Frequently Asked Questions

The process for organising home or live-in care in Wokingham is designed to be as straightforward as possible, focusing on a person's individual needs. It typically begins with an initial consultation, followed by a detailed care assessment to create a personal care plan

Simply – pick up the phone and call us!

The process works best when we sit down with the client and those involved and map out what exactly is needed in terms of care. This is best done face to face so that we not only see the client but also their living situation etc, so that we can carefully prepare the written care plan  with you. This initial meeting is also very important to ensure that we provide the needed care in the most cost-effective way for the client.

Domiciliary care, often referred to as home care, is the professional support provided by carers right in the comfort of your own home. This service allows individuals to maintain their cherished independence, stay in familiar surroundings, and continue with daily routines, rather than needing to move into a residential care facility. 

At Gabriel's Angels our domiciliary care is incredibly flexible, ranging from just a few hours of assistance each week to dedicated, full-time live-in support, all of which is thoughtfully tailord to your unique needs by our caring team.

In short anybody can access home care services! It does not normally require NHS assessment or to be recommended or ordered by a GP. It is all about whatever the need of the individual may or what family members may want on the individual’s behalf.

The need for home care services can differ quite considerably – it can range from those needing company to ward off loneliness, needing shopping, cooking etc and other basic household work, providing respite care support for family members, recovery from a hospital stay - right through to more involved specialist care such as dementia, other mental health problems or physical/mobility issues.

The most important point to emphasise is that we can provide the right care package matched to the level of care needed and the most suitable carer in terms of training and experience to provide that care.

This is an easy question - but there are quite a few answers! We would normally recommend that one of Care Managers sits down and goes through the options. Most domiciliary care provision is normally provided through private funding such as savings, or family sponsorship in some form. The important point to emphasise initially it is not a case of quoting by the hour etc – this may be an outcome, but the focus has to be what is the most appropriate care package, securely and professionally delivered by our high-quality trained carers.

This is best handled during the initial discussion and meeting with one of our Care Managers who can advise the most appropriate way to fund the care package needed.

A live-in carer needs specific facilities at the client's home. This helps them provide the best care and have a comfortable living space.

The basic requirements for a live-in carer will be a clean, comfortable bedroom with adequate heating and personal storage facility, access to bathroom facilities, fresh linen, food, wifi access. 

The arrangements in respect of all of this would be handled by Gabriel’s Angels – so don’t worry!

Home care costs in Wokingham are typically calculated on an hourly basis, with rates varying depending on the level of care required, the frequency of visits, and whether specialist support is needed. At Gabriel's Angels we provide a transparent breakdown of all costs during your initial consultation — there are no hidden fees and no obligation. Contact our Wokingham team for a personalised quote based on your specific needs.

You will have a lot of questions to ask – this is entirely natural! We normally start the process by getting one of our specialist Care Managers to directly meet with the client and/or the family members and this gives the opportunity to get into real detail about needs. From this we can suggest the right package of care and support to meet those needs – often we find that there are considerations that come to light which are not always thought about initially.

Social care means help with daily living. Home care is a specific type of social care given in a person's home.

Home care can be tailored to your schedule, with visits available from as little as 30 minutes

Live-in care gives constant support to clients who need more than short visits. It offers peace of mind, knowing a carer is always present

Yes, that is no problem. Each client will be assessed by us and a specific care plan put in place for each of you. For couples this can be a much more cost effective care solution.

A vital question. At Gabriel’s Angel this at the very core of the way we work. We pride ourselves on the standard of care we deliver to our clients – our reviews and official Care Quality Commission (CQC) will confirm this.

Our carers are trained to the highest standard in accordance with regulatory standards and beyond; in fact, Gabriel’s Angels has one of the best care training facilities in our area to ensure this. All of our carers are enhanced DBS [CRB] checked - and all are directly employed by us – no agency staff are used.

We do have rigorous carer selection process – this is not just the carer’s practical skills and competencies but also the fact that they live by the Gabriel’s Angels ethos of having a real passion for caring for people. We have found that many of our clients find this as the most important factor in staying loyal with Gabriel’s Angels.

This can vary of course, but typically when more complex care is required to assist with reduced mobility, medication, incontinence, dementia etc and so forth that a client may be faced with – then live-in care becomes a good solution.

Ensure that the agency you are considering to provide the care has a good CQC rating, is well-established, carries a good local reputation (which you can find out by networking with your GP, occupational therapist etc). There is a highly regarded and independent performance agency rating website called homecare.co.uk which can provide helpful insight.

