In Walnut Creek, Lafayette and the towns around them, many older adults live comfortably but more and more alone. Friends move closer to their children, driving gets harder, and the days get quiet. Since 2009, we've matched thousands of older adults with companions who share their interests: golf, bridge, history, music, gardening or a good debate about the news.
We provide companionship, not home care. Our Activity Specialists don't help with bathing, dressing or medications. Many of our clients already have a caregiver at home, and we add the conversation and outings that caregivers rarely have time for. Ben Lewis, our founder, meets every family himself.
Where we visit in Contra Costa County
We visit people at home, in assisted living and memory care, and in board-and-care homes in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville, Alamo, Pleasant Hill, Concord and San Ramon.
We also visit residents of Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, at home or out and about, whether that means the clubhouse, a walk around the grounds or an outing beyond the gates.
Contra Costa outings our companions love
-
Lafayette Reservoir: an easy paved loop around the water, with benches along the way.
-
Heather Farm Park: the gardens and the pond in Walnut Creek, good for a slow walk and a long talk.
-
Lesher Center for the Arts: a matinee, a concert or an exhibit at the Bedford Gallery in downtown Walnut Creek.
-
Lindsay Wildlife Experience: hawks, owls and foxes up close, a favorite for anyone who loves nature.
-
Mount Diablo: a drive up the mountain for the view, with stops along the way.
-
Downtown Lafayette, Orinda or Danville: a coffee, a bookstore and the familiar old routine.
A Contra Costa story
Joan, 81, Rossmoor. Joan played bridge three times a week until her eyesight began to fail and her partners quietly found someone else. Her son in Portland worried she was barely leaving her apartment. We matched her with a retired English teacher who loves a good mystery. They started with audiobooks and tea at Joan's kitchen table. Now they walk to the clubhouse together for the book group Joan had stopped going to, and she is back to bossing everyone around about the ending.
This is a composite story drawn from our work. Names and details have been changed to protect privacy.
What families say
“Ben came to our house to meet us and it was such a relief to talk to someone who understood what we were going through.”
Pat G., wife of a client
“Ben and his team are thoughtful and dedicated to finding caring and creative ways to meet the person where they are.”
Minna F., professional trustee
Rated 5.0 stars on Google by 29 families and professionals.
How it works
It starts with a free call with Ben, our founder. He then visits for an in-home assessment to learn the person's story, humor and interests, chooses an Activity Specialist, and makes the first introduction himself. Visits are usually once or twice a week, for two hours or more.
A note after every visit
After each visit you get a short note about what they did, what they talked about and how the person seemed. Any change in mood, health or safety is reported the same day. For families who live farther away, these notes are often how they stay close.
Who our Activity Specialists are
Educators, graduate students, artists, musicians and retired professionals. Each one is interviewed in person by Ben, reference-checked and background-checked. They are employees of Engage As You Age, insured, bonded and trained by our staff.
Common Questions
Do you visit residents of Rossmoor?
Yes. We visit people at home in Rossmoor, and companions can join them at the clubhouses, pools and walking paths or take them out beyond the gates.
Which Contra Costa towns do you serve?
Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville, Alamo, Pleasant Hill, Concord, San Ramon and nearby communities. There are no travel fees.
Can a companion drive my mother to outings?
Yes. Many Contra Costa outings start with a short drive, to the reservoir, downtown Walnut Creek or a favorite lunch spot.
We live out of the area. How will we know how visits are going?
You'll get a short note after every visit, and Ben is your single point of contact. Many of our Contra Costa families live elsewhere.
Is this home care?
No. Our Activity Specialists don't help with bathing, dressing or medications. They focus on conversation, activities and getting out into the world, alongside any care already in place.
What People Say About Us
“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