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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
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
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
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 Redwood Terrace

Redwood Terrace is a highly recognized continuing care retirement community in Escondido, CA, offering comprehensive care options that include independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, and respite care. The community strives to promote a supportive environment, ensuring older adults can feel at home during their stay. Alongside a wide range of care options, personalized care plans, recreational activities, and household services are offered to ensure a maintenance-free living. As a HumanGood Community, this life plan community follows a high standard of care for older adults to live comfortably in retirement.

Engaging games, arts and crafts, and mind-stimulating programs promote social engagement and an active lifestyle. Residents have plenty of opportunities to relax with the community’s beautiful gardens and serene walking paths. Local amenities and grocery stores also surround the area, ensuring accessibility and convenience. This life plan community is chosen as one of California’s best continuing care retirement communities, proving its top-notch quality.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Dining 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

Contact Redwood Terrace

Overview of Johnson Gardens Apartments

Johnson Gardens Apartments is an inviting independent living community in Ventura, CA, that offers spacious accommodations for older adults. The community promotes a home-like atmosphere for residents’ comfort and convenience. With a variety of apartment features and maintenance services, residents are guaranteed a maintenance-free living. Here, residents can live comfortably in retirement with the community’s exceptional services.

Fun gatherings and light exercises also allow residents to interact with friends and stay active. Thoughtfully furnished living spaces and welcoming gathering areas ensure residents can rest without hassles. Residents can also easily access various entertainment options and their necessities in the community’s ideal setting in the quiet residential area of Ventura. As a trusted choice for senior living in California, this independent living community continuously helps older adults maintain their independence in retirement.

What does this home offer?

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Building Type: 2-story

Contact Johnson Gardens Apartments

Overview of The Trousdale

The Trousdale is a highly regarded retirement community in Burlingame, CA, that offers comprehensive care options, ranging from independent living to memory care. Promoting a comfortable and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can find a home away from home in their later years. Restaurant-style dining, life-enrichment programs, and maintenance services are among the high-quality services offered to improve residents’ quality of life. With its relationship-driven environment, the community ensures residents gain meaningful connections while receiving the utmost attention for their needs through personalized services.

Exercise classes, like Tai Chi and yoga, as well as art activities and social gatherings, provide residents with more opportunities to explore new hobbies and remain active. Pet-friendly spaces, a wellness center, and a cafe bistro ensure residents can relax and freely interact with their surroundings. Located near the San Francisco International Airport, scenic beaches, and state parks, the community has easy access to various local amenities. As one of the finest options for senior living in California, this retirement community ensures older adults have convenient access to higher levels of care.

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: Mid-rise

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Contact The Trousdale

Overview of Chapel Lane Senior Apartments

Chapel Lane Senior Apartments is an affordable independent living community in Ventura, CA, that offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments for those 62+. With its warm and home-like environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at ease during their stay. Laundry rooms, social opportunities, and maintenance services are also available for residents’ comfort and convenience. The community also maintains affordability with income-based rents to ease financial challenges.

Residents can try new hobbies and explore the locality for recreation and wellness. The community’s thoughtfully designed living spaces and lively gathering areas allow residents to relax and connect with friends. Set in the peaceful residential area of Ventura, the community provides residents with easy access to leisure and necessities. As one of the top-rated choices for senior living in California, this independent living community ensures older adults can thrive in their later years.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

Contact Chapel Lane Senior Apartments

Overview of Lesley Towers

Lesley Towers is an affordable independent living community in San Mateo, CA, that offers accessible accommodations for older adults. With its warm and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults can feel a sense of belonging. Laundry rooms, maintenance services, and convenient apartment features are also available to ensure residents’ comfort and convenience. To ease financial challenges, the community also offers income and rent restrictions.

Residents can spend their days happily by participating in local community events and exploring the neighborhood. Spacious living areas and lively communal spaces ensure residents can rest and connect with friends without hassles. San Mateo Central Park, restaurants, and public transportation also surround the area, providing residents with quick access to their leisure and necessities. This independent living community is a good option for senior living in California, ensuring older adults can maintain their independence in retirement.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

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Building Type: High-rise

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Parking Available

Contact Lesley Towers

Overview of The Orchards

The Orchard is an upscale independent living community in Ventura, CA, that features newly renovated apartments for older adults. The community fosters a sense of belonging with its home-like environment. Housekeeping, personalized home health care, and restaurant-style dining are among the high-quality services offered, so residents can maintain their independence with ease. With its well thought out amenities, the community ensures residents can live their later years to the fullest.

