Respite stays at assisted living facilities, or “short term stays” are a great option for families not quite sure of the next step for their loved one. Maybe your parent just had an unexpected surgery or is recovering from a fall. Or, you’re considering a move to assisted living, but meeting resistance, a respite stay, or ‘short term’ stay can be a great option to try out one of Los Angeles’ many amazing communities without making a long-term commitment. But this resource is becoming scarce, and working with a local assisted living expert can help you find the right fit. 

What Is Respite Care In An Assisted Living Community?

Respite stays can be a great option for patients discharged from a skilled nursing facility (SNF) who aren’t quite ready to return home and still need short-term personal care support… especially those recovering from surgeries like hip or knee replacements.Respite care is also often used by families or individuals who want to “try out” a community before making a long-term commitment. Respite care is a short-term stay at an assisted living community, typically lasting anywhere from several weeks up to 2 months. It’s designed to provide temporary support for seniors while giving families and caregivers a chance to rest, travel, or recover from caregiving responsibilities.

In Los Angeles, respite care stays often include: a fully furnished private room, meals, housekeeping, and laundry; Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, toileting, medication management); Social activities and community engagement and 24-hour staff supervision. The room is fully ready for a quick move-in, all the resident needs to bring is their toothbrush and change of clothes. 

When Is It Appropriate?

  • Sometimes instead of going to a skilled nursing facility (SNF)– A lot of families go with respite in assisted living to avoid a skilled nursing facility altogether. If the senior doesn’t need round-the-clock medical care — just help with things like meds, meals, and personal care — assisted living can be a much better fit. SNFs can feel cold and clinical, while assisted living offers a warmer, more homey vibe. and they get privacy, social interaction, and a softer place to land while recovering.

  • Step-down recuperation after a SNF – For seniors who are medically stable but not quite ready to return home; for example, recovering from a hip or knee replacement, respite care can offer the extra support and TLC they need during recovery. These individuals are often expected to make a full recovery or regain their independence but just need a bit more time and assistance to get there.

  • Trial period before permanent move-in – A low-pressure way for families and seniors to “test out” an assisted living community before committing to a long-term move

  • Respite for caregiver – When the primary caregiver is traveling, recovering from illness, or simply in need of rest

Who Offers Respite Care In Los Angeles?

Not all assisted living communities offer respite care, and those that do may have different requirements and minimum stay lengths (commonly 14–30 days). Some of the most trusted communities offering respite care in Los Angeles include:

The Belmont Villages are definitely our top picks for respite. They are super reliable, offer great care, and offer both PT and OT in-house, which is a huge plus. They’re usually our go-to when families are looking for a solid and supportive short-term stay.

If they’re looking for something more high-end, Watermark Westwood and Watermark Beverly Hills both offer a more luxurious feel while still providing great care. And many of the Atria communities around L.A. also offer respite stays — it just depends on location and what kind of experience you’re going for.

How Are Respite Stays Charged?

Respite stays are typically charged at a daily rate, which may range from $200–$350/day depending on care level, room type, location and amenities. Some communities bundle care into the rate, while others may charge separately for personal care services (e.g., medication management or incontinence care).

True respite stays at a community are becoming a rarer resource in Los Angeles, as many communities are shifting their focus toward long-term move-ins. That said, we still have a list of communities across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley that are happy to accommodate respite stays. You need a trusted local assisted living expert like Assisted Living Locators to help you find the right fit.

Call us today at 310-853-8282 to begin your free, custom evaluation to find out if a respite care stay or a month-to-month lease would be most appropriate for your loved one. We’re here to help.

About Assisted Living Locators

Since 2003, thousands of families have been helped by Assisted Living Locators, one of the nation’s leading free senior living placement services. The Los Angeles office is operated by Sarah Ordover, owner of Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles. Her team services clients from Glendale and Burbank to Santa Monica, including West Hollywood, Century City, Westwood, and everything in between. The office also represents clients looking for senior living south of Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley in neighborhoods such as Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Studio City. The Los Angeles office can be reached at assistedlivinglocators.com/contact-us.