Table of Contents
- Assisted Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Assisted Living Regulations and Records in Los Angeles, CA
- The Cost of Assisted Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Top Assisted Living Communities in Los Angeles, CA
- What Experts Say
- Free Assisted Living Resources in Los Angeles, CA
- How to Find the Best Assisted Living in Los Angeles, CA in 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With sunny skies and warm temperatures nearly year-round, Los Angeles residents enjoy ample opportunities to explore all the city has to offer—including a sprawling coastline, monuments, sports and recreational events and a thriving cultural scene. Plus, multiple public transportation options make it possible to navigate the city without having to drive.
As the second most populous city in the U.S., Los Angeles offers a wide range of assisted living options for older adults looking for high-quality long-term care.
With so many communities to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Read on to learn more about assisted living in Los Angeles, including state rules and regulations, starting prices and expert guidance.
Assisted Living in Los Angeles, CA
“The Los Angeles area—which includes smaller cities like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica—offers around 1,500 assisted living communities, ranging in size, living style and the level of care provided,” says Laura Barrett, a senior living advisor at Assisted Living Locators in Los Angeles. “From boutique-style homes to large resort-like communities, there are a wide variety of opportunities for seniors to find the community that feels most like ‘home’ to them,” she adds.
Assisted Living Regulations and Records in Los Angeles, CA
To ensure a standard level of care, all assisted living communities in Los Angeles must adhere to the same rules and regulations set forth by the California Department of Social Services.
These regulations include, but are not limited to the following:
- All residents must have a signed admission agreement within seven days of admission, which includes information such as a description of services, rates and facility policies.
- Facilities must provide at least three meals per day plus snacks to meet the daily recommended dietary allowances set by the National Academy of Science’s Food and Nutrition Board.
- Facilities must meet specific staffing requirements based on the number of residents.
The Department of Social Services must complete an on-site survey of the premises before a facility can receive its operating license. Once the license is obtained, facilities must be inspected at least once every five years, with at least 20% of all facilities being inspected each year.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Los Angeles, CA
The median cost of assisted living in the Los Angeles area is $5,250 per month, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey[1].
“[Monthly prices] can be as low as $2,000 per month for a shared room studio in a no-frills community and up to $12,000 per month for a 2-bedroom [apartment] in a higher-end community,” says Kenny Ossen, a senior placement specialist and owner of Senior Living Advocates in Los Angeles. What’s more, additional levels of care can cost $300 per month to $4,000 per month more, he adds.
Assisted living costs also depend on the facility size, amenities and the mobility of an older adult, adds Barrett. “Location also has a large impact on cost, mirroring Los Angeles real estate rates as a whole,” she says.
How to Pay For Assisted Living in Los Angeles
Assisted living costs vary significantly from one locale to another, but regardless of where you live, it’s best to plan ahead for the expense. Medicare only helps pay for the medical costs a person incurs while living in an assisted living community, which leaves room, board and personal care costs to the individual. Private health insurance providers often have similar limitations.
However, long-term care insurance can help cover the daunting costs associated with assisted living. Specific benefits vary depending on the policy and policyholder, so if you already have long-term care insurance, review your benefits carefully before attempting to apply them to assisted living costs. If you don’t already have a plan, compare how coverage differs from one provider to another as you shop around.
Veterans should connect with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to see if they’re eligible for Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefits. This monthly stipend can be used toward the cost of a long-term care or assisted living facility.
For those who qualify, Medicaid can also help cover some costs associated with residing in an assisted living community.
Top Assisted Living Communities in Los Angeles, CA
Not sure where to start your search? Here are five facilities in the Los Angeles area to consider.
Note: This snapshot is just a starting point and by no means represents all options worth considering in Los Angeles. Anyone interested in exploring assisted living options should also call and visit the facilities to get the best feel for which would fit your needs and preferences.
