Senior resources and caregiver support
Finding the right support for an older adult can feel overwhelming. This page brings together trusted local and national resources to help seniors, family caregivers, and care coordinators across San Diego County plan with confidence — whether you are exploring in-home care for the first time, managing a recent diagnosis, or looking for ways to help a loved one age in place safely at home.
Local government services
San Diego Aging & Independence Services
County agencySan Diego Aging & Independence Services (AIS) is the county's Area Agency on Aging. It coordinates a broad network of programs for adults 60 and older across all of San Diego County, including Meals on Wheels, IHSS case management, legal assistance, and the Family Caregiver Support Program. AIS serves as a central entry point for seniors and families who are not sure where to start. Services are available in multiple languages, and many programs are free or income-based.
Families navigating care for a loved one with dementia, a recent hospitalization, or a sudden change in health often find AIS a helpful first call. Cognihealth works alongside AIS programs regularly and can help families coordinate in-home care and transitional care support alongside public services.
Visit AIS websiteDementia and memory care
Alzheimer's Association
National nonprofit — San Diego chapterThe Alzheimer's Association is one of the most trusted sources of information for families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Their 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900) connects callers to trained specialists who can help with care decisions, safety concerns, and emotional support at any hour.
The San Diego and Imperial Counties chapter offers local support groups for people living with dementia and for caregivers, as well as free educational programs on topics like managing behavioral changes, financial planning, and legal preparation. If you are caring for someone with memory loss at home, the Association's online resources and care consultations are a strong complement to professional in-home care.
Visit Alzheimer's Association SDAlzheimer's San Diego
Local nonprofitAlzheimer's San Diego is a locally rooted nonprofit serving families across San Diego County who are living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Unlike national organizations, Alzheimer's San Diego focuses entirely on the local community. Their free helpline connects callers with trained staff who can help navigate diagnoses, care challenges, and next steps — without having to go through a national call center.
The organization offers in-person and virtual support groups for people in early-stage dementia and for family caregivers, as well as free memory screenings, caregiver training workshops, and an online resource library tailored to San Diego families. For families who want hands-on local guidance alongside professional home care, Alzheimer's San Diego fills a gap that national helplines often cannot.
Visit Alzheimer's San DiegoCaregiver support
Family Caregiver Alliance
National nonprofitThe Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) is one of the oldest and most comprehensive organizations dedicated to supporting unpaid caregivers. Their website hosts hundreds of free fact sheets on conditions like stroke, Parkinson's, and dementia, as well as practical guides on home safety, long-distance caregiving, and caregiver self-care.
The FCA's Care Navigator tool helps families identify state and local services, including respite care programs that give family caregivers time to rest. For adult children managing care from a distance, or spouses who are starting to feel burned out, FCA provides clear, trustworthy information that does not require navigating complicated systems. Many families use FCA resources alongside professional in-home senior care to feel more prepared and less alone.
Visit Family Caregiver AllianceAARP Caregiving
National membership organizationAARP offers a dedicated caregiving hub with practical tools for family members helping an older adult. Their Care Guide covers topics from starting the conversation about care needs to evaluating care options, managing medications, and planning for emergencies. AARP membership is not required to access most caregiving content.
AARP's free Care Coordination app, Care to Action, helps families divide caregiving tasks, track appointments, and share updates in one place. AARP also operates a free helpline (877-333-5885) for caregiving questions and advocates for state and federal policies that benefit family caregivers. Their San Diego-area volunteer programs connect caregivers with local support and community activities.
Visit AARP CaregivingSenior transportation in San Diego
RideFACT
FACT — curb-to-curb paratransitRideFACT is an affordable curb-to-curb transportation service for seniors and people with disabilities, operated by FACT (Facilitating Access to Coordinated Transportation). It serves all 18 cities in San Diego County, running Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Trips can be scheduled up to 7 days in advance and are subject to availability. Fares range from $5 to $20 depending on the trip.
RideFACT is a practical option for seniors who need reliable transportation to medical appointments, dialysis, or other essential destinations but cannot use fixed-route transit. To check eligibility and schedule a ride, call FACT directly at (888) 924-3228.
