't rate them more highly."
Mrs A - Client
"The kindness of the people who come to me! They are so willing to do anything. They are all first class.”
Mrs E - Farnborough
"My husband can’t wait for his Care Professionals to come round and loves them both. They are both very caring and he likes them both. He enjoys dancing to music with his Care Professionals and they make him laugh."
Rachel - Client's daughter
"Jacky, just wanted to say thank you for all your care and kindness you show to my Mum. You really make a huge difference."
Mr C - Client's son
"I would like to thank you, your staff and all the carers that have looked after mum - you have all been wonderful."
Mrs G - Client's daughter (Farnborough)
"I write to thank you and your amazing team for the exceptional care you provided for my dear dad...it made such a difference."
Ms O-K - Client's daughter
"The Home Instead staff have all been a huge help with my elderly and frail Dad, looking after him while he was living in his flat as well as keeping in touch with the family over any concerns they had - although we visit often we all live some distance away and the communication has been vital. Recently he has had a stint in hospital and is now in a care home but one of the lovely carers, Michele, continues to visit twice a week: Dad is always pleased to see her and we have the added reassurance her visits provide. Home Instead have provided a tailor made service for the changing circumstances that has been ideal for the whole family."
Mrs C - Client's daughter
"We are extremely grateful for everything you have all done for my father. It is much appreciated. Mum and Dad have loved seeing everyone each week and are very grateful for all the lovely care."
Sheila C, Partner of client
"The carers were all very caring and very professional. They appeared to be well trained and quickly grasped what needed to be done. We will miss them."
Dr B, Client's son
"Patrina, Laura and Victoria have all provided support to my Mother in (their own) different ways and she both likes and appreciates them all. You have (all) made her (and my) life easier. Thank you."
Mr P, Client's son
"The family would like to express their wholehearted thanks to you and all Care Professionals and support staff for your wonderful help since we first made contact last January. It has been a big relief to all (family, friends and neighbours) to know that Mother has been safely up and about every morning. She has maintained her independence but now recognises she needs to make the move away from the family home where she has lived for the past sixty years. Please pass on our thanks to everyone concerned with her welfare."
Mrs T, Farnborough
"It was a great pleasure to meet Denise, a charming lady, cheerful and positive. Should I ever need personal assistance in the future, I would not hesitate to call upon your organisation."
Mrs A, Client's wife
"My husband had a fall following many UTI's, he was hospitalised for several weeks and upon his return home it was suggested by them, our GP and social services that I obtain a carer to assist me on a daily basis. Unfortunately, as it was the school holidays and also general vacation time this proved easier said than done. Many individuals and agencies could not help, however Home Instead came up trumps and saved the day, not just for me but my husband also. All the carers supplied were friendly, competent and efficient. The back up from the office was superb. We would recommend them to anyone. Real professionals and caring with it."
Mr H, Client's next of kin
"We have reached the point where we will have to move relative into a residential home. This decision has not come easily for us and is no way a reflection on the care and compassion that the Home Instead carers have provided, which has been exemplary."
Mrs H, Fleet
"The care I received from Jacqui was second to none. Helped so much to build my independence."
Mrs E, Client's daughter
"I must also thank Nicky and Andrea for the concern they showed a couple of days earlier. My mother had had a bad night's sleep due to problems which pulled her down considerably. Nicky, who visited that day expressed concern to Andrea and later revisited my mother to check she was okay. Andrea phoned me to check I was aware of this and, so I understand from my mother, subsequently visited her herself, to check up on her."
Mrs C, Client, Ash
"To Louise, Vanadis and all the office staff. Thank you all for being so kind and caring throughout the awful months earlier this year. You have helped me so much."
C.S. - Care and Welfare Advisor
"Thank you for the care you have provided. Mrs H informed me that she is very happy with the service and described it as "excellent"! It is always nice to be able to pass on such positive comments."
Ms D, Client's daughter
"I highly recommend Home Instead for their caring, dedicated and efficient service to my mother in often difficult circumstances. Their support to me and my mother throughout was exceptional and exceeded my expectations. They showed great understanding, experience and knowledge of clients with different types of Dementia and the Care Professionals always responded to my mother with respect gentleness and patience. They were always very engaging with my mother, each one developing a wonderful rapport with her. Home instead always provided very helpful feedback and liaised with me as and when necessary. It was a relief to finally find a care agency which put CARE first. I will always be extremely grateful to them and their Care Professionals."
