Does this sound familiar?
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Your mom or dad spends most days alone, and the TV is doing most of the talking.
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Their caregiver is wonderful with meals and safety, but not much of a conversation partner.
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They used to love books, music, politics or getting out, and those interests are fading.
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Memory changes have made friends drift away.
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You're carrying the social side of their life on your own, and it's wearing you down.
That's exactly where we come in. Our companions, whom we call Activity Specialists, are educators, graduate students, artists, musicians and retired professionals. They're matched to the person you care for by shared interests and personality, not by availability.
Four steps to the right match
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A free call with Ben. Ben Lewis, our founder, learns about the person you care for and answers your questions. There is no obligation.
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An in-home assessment. Ben visits to get to know them: their story, their humor, what lights them up and what to avoid. You will come away with a clear recommendation, whether or not you move forward.
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A personal match and introduction. Ben chooses an Activity Specialist for them, not from a rotation, and makes the first introduction himself.
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Regular visits and updates. Visits are usually once or twice a week, for two hours or more. You will get a short note after each visit about what they did, what they talked about and how the person seemed.
About the assessment
The assessment is a one-to-two-hour visit with Ben. It covers getting to know the person you care for, a recommendation for the right Activity Specialist, activities and schedule, and practical ideas you can use right away. Our services agreement is not a long-term commitment: we simply ask for two weeks' notice if you decide to stop. For pricing, just give Ben a call at 415-690-6944.
Where we work
In-home visits across San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa and Sonoma counties, plus video visits anywhere. We visit people living at home alone, at home with part-time or 24-hour care, and in assisted living, memory care and board-and-care homes.
IF THEY SAY NO
“My dad says he doesn’t want anyone new.” What now?
Almost everyone says this at first, and it rarely predicts how the visits will go. Being offered “a companion” can feel like being told you need help. Saying no is a way of protecting independence.
What works better is introducing a person and a purpose, not a service:
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“Someone’s coming Saturday to help organize your photos so the grandkids can enjoy them.”
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“A friend of Ben’s taught jazz for 30 years and would love to hear about your records.”
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“I found someone who plays chess. Would you show her a game or two?”
We’ll help you find the right words for your family at the assessment. That’s often the most valuable part of the visit.
THE FIRST MONTH
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We start at home. Familiar surroundings make early visits easy. Outings come once there’s trust.
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We start with a project. Photos, music, a book or a walk to a favorite café. Doing something side by side takes the pressure off, and the connection grows from there.
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Give it three or four visits. First visits can feel tentative. Most people look forward to the visits within a few weeks.
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Step back during visits. The connection forms faster when the two of them have some space.
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 Our Clients Say
"Our mom has a number of handicaps, not unlike other seniors, that make it very difficult for her to participate in activities or become engaged with others in a way that helps keep her connected. Her mind is lively, but her body is not. Ben found someone who would be able to really connect with Mom. Her name is Bridget, and not only is Mom happy with her, but Mom looks forward to Bridget’s visits. Our whole family talks about her as if she were part of the family."
Laura F. / Oakland