10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Los Angeles, CA

Paying for assisted living out of pocket isn’t the only option for seniors and their families. While they may use personal assets such as savings and retirement accounts, there are also several state and federal programs available to eligible seniors that may help cover some costs. Browse private pay methods, a range of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and Medicare and Medi-Cal options available to seniors in Los Angeles.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) monitors and licenses assisted living facilities in Los Angeles. The CDSS also licenses and regulates all other senior care facilities in the state, often called residential care facilities for the elderly. In addition, the CDSS licenses continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), which provide independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services all on one senior living campus.^[05]

Seniors must be assessed before joining an assisted living community in California. Each assisted living facility is responsible for interviewing each prospective resident and reviewing their health records before they move in. Assisted living facilities are required to follow these regulations:^[06]

• House a maximum of two residents per bedroom
• Provide individual privacy in each bathroom
• Ensure bedrooms can accommodate equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers
• Provide clean and accessible common areas for residents
• Provide activities involving social, leisure, and daily living skills

Inspections for California assisted living facilities

Assisted living facilities are inspected by the CDSS once a year and within 10 days of receiving a complaint.^[06] Inspection reports for each licensed community can be found through the CDSS Care Facility Search. Scroll down to “Search By Facility Group,” and select “Elderly Assisted Living.” Then, select the “Facility Type” and “Los Angeles County.” Finally, click on the search button. You can also search by facility name or address.

California Department of Public Health contact information

California Department of Public Health

1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377

Phone: 916-558-1784

COVID-19 regulations for Los Angeles assisted living facilities

Due to the overall decline of COVID-19, Los Angeles assisted living facilities have loosened their restrictions. They still follow infection control guidelines to minimize the spread of common infections, including COVID-19. Communities may choose to update their masking, social distancing, and visitation requirements as they see fit.

For general updates regarding COVID-19, you can visit the Los Angeles County COVID-19 page for information on local guidance.

Seniors who choose assisted living facilities in Los Angeles have many unique options before them. You or your loved one can choose a facility that offers various levels of on-site care services, a smaller care community that features a homelike setting, or even a facility that identifies with a specific cultural background. There’s also an abundance of resort-style assisted living communities in Los Angeles, especially in areas like Beverly Hills and in the heart of Los Angeles.

Multiple care levels accommodate different needs

About 37% of A Place for Mom’s assisted living communities in Los Angeles offer on-site memory care services, which cater to residents who have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia^[01] These communities offer uniquely structured environments, highly-trained caregivers, and specialized cognitive therapies.

When seniors choose an assisted living facility that also offers memory care services, the specialized services may be offered in the same residence, in another wing of the facility, or in a different on-campus building. The benefit of choosing such a facility is that seniors don’t have to worry about moving to a different community should their cognitive care needs change.

Residential care homes offer a homey environment

Los Angeles also has many assisted living options that offer a more relaxed and homelike setting, which differs from larger facilities. Often referred to as board and care homes or residential care homes, these assisted living options provide the same level of assistance in a residential home. The difference is that these homes typically house fewer residents, meaning each senior can receive a more personalized level of care in an intimate setting. Within our Los Angeles assisted living network, approximately 30% of communities are care homes.^[01]

Cultural communities offer familiarity and comfort

Some areas in Los Angeles have assisted living communities rooted in different faiths and cultures. For example, there are several Jewish assisted living communities in the Beverly Hills area offering Kosher-certified kitchens, Jewish cuisine, and religious services. Some are also located near synagogues and churches for seniors who wish to practice their faith outside of their assisted living facility. Los Angeles also has assisted living communities inspired by East Asian cultures, some of which are located in or near Little Tokyo.

Resort-style assisted living offers luxe

There are many highly sought-after Los Angeles neighborhoods where seniors can find luxurious amenities combined with the daily care they need. Often nestled among high-end shopping districts, upscale dining establishments, and highly-rated medical centers, these Los Angeles assisted living facilities have much to offer.

Start each day with a chef-prepared, gourmet meal in a restaurant-style dining venue. Then, take a dip in an outdoor swimming pool or attend an exercise class in a professionally supervised fitness center. Join new friends for an afternoon of high tea, or pamper yourself in an on-site beauty salon and barbershop.

Many of these communities are also pet-friendly, so residents can treat their furry friends to a spa session at the dog wash station or take them on a stroll through the pristinely landscaped grounds. Some resort-style communities even offer perks such as a limousine service and personal shoppers.