Learn about RideFACTMTS Access
MTS ADA paratransit serviceMTS Access is the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's ADA-complementary paratransit service for riders who have been certified as functionally unable to use fixed-route MTS buses or trolleys due to a disability. Riders must complete an eligibility certification before using the service. To check whether your trip origin and destination fall within the MTS service area and to begin the certification process, call (888) 517-9627.
As of July 1, 2025, MTS Access added same-day ride booking. Same-day trips cost $10 one-way and can be reserved daily between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. based on availability. For seniors and people with disabilities who need a dependable, ADA-compliant ride option throughout San Diego, MTS Access is a key resource alongside programs like RideFACT.
Learn about MTS AccessLocal resources by city
The resources above serve all of San Diego County. Below are local senior centers and programs for specific communities across the county. Cognihealth provides home care throughout San Diego County, including each of the cities listed here.
AgeWell Services — City of San Diego Parks & Recreation
The City of San Diego's AgeWell Services program runs senior activities at recreation centers across the city. Programs are free or low cost and include fitness classes, day trips, social events, arts, and educational workshops for adults 55 and older. The Balboa Park Senior Lounge is a popular drop-in gathering spot open daily.
Visit AgeWell ServicesGary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center
Located at 1525 4th Avenue in downtown San Diego, the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center is operated by Serving Seniors and is one of the most comprehensive senior centers in the country. It serves adults 60 and older 365 days a year with free meals, nurse case management, mental health services, computer education, and access to more than 25 on-site partner organizations. The center is especially well-suited for lower-income seniors who need wraparound support in one location.
Visit Serving SeniorsElderHelp of San Diego
ElderHelp is a nonprofit with over 40 years of service that helps seniors throughout San Diego remain independent at home. Services include volunteer-driven transportation (Seniors A Go-Go), home safety modifications, information and referral, and a HomeShare program for affordable housing. Services are provided at no cost to seniors. ElderHelp holds a 4-star Charity Navigator rating and serves zip codes across central and east San Diego. For families considering in-home senior care, ElderHelp's programs often complement paid caregiver services — covering companion care needs and daily check-ins that help seniors manage medication reminders, errands, and social connection.
Visit ElderHelpLa Jolla Community Center
Located at 6811 La Jolla Boulevard, the La Jolla Community Center is the primary senior hub for the La Jolla community. The center offers yoga, fitness, bridge, cooking classes, language courses, and a well-regarded jazz concert series. It is managed by the Friends of the Riford Center, a community-based nonprofit, under a lease from the City of San Diego. Most programming is open to all adults and much of the work is carried out by volunteers. Phone: (858) 459-0831.
Visit La Jolla Community CenterAgeWell Services — City of San Diego
La Jolla residents aged 55 and older can also access City of San Diego AgeWell Services programs at nearby recreation centers. AgeWell offers free and low-cost social activities, fitness classes, and community resources. Visit the AgeWell site to find the nearest participating location and current schedule.
Visit AgeWell ServicesUCSD Health — La Jolla / Jacobs Medical Center
UC San Diego Health's main La Jolla campus includes Jacobs Medical Center, a state-of-the-art hospital with specialized services relevant to older adults, including a dedicated neurosciences center, oncology, cardiac care, and the Gary and Mary West Senior Emergency Care Unit. The West Senior Emergency Care Unit is designed specifically for older patients and focuses on reducing the risks that standard emergency settings can pose for seniors. For families in La Jolla, this is the closest major academic medical system with geriatric-informed acute care. Address: 9300 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla.
Visit UCSD Health La JollaDel Mar Community Connections (DMCC)
Del Mar Community Connections is the city's contracted senior services nonprofit, located at 225 9th Street in Del Mar. With over 60 volunteers and two full-time staff, DMCC supports Del Mar seniors in aging independently at home. Programs include social activities, cultural events, health education, and essential transportation services through the Volunteer Driver Coalition. DMCC also received a 2025 San Diego Seniors Community Foundation Empowerment Grant to expand home assistance visits for isolated older adults. Phone: (858) 792-7565.
Visit Del Mar Community ConnectionsCounty AIS — San Diego County Aging & Independence Services
Del Mar residents are eligible for all County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services programs, including Meals on Wheels, IHSS case management, caregiver support, and benefits counseling. AIS is the gateway to county services for Del Mar seniors who may need more support than DMCC's volunteer programs provide. Call: (800) 339-4661.
