Start with one number: the County of San Diego's Aging & Independence Services call center, 800-339-4661, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. It's the County's front door for older adults, people with disabilities and the family members who help them, including reports of elder abuse.
Meals at home
Meals on Wheels San Diego County delivers to adults 60 and older and veterans with disabilities of any age, every day including holidays, across the whole county, with a friendly visit at each delivery. Call 1-800-5-SENIOR.
Seniors 60+ who are homebound, socially isolated or need help with daily activities may qualify for free meals through the County program, which has a waitlist right now: (619) 858-1006.
Health and insurance
- Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, with free, unbiased HICAP counseling.
- Flu shots, including the County's no-cost shots at home for people who can't get out.
- SDG&E Medical Baseline: extra energy at the lowest price and shutoff help for homes with medical equipment.
Money
- SDG&E CARE and FERA: up to 35% off the bill if the household qualifies.
- Property tax due dates and the free e-check.
- Every fall deadline in one list.
Getting around for less
At 65, the COASTER is half price: $3.25 one way vs $6.50 for adults (fares as of October 1, 2026). A current Medicare card with photo ID qualifies; get a reduced-fare PRONTO card with your photo at the Oceanside or Escondido Transit Center, and carry proof when you ride. Wednesday, October 7 is Free Ride Day: every NCTD bus and train is free all day. Coaster times.
Out and about
The City of Encinitas runs the Encinitas Community and Senior Center at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive: programs and hours.
The everyday stuff: PJ
- Tech help, $100 an hour: the phone, the TV and streaming, Wi-Fi, the printer, email, video calls with the grandkids, and "is this text a scam?"
- Family Assist, $30 an hour: errands, pharmacy runs, waiting for the repair person, and the paperwork: Medicare.gov, the CARE application, the property tax e-check.
Grown kids who live far away: PJ can be the local hands. He's in Solana Beach, around the corner from Belly Up.
Sources: County of San Diego, Aging & Independence Services · Meals on Wheels San Diego County · NCTD fares. Checked October 5, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25.
Questions people ask
Who do I call for help for an older adult in San Diego County?
The County's Aging & Independence Services call center, 800-339-4661, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. It covers older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.
Does Meals on Wheels deliver in Solana Beach and North County?
Meals on Wheels San Diego County delivers across the whole county, every day including holidays, to adults 60+ and veterans with disabilities. Call 1-800-5-SENIOR.
How much is the Coaster for seniors?
$3.25 one way for riders 65 and older, about half the $6.50 adult fare, with NCTD's fares as of October 1, 2026. A current Medicare card with photo ID qualifies.
Can someone help my parent with their phone or paperwork in Solana Beach?
Yes. PJ does tech help ($100 an hour) and Family Assist ($30 an hour) for errands and paperwork in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff and Encinitas. Text 858-461-8054.
Know someone who needs this?
Something changed here? Text PJ and we'll update this page.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.