On the Peninsula, many older adults live in the homes where they raised their families. As friends move away and driving gets harder, the days can grow quiet, even in a house full of memories. Since 2009, we've matched thousands of older adults with companions who share their interests: aviation, gardening, history, music, golf 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, and he's often on the Peninsula, happy to meet for coffee in Redwood City.
Where we visit in San Mateo County
We visit people at home, in assisted living and memory care, and in board-and-care homes in Daly City, South San Francisco, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Atherton, Woodside and Half Moon Bay.
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.
Peninsula outings our companions love
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Filoli: the formal gardens in Woodside, with something blooming in every season.
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Central Park in San Mateo: the Japanese Tea Garden and an easy loop under the trees.
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Coyote Point: a walk along the bay, watching the planes come in to SFO.
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Hiller Aviation Museum: a favorite in San Carlos for anyone who ever flew, built or loved airplanes.
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The Half Moon Bay coast: a drive over the hill for the ocean air and lunch by the harbor.
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Downtown on the Peninsula: Burlingame Avenue, Laurel Street or Courthouse Square, where the best outing is often their usual order and a good conversation.
A Peninsula story
Frank, 84, Burlingame. Frank flew for an airline for thirty years and still followed every plane over the bay. After his wife died and he gave up driving, he stopped leaving the house, and his daughter in Denver noticed he barely had anything to tell her on their calls. We matched him with a graduate student training for his pilot's license. Their first visit was coffee at Frank's kitchen table, with logbooks spread out. Now they spend Wednesday afternoons at the Hiller Aviation Museum or at Coyote Point watching the landings, and Frank has a student again.
This is a composite story drawn from our work. Names and details have been changed to protect privacy.
What families say
“My 87-year-old father has become more engaged with others in his assisted living community. It is wonderful to have someone come and listen to his stories with a fresh ear and perspective.”
Nancy R., Palo Alto
“His guidance and understanding of what my husband needed as he declined, and what I needed as a caregiver, kept me afloat during the most difficult period of my life.”
Liss F., wife of a client
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
Which Peninsula towns do you serve?
Daly City to Menlo Park and over the hill to Half Moon Bay, including Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Atherton and Woodside. There are no travel fees.
Can a companion drive my father to outings?
Yes. Outings by car, Caltrain or on foot are planned around what he enjoys and how far he can comfortably go.
My mother lives in a senior community on the Peninsula. Can you visit her there?
Yes. We visit people in assisted living, memory care and board-and-care homes throughout San Mateo 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, and he's often in Redwood City and around the Peninsula.
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