How We Have Helped Others
VALERIE SAYS: Heartfelt was a dear companion to my 94 year old father living in Invermere. He struggled with Parkinson’s, which, depending on the day, could make just getting through a day, let alone keeping up to conversation and company, very trying. He looked forward to these home care visits, as the Heartfelt Companions always seemed to know when to keep the conversation going and when to give him time and space to process information.
RUTH SAYS: Heartfelt's availability in Invermere when my senior mother first had need of assistance, was welcomed. Because of their good reputation in the community and excellent certification, we were pleased that Heartfelt was available. We do not live in Invermere, so we needed someone to help with errands such as shopping, hair salon and doctor appointments. We also needed someone to check that mom had sorted her vitamins and meds correctly. Heartfelt did that and so much more. Looking back it was Heartfelt's attitude towards mom and their respectful understanding for this phase in life that I appreciated most. They never talked down to mom and always included her in conversations. Heartfelt was inspirational and anyone who has the pleasure of this senior care service to for their family member is fortunate to have her call your elder parent "friend".
A Heartfelt Message
The Heartfelt Companion was imagined in the spring of 2014 while on the path to becoming a Health Care Assistant in Invermere. It was during this time that the many gaps in senior care became obvious. Seniors become lonely; they deserve caring friendships and time one-to-one. A broken heart led to the creation of the Heartfelt Companion and our role in the lives of seniors living in care or at home.
The Heartfelt Companion puts human connection first and foremost. It is the interpersonal relationships developed between senior and companion that are so treasured in our work, and sadly, often overlooked in our health care system.
We appreciate that there are many tasks and everyday living needs that can be difficult for a senior to take care of on their own. We understand that relying on friends and family has it’s challenges. We also value that family caregivers have a tough job and need to know they are not alone.
Heartfelt can step in with a little or a lot of elder homecare and will always empower our senior client. We offer dignity, trust, friendship and advocacy in our relationships with clients and will always uphold the most kind, caring and compassionate manner.
Leanne
- Certificates in Gerontology and Healthy Aging
- Dementia Foundations Certification
- Red Cross First Aid Level 1
- FOODSAFE Level 1
- Crisis Intervention Training
- Hospice End of Life Training
- Columbia House & Mt. Nelson Place Volunteer Experience
- Founder and Companion of HFCS
Leanne is truly a Heartfelt Companion as she works to enrich senior's lives. She believes that every individual, regardless of age or circumstance deserves to enjoy the simple pleasures, no matter how small. Leanne is sure to take her senior friends for outdoor time, coffee dates, unique outings, and visits with friends at every opportunity. Leanne is an advocate for seniors; she will always step up and communicate with staff and family to support a senior friend. She makes certain they have what they need to be happy; be it food they enjoy, a more comfortable wheelchair, new clothing that fits properly or a warm jacket. This is especially important when living in a care home or when family is not in the valley and their loved one needs a friend. Leanne supports families as they transition their loved ones from living at home to moving to full time care. She has gained valuable insight since beginning Heartfelt Companion Services in 2014 and is proud to accept many community referrals. She looks forward to helping more seniors and families in the Columbia Valley (Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Fairmont Hot Springs, Windermere, Panorama) as they age in place as long as possible.
Jayne
- Health Care Assistant Certification
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Education
- Red Cross First Aid Level 1
- FOODSAFE Level 1
Jayne is a welcomed addition to the Heartfelt Companion Team in Invermere. As a certified Heath Care Assistant, Jayne brings valuable skills to the non-medical home care we offer our seniors in Invermere. Jayne has a love of the outdoors and dogs, dogs and more dogs! Her heart is huge and her capacity to love is very special. Jayne will provide our senior friends with fun community excursions, companionship, meal prep, overnight care, grooming care and more. Thank you for being part of the team, Jayne!
Darlene
- Dementia Education
- Red Cross First Aid Level 1
- FOODSAFE Level 1
Darlene's life experiences have made her who she is today. She is a hard worker and rises to any challenges that come her way. Darlene loves to travel, see new things, and experience different cultures. She and her husband and children lived abroad for 5 years. It was a great experience for all of them to adapt and live in a different culture. Darlene enjoys many things; reading, painting, puzzles, gardening, baking, knitting, music, travel, golf, hiking, and cycling are a few. Her education for the role as a companion started when she was very young, when Darlene's mother started her journey with her disability. As the years went by her condition worsened and her needs increased which helped Darlene see the need for compassion towards those with restrictions.
"I enjoy my work with Heartfelt, very much. I love it when I see the smile on our senior's faces when I arrive and introduce myself. The best part is when I have helped a bad day turn into a good day, giving them a chance to experience something new from their daily routine. You can literally see how a small act of kindness goes a very long way. It makes a huge difference in their lives and a bigger difference in mine!
I thoroughly enjoy getting to know new people and hearing their life stories. The mission statement I have for myself is: See a need, fill a need." Heartfelt is very grateful for Darlene!