"Yvonne was hired by me to be a companion to my friend, Goldie R., residing at the New Vista Care Home several years ago. I found Yvonne to be very professional, dependable and competent in dealing with Goldie's needs. She maintained careful financial records and kept in touch with me daily about how Goldie was doing. She informed staff of any changes in Goldie's appearance or behavior, which they appreciated. Yvonne was a fine companion to Goldie. They enjoyed each others' company and developed deep feelings for each other while sharing moments of happiness and sadness through laughter or tears. She tended to Goldie's personal care, always being sure she was comfortable, encouraging her to eat at mealtimes, assisting her when needed, washing her up after meals, brushing her teeth and applying moisturizer to hands and arms during each visit. She added enjoyment to Goldie's days by encouraging her to play the piano, listen to music on the radio, taking her for rides around the home or in the garden and offering her favorite treats---cookies, juice, coffee, fruit or yogurt. Yvonne went above and beyond her role as companion by joining in with Goldie's friends to celebrate her birthdays or Christmas. Throughout these special gatherings, Yvonne was always ready to assist with care for Goldie when needed or to help serve refreshments to the guests. I have no hesitation recommending Yvonne for a position as
companion to a loved one."
- Maureen O., Power of Attorney
"From the moment I saw Yvonne, I knew that she would be a perfect fit
for my mum. Yvonne asked what
my mum's interests were, and Yvonne tailored their sessions around that. Yvonne had brought in a book about Elvis, with tons of photos that my mum just loved. She would also bring in her iPod to play some of my mum's favorite tunes. Over the years that Yvonne worked with mum, I could also see the love and compassion that she had for all of her clients. I never regretted one moment about hiring Yvonne (Your Caring Companion). She made my mum's last few years a joy, she was happy and she would laugh. Now that my mum has passed,
I now call Yvonne my friend."
- Erin F., daughter of client
"We are writing this letter as a reference for Yvonne Bakker, who has served as a caring companion to our mother at New Vista Care Home once a week for the past 1.5 years. Mom is 90 years of age and has dementia. She is able to walk around with her walker and likes to interact with others, though her memory loss makes that difficult. We thought it would be helpful to Mom to have a regular visitor each week to supplement our own times spent with her. Yvonne was recommended to us and she was able to fit Mom into her schedule. We are extremely thankful for this because Yvonne has had a positive influence on Mom's life. Yvonne is unfailingly respectful towards Mom and the other residents at New Vista. Right from the beginning, she was careful to find out from us what Mom's interests are and takes time to buy materials and try them out to see how Mom responds each week. The activities vary, depending on Mom's frame of mind and level of interest on any particular day, plus they are creative and stimulating, both mentally and physically. After each visit, Yvonne writes detailed e-mails to let us know what kinds of adventures they shared together, how Mom responds to them, how she seems to be doing mood-wise and physically, etc.. Yvonne is flexible, patient and willing to adapt according to Mom's needs and interests. We are always delighted to read her accounts of how Mom has enjoyed their jaunts around New Vista, or outside into the garden, where Mom loves to look at the flowers and feel the warmth of the sunshine on her shoulders. I can't stress enough how caring and sensitive Yvonne has been to our mother's needs and I believe that this has been of great benefit to Mom. We are also pleased and comforted by the thought that Mom has the extra stimulation and encouragement of
the lovely relationship that has
developed over the course of
the last year and a half."
- Marcia J., daughter of client and
Christine S., daughter of client
"My husband was admitted to a Mainland care home as an Alzheimer's patient in January 2013. Packing up 35 years of memories for the sale of our beautiful Victoria Island home did not allow me much time with Robert. Then I heard about Yvonne and Your Caring Companion, who could be of help to both my husband and myself during this upsetting transition period. Among other things, she offered to take Bob out for an hour each week for some freedom from the confines of the care home. I feel like the most fortunate person to now have Yvonne in our lives. She is so much more than a care giver. I have found her to go beyond what anyone would expect. She is a very thoughtful, kind and giving lady who will suggest any number of activities to keep Bob engaged with the outside world. She gives me peace of mind between
my visits with Bob. I would be happy
to give any further information required. I highly recommend
Yvonne as a companion."
-Laura, wife of client
"You have been the most patient listener and your thoughtfulness is appreciated more than you know. Thanks so much!"
