Your Hyper-Local Senior Resource Guide for Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
If you or a loved one is navigating the journey of aging in California’s beautiful Wine Country, you are far from alone — and you are far from without support. Whether you live in Napa, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, St. Helena, Yountville, or anywhere in between, this region is home to a rich network of local programs, nonprofits, and government services designed to help older adults live safely, independently, and joyfully at home.
The desire to age in place is nearly universal. According to AARP’s 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey, a strong majority of adults aged 50 and older — 75% — wish to remain in their current homes as they age, and 73% hope to stay in their communities [1]. Yet knowing where to turn for help can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why we created this guide: to put the most important local resources for Wine Country seniors all in one place.
Read on for a comprehensive, hyper-local breakdown of transportation, nutrition, senior centers, government assistance programs, and in-home care options available right here in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Transportation Resources
Loss of driving ability is one of the most significant challenges older adults face when trying to remain independent. Fortunately, Wine Country has several excellent options.
Molly’s Angels (Napa County)
Molly’s Angels is a beloved Napa County nonprofit that has been helping seniors stay mobile since 1999 [2]. They offer free rides for ambulatory older adults (age 60+) to non-emergency medical appointments, including dental and vision visits [3]. In 2024 alone, their 114 caring volunteers provided 4,660 rides to non-driving seniors [4]. Beyond transportation, Molly’s Angels also provides emergency grocery and prescription delivery for homebound clients, and their “Hello, Molly! Care Calls” program offers weekly wellness check-ins from trained volunteers [5].
- Phone: (707) 224-8971
- Website: mollysangels.com
Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) — Vine Transit
The Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) offers a variety of transportation programs specifically for seniors and people with disabilities. Vine Transit is the public transportation system in Napa Valley, with all buses being wheelchair accessible [6]. For those who cannot use fixed-route buses due to physical or cognitive limitations, VineGo provides curb-to-curb shared ride service [7]. NVTA also offers a lifeline service specifically designed for City of Napa residents aged 65 and older [8].
- Website: nvta.ca.gov
Sonoma County Senior Transportation
For seniors in Sonoma County, the Area Agency on Aging maintains the Sonoma Senior Access website, which provides a comprehensive listing of transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities [9]. Free rides with volunteer drivers are also available throughout Sonoma County for residents age 60+ and people with disabilities [10].
Nutrition & Meal Programs
Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of healthy aging. Here are the key meal programs serving Wine Country seniors.
Community Action of Napa Valley (CANV) — Meals on Wheels
CANV’s Meals on Wheels program is a lifeline for homebound Napa County seniors. Their Home-Delivered Meal Program serves seniors aged 60 and older who are homebound and/or unable to shop and cook [11]. The program distributes five lunches and two snacks per week, including milk and fresh fruit, and is a free service addressing the nutritional needs of more than 400 participants throughout Napa County [12]. Freshly prepared meals are delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and a key component of the program is consistent contact with senior participants — contact that not only reduces isolation but ensures their safety daily [13].
CANV also runs the Senior Brown Bag Program, which enables seniors age 60 or older to remain independent by providing a bag with approximately 10 to 14 food items [14].
- Meals on Wheels: (707) 253-6100
- Senior Brown Bag: (707) 253-6128
- Website: canv.org
Council on Aging — Sonoma County (Meals on Wheels)
For seniors in Sonoma County, the Council on Aging provides hot, nutritious Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors who have no means of preparing meals for themselves, helping them stay in their homes and maintain their independence and happiness [15].
- Phone: (707) 525-0143
- Website: councilonaging.com
Senior Centers & Social Programs
Social connection is just as vital as physical health. Research on older adults clearly demonstrates that good physical, mental, and social fitness can lead to a longer, more fulfilling life and reduce medical costs [16]. Here are some of the best local hubs for senior community life.
Rianda House Senior Activity Center (St. Helena)
Located in the heart of St. Helena, Rianda House is a thriving senior activity center that offers a wide range of classes and resources to connect older adults to the programs, services, and resources needed to support independence and successful aging [17]. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is easily accessible from Route 10 on the Napa Valley Vine transit system [18]. Programs include Tai Chi, brain fitness classes, Parkinson’s Disease support, caregiver support, and memory screenings [19].
- Address: 1475 Main St., St. Helena, CA
- Phone: (707) 963-8555
- Website: riandahouse.org
UpValley Family Centers (Calistoga & St. Helena)
UpValley Family Centers hosts social activities and educational and health workshops specifically for older adults ages 55+ living in Calistoga, including art activities, brain fitness classes, and gardening projects [20]. Their monthly Lunch and Learn workshops are a collaboration between UpValley Family Centers, the City of Calistoga Parks & Recreation, and Rianda House, featuring an educational activity, a healthy lunch, and information about resources for older adults in Napa County [21]. Their Senior Services team can also help you locate resources including State Disability, In-Home Supportive Services, Medi-Cal, and Medicare [22].