We find that are in the home (domiciliary care) would normally be preferable to our clients in most instances. We find our prospective clients normally have a preference to be in the comfort, privacy, and familiarity of their own homes, with their memories, treasured items and keeping an independent lifestyle and routine. Our well-trained care staff will assess the client’s situation going forward on an ongoing basis – and if circumstances need changing then we can discuss with appropriate family members and advise the best course of action.

There is of course the flexibility of adapting domiciliary care requirements to suit not only the needs of the client - but also family and friends who often have a part to play. This can also be a more inexpensive option that goes with the flexibility that care in the home can give as opposed to a residential care home setting.

Yes, they do. At Gabriel’s Angels we take care of all the organisation providing a respite or replacement carer (who the client would select) for the period of the holiday.

During your initial consultations with our Care Manager, we take the time to understand not just your care requirements, but also your personality, preferences, routines, and interests. This holistic approach allows us to carefully match you with a carer we believe will suit you well and help build a strong, positive relationship.

We are highly focused on ensuring compatibility and continuity. Our aim is to assign a consistent carer whenever possible. If a temporary change is needed – for example, during holidays or illness – we’ll inform you in advance, and the carer will already be briefed and familiar with your needs.

Following the initial assessment, we can usually begin your care package within just a few days.

Our Care Managers are always on hand to support you, address any concerns, and make sure your care continues to meet your expectations.

No, definitely not, the only reason you would need to go into a residential home is if you choose to do so. We work in close partnership with your GP, District Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists etc and all of the equipment you would need at in your own home if you become immobile is provided free of charge. This equipment is the same as you would find in a residential home.

This can vary according to what the client and live-in carer both want but at Gabriel’s Angels we would take care of specifically designing a rota which works for both. Rest assured the client's needs and wants are always paramount.

Gabriel’s Angels provide compassionate daily and live-in dementia care to assist clients and loved ones at any stage of the condition, all in the comfort of your own home.

All our carers receive in-depth training beyond industry requirement to support someone with dementia. From the early stages of memory loss, right through to the advanced stages of all types of dementia, we will tailor a personalised care plan to ensure that you and your loved ones feel safe, secure, and happy.

Whether you’re looking for someone to regularly check in on your loved one and help with daily tasks, or if you need a continuous live-in carer to ensure security and safety around the clock, our carers can support a multitude of needs – whatever they may be.

Live in Care provides high levels of care up to  24hr/7 day per week if necessary to enable a client to stay in their own home cared for by one or more care support workers employed by  GA providing care exactly how you want it delivered in your own home, as you set out and write the care plan with us.

Your care needs and wishes can be fully assessed and if you are eligible for local authority funding (which is means tested, you house does not form part of the assessment if your loved one wants to stay at home to be cared for) you can receive live in care.

People who want to maintain their own independent lifestyle in their own home and surroundings which is preferable to a residential home environment for many.

Primarily it is because you can continue to stay in the privacy of your own home, surrounded by your own familiar and loved possessions - and with your live in carer you can be completely independent - which is all lost in a more regulated residential home environment.

Having live in care means that you can completely continue to have the routine and lifestyle you want rather than having to fit in with a more regimented and unfamiliar residential home environment.

So, the first step is the initial face to face meeting with the prospective client. From that meeting we will be able to assess what carer would be best be suited to the client in terms of their personal preferences and their lifestyle etc. We would then prepare a list of likely carer candidates to meet the client so they can make their own choice. Obviously, it is vital they both get along really well with each other!

We follow a stringent recruitment procedure to ensure that all of our employees are compliant with the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) Essential Standards which includes an enhanced DBS check and a thorough induction training programme. We have a state-of-the-art training facility for our carers and staff in our Wokingham office. We pride ourselves in ensuring our carers are trained above and beyond industry standards to ensure that the specialist needs of individuals are met.

The short answer is - yes - to all of these requirements!

Yes, every carer we employ is trained to administer medications safely. All needs will be documented in the prepared Care Plan and constantly reviewed and amended as needed over time.

Live in carers tend not to drive on the whole however if you require a driver this can be requested.

Yes, absolutely!

Our Care Managers will hold regular reviews with the client (on a confidential basis) to fully review the standard of care is meeting the client’s needs in all respects. The client can, at any time, call the appointed Care Manager to discuss any issue.

Obviously inform your Care Manager as soon as possible and we will deal with the problem on a fully confidential basis to ensure that we resolve the issue to your satisfaction.