Located in the heart of Westwood on Wilshire Boulevard, Belmont Village Westwood provides independent living, assisted living and memory care, allowing residents to age in place as their needs change. Floorplans include a variety of pet-friendly studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments, each including a kitchenette with a refrigerator, range cooktop, microwave and cabinets. The community features a full schedule of activities and programs that focus on Whole Brain Fitness, which is designed to engage the mind, body and spirit through small, group-based physical and mental activities. Other notable amenities include a hair and nail salon, supervised fitness center, screening room, piano, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a heated pool. The Watermark at Westwood Village, which is situated near UCLA’s medical center in Westwood Village, is a continuing care community with options for independent living, assisted living and memory care. Residents in assisted living can choose from studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, complete with a kitchenette in each residence. The 14-story building offers impressive views along with an array of amenities, including a virtual reality lounge, dog wash station, fitness center, private spa treatment room, library and an outdoor courtyard with a fireplace. Located just a few miles outside downtown Los Angeles in the Eagle Rock neighborhood, Solheim Senior Community provides options for residential living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. This pet-friendly community offers a variety of studios and one-bedroom apartments for residents to choose from. Throughout the community, residents can explore a variety of amenities, such as a fitness room, pianos, library, therapy gym, sun room, gardens and outdoor seating, as well as worship services and volunteer opportunities. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Hollenbeck Palms offers residential living, assisted living and skilled nursing services, as well as a standalone memory enhancement center, enabling residents to age in place should their needs change. Floorplans include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts, with some floor plans featuring a full kitchen, balcony or patio. Amenities include a fully-equipped gym and on-site personal trainer, shuffleboard, library with computers and a retro ice cream parlor. The gated 8.5-acre campus also provides ample space for residents to enjoy the outdoors through gardening, walking paths, a 9-hole putting green and a koi pond. Terraza of Cheviot Hills, which is located in the residential neighborhood of Cheviot Hills in Los Angeles, offers independent living and assisted living. Along with a full monthly calendar of activities like chair yoga and trivia, residents can enjoy amenities such as a long-range wireless headphone system, beauty salon and barber shop and outdoor common areas with a fountain. Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood
The Watermark at Westwood Village
Solheim Senior Community
Hollenbeck Palms
Terraza of Cheviot Hills
What Experts Say
“Not all senior living communities are meant to serve every older adult,” says Barrett, who adds there are multiple factors to consider when looking for an assisted living community for yourself or your loved one.
While cost is an important factor to evaluate, families should also consider a loved ones current and future care needs—and how those needs may change, says Barrett. Future needs, such as memory care and activities or amenities that might appeal to their loved one down the road, are considerations older adults and their families should weigh carefully, she adds.
To help combat stress while searching for an assisted living residence for yourself or a loved one, Ossen recommends working with an elder care consultant or senior living advisor who can help simplify and streamline the process. This support may involve helping older adults or families set up tours and accompanying them on tours as well.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Los Angeles, CA
There are several free resources for every stage of finding an assisted living community in Los Angeles, including:
- 211LA offers a comprehensive resource directory where older adults can access information, including location and contact details for a variety of health, human and social services in Los Angeles County. In addition to senior housing guidance and referrals, the site also offers resource information on topics such as health care, transportation and food needs.
- The Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services has a free website where people can search for potential assisted living communities and view documentation regarding licensing, including inspection and citation information.
- The California Department of Health and Human Services provides an Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) Program, which reimburses Medi-Cal beneficiaries for select services needed to allow them to live in an assisted living facility compared to skilled nursing facilities.
How to Find the Best Assisted Living in Los Angeles, CA in 2024
There are several ways to find the best assisted living community to meet your needs, but most experts suggest prioritizing high-quality care, budget limitations, accessible community design and engaging community life. Assess these elements personally and directly by scheduling in-person tours or visits. Some communities allow for brief overnight stays as well to help prospective residents determine if a community is a good fit for them.
During such visits, ask lots of questions to residents, visiting family members and staffers alike. Dig into the extent of medical care the community offers onsite, as it can vary significantly across the industry. Check out the amenities of the rented rooms or suites, as well as those present in common areas. Get a feel for how easy it is to navigate the community physically and what challenges might arise should you choose to live there. Speak with current residents to learn about how they like their home and what struggles they face.
No place or space is perfect, but it’s always wise to get a clear feel for a community before signing on the dotted line.
Learn More About Assisted Living In Your Area
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is assisted living?
Assisted living communities are residences for older adults who want to remain as independent as possible in a home-like setting but require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating, bathing, dressing, maintaining good hygiene and navigating the bathroom. Residents typically pay rent monthly for a private apartment or room, plus an additional fee for the level of care they need, and they can enjoy numerous common areas throughout the community and a planned calendar of social activities aimed at supporting physical, mental and emotional well-being.
What does assisted living provide?
Generally speaking, an assisted living community provides room and board, up to three prepared meals a day, assistance with personal care needs, help with medications and housekeeping, some transportation services and a calendar of engaging social activities. Most communities maintain onsite staff at all times to meet basic safety and care needs.
What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living communities help residents maintain an independent way of life while offering support with activities of daily living (ADLs) based on individual needs. Meanwhile, nursing homes provide residents with high-level medical care and monitoring. The main difference between assisted living communities and nursing homes is the level of medical and assistive services provided.