- Website: upvalleyfamilycenters.org
Council on Aging — Sonoma County (Senior Social Clubs)
For Sonoma County seniors, the Council on Aging’s Senior Social Clubs offer isolated seniors an opportunity to gather for meals, exercise, entertainment, and companionship [23]. The Council on Aging is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been providing services for Sonoma County seniors and their families since 1966 [24]. With over 16 programs to serve seniors, they are a one-stop resource for social services, financial services, case management, and more [25].
- Phone: (707) 525-0143
- Website: councilonaging.com
Government & Benefits Programs
Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging (N/S AAA)
The Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging is your partner for living independently, living healthily, and living well [26]. From healthcare counseling to social services, community programs to recreational activities, they offer a wide range of services in Napa County aimed at enhancing independence and well-being [27]. You can connect with them by contacting Connections Napa County or downloading the Napa Resource Guide, available in English and Spanish [28].
- Website: aaans.org
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Napa County’s Comprehensive Services for Older Adults (CSOA) division provides services supporting older adults and people with disabilities so they may remain safely and well cared for in their own homes and in the community [29]. A key program within CSOA is In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), a needs-based program which helps people obtain care within their own homes by assessing clients and authorizing them to hire a care provider of their choice [30]. IHSS currently has over 1,300 care providers who help over 1,100 people in Napa County remain safe, independent, and fulfilled in their own homes [31].
- Phone: (707) 253-6272
- Website: countyofnapa.org
Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) helps adults aged 65+ who are at risk of being placed in a nursing home but wish to remain in their homes. This Medi-Cal program provides personalized care management, home modifications, respite care, and other essential services to support aging in place [32]. The program is cost-effective, offering services that are 45% less expensive than nursing home care, and is available to eligible individuals in Napa and Sonoma counties [33].
Medicare Counseling — HICAP
Navigating Medicare can be confusing. The Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), through the California Department of Aging, provides local individual one-on-one counseling by appointment and educational seminars as the primary source for free and unbiased Medicare information, advocacy, and technical assistance to beneficiaries [34].
Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging
The Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) supports the well-being, independence, and dignity of older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers [35]. They connect the community to essential programs, resources, and services designed to promote independence, healthy aging, wellbeing, and quality of life [36]. The Sonoma County Senior Resource Guide offers a categorized list of resources and is available online or as a paper copy [37].
- Website: sonomacounty.gov
Mental Health & Companionship Support
Loneliness and isolation are serious health risks for older adults. Up to 24% of community-dwelling older adults experience social isolation [38]. Fortunately, several local programs address this directly.
- PEARLS Program (Sonoma County): The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors (PEARLS) is an evidence-based program that addresses isolation and depression to improve quality of life. During 6–8 sessions over a 6-month period, participants work with a PEARLS coach on learning problem-solving skills and behavioral techniques to enhance their overall mental wellness — and it’s free [39].
- Well Connected (Bay Area/Sonoma County): Well Connected offers free group activities by telephone for seniors throughout the Bay Area, including Sonoma County. Activities include book clubs, support groups, games, and current events discussions [40].
- Molly’s Angels “Hello, Molly! Care Calls”: Weekly check-in phone calls enable seniors to maintain their safety, health, mental health, and independence [41].
- Council on Aging Senior Peer Support (Sonoma County): Older adult volunteers provide individual emotional and social assistance to seniors with various mental health issues who are living independently [42].
How Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care Wine Country Fits In
While the programs above provide an incredible foundation of community support, there are still many daily needs that fall between the cracks — the light housekeeping that piles up, the meal that doesn’t get prepared, the errand that can’t wait, or simply the afternoon that feels too quiet and too long. That’s where Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care Wine Country comes in.
Founded in early 2025 by Katie Holman and operating out of Napa, Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care Wine Country takes a uniquely human approach to in-home care: we thoughtfully match active, experienced seniors with older adults who need a little extra help. Our caregivers aren’t strangers — they’re peers who understand the physical and emotional realities of growing older, because they’ve lived them. From light housekeeping and meal preparation to reliable transportation and joyful companionship, our customizable services are designed to help you or your loved one continue enjoying the Wine Country lifestyle safely and on your own terms.
We serve seniors across Napa, Sonoma, Petaluma, Vallejo, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Yountville, St. Helena, and the surrounding communities. If you’re an adult child trying to find trustworthy, compassionate support for an aging parent — or an independent senior who could use a friendly hand and a familiar face — we’d love to connect. And if you’re an active, recently retired senior looking for flexible, meaningful part-time work that lets you give back to your community, we’d love to hear from you, too.
