In Napa County, many older adults have watched the valley change over decades, from orchards to world-famous vineyards. When driving gets harder and friends scatter, the days can grow long. Since 2009, we've matched thousands of older adults with companions who share their interests: gardening, cooking, history, music, art or a good conversation 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 Napa County
We visit people at home, in assisted living and memory care, and in board-and-care homes in American Canyon, Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga.
Whether someone lives in the house they've owned for fifty years or has just moved into a senior community, we can visit them where they live or take them out.
Napa Valley outings our companions love
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Oxbow Public Market: coffee, a snack and plenty to look at, all under one roof.
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The Napa River Trail: a flat, easy walk through downtown Napa along the water.
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Bale Grist Mill: the old waterwheel near St. Helena and a shady walk in the state park.
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Napa Valley Museum: art and valley history in Yountville, in a small, manageable space.
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Washington Street in Yountville: a short, flat stroll past gardens, galleries and bakeries.
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Downtown in the valley: First Street in Napa, Main Street in St. Helena or Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga, where the best outing is often their usual order and a good conversation.
A Napa story
Joe, 85, Napa. Joe grew walnuts and prunes before the vineyards took over, and he remembered every family that used to farm the valley. After his wife died, he stopped going into town, and his son in Sacramento noticed their calls had grown short. We matched him with a graduate student studying the valley's farming history. Their first visit was coffee and a box of old photographs on Joe's porch. Now they walk the river trail every Monday, and Joe has finally found someone who wants to hear all of it.
This is a composite story drawn from our work. Names and details have been changed to protect privacy.
What families say
“I had tried many sources in the North Bay to provide support and companionship for my wife. Only Engage As You Age succeeded, and it has succeeded brilliantly.”
David B. / husband of a North Bay client
“From de-coding Russian poetry to cuddle time with dogs and everything in-between, I cannot recommend them enough.”
Minna F. / professional trustee
Rated 5.0 stars on Google and Yelp by more than 50 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
Which Napa Valley towns do you serve?
American Canyon to Calistoga, including Napa, Yountville and St. Helena.
Can a companion drive my father to outings?
Yes. Outings by car or on foot are planned around what he enjoys and how far he can comfortably go.
My mother lives in a senior community in Napa County. Can you visit her there?
Yes. We visit people in assisted living, memory care and board-and-care homes throughout Napa County, and we often take them out for a change of scene.
Will Ben meet us in person?
Yes. Ben meets every family himself, at home or over coffee.
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