Since 2009, Engage As You Age has worked alongside care managers, professional fiduciaries, trustees and senior villages across seven Bay Area counties, adding consistent, meaningful connection to the care plans you already manage.
Who hires us
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Geriatric care managers whose clients are safe but isolated, or bored and withdrawn.
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Professional fiduciaries and trustees who want a reliable, documented companion service they can approve and oversee.
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Senior villages and community organizations with members who need more than a volunteer visit can offer.
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Families, often after a care manager suggests us.
How we vet and match
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Every Activity Specialist is interviewed in person by our founder, Ben Lewis, reference-checked and professionally background-checked, so everyone we hire is fully vetted. Activity Specialists are employees of Engage, not contractors.
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Every Activity Specialist is covered by our professional and general liability insurance, bonded, and trained by our staff to the highest standards.
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Matches are based on shared interests and temperament, made after Ben meets your client.
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Ben makes the first introduction himself and stays involved as the match develops.
The oversight you can count on
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Visit notes after every visit, sent to you and anyone you designate.
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An extra set of eyes and ears: changes in mood, health, cognition or safety reported the same day.
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One point of contact: Ben, at 415-690-6944.
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Clear billing: invoices go to the trustee or the person you designate, matched to logged visit hours.
Getting started with a client
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Call or email Ben with a short description of your client.
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Ben meets your client (with you, if you’d like) for an assessment.
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A small, relaxed introduction: Ben, the Activity Specialist and your client, centered on something they enjoy.
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Visits begin within one to two weeks, while the momentum is there. For a newly placed or isolated client, the first weeks matter most.
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A check-in after a few visits, using the visit notes.
Common Questions
What is companion care, and how is it different from home care?
Companion care focuses on connection: conversation, shared interests, outings and meaningful activity. Home care covers bathing, medications and personal care. Many of our clients have both. Our Activity Specialists add the social and intellectual side that caregivers usually don’t have time for.
My mother refuses help. Can you still work with her?
Yes, and this is one of the most common situations we see. Instead of offering “help,” we introduce someone who shares her interests, often around a specific project like photos, music or a favorite book. Ben will help you find the right way to introduce the idea.
Do you work with people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s?
Yes. Many of our clients live with memory changes. Activity Specialists are matched for patience and temperament as well as interests, and visits are built around what the person can still enjoy.
How long and how often are visits?
Visits are a minimum of two hours, usually once or twice a week. Two hours gives enough time to settle in and do something meaningful.
Who are your Activity Specialists?
Educators, graduate students, artists, musicians and retired professionals. Each one is interviewed in person by our founder, reference-checked and professionally background-checked, so everyone we hire is fully vetted. They are employees of Engage As You Age, not contractors, and they are covered by our professional and general liability insurance, bonded, and trained by our staff to the highest standards.
Is there a long-term contract?
No. Our services agreement simply asks for two weeks’ notice if you decide to stop.
What does the assessment include?
The assessment is a one-to-two-hour visit with our founder to get to know the person you care for and recommend the right match, activities and schedule. You’ll leave with useful ideas whether or not you move forward.
How much does companion care cost?
It depends on the person and the plan. The best way to find out is to call Ben at 415-690-6944. He’ll answer your questions and walk you through it.
Do you visit people in assisted living, memory care or board-and-care homes?
Yes. We visit people at home and in senior communities across San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa and Sonoma counties. We also offer video visits anywhere.
How do care managers and fiduciaries stay informed?
You’ll receive a short note after every visit, and we report any changes in mood, health or safety the same day. Ben is your single point of contact.
What Care Professionals Say
“Ben and his team are masters in connecting a senior with a companion who shares their interests and values. I have seen magic connections for many of the people in my care who have brought Ben and his team in for support. Can’t recommend their services strongly enough!”
Dr. Catherine Madison / Neurologist, San Francisco
“As her trustee and POA, I’ve been overseeing her housing and care in a memory care community … Ben has been able to match my friend with the perfect companions, and has been wonderful in communicating any observations or concerns, or just fun adventures, often with photos.”
Doug M. / Trustee