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Meet the office

More than 90% of seniors want to be able to age in their own home with dignity but getting the right type of care can seem daunting.  At Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and Southwest Suburbs of Chicago we believe that getting the best care for your loved ones should not be complicated.  We recognize the growing need for in-home care services, and with our passion for helping others, we are committed to delivering the best possible care to seniors in the Bolingbrook community. 

We take the opportunity to provide care in your home seriously and make it a priority to provide the highest level of client service possible.  We have built an exceptional team of care professionals, each committed to remaining at the forefront of the in-home care industry through our proprietary ongoing training and education programs. You can feel confident that your loved one is in good hands with Senior Helpers.

Our History

Our History

Senior Helpers was founded in 2002 by Tony Bonacuse with the help of Peter Ross after their firsthand experience in caring for their respective family members. Tony and Peter identified a need that was not being filled properly by the other companies.  They realized that most seniors would prefer to age in their own home rather than move into an unfamiliar institution.  Unfortunately, the options available to most seniors were very limited.  Most seniors did not have access to well-trained, dependable and accessible in-home care. This was the mission-driven spark that started Senior Helpers. 

The first office opened in Baltimore, Maryland, and quickly developed a reputation for delivering excellent in-home senior care with their well-trained staff of professional caregivers. Based on the success of the Baltimore location, the company began to expand.  For more than 20 years, the Senior Helpers family has grown to include a network of more than 300 locally owned and operated franchises across the United States. 

Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and Southwest Suburbs of Chicago was proud to join the system in 2022.  Like every other owner, we too are fully-committed to the original goal of providing dependable and accessible in-home care with well-trained caregivers. Nothing is more important to us than being the best available resource for seniors and families in our community.  We are lucky to serve hundreds of seniors in our community, and we are committed to continuing to provide uncompromising levels of care to all our families.

Our process

Our process

The first step in the process is a complimentary, initial in-home care assessment with a Senior Helpers consultant.  This assessment can help you understand the true needs of your loved one, and your options. Together we can discuss their needs, our senior care services and determine what’s best for your entire family.

We will cover:

  • Your family's specific goals
  • Your loved one's daily plan design and schedule
  • Pricing and payment methods
  •  Implementation process
  • Ongoing communication and follow-up plan

Meet the Team

Kara Fairhurst

Kara Fairhurst

Owner/Operator

Kara Fairhurst is the proud owner of Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago. She lives locally with her two sons, Emre and Ozan, and plays an active role in supporting the community. Kara is involved in local children’s charities and promotes events for seniors, especially enjoying local senior picnics.

Her time is dedicated to meeting with new clients, developing community relationships, and striving for excellence at every level of the business. She welcomes direct contact for any questions or to support seniors in need of guidance and care.

The Senior Helpers mission is deeply personal to Kara, as she witnessed firsthand how important it was for her grandmother to continue living comfortably in her own home. This experience drives Kara’s passion for providing high-quality, compassionate care so seniors can age in place with dignity.

Her dedication to care led her to begin as a care professional, later advancing into care management with a specialization in mental health. Through both personal and professional experience, Kara developed a strong desire to support seniors in her community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of families in Bolingbrook.

Kara holds a degree in Business and Management, which she has used to successfully lead operations and training in customer-focused organizations. She believes that while strong systems and processes are essential, it is the quality of people within an organization that truly makes the difference.

Her passion for exceptional customer service is reflected in her hiring philosophy: selecting Care Professionals “who can share a smile, know their stuff, and show they care.”

Kara is also proud to share that she is now both a Certified Dementia Connection Specialist (DCS) and Certified Trainer (DCSCT)—a milestone that reflects her deep commitment to providing the highest level of training for her team, while delivering even greater quality of care for clients living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

“What I love most about Senior Helpers is the impact we can have locally in improving the quality of lives for our clients, their families, and our employees.”

