Skip to main content

Adults 50+: Independent Living

Find what you need to live independently, including transportation, food and nutrition resources, home repairs, financial and tax assistance, caregivers, and more.  All services are personally recommended by the Sequoia Healthcare District for District residents. Most activities and services are free and low-cost.  To get started, choose a category below.

Adult Day Care Programs 

Senior Focus Adult Day Health Program, Mills Health Center

A day program for older adults that provides creative and enjoyable activities, personal care, a hot meal, snacks, and transportation coordination to and from the center.

Senior Focus Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day Health Program, Mills Health Center

Specialized social and health care setting for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Social Day Program, Institute on Aging

Institute on Aging’s Social Day Program enables isolated aging adults to remain active and engage in a caring community.

Adult Day Services, Catholic Charities

Adult day services and care for older adults, and respite for caregivers. 

Rosener House, Adult Day Services Center

A positive, caring environment with uplifting activities for older adults who are facing challenges and their family caregivers. 

Institute on Aging

A non-profit dedicated to preserving the dignity, independence, and well-being of aging adults and people living with disabilities.

Food & Nutrition 

Vegan Outreach, Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center

Free vegan food distribution

Meals and Groceries at Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center

Nutritious lunches and groceries

Second Harvest Food Pharmacy, Samaritan House Redwood City

Healthy food for low-income patients of Samaritan House, Redwood City.

St. Vincent de Paul, San Mateo

Provides free hot meals, clothing, sleeping bags, bus tokens, ID cards, laundry and mail service. 

St. Vincent de Paul, Fair Oaks

Provides free hot meals, clothing, sleeping bags, bus tokens, ID cards, laundry and mail service. 

St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room and Clothing Distribution Center

Free meals, clothing, and health care advice.

Nutrition Lunch Program, Friends of Veterans Memorial Senior Center

Enjoy free and low-cost meals among friends at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center.

Samaritan House Free Health Clinic, Menlo Park

Free health and dental care, emergency rent assistance, free hot meals and groceries, free clothing for children, and financial education for low-income individuals and families.

Meals and Groceries at Menlo Park Senior Center

Nutritionally balanced gourmet hot meals, and weekly brown bags through Second Harvest Food Bank.

St. Francis Center, Redwood City

St. Francis Center provides several community services including a food pantry, immigration counseling, shower and laundry services, community gardens, low-income housing units, ESL and GED programs, a small school for kids, a clothing closet, and a holiday toy program. 

Info & Assistance Program, Peninsula Family Service

The Information and Assistance Program provides people 60+ with personal assistance over the phone or in-person to find resources and services in the community.

College of San Mateo Farmer’s Market

The College of San Mateo Certified Farmers Market operates year round, rain or shine, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Technology & Phones 

Senior Planet

Technology Classes & Volunteer Opportunities for Adults 60+

Technology Classes and Tutoring at Little House Activity Center

Little House offers a variety of Technology classes and one-on-one support for students who are new to computing and those who could use a few tips.

Computer Classes at Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center

Learn computer skills and keep up with the latest hardware and software with the Fair Oaks computer classes.

Technology Workshops, Classes, and Help Desk at San Mateo Senior Center

San Mateo Senior Center offers technology workshops, classes, and a one-on-one support Help Desk.

Medic Alert Safe Return for Dementia Service

24/7 wandering and emergency response services for individuals with dementia

Bilingual Computer Classes, Sequoia District Adult School

The Sequoia District Adult School offers bilingual computer classes. Learn to navigate the internet, create and use an email account, and how to use Microsoft Office programs.

Emergency Help Button Devices, Mills Health Center

Mills Health Center connects you to several help button device options. By simply pushing the help button, you’ll be quickly connected to a trusted response center for 24/7 assistance.

California Telephone Access Program (CTAP), CA Public Utilities Commission 

Free specialized telephones and other adaptive technology for individuals with a speech or hearing difficulty.

Clear Captions Phone for Hearing Loss

Real-time phone captioning that allows you to see every word said on a call. 

Financial, Tax & Legal Assistance 

St. Vincent de Paul, San Mateo

Provides free hot meals, clothing, sleeping bags, bus tokens, ID cards, laundry and mail service. 

St. Vincent de Paul, Fair Oaks

Provides free hot meals, clothing, sleeping bags, bus tokens, ID cards, laundry and mail service. 