We fully understand that consistency and continuity are of prime importance to our clients so taking our time initially to match the carer with the client is vital. As can be appreciated, live-in carers are entitled to holidays etc and we  carefully ensure that any respite or holiday cover carers are introduced, known and approved by the client first and this is built into the rota in the first place. Many of our live-in carers forge very close relationships with their clients and vice versa.

This  will obviously  depend on the client’s needs – however we can try to mobilise and engage a carer with the client within 1-2 days of agreeing the care plan at the initial meeting.

This is an easy question - but there are quite a few answers! We would normally recommend that one of Care Managers sits down and goes through the options. Most domiciliary care provision is normally provided through private funding such as savings, or family sponsorship in some form. The important point to emphasise initially it is not a case of quoting by the hour etc – this may be an outcome, but the focus has to be what is the most appropriate care package, securely and professionally delivered by our high-quality trained carers.

This is best handled during the initial discussion and meeting with one of our Care Managers who can advise the most appropriate way to fund the care package needed.

At Gabriel’s Angels, building trust begins with empathy, consistency, and open communication. We take time to understand each child’s personality, needs, and preferences. We start with smiling, going along with what the child wants to do, ask if you can participate with their game or activity. It is important to take time with family members, before you meet the child, to discover what their interests are, what they like and equally important what they don’t like, and importantly any major negative behaviour triggers to avoid.

We take time to understand each child’s unique needs and personality, and listen with patience and care, as their families are the expert in the child. For families, we always try to ensure transparency and collaboration, so they feel confident and involved in their child’s journey.

Our person-centred approach ensures that children feel safe and valued, and families feel heard and supported. We also work closely with therapists already involved in the child’s care, creating a seamless and participative support system that enhance the effectiveness of our all interventions.

The first step is simply to call or contact us — there is no obligation and no pressure. One of our Care Managers will have an initial conversation with you to understand your situation and answer your questions. We will then arrange a home visit to carry out a thorough care needs assessment, develop a personalised care plan, and carefully match your loved one with the right carer. We can move quickly when needed — in urgent situations care can often be arranged within 24 to 48 hours.

One of our most rewarding experiences was helping a child with autism build confidence through our Therapeutic Animal-Assisted Activities. Structured interactions with pets and animals helped the child develop emotional connections and social skills, and their joy was truly heartwarming. These activities are designed to bring comfort, companionship, and a sense of achievement—especially for children who struggle with traditional social settings.

My proudest moment was when a parent told me their child felt “safe and happy” for the first time going out shopping with someone other than his mum. It reminded me that the emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical care. I still keep the thank you card it means so much to me. Mum always requests me as her child’s carer now and this makes me feel so proud, and it honestly doesn’t feel like work for me, the child feels like one of my own children.

I love being a positive part of a child’s journey—whether it’s through a comforting word, a shared laugh, or helping them overcome a challenge. At Gabriel’s Angels, we offer a wide range of services—from Behavioural Therapy using ABA techniques to Family Support and Counselling—to ensure every child and family feels empowered and uplifted. We also believe in the power of fun activities, laughter, and creating safe spaces where children can truly be themselves.

We always try to create a warm, predictable environment where children feel secure and understood. Our team uses positive reinforcement, clear boundaries, and gentle encouragement. We also incorporate Fun Activities tailored to each child’s interests, helping them feel joy and comfort while minimising trauma and anxiety. Whether it’s a visit with animals, sensory play, or quiet time, we adapt to what each specific child needs to feel safe.

Patience, empathy, creativity, plus a genuine love for children!  At Gabriel’s Angels, we believe in being adaptable and collaborative—working closely with families and professionals to ensure every child receives the best possible care. Our carers are trained in evidence-based strategies and understand the importance of building trust and emotional connection.

It is essential to focus on building relationships first. Every child is unique, and trust takes time. Be present, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of kindness and consistency. At Gabriel’s Angels, we support new carers with resources and guidance, and we encourage a holistic approach that includes working with families, therapists, and educators to create a nurturing environment.

Their energy, honesty, and imagination. Children see the world in such a magical way, and being part of their growth is a privilege. Whether it’s through Social Skills Training, Educational Support, or simply sharing a laugh during playtime, we aim to create a safe space where every child can thrive. We work closely with families to identify what their child enjoys, what their triggers are, and how we can help them heal from past negative experiences.

Our Care Manager visits your home to get a full picture of your care needs — physical, emotional, cognitive and social. We also take time to understand your daily routines, personal preferences, and what matters most to you. This assessment forms the basis of your personalised care plan and ensures the care we provide is built around you as an individual, not a standard package.