Elizabeth Baldwin

Elizabeth Baldwin

Hospital & Rehabilitation Liaison

With 19 years of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Elizabeth has dedicated her career to providing compassionate, high-quality care that helps individuals maintain their dignity, comfort, and independence. For 10 years, she proudly served at the VA Hospital in Phoenix, where she cared for our nation's veterans while also training and mentoring healthcare professionals.

Elizabeth brings extensive hands-on experience in senior care, a strong understanding of patient needs, and a passion for helping individuals navigate important transitions in their care journey.

Her experience has taught her that a successful recovery doesn't end when a patient leaves the hospital or rehabilitation facility—it continues at home with the right support.

As the Hospital & Rehabilitation Liaison at Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and the Southwest Suburbs, Elizabeth works closely with hospital discharge planners, social workers, case managers, rehabilitation teams, patients, and families to help ensure smooth and safe transitions from hospital or rehabilitation settings to home.

She is dedicated to building strong relationships with healthcare professionals, understanding each patient's unique needs, and connecting families with personalized home care services that support recovery, independence, and overall well-being. Elizabeth recognizes the importance of continuity of care, clear communication, and timely coordination in helping patients feel confident and supported when returning home.

Elizabeth believes that exceptional care extends beyond the walls of a hospital or rehabilitation center. Her compassion, healthcare experience, and commitment to building meaningful relationships make her a valuable resource for healthcare partners and the families they serve.

Her mission is simple: to help make the journey from hospital to home safer, smoother, and less stressful for patients and their loved ones.

Victoria Cannici

Victoria Cannici

Client Care Manager - Bolingbrook

Victoria brings more than ten years of healthcare experience to Senior Helpers, along with a lifelong commitment to helping others. Her passion for senior care began at a young age when her grandmother needed home care services. Seeing firsthand the difference compassionate and dependable care could make for both a senior and their family inspired Victoria to build a career focused on supporting others.

Victoria earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from North Central College, where she developed a strong foundation in health education, care coordination, and client advocacy. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with seniors, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, developing extensive experience in care planning, client communication, and navigating the changing needs that can come with aging.

As Client Manager at Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and the Southwest Suburbs, Victoria is focused on ensuring clients and families have an exceptional experience throughout their care journey. She works closely with families and caregivers to maintain strong communication, address concerns quickly, coordinate changes in care, and ensure services continue to meet each client’s individual needs and preferences.
Victoria believes great home care is built ontrust, communication, consistency, and truly understanding what matters most to each client. She takes pride in developing meaningful relationships with the families she serves and being a dependable resource they can turn to as their needs evolve.

Outside of work, Victoria enjoys reading and spending time with her dogs.

Yeilly Reyes

Yeilly Reyes

Scheduling Manager - Bolingbrook

Yeilly’s passion for elder care is deeply rooted in personal experience. For two years, she stood alongside her family as they cared for her grandfather during his end-of-life journey, taking turns ensuring he was never alone through one of life’s most difficult seasons. That experience gave her a profound understanding of the challenges families face the emotional weight, the physical exhaustion, the unwavering love, and the need for reliable, compassionate support.

Yeilly earned her Bachelor of Science and Humanities from Alfonso Milson Christian Institute (2016–2020), building a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, and service-oriented leadership. Combined with five years of remote work experience and three years as a Scheduling Coordinator Specialist, she brings both organization and empathy to her role at Senior Helpers.

She understands that behind every schedule is a family depending on consistency and a loved one deserving of dignity, respect, and quality care. For Yeilly, scheduling is about more than coordinating shifts it’s about creating stability, providing peace of mind, and honoring the trust families place in Senior Helpers every day.

Her commitment to service, attention to detail, and genuine compassion help ensure that both clients and caregivers receive the support they need, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

Sheri Boniecki-Cooling

Sheri Boniecki-Cooling

Client Care Manager - New Lenox

Sheri believes that exceptional care begins with meaningful relationships. As a Client Care Manager at Senior Helpers, she is passionate about getting to know each client, their family, and their caregivers to ensure everyone feels supported, valued, and cared for.