St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room and Clothing Distribution Center

Free meals, clothing, and health care advice.

Samaritan House Free Health Clinic, Menlo Park

Free health and dental care, emergency rent assistance, free hot meals and groceries, free clothing for children, and financial education for low-income individuals and families.

St. Francis Center, Redwood City

St. Francis Center provides several community services including a food pantry, immigration counseling, shower and laundry services, community gardens, low-income housing units, ESL and GED programs, a small school for kids, a clothing closet, and a holiday toy program. 

Info & Assistance Program, Peninsula Family Service

The Information and Assistance Program provides people 60+ with personal assistance over the phone or in-person to find resources and services in the community.

Supplemental Security Income Program (SSIP), U.S. Social Security Admin.

Income distributed through the Social Security Administration for adults over the age of 65.

Foster City AARP Tax Assistance and Counseling Program

From the beginning of February through April 15th each year, the AARP Tax-Aide Program offers free, one-on-one counseling, to help seniors prepare basic tax returns, including the 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and other standard schedules.

The Business Debtors Anonymous, Menlo Park

An independent group for those in business struggling with finances.

Housing Assistance Program, Mental Health Association of San Mateo County

Financial assistance and housing stability program for low income San Mateo County residents living with HIV/AIDS.

Peninsula Family Resource Center, St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County

Homelessness prevention program providing emergency funds, vouchers, and gift cards to low-income residents.

Crockett Memorial Fund, Pets in Need

Financial assistance for low-income seniors ages 62 and older who are unable to pay veterinary bills for their pets.

Home Repairs 

Redwood City Home Improvement Loan Program

Property improvement loans for homeowners and owners of rental property in Redwood City.

Avenidas Handyman Services

Trusted handyman for seniors at below-market rates. 

Accredited Handyman Services

Accredited Handyman Services is a fully licensed and insured handyman business that provides honest and reliable handyman services in San Mateo and surrounding areas.

Safe at Home Repair Program, Rebuilding Together Peninsula

Minor home repairs for older adults, families, and individuals with disabilities.

Housing Accessibility Modification Program, Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities

Home modification services for San Carlos older adults and adults with disabilities.

Older Adult Home Safety Modifications, Home Safety Services

Home modification services for older adults with accessibility needs.

Home Weatherization Services, Central Coast Energy Services

Free energy conservation upgrades and installations for eligible low-income California residents.

Home Care & Caregiving Services 

Help at Home Resource Guide

This directory is a mini-reference guide to assist San Mateo County adults of all incomes to access resources and to remain safely in their own homes.

Info & Assistance Program, Peninsula Family Service

The Information and Assistance Program provides people 60+ with personal assistance over the phone or in-person to find resources and services in the community.

Caregiver Support Group, Sutter Health PAMF

Caregivers connect with others for support, sharing, advice and strategies to cope.

Mission House

Professional, 24-hour hospice care and family support in a peaceful, homelike setting.

Caregiver Support and Resources, Mills Health Center

Programs and support services for caregivers including classeses, counseling, support groups, a resource library, and referral service. 

Community Living Services, Institute on Aging

Assists individuals with a limited income and/or disabilities transition out of nursing homes and care facilities, and get back to living independently.

Care Management and Home Care, Sage Eldercare Solutions

Comprehensive care management and home care to help older adults to remain as

San Mateo County In-Home Supportive Services Program (IHSSP)

Home care and home health care services for Medi-Cal eligible individuals including the elderly, blind, and individuals with disabilities, including children.

Homecare and Caregiving for Seniors, Accredited Caregiver Specialists

A non-medical home care agency that provides a broad spectrum of services for seniors and disabled persons who require assistance to live comfortable and independently within their own homes.

San Mateo County In-Home Assistance and Caregiver Search Directory

Free directory of caregiver and in-home service providers in San Mateo County.

CareJourney Personal Caregiver Support, Family Caregiver Alliance

Secure online service for quality information, support, and resources for family caregivers of adults with chronic physical or cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other illnesses.

Home Care & Support Services, Institute on Aging

Institute on Aging provides personalized care for aging adults in the comfort of their own homes. 

Housing 

Kainos Home & Training Center

Social activities, recreation, housing, and job assistance for adults with disabilities.