We make every effort to provide continuity of care — meaning the same carer or small team of carers visiting regularly. We know how important it is to build a familiar, trusting relationship with the person coming into your home. In the event a carer is unavailable, we will always introduce a replacement in advance wherever possible and ensure your care plan is fully followed.

We offer flexible visiting care from as little as 30 minutes per visit, through to multiple daily visits, overnight care, and full 24-hour live-in care. Whatever level of support you need — whether it is a brief daily check-in or comprehensive round-the-clock care — we can build a package that fits your life.

The first step is simply to call or contact us — there is no obligation and no pressure. One of our Care Managers will have an initial conversation with you to understand your situation and answer your questions. We will then arrange a home visit to carry out a thorough care needs assessment, develop a personalised care plan, and carefully match your loved one with the right carer. We can move quickly when needed — in urgent situations care can often be arranged within 24 to 48 hours.

Home care — also called domiciliary care or visiting care — involves a carer visiting your home for scheduled appointments throughout the day, typically ranging from 30 minutes to several hours. Live-in care involves a dedicated carer moving into your home to provide round-the-clock, 24-hour support. Gabriel's Angels provides both — and our Care Managers can help you understand which option is right for your situation and budget.

Yes. Our team is experienced in supporting a wide range of complex conditions including Parkinson's disease, stroke recovery, palliative and end of life care, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and post-operative recovery. We work closely with GPs, community nurses, district nurses and hospital discharge teams to ensure a fully joined-up approach to your care. If you are unsure whether we can support a specific condition or situation, please call us — we will always give you an honest answer.

Yes — dementia care is one of our core specialisms. Our carers receive specialist dementia training and are experienced in supporting clients from the early stages of memory loss through to advanced dementia. We use structured daily routines, meaningful activities and dementia-aware communication to support dignity, reduce anxiety and maintain quality of life at home. Familiar surroundings are proven to reduce confusion and distress in dementia patients — making home care one of the most beneficial options available.

For many families, live-in care offers significant advantages over residential care homes, particularly the ability to remain at home in familiar surroundings, receive one-to-one care, and maintain daily routines and independence. We are happy to help you compare your options — call us on 01276 986 689.

In many cases, we can arrange live-in care in Camberley within 24 to 72 hours of an initial assessment — including following urgent hospital discharge. Please call our Camberley team directly on 01276 986 689 to discuss your timescale and we will do everything we can to put care in place as quickly as possible.

Care needs change over time, and our care plans are designed to change with them. Your dedicated Care Manager will review your care package regularly and proactively recommend adjustments as your loved one's needs evolve. You can also contact us at any time if you feel a review is needed, we will always respond promptly.

Yes. Gabriel's Angels is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Our registration covers live-in care and home care services across Berkshire and Surrey. You can view our CQC registration details on the CQC website or speak to our team directly.

A visiting home carer comes to your loved one's home for scheduled visits,  typically between 30 minutes and a few hours throughout the day. A live-in carer moves into the home and is available around the clock. Gabriel's Angels provides both services, and our Care Managers can help you understand which option best fits your loved one's needs and your family's situation.

Yes. We provide live-in care for couples in Camberley and across Surrey Heath, where both individuals may have different care needs. A single live-in carer can often support both members of a couple, making this a highly cost-effective option compared to two separate care home placements. Speak to our Camberley team on 01276 986 689 to discuss your situation.

Gabriel's Angels provides a full range of home care services in Camberley including personal care, companionship, domestic support, shopping and appointments, dementia care, end of life care, 24/7 emergency care, and live-in care. Every package is individually tailored to your loved one's needs and routines.

The first step is to call our Camberley team on 01276 986 689 or complete the enquiry form on this page. We will arrange a free, no-obligation care needs assessment at a time that suits you, where we will discuss your loved one's needs and recommend the right level of support.

In many cases we can put visiting care in place within 24 to 48 hours of an initial assessment, including following urgent hospital discharge. Call our Camberley team directly on 01276 986 689 to discuss your timescale.

We aim to provide consistency as standard. Your loved one will have a small, familiar team of carers rather than a different face every visit. Where possible we assign a primary carer who gets to know your loved one's preferences, routines, and history.

From our Camberley office we provide home care across Surrey Heath and North Hampshire including Camberley, Frimley, Frimley Green, Lightwater, Bagshot, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Farnborough, Fleet, and Yateley. Call us on 01276 986 689 to confirm whether we cover your specific area.