With a diverse background in management, human resources, administration, and hands-on home care, Sheri brings both leadership experience and a compassionate understanding of senior care. She knows that quality caregiving goes beyond assisting with daily activities. It's about building trust, sharing meaningful conversations, recognizing individual needs, and helping seniors feel safe, comfortable, and respected in their own homes.

Sheri takes pride in supporting caregivers, strengthening relationships with families, and ensuring every client receives personalized, dependable care. Her warm personality, attention to detail, and family-centered approach reflect the values that make Senior Helpers special.

Outside of work, Sheri is a proud mother and grandmother who enjoys spending quality time with her family and staying involved in her community. She brings those same family values to her work, believing every senior deserves the kindness, dignity, and compassion we would want for our own loved ones.

Sheri is proud to be part of the Senior Helpers team, making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and their families every day.

Gina Rose Viray

Gina Rose Viray

Client Care Assistant

Gian Rose brings a warm, professional, and compassionate approach to every client and caregiver interaction, ensuring that families always feel informed, supported, and confident in the care they receive.
Her career in care-focused service began as a Customer Service Representative, where she built a strong foundation in client communication, problem-solving, and delivering exceptional support with empathy and professionalism even in high-pressure situations.

Gian Rose later transitioned into an administrative assistant role within a healthcare setting, where she worked closely with doctors and medical professionals while supporting patients and families through consistent communication and care coordination. She managed patient inquiries, provided timely updates, and maintained accurate client records across multiple platforms, earning a reputation as a dependable and highly organized member of the healthcare team.

Now serving as Client Service Manager at Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and the Southwest Suburbs, Gian Rose oversees client onboarding and care coordination, helping ensure that every family receives compassionate, organized, and personalized support from day one. Her attention to detail, strong communication skills, and genuine passion for helping others make her an invaluable part of the team.

Gian Rose holds a Bachelor of Public Administration from Taguig City University, where she developed a strong belief in accountability, people-centered leadership, and service excellence.
She says,“When a family reaches out to us, they are putting their trust in our hands. I take that seriously every single day.”

Sendy Jimenez

Sendy Jimenez

Hiring and Training Manager

Sendy Jimenez brings a compassionate, dedicated, and people-focused approach to her role as Human Resources Manager at Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and the Southwest Suburbs. With a strong background in caregiving, recruitment, scheduling, and office operations, Sendy understands that exceptional care begins with hiring and supporting exceptional caregivers.

Sendy began her career working in a care facility, where she gained valuable hands-on experience caring for seniors and developed a deep appreciation for the patience, compassion, and dedication required in the caregiving profession. She later transitioned into home care, expanding her experience in caregiver recruitment, interviewing, scheduling, and daily office operations.

As Human Resources Manager, Sendy plays an important role in recruiting, onboarding, and supporting caregivers who share Senior Helpers' commitment to providing dependable, compassionate, and high-quality care. Her firsthand caregiving experience gives her a unique perspective on identifying individuals who not only have the right skills but also the heart and dedication to make a meaningful difference in clients' lives.

Outside of work, Sendy is a proud mother of three children, Selena, Syon, and Milanie, who inspire her to continue growing personally and professionally. Her passion for healthcare extends beyond her current role, as she hopes to pursue her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and eventually become a nurse.

Sendy takes great pride in being part of the Senior Helpers team, where she can combine her love for caregiving with her commitment to building a strong, supportive team. She believes that when caregivers feel valued, prepared, and supported, they are better equipped to provide the exceptional care that seniors and their families deserve.

Ethyle Divino

Ethyle Divino

After Hours Client and Caregiver Coordinator

Ethyle brings a warm, professional, and thoughtful approach to supporting clients, families, and caregivers. With more than eight years of customer service experience and over two years of scheduling experience, she understands the importance of clear communication, dependable support, and building trusting relationships.

Her background in home care coordination has strengthened her ability to manage changing priorities, solve problems, and pay close attention to the details that help care run smoothly. She recognizes that behind every schedule is a person relying on compassionate, consistent support.