St. Francis Center, Redwood City

St. Francis Center provides several community services including a food pantry, immigration counseling, shower and laundry services, community gardens, low-income housing units, ESL and GED programs, a small school for kids, a clothing closet, and a holiday toy program. 

Info & Assistance Program, Peninsula Family Service

The Information and Assistance Program provides people 60+ with personal assistance over the phone or in-person to find resources and services in the community.

Edgewater Isle Apartments

Edgewater Isle Apartments provides apartment style housing for low-income older adults, age 62 and older.

WeHOPE Emergency Homeless Shelter

Emergency homeless shelter and services.

Hawthorne House Transitional Housing for Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

Hawthorne House is a 12-bed supportive and transitional residence serving adults with a severe and chronic mental illness and those who have a dual diagnosis of a mental illness and substance abuse.

Salvation Army Emergency and Food Services

Emergency services for individuals and families including referalls for rental and morgage assistance, seasonal holiday assistance, food pantry, and referrals for counseling. 

Community Living Services, Institute on Aging

Assists individuals with a limited income and/or disabilities transition out of nursing homes and care facilities, and get back to living independently.

Peninsula Family Resource Center, St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County

Homelessness prevention program providing emergency funds, vouchers, and gift cards to low-income residents.

Housing Assistance Program, Mental Health Association of San Mateo County

Financial assistance and housing stability program for low income San Mateo County residents living with HIV/AIDS.

WeHOPE Dignity on Wheels

Free, mobile showers and laundry service for homeless individuals. 

WeHOPE Transitional/Supportive Housing Program

120-day program to transition out of homelessness.

Job Resources 

Kainos Home & Training Center

Social activities, recreation, housing, and job assistance for adults with disabilities.

Senior Service America

Senior Service America has a number of valuable job training and placement opportunities available to older workers.

Foothill College

Foothill College offers 77 Associate degrees, 97 certificates, and 1 Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. 

Cañada College

For 50 years, Cañada College has provided enriching and life-changing educational opportunities for the residents of San Mateo County.

JobTrain

JobTrain provides High School/GED equivalency testing, free job placement assistance, and free career training and workshops for adults and youth in several disciplines.

The Business Debtors Anonymous, Menlo Park

An independent group for those in business struggling with finances.

Menlo Church Career Actions & Job Search Support

Menlo Church offers monthly practical trainings on job search skills and networking. 

Second Careers Employment Program, Peninsula Family Service

Second Careers Employment Program prepares older adults for the competitive job market.

Assistance Programs, San Mateo Japanese American Community Center

Informational programs on governmental services, health, finance, legal rights, safety, nutrition, insurance and employment.

Transportation 

Info & Assistance Program, Peninsula Family Service

The Information and Assistance Program provides people 60+ with personal assistance over the phone or in-person to find resources and services in the community.

M1-Menlo Midday Shuttle, Menlo Park 

Free shuttle service in Menlo Park open to anyone.

Transportation Benefit, San Mateo County Heatlh

Free transportation to medical appointments for Medi-Cal members.

Shoppers’ Shuttle, Menlo Park

Free shuttle traveling to Redwood City and within Menlo Park.

Road to Recovery Program, American Cancer Society

Free medical appointment transportation for cancer patients.

Caltrain Accessibility Information

Information about riding with a disability, mobility devices, and service animals on Caltrain trains.

Senior Ombudsman Program, DMV

The Senior Ombudsman Program at the California Department of Motor Vehicles addresses the concerns of senior drivers and provides personal assistance. 

Adults 50+ Driver Safety Program, Foster City Parks & Rec

An interactive class for drivers 50 years of age and older in which participants can sharpen their driving skills and develop strategies for age related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. 

AARP Driver Safety Program, Sequoia Hospital Health and Wellness Center

Learn defensive driving strategies, new state rules, proper car-fit, and how to safely adjust driving to compensate for age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time.

Friends in Service to Humanity (FISH) Medical Appointment Transportation, Trinity Presbyterian Church

Free medical appointment transportation.

Redi-Wheels, SamTrans

Paratransit service for people with disabilities who live on the bayside of San Mateo County.

Get Up and Go Senior Transportation Program, Peninsula Jewish Community Center

Free personalized transportation service for San Mateo County residents ages 50 and older.