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Best Independent Living in California

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Apr 2026
We analyzed 2,087 homes in California

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and California Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos

Video Tour: Top-rated Independent Living facilities in California.

Watch this Video to see California's Top-rated Senior Communities
Other Senior care options:

Compare Independent Living around California The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.

Click column headers to sort
Camarillo Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Camarillo
140Yes-4143 82.0% Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Johnson Gardens Apartments
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Ventura
-No 37 000--
Chapel Lane Senior Apartments
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Ventura
62No 57 000-1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Orchards
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Ventura (Telegraph Road)
-Yes 36 000 87.4% Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Versailles Senior Condominium Community
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

San Mateo (Central San Mateo)
-No 96 000-2 Bed
The Trousdale
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Burlingame (Mills Estates)
140Yes 85 4710 75.0% Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Lesley Towers
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

San Mateo (Downtown)
-No 96 000-Studio / 1 Bed
The Sequoias Portola Valley
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Portola Valley (Portola Road)
328Yes 12 311 79.3% Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Edgewater Isle Senior Apartments
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

San Mateo (East San Mateo)
-No 36 000-1 Bed
Bella Vista at Promontory Point
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Ventura (Island View)
-No 82 000-2 Bed / 3 Bed
Silvercrest Residences
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Ventura
-No 56 000-Studio
Ansel Park Independent Living
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Rocklin
100No 10 5213 79.0% Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Auburn Ravine Terrace
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Auburn
25Yes 63 100 80.7% 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Villa Serena Apartments for Seniors 55+
IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Rocklin
-Yes 48 000-1 Bed / 2 Bed
Eskaton Granite Bay
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Granite Bay
118No 29 5130 65.3% Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
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Overview of Merrill Gardens at Brentwood

Tucked away in the charming community of Brentwood, CA, Merrill Gardens at Brentwood is a warm and inviting senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care in a setting surrounded by a rich history of agriculture and farming. The community features spacious apartments, beautiful common areas, and numerous amenities. Seniors will love the vibrant atmosphere, participating in enriching activities curated by the Active Living Program Director, ensuring there’s always something fun and engaging to do.

Merrill Gardens at Brentwood is dedicated to providing a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle for its residents. The community aims to cater to the desires of its residents with amenities like a library, salon, courtyard, swimming pool, and a bistro and wine bar. The community also offers 24-hour support, a resident call system, transportation options, anytime dining, and on-site maintenance, ensuring all needs are met with care and attention.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 379 / 435 / 490 / 520 / 571 / 665 / 750 / 975 /1130 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Contact Merrill Gardens at Brentwood

Overview of Villa Fontana

Situated at the quiet Prospect Road, San Jose, CA, Villa Fontana is an extraordinary senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and hospice care. The community provides private apartments with private baths, inclusive of thermostat controls and wall-to-wall carpeting. As a family-run senior living community, Villa Fontana strives to provide a warm and home-like environment for seniors, delivering 24-hour care and assistance from well-trained caregivers. 

Villa Fontana forges meaningful connections among the community and its residents, conducting earning opportunities, group outings, and other activities, Moreover, the community promotes a healthy and vibrant environment for its residents, providing them with scheduled shopping and leisure rides. Moreover, the community serves nutritious and delicious meals to satisfy the seniors’ dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a cozy library, an ice cream parlor, a spacious lounge, a variety of hobby areas, and a peaceful courtyard for the seniors’ leisure and wellness.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private Apartments

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Building Type: 2-story

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Contact Villa Fontana

Overview of White Sands La Jolla – Luxury Senior Living

Sitting as the only beachfront retirement community in Olivetas Avenue, La Jolla, CA, White Sands La Jolla is a blissful senior living community that offers a variety of living options including assisted living, memory support, residential living, and skilled nursing. Boasting a wonderful community from the team to its residents, White Sands La Jolla ensures a joyful and worry-free residency within its grounds. Featuring a variety of floor plans including a studio suite, one-bedroom apartment, and two-bedroom apartments, that seniors may choose from.

