Meet The Team | Senior Helpers of Victoria

Meet Our Victoria Team for In-Home Senior Care

More than 90% of seniors want to remain in their own homes as they age, and families across Victoria, BC are actively searching for the right support to make that possible. At Senior Helpers of Victoria, we provide personalized in-home senior care services in Victoria, BC, helping older adults remain safe, independent, and comfortable in the place they know best - their home.

We understand that finding the right home care in Victoria can feel overwhelming. That’s why our approach is simple, clear, and built around your family’s needs - without pressure to commit to more care than necessary. Our team of highly trained caregivers delivers a wide range of senior care services, including support with daily routines, companionship, and specialized care for those living with dementia or recovering at home.

When you choose Senior Helpers, you can feel confident knowing your loved one is supported by a consistent, compassionate caregiver who understands the importance of comfort, routine, and dignity.

Our Story: Local Experience in Dementia and In-Home Senior Care in Victoria, BC

Senior Helpers of Victoria was founded on deeply personal caregiving experiences that reflect what many families across Victoria, BC face when searching for reliable in-home senior care.

Robert Thornton became his father’s primary caregiver at the age of 22, supporting him through the complexities of dementia and Parkinson’s while continuing his education. This firsthand experience shaped a deep understanding of the challenges families face when navigating home care for seniors, from coordinating care to ensuring safety, routine, and dignity at home.

Janelle Thornton brings a complementary perspective, having supported her grandfather through his own journey with dementia. Witnessing the realities of caregiving reinforced her commitment to providing compassionate, personalized senior care services in Victoria that families can trust.

Together, Robert and Janelle founded Senior Helpers of Victoria to provide families with clear, reliable access to home care services in Victoria, BC - without confusion or pressure. Their shared experiences continue to guide a care model focused on independence, consistency, and meaningful connection, ensuring seniors can remain safely in their own homes with the right support in place.

How Our In-Home Senior Care Process Works in Victoria, BC

Getting started with in-home senior care in Victoria, BC should feel simple and supportive - not overwhelming.

Your first step is a complimentary in-home care assessment, where one of our experienced care consultants meets with you to understand your loved one’s needs, routines, and goals. This allows us to recommend the right level of home care services in Victoria - without pressure to commit to more than you need.

Together, we create a clear, personalized plan that supports safety, independence, and comfort at home.

During your in-home care assessment, we will cover:

Your family’s specific goals and priorities for care

A personalized daily care plan and schedule

Recommended senior care services based on current and future needs

Transparent pricing and available payment options

How we match your loved one with a consistent, compatible caregiver

Ongoing communication, support, and care plan adjustments

Meet the Victoria Team

Robert Thornton

Owner

From the moment his father began showing the first signs of dementia, Robert Thornton stepped into a role that would define his life. At just 22, he became the primary caregiver for his father, who was diagnosed with multi-infarct dementia, Lewy body dementia, and early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Over the next decade, Robert balanced the demands of caregiving—including daily routines, medical appointments, and meaningful activities for his father—with pursuing his education, ultimately earning a Diploma in Commerce and Administration, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and an MBA in Leadership and Innovation.

This experience gave Robert deep insight into the challenges families face when caring for aging loved ones. After his father’s passing, he continued to apply his skills in healthcare education and corporate operations, supporting hospitals and training healthcare workers during critical periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now based in Victoria with his wife, Robert founded Senior Helpers of Victoria to provide compassionate, professional in-home care. Inspired by his own caregiving journey, he is dedicated to helping seniors and their families live safely, independently, and with dignity—ensuring no one faces these challenges alone.

Janelle Thornton

Vice President & Client Services Manager

Janelle Thornton, Vice President & Client Services Manager of Senior Helpers of Victoria, brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal connection to senior care. From a young age, she cherished her time with her grandparents, especially her grandfather, Pops—a proper English gentleman with a cheeky sense of humor who became her favorite person. Together, they made blackberry jelly, tobogganed in the winter, and enjoyed long walks on Island View Beach.

