Home Happenings: lessons and activities that come to your living room

For a lot of older adults, the hard part of staying active isn't motivation. It's getting there. Classes are across town, parking is a hassle, evenings get dark early, and a ride isn't always easy to find.

Home Happenings flips that around. Instead of going to the lesson, the lesson comes to you.

What is Home Happenings?

Home Happenings is a New Jersey company that connects older adults with local teachers and pros who come to the home for one-on-one or small group sessions. A retired engineer can finally learn piano. A grandmother can start watercolors at her own kitchen table. A couple can learn Mahjong with friends in their living room.

The idea is simple: keep doing what you love, without leaving home to do it.

How it started

Home Happenings began in New Jersey, where the family behind it has spent years around older adults and the people who care for them. Again and again they heard the same thing: people wanted more to look forward to in their week, and the usual options meant driving somewhere.

The company is starting in Essex County, in towns like Montclair, Glen Ridge, Verona, West Orange, Maplewood, Livingston and the Caldwells, with plans to grow across New Jersey.

What can you book?

• Music: piano, guitar and music therapy
• Art: painting, drawing and crafts
• Movement: yoga, Tai Chi and gentle personal training
• Games: Mahjong, bridge, canasta and chess
• At home: cooking, gardening and patient tech help
• Personal storytelling: a guide helps you tell your life stories so your family can keep them
• Therapy dogs: a calm, friendly visit

How it works

1. Browse local pros by activity and read their bios.
2. Pick a real open time on their calendar and book a session of 1, 1.5 or 2 hours.
3. Your pro comes to your home, or to your room in a senior community.
4. Rebook the same person each week if you like.

Sessions start at $50 an hour. Groups of friends can book together, and an adult child can book and pay for a parent from anywhere.

Who it's for

Home Happenings is built for older adults living at home or in senior communities, and for adult children looking for a meaningful gift or a regular bright spot in a parent's week. Pros are screened and background checked, and everything is booked and paid through the platform.

Full disclosure: Home Happenings is run by the publisher of Seniors of NJ.

Looking for other ways to fill your week? See our guides to classes and lessons across New Jersey and staying connected.

Common questions

Where does Home Happenings operate?

It is starting in Essex County, New Jersey, with plans to expand to more of the state.

How much does a session cost?

Sessions start at $50 an hour. Each pro sets their own rate.

Can I book for my mom or dad?

Yes. Adult children can book and pay for a parent's sessions from anywhere.

Are the teachers screened?

Yes. Pros are screened and background checked before they can take bookings.

This guide is for general information. Program rules and income limits change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.