A lot of franchised assisted living homes don’t have the best of reputations, but in Marin, there are more than a few local organizations dedicated to elder care in far more helpful and personal ways. 

The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Vivalon (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Elder Services picks see below.

Our 2026 Philanthropy category sponsor is Marin Community Foundation. View the rest of the Philanthropy category here.

Southern Marin

Marin Home Care

Tiburon

Locally owned and operated, Marin Home Care stands in opposition to large franchise senior home providers. Its focus allows caregivers to truly get to know those they care for, forming bonds with each person to make sure that they’re providing exactly what each individual needs.

1640 Tiburon Blvd, Ste #16, Tiburon, 415.712.1917

Central Marin

By the Bay Health

Larkspur

For over 50 years, By the Bay Health has been providing Marin County and beyond with compassionate, home based care during a family’s most crucial time. Originally called Hospice by the Bay, it is the oldest non-profit hospice in California (second oldest in the US) and has served as a model for similar organizations. Last year’s Black & Gold Gala at Peacock Gap in San Rafael was a black-tie event and brought together supporters, healthcare leaders and community members to honor the organization’s five decades of care.

17 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, 415.927.2273 

Seniors at Home Marin County

San Rafael

Seniors at Home is a top-trusted senior living organization, with services that range from home care and personal assistance, to more specialized care such as for dementia and fiduciary needs.

600 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, 415.449.3777

Senior Helpers 

San Rafael

Senior Helpers of Marin provides in-home care for seniors, including personal care, companionship and support for dementia, Parkinson’s and chronic conditions. Locally owned, it focuses on helping seniors live safely and comfortably at home.

777 Grand Ave, Ste 101, San Rafael, 415.300.2273

St. Vincent de Paul Society

San Rafael

St. Vincent de Paul provides compassionate, individualized assistance to help our most vulnerable neighbors obtain nutritious food, affordable housing, meaningful employment and a voice in our community. Its crisis assistance programs have grown to support over 8,000 people annually, including housing Marin’s chronically homeless and those who are precariously housed.

820 B St, San Rafael, 415.454.3303

Vivalon

San Rafael

For 70+ years, Vivalon has supported Marin County’s older adults and people with disabilities. Through nutritious meals, specialized transportation, wellness programs, social connection and its Healthy Aging Campus in San Rafael, Vivalon helps people age with independence, purpose and dignity.

999 3rd St, San Rafael, 415.456.9062

Northern Marin

Atria Tamalpais Creek

Novato

This assisted living home in Novato is a welcoming community with a rustic, Western setting. It’s all about creating a community and providing residents with a great experience, with everything from courtyards, outdoor grilling spaces and fireplaces to a fitness center and a day spa.

853 Tamalpais Avenue, Novato, 415.892.0944

Homeward Bound of Marin

Novato

Homeward Bound is all about housing first. Its extensive network of homeless shelters and programs to help people recover from the stress of homelessness are among the best in Marin. Additionally, it operates Oma Village, a supportive housing program run by Homeward Bound that helps get people back on their feet.

1385 N Hamilton Pkwy, Novato, 415.382.3363

LilyPad Senior Assisted Living Advisors

Novato

LilyPad Senior Assisted Living Advisors is a free, locally based service helping families find the right senior living options. Founded by healthcare professionals, it offers compassionate, personalized guidance through the senior care placement process.

926 Diablo Ave, Novato, 415.450.9525

Oakmont of Novato

Novato

This luxury senior living facility will ensure your loved ones feel right at home and supported. The staff focuses on personalized care, and residents have access to meals produced by top chefs and activities that are physically, intellectually and socially stimulating. 

1465 S Novato Blvd, Novato, 628.250.4880

The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill  

Novato

The Bluffs at Hamilton Hill specialize in assisted living and memory care services, all within the walls of a well-preserved 1930s Novato estate. The facility ensures that each resident is fully attended to each day with structure, but also a bit of spontaneity.

1 Hamilton Hill Dr, Novato, 415.889.8026

Serves Marin

SonoMarin Senior Fitness  

SonoMarin Senior Fitness is a concierge personal training service dedicated to helping older adults stay strong, mobile and independent all from the comfort of their own home. Serving both Marin and Sonoma counties, its trainers specialize in senior fitness and provide personalized, one-on-one sessions tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition or simply looking to stay active, SonoMarin’s trainers bring high-quality, compassionate care directly to you. 

628.272.7486

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Celebrate the organizations and individuals making a difference through Marin Magazine’s Best of the County. This category highlights the nonprofits, community leaders, and philanthropic efforts that strengthen Marin County.

Selected through reader votes, each listing reflects meaningful local impact and trusted community support. Readers’ Choice honorees represent the most recognized contributors to Marin’s well-being.

Explore more community-driven excellence in the full Best of the County guide, featuring top businesses across dining, wellness, services, shopping, and more.

Know a business that should be included? Submit a suggestion to our editorial team and look out for nominations in early 2027.

Are you a BOC business but want to change your photo, or did we miss including it? Submit your new photo here.