- Larry H., client
"About 3 years ago, we moved my mother, who was in her late 80's, into an apartment with meals and cleaning only. It soon became apparent that she could not cope on her own any more, physically or mentally and she was having a lot of trouble adapting
to the change. Since none of her children lived in Burnaby, we started looking for a companion/care giver to help her out. We considered a couple large companies, but I did not like the idea of ever changing people coming to her. In the office of the apartments I came across the pamphlet from Yvonne Bakker and her business, Your Caring Companion. This turned out to be a very lucky bit of chance for us. Yvonne started coming a couple of times a week to help my Mother with some things that she was having trouble doing, and to take her to shop and to appointments. She also helped her be more organized and remember things with a large calendar on the wall marked with important events. She helped her organize her things better in the new apartment so that she could find what she needed, and encouraged her to part in the activities offered there. Yvonne was patient and kind, and firmly encouraging when needed. Soon thereafter my Mother had to move to New Vista for more care. In the early days there, Yvonne still took her out when she was able, visited with her and encouraged her to take part in activities. As time went on, she would take my Mother downstairs for lunch for a change of scene, play dominos when she was able, read the newspaper to her, take her out to the garden and other things to break up the monotony for her. She also noticed if things were needed, and let us know, or picked up things for my mother if we were not going to be there for a while. She emailed us after every visit, which was wonderful as it gave us a way of knowing what was going on as well as learning if things were needed. Yvonne found safe shoes for my mother when her other when her slide in shoes were causing her to fall, noticed when my Mother began feeling the cold more and picked up lap robes and a snuggly cape for her. She also did things for us like monitor the Comfort Fund balance, and to forward on mail that needed attention. As time went on and my Mother slipped further away into dementia, Yvonne would encourage her to eat, or take her medication. She would read the paper to her or watch some TV with her, or just sit and hold her hands to warm them up. It was wonderful that my Mother had Yvonne as a constant in her life, someone she looked forward to seeing so much. As for us, her children, we had peace of mind knowing that when we couldn't be there, that Yvonne could, and with my Mother’s best interests at heart. I would whole heartedly recommend Yvonne to anyone looking for a helper/companion/visitor for their elderly relative. You will not find anyone more reliable, resourceful, knowledgeable and caring."
- Liz M., daughter of client
"I was glad to offer a reference letter regarding the services provided by Yvonne Bakker, from 'Your Caring Companion' and am very happy to do so. Yvonne came into our family's employ, this summer of 2016. She provides respite to our family by visiting our aged mother who lives at the New Vista Care home in Burnaby. Our mother has advanced dementia, and has been deteriorating in her health for many years now. Our family situation is probably like many other families, where we have children that live away from the Lower Mainland, who work full time in busy careers and have young families, and who are seniors ourselves with our own challenging health issues. We struggled with the challengers with visiting our mother regularly in her care home, and balancing all the other demands on our time and we were starting to become overwhelmed. Over the summer months, we were away or unable to visit mom on a consistent basis so we hired Yvonne to assist us. My sister-in-law heard of Yvonne and the Caring Companion company as she works in the health field and has many contacts. When Yvonne came to work for our family as our mother's companion, a huge weight was lifted from us by knowing that Yvonne could be there for mom, when we are unable. Yvonne provides detailed emails to all our family members in her weekly reports after her visits with mom. She lists any difficulties mom may be having so that we are all kept in the loop. She does a wide variety of services for mom. Some examples of the support she lends to our family is as follows: She ensures her laundry is clean, labelled and taken care of in an orderly fashion at the New Vista home. She helped decorate and brighten mom's room by buying artificial flowers and vases. She advises us when mom needs some new clothing or bedding. But best of all, she takes mom out for drives and meals. Mom has trouble remembering to eat, which s common with dementia. Yvonne ensures mom is getting enough to eat when she visits her, she brings in mom her favorite treats... the list goes on and on. Yvonne has also dropped in on mom if she is in the area, just to see how mom is doing and making sure she has eaten something that day. She has become an angel to our family, and a friend to our mom. Her services are extraordinary. I would be honored to recommend Yvonne to anyone who
is considering hiring her to provide support to their family, or loved ones. You may reach me, if you
need further clarification."