White Sands La Jolla is a luxury senior living that promotes an unforgettable connection among its residents, providing fitness programs, scheduled outings, weekly lectures and discussions. The community serves different chef-prepared meals daily ensuring that its residents have contributed and satisfy their cravings and allergies. With beach access, White Sands La Jolla provides water’s edge dining, a Sand bistro, and a full-service beauty salon and barber Shop.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 400 / 800 / 1,550 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Contact White Sands La Jolla – Luxury Senior Living

Carmel Valley Manor

8545 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Overview of Carmel Valley Manor

Basking in the scenic views of Carmel, CA, Carmel Valley Manor is an exceptional life-plan community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. As the only life-plan community in Monterey County, Carmel Valley Manor offers a Life Care Contract which includes three levels of healthcare and residence; and a Monthly Fee Agreement that provides housing and necessary medical services. With a 28-acre picture-perfect view of the mountains and nature, Carmel Valley Manor features a spectrum of floor plans ranging from studios to 2-bedroom cottages that can be decorated based on the resident’s preference.

Carmel Valley Manor is an extraordinary community that emphasizes wellness and satisfaction. The culinary team prepares luxurious meals six days a week, with wonderful breakfast gourmet brunch provided on Sundays and Holidays. Amenities include an on-site clinic, fitness center, pool, scenic trail, computer center, craft rooms, and more. In collaboration with Blue Zones Project Monterey County (BZMPC), Carmel Valley Manor promotes a quality, comfortable, and sustainable life for seniors. This community is truly one of a kind and a gift to the seniors of Monterey County.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 65

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Pets Allowed: Yes

Contact Carmel Valley Manor

Overview of Fountainview at Eisenberg Village

Fountainview of Eisenberg Village is a luxurious retirement community in Reseda, CA, that offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. With its resort-style setting, residents live the best of their retirement without sacrificing comfort. Residents also receive high-quality services, including a flexible dining program, weekly housekeeping, and concierge services. The community also works closely with residents to understand their needs and habits for personalized care plans. 

Parties, card games, and cultural programs provide residents with more opportunities to explore hobbies and have fun. Pet-friendly spaces, a coffee bar, and a lively lounge are among the many amenities dedicated to residents’ relaxation and wellness. Conveniently located near public transportation in the quiet residential area of Reseda, the community is easily accessible for visitors and family members. This retirement community has exceptional services, making it one of the finest options for senior living in California. 

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Room Sizes: 958 / 1430 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Two-story

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Contact Fountainview at Eisenberg Village

Overview of Summer House at Fredericka Manor

Nestled in a serene and protected neighborhood of Chula Vista, CA, Summer House at Fredericka Manor is a distinct senior living community, offering specialized memory care services to residents dealing with memory loss. The community comprises beautifully designed cottages with utilities included and housekeeping and maintenance services for a maintenance-free lifestyle. A full-time LVN memory care manager and a highly trained care team are available to ensure residents are receiving care services that match their needs and honor their individuality.

The community commits itself to helping residents stay active and connected to their passions by offering opportunities to explore them through a wide range of daily planned social, recreational and educational activities. Delicious meals and nourishing snacks are served daily, with accommodations for special diets to ensure residents always get their daily sustenance and nourishment. Here, residents also enjoy plenty of serene spaces for cherishing their personal time or sharing moments together with family and friends.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 249 / 260 / 263 / 268 / 282 / 292 / 298 / 325 / 330 / 336 / 341 / 350 / 367 / 400 / 450 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Cottages

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Building Type: Single-story

Contact Summer House at Fredericka Manor

Overview of Carlsbad by the Sea

In the picturesque coastal city of Carlsbad, California, Carlsbad by the Sea stands as an award-winning continuing care retirement community, nestled on the site of a renowned mineral springs hotel and faithfully rebuilt in 1998 to replicate its original mission-style architecture. Perched atop a bluff overlooking the ocean in the quaint Carlsbad Village, this community radiates natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. More than just a residence, Carlsbad by the Sea is a vibrant community where residents cultivate meaningful connections. Whether strolling through charming surroundings, engaging in innovative programming, or simply savoring life, residents discover inspiration and fulfillment in an environment that transcends mere living.

