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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
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
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
McAuley Meadows 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.

Auburn
60No 50 000-1 Bed
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
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Avocet Playa Vista

12490 W Fielding Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90094
Overview of Avocet Playa Vista

Create unforgettable moments at Avocet Playa Vista, an idyllic retreat in Los Angeles, CA, that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Featuring beautifully furnished and secure one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also receive top-tier care tailored to their unique needs from a kind and highly skilled team available around the clock.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delicious and healthy meals are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. With its extensive amenities and dedicated services, the community creates the ideal setting where residents can thrive in retirement.

What does this home offer?

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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: Mid-rise

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Dining Services

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Transportation Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

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Swimming Pool

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Parking Available

Contact Avocet Playa Vista

Aldersly

326 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Overview of Aldersly

Have the finest retirement experience at Aldersly Retirement Community, an exceptional community in San Rafael, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and extended care. Alongside beautifully furnished and cozy studio and one-bedroom floor plans, housekeeping and linen services are also provided to ensure residents can feel at ease during their stay. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team providing top-notch care around the clock.

To enhance residents’ cognition and living experiences, fun recreational activities and stimulating programs are conducted. Mealtimes foster comfort and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy dining options served three times daily. Amenities include an on-site salon, a library, a greenhouse, safety features, a fitness studio, and a beautifully maintained garden, creating the ideal setting for residents to thrive in their golden years.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Alcove

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Building Type: 2-story

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Contact Aldersly

Overview of Cogir of South Bay

Nestled in the serene Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA, is an exceptional senior living community, Cogir of South Bay provides assisted living and independent living. The community features a variety of intricate and spacious floor plans, promising seniors a comfortable and secure retirement. Spend your golden years experiencing new things and doing what you love the most with a compassionate and experienced team handling the mundane chores and maintenance for you.

Nogir of South Bay doubles its efforts in empowering seniors to live actively and blissfully, conducting different energizing activities and enjoyable programs. With its dedication to seniors’ well-being, the community serves healthy and delicious meals catering to their dietary requirements and tastes. With its tranquil spaces and state-of-the-art amenities, seniors experience unmatched sophistication and safety in Cogir of South Bay.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 480 - 577 / 612 - 716 / 820 - 1256 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise Building

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Parking Available

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Contact Cogir of South Bay

Overview of Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Overlooking the peaceful neighborhood of Sunnyvale, CA, Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a respected senior living community that offers excellent skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. The community aims to help residents maintain their functional independence by offering an array of services, including daily living assistance, therapy services, and behavioral health programs for those living with mental health disorders. Residents here enjoy cozy and safe accommodations with easy access to care services and amenities.

In addition to individualized care plans, residents are also offered meaningful activity programs for their enrichment and entertainment. Three meals and snacks throughout the day are available to make sure residents’ nutritional needs and cravings are satisfied. A multitude of amenities are also available to ensure residents enjoy utmost comfort and convenience during their stay.

What does this home offer?

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Accept Medicaid: Yes, Accept

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Total Residents: 99 Residents

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

Contact Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Overview of The Vineyards – California Armenian Home

Offering a continuum of care, the blissful senior living community of The Vineyards – California Armenian Home in Fresno County, Fresno, CA, empowers seniors to successfully age in place with access to care needs even as their needs change. The community offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, designed to accommodate various lifestyle needs and provide excellent care. Choose from an array of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, and move into a residence that perfectly matches your lifestyle needs.

The community features a hardworking team, available 24/7 to provide compassionate, efficient, and professional care and support to every resident. Residents are empowered to continue learning, growing and living life to its fullest with a plethora of activities, including gardening, Tai Chi lessons, cooking classes, and exercise sessions. Another highlight of living in the community is their exceptional dining with meals inspired by the freshest locally sourced ingredients, grown right within the community.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 461 / 514 / 626 / 726 / 860 / 1038 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 The Vineyards – California Armenian Home

Overview of The Watermark at San Jose

Located in the scenic Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, the Watermark at Almaden is an idyllic senior living community offering a wide array of living options. These include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays. Featuring spacious and elegant floor plans including private and shared studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, the community provides a cozy residence for seniors. A comfortable and safe residence for seniors to experience an accepting and worry-free environment.