As Pops began showing signs of dementia, Janelle watched firsthand the challenges families face in providing care at home. She supported him through hospital stays, daily routines, and the emotional complexities of his final months, ultimately holding his hand as he took his last breath on February 5th, 2025. This personal experience fueled her passion for ensuring that seniors and their families receive the support, compassion, and dignity they deserve.

Professionally, Janelle has built her career around helping people. From customer service and sales at Coast Spas Lifestyles to global client relationships at Mac Chain, she honed her skills in listening, understanding, and finding solutions for families’ unique needs. Joining Senior Helpers with her husband, Robert, felt like a natural extension of her life’s work—combining her professional experience with her personal mission to make a meaningful difference for seniors in Victoria.

Maya Goossen

Office Manager

Fresh out of high school, Maya Goossen was looking for more than just a job - she wanted a place where she could make a real difference. She discovered Senior Helpers Victoria with the intention of joining as a companion care aide, eager to help seniors live comfortably and independently. However, it wasn’t long before Maya found herself drawn to the heart of the company’s operations.

Recognizing her drive, attention to detail, and natural leadership, she soon transitioned into a larger role supporting the day-to-day functions of the business. Her dedication and enthusiasm led her to become Office Manager, where she plays an integral part in ensuring that both clients and caregivers receive the best possible support.

Maya is deeply grateful to Robert and Janelle Thornton for the trust, mentorship, and opportunities they’ve given her through SeniorHelpers Victoria. She feels fortunate every day to work alongside such a passionate and supportive team, contributing to a company that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and families across Greater Victoria.

Mark Schmitt

Community Relations Manager

From the age of 19, Mark built his career in customer service — a field that taught him the importance of listening deeply and meeting every client’s needs with care and precision. Through extensive training with internationally recognized companies, he developed a strong understanding of systems, software, and policies, honing his professionalism and his appreciation for what true service means.

After two years, Mark transitioned into the oil and gas industry, where he quickly became a top national performer. By combining his customer service foundation with leadership and technical expertise, he found fulfillment in helping management teams grow and connecting directly with clients. However, he also discovered that his purpose extended beyond performance metrics or production goals.

That purpose was shaped by personal experience. At just 15, Mark witnessed his grandfather’s slow passing after a brain hemorrhage caused by a fall — a painful eight-month journey that left his family without peace or closure. Shortly after, his grandmother was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia. Without awareness of modern care options or support systems, Mark’s family struggled to navigate her needs and ensure her safety.

Those experiences left a lasting impact and instilled in him a deep belief that no one should face aging, illness, or recovery alone — and that families deserve education, guidance, and compassionate care.

This belief ultimately led Mark to join Senior Helpers. To him, the company embodies everything his family needed during their most difficult times: understanding, support, and hands-on help that makes a meaningful difference. For Mark, this work is more than a profession — it’s a personal mission to ensure others receive the care, respect, and compassion his loved ones deserved.

Peter Loeppky

Operations Manager

Peter has always been hardworking and family-focused. He began helping his father’s business at age 11 and continued working throughout school to support his family, especially during difficult times like the housing crisis and later, the loss of his grandparents. These experiences shaped his resilience and his deep appreciation for caregiving.

After his family moved to western Canada for a fresh start, Peter built a successful career in customer service and leadership, growing quickly into management roles in both hospitality and the gas and oil industry. Through all of it, his passion for helping others and making people feel cared for never changed.

Peter’s personal experiences caring for his grandfather are at the heart of why he chose Senior Helpers. He knows firsthand how much support, compassion, and guidance mean to families during challenging times. His goal is to ensure that other families have the resources, comfort, and peace of mind his family once needed.

In-Home Senior Care in Victoria, BC - Our Team in Action

Take a closer look at how we deliver personalized in-home senior care in Victoria, BC. These moments reflect the real connections our caregivers build with clients every day - supporting independence, comfort, and dignity at home. From hands-on care to meaningful companionship, our team is dedicated to providing trusted home care services in Victoria that families can rely on.

Meet Our Victoria Team for In-Home Senior Care

Our Story: Local Experience in Dementia and In-Home Senior Care in Victoria, BC

How Our In-Home Senior Care Process Works in Victoria, BC

Meet the Victoria Team

In-Home Senior Care in Victoria, BC - Our Team in Action

Areas We Serve