Ms C, Client
"Thank you for all the help I received from Nicola and Jo. They were like bright bursts of sunshine coming into my home each time they visited. They were always cheerful and responded positively to the tasks I needed them to undertake."
Mrs W, Client's wife
"Thank you to you and your care team for their help."
Mrs C, Client's daughter
"I often think how lucky we were to have you and the team caring for Dad that last year. Such a relief knowing that Andrea was there to make sure he was fed and had tablets every day and then got him out to bowling twice a week. Keep up the good work."
Mrs H, Client's daughter
“I spoke to someone at the Memory Clinic and another person from the Social Services Community Team and both have spoken very highly of Home Instead. They said 'they are the best in the business, we deal with a lot of private agencies and they are nothing like as good.'"
Ms C, Client
"Thank you for all the help I received. Nicola and Jo were like bright bursts of sunshine coming into my home each time they visited. They were always cheerful and responded positively to the tasks I needed them to undertake. I would definitely recommend Home Instead to my friends who may need help of this kind."
Mr R, Client, Farnham
"Jess is a wonder, she’s marvellous. We couldn’t be more pleased and can’t imagine life without her."
Mrs E, Client's daughter
"My mother has told me on the phone today, that her heart lifts when she sees them (Nicky especially), walking up the driveway. Originally, arranging carers through you was a purely practical intervention on my part; neither of us anticipated that their company would become so valuable to her."
Sharon, Client's daughter
"The ambulance crew were very impressed with the file you keep for the carers to write in. They said it showed a professional Company, thought you would like to know that!"
Mrs A, Client
"Many thanks for my carers, they are great."
Mrs P, Client's wife
"Thank you for your care and patience with J- and look forward to this continuing."
Mrs C, Client's daughter
Many thanks for all your hard work over the year. You've helped keep Dad as safe and happy as possible.
Mrs H, Client's daughter
Thank you all for looking after us this last seven months. Mum has definitely reaped the benefit of the extra time and care.
Amanda, Client's daughter
I'm so glad it is going well. I saw Mum this evening and both Mum and Dad said they enjoyed Zoe's visits .........hurrah ! Thanks for all being so nice and reassuring.
Barbara, Client
I am so pleased with Genine. She is a good advocate for you. She's calm, but she's there for you. Please let her know that the slippers she picked out for me yesterday are lovely and she won't need to change them.
Tristan, Client's Son
Many thanks to you all, especially Marijana.
Mrs K, Client's daughter
Thank you once again for looking after Dad so well. Lynsey did a wonderful job. He thinks she's lovely.
Mrs C, Client's daughter
Mum says "Kelly is pleasant and polite. She comes on time and is reliable. It's nice having her here." This is a real triumph for Home instead!
Danny, Client's Son
That's grand. You and your team are my heroes!
Mr, R-R, Client's Son
Please thank Marijana for all she is doing.
Mrs G, Fleet
I just wanted to thank you for your excellent service and to commend our Carer Zoe, of whom we both became very fond. We throughly enjoyed her visits and her company. She was always very obliging and professional.
Peter, Client's Son
Toni is a treasure. She is so quick! She's been a godsend at what has been a very difficult time.
Client's Son and Daughter-in-law
Many, many thanks from Danny and June J. (Beautiful flowers were kindly brought to us in the office for our Care Professional Ursula).
Client's Son, Farnham
I am grateful for Ursula's kindness towards my father. She has been an angel.
Mrs C, Client's daughter
Thanks for everything. You and your team are such a support for Dad. It was a huge relief knowing you were there for Dad while I was away.
Mrs P, Client, Farnborough
Thank you so much for providing Zoe as my Carer. She is warm and caring and quickly remembered all the things I needed each day. Even more importantly, she always left me smiling and ready for the day.
Mrs C, Client's daughter
Gill’s skill and professionalism is exemplary.
Mrs D, Client, Farnham
I would like to express my sincere thanks for the lovely and kind care I am receiving.
Mr J, Client
Thank you for everything you've done for me. I really appreciate it.
Mrs C, Client, Frimley
"I like (Care Professional) Toni tremendously. We really hit it off."
Mrs P, Client's wife
We are happy to recommend Home Instead's excellent services. Thanks to the cheerful and smiling carers for making life so much easier. Many thanks.
Mr C, Client's Son
Thank you for all you have done for Arthur and please thank all the care girls as well. If you need any recommendations I will be only too pleased to give them.