The Watermark at Almaden prepares three carefully chef-curated meals every day to satisfy its’ residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Moreover, the community ensures the residents enjoy an active lifestyle and learning through their acclaimed Watermark University. Amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, a movie theater, a fitness center, a spacious art studio, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Valuing the importance of pets, the community provides a pet-friendly environment.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Contact The Watermark at San Jose

Overview of Spring Lake Village

Spring Lake Village is a natural retreat and life plan community in the vibrant setting of Santa Rosa, CA, embodying the essence of a beautiful place to call home. Rooted in the values of active living and positive aging, the community nestled in beautiful Sonoma County offers a dynamic lifestyle surrounded by parks, vineyards, and the tranquility of Santa Rosa Creek. Residents appreciate the diverse array of activities, classes, and intellectual pursuits, fostering a sense of community engagement since 2014.

The community boasts a range of amenities and facilities, creating an enriching environment for residents. From the expansive fitness center, indoor pool, and art studios to the theatre, library, and Creekside Lounge, Spring Lake Village offers a comprehensive array of spaces for residents to explore and enjoy. The commitment to well-being extends to services that cater to varying healthcare needs, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, memory care, and outpatient rehabilitation. The dining experience is a delight, featuring locally sourced meals served in friendly dining rooms or the Village Bistro, accommodating special diets, and offering personalized nutrition consultation. With an award-winning wellness program encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual fitness, Spring Lake Village ensures residents have abundant opportunities for holistic well-being.

Contact Spring Lake Village

Overview of Casa De Mañana

Perched above the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, California, Casa De Mañana unfolds as a breathtaking retirement community that embraces its residents in the sunshine and the refreshing coastal salty breeze. With the ocean as its backdrop and La Jolla’s vibrant village just a block away, kindred spirits converge here to exchange ideas, share passions, and cultivate new experiences.

This multi-level retirement community seamlessly blends independent living and assisted living services. Each residence, whether oceanfront villas capturing sought-after sunset views or two-bedroom apartments with inviting patios for al fresco dining, celebrates the scenic setting uniquely. Casa De Mañana is an artful haven where the water sculpts the shore, and human connections flourish in an inviting and inspiring setting. At the heart of this community lies the Front Porch Family—a not-for-profit family of communities and partnerships dedicated to celebrating the spirit of the individual and the strength of the community.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Two-story

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Casa de Mañana

The Reserve at Thousand Oaks

3575 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Overview of The Reserve at Thousand Oaks

A luxury assisted living place, The Reserve at Thousand Oaks stands as one of the best retirement communities in the area. The community prides itself on achieving a safe and secure community for residents to do as they please with assistance with daily living. Residents from different living options receive personalized care that allows them to obtain the necessary care while promoting an active lifestyle. The Reserve does not only encourage residents to feel relaxed and at ease but also to practice a lifestyle that is healthy for their well-being.

As an MBK Senior Living home, the retirement home prioritizes the holistic wellness of its residents. A list of enriching and engaging activities for residents includes gardening, exercise programs, watching at the in-house movie theater, and many more. As for their premier services, residents do not have to worry about housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and respite stays– all of these are offered by management to ensure that they live comfortably and hassle-free.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 285-430 / 285-430 / 575 / 1,020 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Two-story

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact The Reserve at Thousand Oaks

Lake Park Senior Living

1850 Alice St, Oakland, CA 94612
Overview of Lake Park Senior Living

Experience vibrant living at Lake Park Senior Living in Oakland, CA, where personalized care meets endless opportunities for joy and independence. Specializing in assisted living, independent living, and respite care, this community features 55+ active adult apartments, including an entire floor dedicated to assisted living. Residents can choose from spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as cozy alcoves, ensuring a perfect fit for every lifestyle.

With a serene and inspiring indoor setting, you’ll have endless options to have fun, make friends, and relax. The best part? You or your loved one can rest easy, knowing there’s a plan in place in case their needs change in the future. This community offers the perfect balance of independence and support, ensuring residents can manage daily activities with dignity and ease. With a wide array of services and amenities, life here is enjoyable, fulfilling, active, and worry-free.

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: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: High-rise

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Lake Park Senior Living

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.