As part of Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and the Southwest Suburbs, Ethyle helps coordinate care and supports communication between clients, caregivers, and the office team. She is passionate about helping others and making families feel informed, valued, and supported throughout their care experience.

Outside of work, Ethyle enjoys spending time in the kitchen. Her specialty is adobo, a beloved Filipino dish she loves to prepare!

Sevgi Alkan

Sevgi Alkan

Social Media Manager

Sevgi Alkan brings creativity, international experience, and a passion for communication to her role as Social Media Manager at Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and the Southwest Suburbs.

Having lived and worked internationally, Sevgi is multilingual and holds a degree in Art and Design. With a strong background in social media, she successfully built her personal online following to over 250,000 followers.

At Senior Helpers, Sevgi uses her creativity and digital marketing expertise to strengthen our online presence, share meaningful stories, and connect families with our services. She enjoys highlighting the dedication of our caregivers and the positive impact they make in the community.

“I really enjoy supporting the business and connecting the community with how we can help,” says Sevgi.

Kairi Therres

Kairi Therres

Office Assistant

Kairi is a nursing student and works as both an office assistant and caregiver with Senior Helpers. She balances her time between school and work, supporting office operations while providing compassionate care to older adults. Through her hands-on experience, she has developed strong skills in patience, responsibility, and communication. Kairi is committed to building a future in healthcare while continuing to support clients and families with high-quality care.


We're Age-Friendly Care Certified!

We're Age-Friendly Care Certified!

We're Age-Friendly Care Certified!

Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook & Southwest Suburbs is proud to announce that we have earned the coveted Age-Friendly Care Certification through CHAP!

This achievement reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, age-friendly care at home and to meeting nationally recognized standards of excellence in home care.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated team whose professionalism and hard work made this milestone possible. We are honored to continue serving our community with the highest level of care and accountability.

Start Your Journey to Personalized Care

Start Your Journey to Personalized Care

At Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, we're committed to helping you and your loved ones live more independently and with confidence.

Our free LIFE Profile assessment is designed to provide you with personalized insights into your current care needs and future planning.

Schedule your assessment today and take the first step toward peace of mind!

Book your FREE LIFE Profile Assessment

3D Office Tour

Check out our office with this Google Maps 3D Tour!

Monthly Training Highlight

Monthly Training Highlight

Our monthly Care Team training classes cover a variety of topics such as Alzheimer's and Dementia, Parkinsons, and Back to Basics. We offer first aid classes both online and in person to provide our caregivers with the confidence needed to care for seniors effectively.

Thank you Kelly Underwood from Safe Harbor Safety Training & Supplies  for another successful class

Watch Video
Inspiring the Future & Supporting Seniors: A Meaningful Day in Will County!

Inspiring the Future & Supporting Seniors: A Meaningful Day in Will County!

Had a fantastic day interacting with Will County High School students this morning and spending time with Will County Seniors during lunch and bingo.

Engaging with High School Students:

- Discussed career paths in healthcare, highlighting how a caregiver position can serve as a stepping stone in their healthcare journey or as a valuable part-time job while managing high school and pursuing further education. 

Interaction with Seniors:

- Shared insights on Veteran benefits and introduced Synapticure, a respite care benefit now accessible to eligible individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the information shared, feel free to contact me at 630-296-0942.

Watch Video

I want to take this opportunity to express our thanks for the superb work Diane did for Dad while he was in the hospital. She was punctual, personable, and dedicated. She helped my Dad immensely during a difficult time for him. Her calm manner and brilliant smile worked magic. My Dad’s attitude changed completely for the better after her first visit. Thank you so much for giving us Diane. She really is a remarkable person and very caring.
 

Areas We Serve

Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and Southwest Suburbs of Chicago provides a full range of senior home care services for you or your loved one—from companionship and light housework help, to more complex care services, including disease management,  and 24-hour care services.