Local with Lisa: Senior Sidekick

I'm at Lake Temescal, a popular walking spot for Senior Sidekick.

Senior Sidekick is a caregiving service that was founded by a Piedmont resident who saw a growing need for compassionate support in our community.

Anne Callahan launched Senior Sidekick in August of 2024. She grew up in Piedmont and returned 20 years ago to raise her family. The idea for her business was sparked by her own experience caring for her father.

Anne: He was ill for probably somewhere between 8 and 10 years. And I just realized there were so many other families with the same needs.

Senior Sidekick is a small community-based business that supports seniors who want to remain in their homes.

Anne: Anything from driving to helping with care for their pets, shopping, planning, organizing, medication management, really anything that they need to help supplement their life.

And the business is growing.  Anne has brought in her longtime friend and fellow Piedmont alum, Mary Cutler, to help with clients and small-group outings.

Anne: I’ve known Mary for a long time. And we have always had a good connection.

Mary: When I heard about this, I immediately jumped. I love the elderly. They're sweet, very wise, and so it's very rewarding.  I've had a tremendous amount of loss, and I just think that I have empathy, and I just learn from them.

Together, they take small groups to the theater, museums, and on walks here at Lake Temescal, creating community and connection for seniors who might otherwise feel isolated.

Anne: The companionship part is really important. You know, I'm learning about their lives, their history. We have great conversations. We laugh. I think laughing is really important at any age.

They also receive frequent requests to help with technology and navigating online services, and both say it never feels like work.

Anne: One of the adults, we would just go and cook dinner for her and do a puzzle together, and again, talk about life, and it's really special.

Anne hopes to expand Senior Sidekick services into Oakland and Berkeley, and partner more with the City of Piedmont to better support local seniors.

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Anne: We learn a lot from the population that I work with. And they're just really a special, knowledgeable, wise group of people.