Home care involves a carer visiting your loved one at scheduled times throughout the day, typically from 30 minutes to a few hours per visit. Live-in care involves a dedicated carer moving into the home to provide round-the-clock support. Gabriel's Angels provides both services across Camberley and Surrey Heath — our Care Managers can help you understand which option best fits your situation.

In most cases, yes. With the right level of support, many people living with dementia are able to remain safely and comfortably at home for much longer than families initially expect. Remaining at home in familiar surroundings has been shown to have a positive effect on wellbeing, behaviour, and quality of life for people with dementia. Gabriel's Angels provides visiting and live-in dementia care in Wokingham that makes this possible — from early-stage support through to complex later-stage care.

The cost of dementia care at home in Wokingham depends on the level of support required and whether you need visiting care or live-in care.  Please call our Wokingham team on 0118 332 0099 for a free, no-obligation quote based on your loved one's specific needs.

All Gabriel's Angels carers receive dementia awareness training as a core part of their induction — going beyond the standard industry requirement. For clients with more complex dementia needs, our Registered Manager Jacky Payne brings specialist nursing and dementia qualification to the oversight of their care package. We are also able to match clients with carers who have specific experience with their type of dementia and stage of the condition.

Our carers are trained to use validation therapy, redirection techniques, and structured routine to reduce distress and manage challenging behaviours calmly and safely. We focus on identifying the triggers behind behaviour changes,  whether they relate to pain, fear, confusion, or unmet needs and responding with empathy rather than correction. In complex situations, Jacky's specialist nursing background provides an additional layer of clinical guidance.

Yes. Our live-in dementia care service in Wokingham places a dedicated, trained carer in your loved one's home around the clock, providing continuous support, companionship, and safety monitoring 24 hours a day. Live-in care is often the most effective option for people in the middle to later stages of dementia, allowing them to remain at home rather than moving into a residential care facility.

In most cases we can put visiting dementia care in place within 24 to 48 hours of an initial assessment, and live-in dementia care within a similar timeframe where urgent need exists. Please call our Wokingham team on 0118 332 0099 to discuss your situation and timescale.

Yes. We work alongside GPs, district nurses, community psychiatric nurses, memory clinic teams, and other NHS and specialist services in the Wokingham area to ensure that your loved one's care is joined up and consistent. Our Care Managers maintain regular communication with relevant professionals and will attend care reviews where appropriate.

Home care involves a professional carer visiting your home at agreed times — typically for 30 minutes to several hours. Live-in care means a carer lives with you in your home, providing round-the-clock support. Both options are available from Gabriel's Angels. The right choice depends on how much support is needed and personal preference.

In many cases we can begin a care package within a few days of the initial assessment. For families facing an urgent discharge from hospital or a sudden change in needs, we will do everything we can to put support in place quickly. Call our team to discuss your timeline.

Yes — consistency of carer is something we prioritise. After completing your assessment and carer matching, your relative will have a named carer and a small, consistent team. We avoid sending different faces every visit, as regular carers build trust, notice changes quickly and provide far better continuity of care.

All our carers are fully DBS-checked and receive comprehensive induction training before their first visit. This includes manual handling, medication management, infection control, safeguarding, and condition-specific training. Many of our team hold, or are working towards, NVQ/QCF qualifications in Health and Social Care. Our clinical standards are overseen by Jacky Payne, a Registered Nurse with specialist dementia training.

Yes. Gabriel's Angels is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and holds a Good rating. CQC registration means we operate under a legal framework of inspection, standards and accountability. You can view our inspection report on the CQC website at any time.

Yes. Dementia care is one of our core specialisms. Our team is trained in dementia-specific approaches including validation therapy and person-centred care, and our clinical standards are led by Jacky Payne, a Registered Nurse with an ENB specialist dementia qualification. Many clients living with dementia receive excellent support at home for years — remaining in a familiar environment is itself a significant benefit to cognitive and emotional wellbeing.

Yes. Many families manage care at home themselves but need regular breaks to maintain their own wellbeing. We can provide planned respite visits — daily, weekly or as needed — so family carers can take time for themselves with confidence that their relative is in safe hands.

We regularly review care plans and will work with you to increase or adjust support as needs change. If someone's needs increase significantly — for example, following a fall, a new diagnosis or a change in mobility — we can usually respond quickly. We will also be honest with you if we feel a different care setting or level of provision would be more appropriate.

Call our team on 0118 332 0099 or complete the enquiry form on this page. We will arrange a free, no-obligation home care assessment at a time that suits you. There is no pressure — the assessment is simply a conversation to help us understand how we can help.