This intimate village within a village offers a blend of intimacy and sophistication. Residents can immerse themselves in the charm of courtyard gardens, unwind on terraces with breathtaking beach views, and relish open common spaces where gentle ocean breezes flow. Featuring a variety of well-appointed residences, including intimate studios, spacious three-bedroom penthouses, and premier oceanfront cottage-style homes seamlessly built into the bluff, Carlsbad by the Sea offers a range of options. Among the 20 distinct floorplans is an impressive 1,800-square-foot penthouse with captivating sea views.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 300 / 682 / 825 - 1,200 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Contact Carlsbad By The Sea

Overview of Bruceville Point

Bruceville Point is a luxury assisted living community in Elk Grove with independent living and memory care services that delivers unmatched hospitality. Placing importance on creating a welcoming environment where residents can feel a sense of belonging, the staff ensures a cozy and home-like atmosphere in a condominium-style setting. The retirement community presents a rich and supportive environment that prioritizes a lifestyle built for the holistic development of its residents.

Bruceville Point boasts individualized care plans that inspire residents to live the lifestyle they deserve. The beautiful community has premier amenities that residents can use, such as a game room, a recreational area, a fitness center, common areas, lounges, and outdoor spaces. Essential services include specialized services, wellness activities and clubs, housekeeping services, 24/7 care staff, and ADLs.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Apartments

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Contact Bruceville Point

Overview of Taylor Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Taylor Villa, located within Mt San Antonio Gardens in Pomona, CA, is a senior living community dedicated to providing quality memory care services to its residents. This senior care home located within the same campus as Harrison Villa and Oak Tree Lodge, is a special unit that provides assisted living services for residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. And as part of those services, they receive round the clock supervision, and life enrichment programs that help the cognitive, creative, physical and psycho-social needs of residents.

As residents of Mt San Antonio Gardens, they also receive the same access to their rich array of amenities. This includes the deliciously prepared meals and snacks, created to cater to the residents’ taste and dietary needs. Their beautifully landscaped courtyard and garden provides relaxing spaces for residents to relax and breathe in fresh air.

Contact Taylor Villa of Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Overview of Heritage on the Marina, a Ccrc

Heritage on the Marina is considerably one of the most extended senior living communities in San Francisco. The beautiful Heritage on the Marina promotes an elegant ambiance with a welcoming community. Heritage on the Marina ensures that residents can experience an exceptional quality of service that is a testament to their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all of their residents.

Its location nestles in a vibrant neighborhood filled with farmers’ markets, yacht clubs, and art galleries, all ready for you to explore. At Heritage on the Marina, there are a variety of activities and programs, with one priority being the health and wellness of the residents; therefore allowing fitness activities and programs to enhance seniors’ health. Residents are also uniquely given specific personalized attention that will cater to each individual’s needs. 

Contact Heritage on the Marina, a CCRC

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence. Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest portion of every community’s score comes from resident feedback and online reputation (40%), which reflects real experiences shared by families and caregivers.

An additional 45% of the score comes from a combination of transparency and operational quality signals, including:

  • Photos, videos, and virtual tours (visual transparency)
  • Website quality and digital trust indicators
  • Occupancy levels and number of units (community scale & stability)

These factors help us evaluate how well a community presents itself and how consistently it meets resident needs.

Balancing Additional Factors

The final 15% of the score comes from supportive context data, including: walkability and local accessibility, estimated property value, and pricing information.

These elements provide helpful context but carry less weight because our rankings prioritize real-world satisfaction and care consistency first.

The result is a fair, clear, and data-driven ranking system for families researching senior living options.

Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.