What is WISE Connections?
WISE Connections is a membership-based virtual community that supports aging in place for adults 50 and better in the greater Los Angeles area. The model is broadly based off of the “village” concept, which originated as a grassroots community effort in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood and has been replicated around the country with over 100 communities actively engaged in developing “village” associations. WISE Connections is a program of WISE & Healthy Aging, a nonprofit agency serving seniors, caregivers and aging professionals for over 40 years.
Who can participate?
Membership is for those ages 50 and better; however, all members of the community are encouraged to participate as volunteers and partake in the WISE Connections neighborhood activities.
What are the benefits?
WISE Connections will serve as a one-stop shop to meet your needs. The goal is to simplify your life, enable you to feel confident in the services you receive, keep you active and socially connected and help you to age well. Examples of benefits include:
- Single-source of referrals to pre-screened service providers
- Discounts on services
- Concierge services – help with scheduling appointments, making reservations, etc.
- Members-only website with access to service providers, directory of members, information on local happenings
- Members-only social events
- Volunteer opportunities
- Transportation
- Convenience services
- Health & wellness coordinated activities
- Peace of mind
- One phone number to call for any of your needs
- Someone to call when you don’t know what to do or who to turn to
- Help solving your problems
- Access to WISE & Healthy Aging’s established services
- Large range of services – see member services
What if I need help with something that is not listed as a provided service?
Just call your WISE Connections coordinator and tell them what you need – the WISE Connections staff is here for you!
How do I access the pre-screened, discounted vendors?
You can access the pre-screened, discounted vendors in a few ways: (a) log-in to the member-only portal online where you will have access to all of the vetted vendors; (b) call WISE Connections and a staff member can refer you to the service providers you need. As an added convenience, WISE Connections can schedule the service for you.
What is the cost of membership?
The annual fee for membership is $550 $365 for a one-person household or $820 $475 for a two-person household. You can also pay the annual membership fee monthly by setting up automatic payments with your credit card – $48 $31 for a one-person household or $72 $40 for a two-person household. You can pay by cash, check or credit card (monthly payments can only be paid with credit card).
How can I participate?
The success of the “village” is driven by community involvement. You can become involved in a few ways: (a) become a member; (b) become a volunteer; (c) become a preferred vendor; (d) a combination thereof.
Why should I join when I am in good health?
While WISE Connections’ goal is to help older adults to “age in place,” it also aims to provide a level of convenience and service that simplifies your life and helps you to live well. Many of the services are for anyone, such as access to vetted and discounted vendors, concierge services (scheduling appointments, waiting for repairmen, coordinating dry cleaning, etc.), rides to the airport, technical assistance, conveniences for when you are away, access to a legal panel, social and cultural activities as well as health and wellness opportunities. Also, life is full of unexpected events; should something happen to you, WISE Connections will be there to help you.
Can I purchase a membership for my parents?
Membership to WISE Connections not only offers peace of mind to the member, but also to the children of aging parents. Purchasing a membership for your parents is a great gift and will offer ongoing support and activity.
To learn more about WISE Connections, call a WISE Connections staff member at (310) 829-5699 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