Best hopitals for seniors in Los Angeles

Seniors in Los Angeles have access to several nationally ranked hospitals and medical centers. Many of these options also have specific programs for seniors or are nationally ranked in geriatric care.

Transportation for seniors in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, about 85% of A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living facilities offer either at-cost or complimentary transportation services.^[01] Using a community’s transportation services is a safe and convenient way for seniors to get around Los Angeles. Transportation is often scheduled ahead of time and is used for errands such as medical appointments and group outings, so residents can rest assured that this is a senior-friendly and reliable mode of transportation.

Driving in Los Angeles isn’t the best mode of transportation due to its dense population and heavy traffic. Instead, walkable areas and bike-friendly routes make Los Angeles relatively easy to explore. Seniors and their visitors also have access to popular public transportation options, including a few senior-specific transportation services.

Both Union Station Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Metro are popular public transportation hubs, and many of their options have senior discounts. Browse the following transportation options offered at each of these locations:

• There are over 165 Metro bus routes available.
• Los Angeles has seven rail lines, each with a connection to one of the bus stops.
• Metro bikes are available to rent in intervals ranging from one ride to one year.
• The Metro micro is Los Angeles’ on-demand rideshare option, serving many of the city’s subdivisions as well.
• Union Station West has a designated taxi pick-up and drop-off location.
• The Dodger Stadium Express is a bus available at Union Station for passengers attending home games.

Los Angeles also has senior-specific transportation options:

• Seniors with disabilities may be eligible for Access, the Metro’s rideshare paratransit service.
• CityRide is designed for seniors over the age of 65 and people with disabilities. It offers discounted rates and curbside service.
• Transport Seniors LA provides wheelchair-accessible transportation for seniors who need to travel to and from medical appointments, errands, and more.

The figures below represent the accessibility of Los Angeles’ transportation options, according to Walk Score. Scores range from zero to 100, with higher numbers indicating a more accessible method of transportation.^[09]

Things to do in Los Angeles for seniors and their families

Los Angeles has something for seniors of all interests and mobility levels. Whether it’s strolling through unique museums, spending an afternoon in the gorgeous mountains, or finding new favorite restaurants, seniors can make each day fulfilling.

Museums and theaters

Los Angeles has a lively arts and culture scene. Art lovers can view rotating exhibits filled with European, Roman, ancient Greek, and modern contemporary artworks at museums like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or the Getty Cater. Seniors and their families can also go stargazing or enjoy a spectacular view of the city at the Griffith Observatory.

Furthermore, seniors can enjoy lively theatrical performances or concerts at one of the many famous venues including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. Be sure to ask for accessibility accommodations before planning your visit as many museums and theaters offer accessible areas and devices.

Outdoor activities

For the outdoorsy type, Los Angeles offers many parks and dozens of trails in the Hollywood Hills that lead to the famed Hollywood Sign and beyond. For hikers who’d prefer a more scenic view, there are multiple trails throughout the Santa Monica Mountains and the Angeles National Forest that offer fresh air and gorgeous sights. Griffith Park is another popular outdoor attraction for those who enjoy wildlife sightings and walking trails.

As for seniors who’d prefer a leisurely stroll, they’re sure to enjoy the wonderfully preserved garden full of historical and cultural touches at Sorrier Stearns Japanese Gardens. Lounging on Santa Monica Beach and enjoying the ocean breeze is another wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors in Los Angeles. The city is also home to Exposition Park, a 160-acre park that features vast gardens and beautiful memorials. There’s even a recreation center that offers a vast array of programs for people of all ages and interests.

Sports and themed attractions

The Lakers and the Dodgers are two of the city’s most popular sports teams. Sports enthusiasts can spend a day enjoying America’s favorite pastime in Dodger Stadium or watch the Lakers shoot hoops in the Crypto.com Arena. In addition, seniors and their visitors who are new to the area won’t want to miss out on these must-see theme parks:

• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Pacific Park

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to ask about accommodations for seniors with disabilities. Both the sporting arenas and theme parks offer accessible paths, seating, assistive devices, and more to help individuals with disabilities enjoy themselves.

Laid-back city enjoyment

For daily entertainment, Los Angeles offers just about every cuisine imaginable. Multicourse Japanese meals, delectable Ethiopian dishes, authentic Italian pasta, and more can all be found at local restaurants.

The county also has dozens of branches of the Los Angeles Public Library, so residents can easily access their favorite authors and programs. The Huntington is another ideal spot where seniors can enjoy a relaxing afternoon. With a research library and beautiful botanical gardens on-site, you’ll never want to leave. They even offer special discounts for seniors, people in the military, and members.