About Our Minnesota Home Care
Tom Berard and Janell Tibodeau founded the Blaine and White Bear Lake Comfort Keepers franchise in 2007, driven by the desire to help seniors enjoy more fulfilling and independent lives as they grow older—and to support their families in the process. Tom helped his own parents and knows the challenges families face in supporting their aging parents.
He also knows that many families aren’t even aware that organizations like Comfort Keepers exist to help with senior caregiving and ease family caregivers’ stress. By marketing their franchise, Tom and Janell aim to make it common knowledge that families in Anoka, Ramsey, Washington, Chisago and Isanti counties don’t have to face senior caregiving alone—that they have a helpful friend in Comfort Keepers.
They enjoy the personal reward that comes from seeing Comfort Keepers transform the lives of older adults, renewing their verve for life in the comfort of home.
The Comfort Keepers Team
The management team of the Blaine and White Bear Lake Comfort Keepers franchise supports our talented, compassionate team of Comfort Keepers, who daily enrich the lives of the seniors in their care. Our team includes:
- Owners, Tom and Bev Berard opened their Comfort Keepers office in December of 2007. Since opening their office Tom has walked the journey that most adult children do with their parents. He watched his parents health drastically change and witnessed their independence level be compromised to the point where 24-hour supervision was needed. Not only were Tom and Bev busy raising their own family, enjoying their new granddaughter and building a new Comfort Keepers Franchise, they were experiencing firsthand what most of our client’s family members struggle through as they care for their own parents. Tom and Bev witnessed firsthand what it was like to invite caregivers in to their parents’ home and their lives. He watched as caregivers gently cared for his mom, Pat, reading her scriptures and gently massaging her tired hands; adopting that same idea himself. He watched as caregivers helped his dad engage in his community after the loss of his wife, Pat. He listened to how caregivers interacted with his dad, acknowledging his grief yet encouraging his involvement in the community. Tom and Bev watched Jerry’s struggle with dementia and his undying sense of humor. Tom and Bev saw how critical it is to find the right people to care for the ones you love.
- General Manager, Janell Tibodeau, has been with Comfort Keepers since May of 2008. Her position with Comfort Keepers is to provide direction and leadership and is responsible for managing the daily operations at Comfort Keepers. Her degree in Therapeutic Recreation compliments the Comfort Keepers Interactive Caregiving® philosophy that engages the senior and enables them to live happier, more meaningful lives. Instead of “doing for” the client, we provide care by “doing with” the client. Janell also has a strong passion for developing relationships with hospice agencies and helping families care for their loved ones who wish to die at home. Her passion is driven by her mother who passed away from cancer and her grandmothers who played an instrumental role in her life.
- RN, Care Manager, Linda Sauvageau, has vast experience in working within the healthcare field; especially with seniors. She began her nursing career as an oncology/medical nurse at Unity Hospital for 7 years. She also wore the hat of Homecare RN, Discharge Planner, Compliance Coordinator and Case Manager. Linda trains and supervises the Home Health Aides at Comfort Keepers. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering with Parish Nurse Program.
- Scheduler, Jeanne Anderson, is in charge of finding the right caregiver/care recipient match! This is a critical component to quality customer experiences. She has an eye for detail and an infectious laugh. She is happy to answer your questions about Comfort Keeper services, listen to your stories and guide you in the right direction.
- Office Support Team, Kelsey Shay and Courtney Berard have been providing office support since Comfort Keepers opened its doors in 2007. Kelsey not only has provided care for clients but also cared for the “office” staff. She has assisted with scheduling, payroll, invoicing and bookkeeping. She has a gentle demeanor and warm welcoming voice when communicating with clients, families and caregivers. Courtney has provided office support and assistance with special projects. She recently graduated with a degree in Social Worker and has earned her LSW title. Courtney also trained under the Anoka County Senior Social Services Department.
We'd love to talk to you! Call us today to learn about our free in-home assessment! In Blaine, call 763-786-1000 and in White Bear Lake, call 651-429-0534.