Light exercises, therapy services, and recreational opportunities also provide residents with plenty of options to spend their days actively and happily. Private walking trails, a fitness center, and a reflection room can also be used for residents’ leisure and wellness. Cafes, dental clinics, and local amenities also surround the area, ensuring easy access to entertainment options and needs. This independent living community is a great choice for senior living in California, as it has a wide range of services and amenities that aim to help older adults live comfortably during their stay.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

Contact The Orchards

Overview of The Sequoias Portola Valley

The Sequoias Portola Valley is a well-regarded life plan community in Portola Valley, CA, that offers comprehensive care options, ranging from independent living to skilled nursing. Featuring beautifully designed and well-lit floor plans, the community ensures older adults experience its home-like atmosphere. Maintenance services, 24-hour security, and restaurant-style dining ensure residents have a maintenance-free retirement. The community’s wide range of care allows residents to age in place.

Creative activities, fun-filled excursions, and a variety of games provide residents with plenty of options to spend their days actively and happily. Residents can also lounge and interact with their surroundings with the community’s top-notch amenities, including the library, beauty salon, and gift shop. Set in the tree-lined neighborhood near public transportation in Portola Valley, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With several recognitions from esteemed partners, this life plan community is one of the best choices for senior living in California.

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: Single-story

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Dining Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Contact The Sequoias Portola Valley

Overview of Edgewater Isle Senior Apartments

Edgewater Isle Senior Apartments is a top-rated independent living community in San Mateo, CA, that offers affordable apartments for those 62+. The community ensures older adults feel at ease during their stay, accompanied by its cozy and welcoming environment. Convenient apartment features, laundry spaces, and maintenance services are also available to help residents maintain their independence without hassles. Dedicated to low-income older adults, the community strives to maintain affordability while maintaining quality.

Here, residents can live actively and create meaningful connections through a variety of engaging social events and accessible amenities. Cozy living spaces and lively gathering areas also ensure residents can relax and freely interact with their surroundings. Grocery stores, serene parks, and public transportation are also located nearby, providing more options for residents to explore and experience. This independent living community is one of the trusted options for senior living in California, ensuring older adults can live comfortably in their later years.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 725 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed

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Building Type: 2-story

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Parking Available

Contact Edgewater Isle Senior Apartments

Overview of Bella Vista at Promontory Point

Bella Vista at Promontory Point is an active 55+ independent living community in Ventura, CA, that features spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments. Promoting a lively and inviting environment, the community ensures older adults’ comfort and sense of belonging. Each apartment also features a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and a dryer, and a fireplace, ensuring residents’ convenience. Here, residents can maintain their independence with ease, accompanied by its exceptional services.

Social gatherings, light exercises, and various recreational activities provide residents with more options to spend their every day actively and happily. A spa, a clubhouse, and a pool are among the communal spaces that residents can use for relaxation and wellness. With its beautiful setting along California coast, the community ensures residents experience the lively beach-town feel while having easy access to city amenities. This independent living community is one of the best choices for senior living in California, as it has top-notch amenities that can help older adults live comfortably in retirement.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Housing Options: 2 Bed / 3 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Parking Available

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Swimming Pool

Contact Bella Vista at Promontory Point

Overview of Silvercrest Residences

Silvercrest Residences is a welcoming independent living community in Ventura, CA, that has a variety of thoughtfully designed accommodations for older adults. Here, older adults can feel at home, accompanied by the community’s warm and nurturing environment. Maintenance services, high-quality apartment features, and recreational opportunities are also offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community is dedicated to helping residents live independently in retirement with its accessible amenities.

Residents can explore new interests and have fun through various activities and social events. Cozy living spaces and lively communal areas allow residents to rest and interact with friends comfortably. With its ideal setting in the peaceful residential area of Ventura, near serene parks and grocery stores, residents have easy access to their leisure and necessities. Providing exceptional services and well-maintained amenities, this independent living community is undeniably one of the finest options for senior living in California.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 440 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio

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Building Type: 3-story

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Parking Available

Contact Silvercrest Residences

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.