Because in Wine Country, no one should have to navigate aging alone.
Contact Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care Wine Country to learn more about how we can support your family: locations.seniorshelpingseniors.com/ca/napa/208.html
Putting It All Together
Aging in place in Napa and Sonoma Wine Country is not only possible — it’s supported by a remarkable network of local organizations, government programs, and compassionate neighbors who are committed to making sure every senior can live with dignity, independence, and connection. Bookmark this guide, share it with a family member, and don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the resources listed here. Help is closer than you think.
Citations
[1] https://press.aarp.org/2024-12-10-New-AARP-Report-Majority-Adults-50-plus-Age-Place-Policies-Communities-Catch-Up
[2] https://www.candogiveguide.org/nonprofits/mollys-angels-of-napa-valley/
[3] https://www.mollysangels.com/programs/transportation
[4] https://www.candogiveguide.org/nonprofits/mollys-angels-of-napa-valley/
[5] https://mentisnapa.org/juveniles/mollys-angels-of-napa-valley/
[6] https://nvta.ca.gov/programs/transportation-programs-for-senior-and-disabled/
[7] https://nvta.ca.gov/programs/transportation-programs-for-senior-and-disabled/
[8] https://nvta.ca.gov/programs/transportation-programs-for-senior-and-disabled/
[9] https://sonomacounty.gov/health-and-human-services/human-services/older-adults-people-with-disabilities/area-agency-on-aging
[10] https://www.sonomacountyrecovers.org/6186-2/
[11] https://www.canv.org/home-delivered-meals/
[12] https://www.canv.org/meals-on-wheels/
[13] https://www.canv.org/home-delivered-meals/
[14] https://www.aands.org/sites/aands/files/Napa%20County%20Resource%20Guide%20Eng%202.2022.pdf
[15] https://www.findhelp.org/provider/council-on-aging—sonoma-county–santa-rosa-ca/5169342442635264?postal=95401
[16] https://visitcalistoga.com/directory/rianda-house-senior-activity-center/
[17] https://www.sthelena.com/listing/rianda-house-senior-activity-center/
[18] https://visitcalistoga.com/directory/rianda-house-senior-activity-center/
[19] https://napavalleyregister.com/news/community/star/news/st-helena-hospital-awards-wellness-grant-to-rianda-house-collabria-care/article_b1ff8edc-9832-58cf-a6a9-7cc1d7f4e035.html
[20] https://upvalleyfamilycenters.org/our-programs/older-adults/
[21] https://upvalleyfamilycenters.org/our-programs/older-adults/
[22] https://upvalleyfamilycenters.org/our-programs/older-adults/
[23] https://www.findhelp.org/provider/council-on-aging—sonoma-county–santa-rosa-ca/5169342442635264?postal=95401
[24] https://www.linkedin.com/company/council-on-aging-of-sonoma-county
[25] https://www.councilonaging.com/
[26] https://www.aands.org/
[27] https://www.aands.org/napa-resources
[28] https://www.aands.org/napa-resources
[29] https://napavalleyregister.com/community/star/news/opinion/columnists/rianda-house/rianda-house-napa-county-csoa-helps-older-adults-with-needed/article_787b1925-d4dd-53f0-b13c-b9e845127e17.html
[30] https://napavalleyregister.com/community/star/news/opinion/columnists/rianda-house/rianda-house-napa-county-csoa-helps-older-adults-with-needed/article_787b1925-d4dd-53f0-b13c-b9e845127e17.html
[31] https://napavalleyregister.com/community/star/news/opinion/columnists/rianda-house/rianda-house-napa-county-csoa-helps-older-adults-with-needed/article_787b1925-d4dd-53f0-b13c-b9e845127e17.html
[32] https://www.mollysangels.com/resources/solano-county
[33] https://www.mollysangels.com/resources/solano-county
[34] https://www.socoadrh.org/services/
[35] https://sonomacounty.gov/health-and-human-services/human-services/older-adults-people-with-disabilities/area-agency-on-aging
[36] https://sonomacounty.gov/health-and-human-services/human-services/older-adults-people-with-disabilities/area-agency-on-aging
[37] https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services/Adult-and-Aging-Division/
[38] https://choicemutual.com/blog/aging-in-place-statistics/
[39] https://www.socoadrh.org/services/
[40] https://www.councilonaging.com/links-resources
[41] https://mentisnapa.org/juveniles/mollys-angels-of-napa-valley/
[42] https://agingdisabilitysonomacounty.org/directory/council-on-aging-5/