- Noni H, daughter of client
"I shall never forget the care you gave to my beloved brother, and the endless hours at the care home and hospital. God bless you in your
dedication to the care and companionship of others."
My warmest regards
- Gail S., sister of client
"Yvonne is a very caring and kind person. I find her honest and sincere. I enjoy our stimulating conversations. She genuinely cares. Her companionship has been very
helpful to me throughout the
years she has cared for me."
- Olive P., client
"I have known Yvonne for over 25 years. I find her to be honest, caring, and dependable with a pleasant personality. Someone you like to have around. She is eager to please and does things the way you like."
- June P., neighbor
"I would like to extend to you our sincere thanks for volunteering your time in Food Services at Edmonds Community Centre. Your positive attitude and helpful manner while on duty as cashier and special event hostess was truly appreciated!
Thank you again for your time
and effort; it was noticed and valued."
- Jamie H., Volunteer Coordinator,
Edmonds Community Centre
"I was put in contact with Yvonne with the help of a neighbor, a mutual friend. I usually feel somewhat uneasy when giving strangers access to my home, however, because of my neighbors reference I felt reassured. Yvonne has not let me down. I have found her to be honest, caring, reliable, punctual and encouraging. She has been a valued asset to me with daily requirements. I would recommend Yvonne without reservation to anyone who could benefit from her services. If you would like to speak to me or my wife further with regard to Yvonne please feel free to contact us by phone, preferably between the hours of about
12 PM and 6 PM. My phone number
will be provided by Yvonne on request."
- Larry, client
"I have known Yvonne for over 5 years. She started working with Dad in 2010, and with her friendly manner won him over. Yvonne's work with my father greatly enhanced his life; he looked forward to every visit and enjoyed the time he spent with her. Yvonne is conscientious, called
ahead to let Dad know when she was coming, and was always punctual. Yvonne is a hard working person who is also generous compassionate, and trustworthy. I highly recommend Yvonne and commend her for her work as Your Caring Companion. If I can be of further assistance, please do
not hesitate to contact me
at your convenience."
- Tom K., son of client
"Yvonne is a very thoughtful,
reliable and caring person."
- Johanna V., age 75
"It is with great pleasure that I write this reference letter regarding Yvonne Bakker. We have been honored to have Yvonne as our weekly companion for two years for our mom, who resides at the New Vista Home. During this time Yvonne has played a valuable role with her weekly visits to mom. Her passionate and consistent care have been a great source of pleasure and much needed social interaction for mom. Every week Yvonne finds a creative way to bring out the best in mom, with a game, a walk in the gardens, a collage or a fun snack. There is something tailored to mom's level of physical and intellectual place. Mom is treated with kindness, dignity and joy as she is offered the opportunity to spend time and interact with Yvonne. After each visit a beautiful report is sent to us outlining the highlights of the time spent together. The warm account gives us a vivid picture of the joy my mom has during their interaction and activities, but also the true enjoyment that Yvonne experiences while working with mom. The compassion and understanding of our mom's needs are exceeded at each visit, as is evident from the reports after every visit. Our family feels very lucky to have Yvonne as part of mom's extended family at New Vista and I would highly recommend her as a companion
for other's family members."
- Julie D., daughter of client
"Yvonne was a regular visitor with my mom for years, as she went deeper and deeper into severe Alzheimer's, and was unfailingly supportive and positive. Her regular in-depth and sensitive written reports of each and every meeting were a great support for me and family when we were not able to see her. Unfailingly reliable and very familiar with all the staff and the needs of long-term care patients throughout the facility, she was also almost like a personal nurse for my mom. Despite her failing cognitive abilities, my mother never failed to recognize and beam whenever Yvonne showed up. I would recommend Yvonne without hesitation to anyone who wishes
for caring and empathetic service
for an ailing relative."
- Bruce H., son of beloved Sheila
"Thanks again for all you do!"
- Sandy C., POA of client
"Yvonne was a companion for my mother, while she was in New Vista Care Facility. Yvonne always took the time to find out what my mother's likes were, and would always show up with a coffee and some Tim Bits, which my mother greatly appreciated. Yvonne would also take the time to drop in and say hi to mom when she was in the building for another appointment, or stop in the hall to talk to me to see how I was doing. I was always comfortable with Yvonne visiting my mother and it helped take a load off my shoulders knowing that she was there for Mom."
- Gordon P., son of client