Visit AISScripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas is the nearest major hospital for most Del Mar residents, located approximately five miles north at 354 Santa Fe Drive. The hospital offers a full range of acute care services including emergency, cardiac, orthopedic, and surgical care. Scripps Health is one of San Diego County's largest nonprofit health systems, and the Encinitas campus is a common destination for Del Mar seniors following a hospitalization or for outpatient specialty care.
Visit Scripps Memorial Hospital EncinitasCarmel Valley Recreation Center — City of San Diego
The Carmel Valley Recreation Center, at 3777 Townsgate Drive, is the main public facility serving the Carmel Valley community. While it is a general recreation center rather than a senior-only facility, it hosts City of San Diego AgeWell programming for adults 55 and older. Programs vary by season. Residents can register through SDRecConnect.com or call (858) 552-1616 for current offerings. Note that the center is not on a bus line, so personal or volunteer transportation may be needed.
Visit Carmel Valley Rec CenterCounty AIS — San Diego County Aging & Independence Services
Carmel Valley seniors have full access to County Aging & Independence Services, including in-home care coordination, caregiver support, and meal programs. For seniors in Carmel Valley who need help navigating available services, AIS is a strong first call. Call: (800) 339-4661.
Visit AISJohn D. Spreckels Center
The John D. Spreckels Center at 1019 Seventh Street is Coronado's central facility for adults 50 and older. Run by the Coronado Recreation Department, it offers fitness classes, art and enrichment programs, educational workshops, and community events in a modern, purpose-built space. There is no membership fee and many programs are free. Hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Phone: (619) 522-7343.
Visit the Spreckels CenterNorman Park Senior Center
Norman Park Senior Center at 270 F Street is Chula Vista's dedicated senior facility and has served the community for more than 50 years. It is a free, multi-generational center welcoming all older adults regardless of income level. Programs include fitness and yoga classes, watercolor and crafts, creative writing, computer classes, ballroom and line dancing, bridge, and billiards. On-site partners offer Meals on Wheels, legal aid through ElderLaw, and Parkinson's support groups. Programming is available in English, Spanish, and Korean. Phone: (619) 409-1930.
Visit Norman Park Senior CenterCounty AIS — South Region
Chula Vista seniors can access San Diego County Aging & Independence Services for care coordination, in-home supportive services, caregiver support, and nutrition programs. AIS serves as a connection point to county and state programs that can supplement what Norman Park provides. Call: (800) 339-4661.
Visit AISLa Mesa Community Center — Senior Programs
The City of La Mesa Recreation Department offers senior programming at the La Mesa Community Center at 4975 Memorial Drive. Programs include fitness classes, social activities, and enrichment events for older adults. La Mesa's compact, walkable downtown also gives seniors relatively easy access to services, dining, and public transit compared to many East County communities. Call the Recreation Department at (619) 667-1300 for current schedules.
Visit La Mesa Senior ProgramsSharp Grossmont Hospital
Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa is the primary acute care hospital for East County San Diego and a key resource for older adults in the region. The hospital offers a full range of services including emergency care, cardiac and orthopedic care, oncology, and surgical services. It is part of the Sharp HealthCare system, which also operates a Community Resource Center providing senior resource referrals, telephone wellness checks for isolated older adults, and connections to community services. Phone: (619) 740-4214 for the Sharp Community Resource Center.
Visit Sharp Grossmont HospitalAIS East County Office
La Mesa seniors can access San Diego County Aging & Independence Services through the East County office at 389 N. Magnolia Avenue in nearby El Cajon. Services include IHSS case management, caregiver support, benefits counseling, and Meals on Wheels coordination. Call: (800) 339-4661.
Visit AISNeed help navigating care options?
Cognihealth is a licensed non-medical home care agency serving all of San Diego County. Whether your family needs personal care, companion care, respite care, or support aging in place at home, our team is happy to help you understand your options — and connect you with the right services.
Talk to our care teamLicensed, Bonded & Insured · (619) 800-5730 · contact@cognihealthhomecare.com