Not everyone has a family member available to provide caregiving when it is needed. However, there are many resources San Diego seniors can turn to for help finding a variety of caregiving services or locating assisted living or independent housing. Here are just a few of them:

Agencies and caregiving providers

Age Concerns -- Takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to care that includes enabling clients to establish relationships with one caregiver. Serves all areas of San Diego County. Tel: (619) 544-1622 (San Diego) or (760) 737-2907 (North County); Web site: www.ageconcerns.com.

Aging and Independent Services -- As part of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, it combines a wide array services -- many of them free -- under one jurisdiction. Several area offices are located throughout the county. Tel: (800) 510-2020; Web site: www.ais-sd.com.

California Home Care -- Provides hourly or live-in caregivers whose services include attending to physical needs, administering medication, transportation and preparing meals. Serves all of San Diego County. Tel: (619) 521-5858; Web site: www.cahomecare.com.

Comfort Keepers -- Offers services for individuals or couples who can handle their physical needs, but require some assistance with daily living tasks. Individually owned offices are located throughout San Diego County. Tel: (619) 262-2400; Web site: www.comfortkeepers.com.

Dignified Living Choices -- Provides free referrals for seniors seeking assisted living or residential homes in San Diego County. Tel: (858) 653-6633; Web site: www.dignifiedlivingchoices.com.

Elderhelp of San Diego -- This social services agency offers a variety of volunteer programs to help seniors with daily living tasks and also provides referral services for housing and other areas. Tel: (619) 284-9281; Web site: www.elderhelpofsandiego.org.

Nightingale Health Services, Inc. -- Offers in-home companion services for seniors interested in maintaining their own residences and independence. Tel: (760) 739-0311; Web site: www.nightingalehealthservices.com.

Southwest Healthcare Services -- Provides assistance for all non-medical daily living tasks, both in clients' homes and in retirement communities. Serves all of San Diego County. Tel: (858) 451-9551.

Web sites

New Lifestyles Online -- Features a wealth of information for seniors, including caregiving services and help finding assisted living and independent housing options. Web site: www.newlifestyles.com.

San Diego Eldercare Directory -- Provides a comprehensive directory of many senior services and resources, including an extensive list of caregiving providers and independent and assisted living housing alternatives. Web site: www.sandiegoeldercare.com.