My name is Gerald Becker (84yrs old). My wife Elva Becker (84yrs old) passed away the end of August 2023 after 63 great years of marriage. We have two sons Mike and Bill; Elva was a very loving wife and mother.

A little over 3 years ago I became aware of my wife's gradual cognitive decline which continued to progressively get worse and required medication for her. I had thought at the time as a 24/7 Caregiver I would be able to handle my wife's battle with dementia, however I realized that I was getting over stressed and not providing the care I thought I should.

I contacted NWRC services which in turn gave me a list of Certified Caregivers, Luck would have it I was able to obtain the services two times a week of a Retired Nurse with a background caring for patients with dementia.

My Caregiver, realizing that I needed some time for myself, recommended that I contact Kris Mason who operates Echo Valley Adult Day Care and Respite in Maple Falls WA.

After contacting Kris, we setup an appointment for her to visit and introduce her to Elva. Kris spent several hours getting to know my wife and developing a knowledge base of my wife's daily routine, meals, habits and medications.

I prepared comprehensive paperwork detailing my wife's medication schedule etc. Soon after I scheduled a visit for my wife and I to visit Echo Valley Respite.

We found a beautiful well-designed property and comfortable home setting.

After review I did not hesitate to schedule my wife for several weeklong vacation stays.

During these vacations stays at Echo Valley Respite Kris provided daily email and pictures of my wife's visit. The daily communication provided with the assurance that my wife was being well cared for.

During the last visit in early August when I arrived to pick up my wife Kris took me aside to recommend that I should seek In Home Hospice Care for my wife. Kris provided me with a clinical write up which helped me obtain a doctor's referral for In Home Hospice Care. Whatcom Hospice was fantastic in providing me with everything I needed to assure my wife had the best of care. Kris continued to support and monitor the In-Home Hospice Care was still supportive of me even after my wife's passing.
I have been very fortunate to have been introduced to a very good and professional Caregiver who introduced me to Kris Mason at Echo Valley Adult Day Care and Respite. My wife passed quietly in her sleep at home the end of August. I have come away from this experience without any regrets and only fond memories of our marriage.

This all thanks to Kris Mason Echo Valley Respite, Sherry Agnew Caregiver and Whatcom Hospice.

Echo Valley Respite has been a life changer for my husband, myself and my Dad.

24/7 care for a loved one with dementia just is not sustainable and I was feeling very overwhelmed.

Finding good care is a very difficult process and I feel so blessed to have connected with Kris at Echo Valley. My Dad absolutely loves it there and I have complete confidence that he is receiving the capable and compassionate care he needs.

Kris and Echo Valley Adult Day Care and Respite were an absolute lifesaver for our family and the care of my mom. Kris’s extensive knowledge and experience with seniors and dementia, along with her graceful, supportive, and calm demeanor were an invaluable resource in helping us navigate my mom’s changing needs. Most important of all, Echo Valley was a wonderful, engaging and calming place where my mom felt safe and loved; and gave her spouse and family respite so we could rest, work and make sure we were in the best frame of mind to give my mom loving care when she was at home.

The time came when we all needed more support and guidance and that is when you, Kris (and family!) and Echo Valley Respite stepped in. I think each of us, as family members, was unaware of how much stress and strain we were under; each in different ways. Fear, frustration, sadness, exhaustion, confusion, lack of communication, doubt, anger. All of these, and more, reared their ugly heads.
With Echo Valley Respite, Mom had a beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, loving, and fun environment to be in as well as benefiting from engaging activities and conversation. She loved coming to spend time with you and the Echo Valley team! We hoped for all that; but you blew us out of the water with so much more. You reassured us with your amazing professionalism, experience, and honesty. You provided time and space for refreshing and processing for us as family members. You facilitated improved communication between us as a family as well as with medical professionals and our long-term care insurance company. You handled emergencies and long nights with such calm; reassuring us. You have helped us with decision making and to process our grief along the way by speaking truth, in love, to us.
In the last week of Mom’s life, you were right by our side. You helped us with so many resources and getting hospice engaged seamlessly. You demonstrated your true compassion and care for those that you serve. You have been a beautiful reflection of light and hope in a challenging time. Thank you, Kris
(and to your family too!). We consider you family.

Kris Mason and Echo Valley Respite have been a wonderful resource that allowed my wife to live at home and also receive loving intermittent care with Kris and her family in beautiful Echo Valley. It gave each of us an opportunity to “recharge our batteries “and look forward to reuniting at home. 

Kris is a trusted advisor and loving friend to seniors and their families, helping us navigate through the difficult times and decisions. I can’t imagine anyone more able to care for a loved one!