About Leo's Friends
What is Leo's Friends?
Leo's Friends is a non-medical senior concierge service based on Central Vancouver Island. We provide practical, companionship-focused support to help seniors live comfortably and independently — on their own terms. Whether it's a ride to an appointment, help around the house, or simply having someone to share a cup of tea with, we're here for the moments that matter.
Where did the name come from?
It came from a real person. Leo was an elderly man Lia (our founder) helped after he fell at a gas station on New Year's Eve. He didn't have anyone nearby to call. That moment made it clear — there's a real need for this kind of care. Leo is still a regular presence in our lives, and his name feels like the right one to carry this work forward.
Who started Leo's Friends?
Leo's Friends was founded by Lia Holland, a Central Vancouver Islander with a genuine passion for supporting seniors and their families. Lia built the business from a belief that aging well doesn't have to mean losing your independence — it just means having the right kind of help.
Where do you provide services?
We serve seniors and families across Central Vancouver Island, from Chemainus to Courtenay. Not sure if you're in our coverage area? Give us a call at 250-268-1150 and we'll let you know.
What We Do (and Don't Do)
What kinds of services do Leo's Friends provide?
We offer a wide range of non-medical support, including:
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Transportation to appointments, errands, and social outings
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Companionship and friendly visits
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Grocery shopping, pharmacy pickups, and light errands
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Assistance with daily tasks and household organization
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Support with appointments, scheduling, and coordination
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Wellness check-ins and regular contact for peace of mind
What does "non-medical" mean?
It means our staff are not healthcare professionals and do not provide medical care, administer medications, perform personal care (such as bathing or dressing), or offer any form of nursing or clinical support. We're your trusted everyday helpers — not your care team. If you need medical or personal care services, we're happy to help point you in the right direction.
Can your staff administer medications?
No. Medication administration falls outside our scope of service. Our staff can remind a client that it's time for their medication if that's part of an agreed-upon support plan, but they will not handle, prepare, or administer medications.
Do you provide overnight or live-in care?
Not at this time. Our services are scheduled and visit-based. If overnight or live-in support is something you need, we recommend speaking with a home care agency that offers that level of service.
Can Leo's Friends help with emergency situations?
We are not an emergency service. In an emergency, please call 911. That said, our staff are trained to respond calmly and appropriately if an unexpected situation arises during a scheduled visit, and will contact family and emergency services as needed.
Our Care Plans
What care plans do you offer?
We offer three monthly care plans designed to suit different levels of need:
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Concierge Plan — $450/month | 3 hours per week Ideal for seniors who are largely independent but benefit from a little regular support.
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Comfort & Lifestyle Plan — $800/month | 5 hours per week (Most Popular) The sweet spot for seniors who want consistent, meaningful support woven into their weekly routine.
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Lifestyle Support Plan — $1,200/month | 7 hours per week Comprehensive support for seniors who benefit from more hands-on, regular assistance.
Can I customize my care plan?
Our plans are structured for consistency and reliability, but we understand every senior is different. Contact us to discuss your specific situation — we'll do our best to find an approach that works.
What if I only need help once in a while?
Our care plans are designed for ongoing monthly support. If you're looking for one-time or occasional help, reach out and we'll talk through your options.
Can I change plans later?
Yes. As your needs change, your plan can too. Just get in touch and we'll work through the transition with you.
Do you offer a free consultation? Absolutely. We always start with a free, no-obligation consultation so we can learn about your situation and make sure we're the right fit. Call us at 250-268-1150 or reach out through our website to get started.
Pricing & Payments
How much do your services cost?
Our monthly care plans start at $450/month. We also offer individual services at an hourly rate, as well as a flat rate for quick pickups and short errands. Please refer to the Services section and the Care plan section for full details.
How does billing work?
We offer many types of payment options. We will email or provide a physical copy of your bill. You can pay online in advance or in person at the time of your visit.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. What you see is what you pay. We believe in straightforward, honest pricing — no surprises.
Is Leo's Friends covered by insurance or government funding?
We are a private-pay service and are not currently covered under BC Health or most standard insurance plans. Some extended health benefits or long-term care policies may offer partial reimbursement for personal support services — we recommend checking with your provider.
Our Staff
Who will be coming to help?
All Leo's Friends staff are carefully selected, background-checked, and trained to work with seniors. Every team member holds a current Vulnerable Sector Check and a clean driver's abstract (renewed annually). We're insured and bonded, so you can feel confident in who's coming through the door.
Will I always have the same person?
We make every effort to match clients with a consistent companion — familiarity matters, and we know it. While coverage situations may occasionally require a change, we'll always communicate with you in advance.
What if I'm not comfortable with my assigned companion?
Your comfort is our priority. If something isn't the right fit, tell us — we'll make it right.
Getting Started
How do I sign up?
Start with a free consultation. You can call us at 250-268-1150, email care@leosfriends.ca, or use the contact form on our website. We'll walk you through everything at your pace.
How much notice do I need to give?
The sooner the better, especially for ongoing monthly support. For individual services or one-time requests, contact us as early as possible and we'll do our best to accommodate.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Central Vancouver Island from Chemainus to Courtenay. If you're unsure whether your location falls within our area, just ask — we're always happy to find out together.
What if I want to cancel or pause my plan?
Our cancellation and pause policies are outlined in full on our Plan Policies page. We ask for reasonable notice so we can make sure your care doesn't just disappear — transitions should be handled thoughtfully.
For Families
I'm calling on behalf of a parent or loved one. Where do I start?
Right here. Many of our clients are introduced to us by a family member who's noticed their loved one could use a little more support. Start with a free consultation — you're welcome to be part of that conversation too.
Can family members stay in the loop?
Yes, with the client's consent. We can keep designated family members informed about visits and general wellbeing updates. We always respect the privacy and autonomy of the senior we're serving.
What if I live far away and can't check in regularly?
That's exactly why many families choose Leo's Friends. Knowing there's a trusted, consistent presence looking out for your loved one — even from a distance — provides real peace of mind.
Still have questions?
We love hearing from you. Call us at 250-268-1150, email care@leosfriends.ca, or visit our Contact page. There are no silly questions when it comes to the people you love.