The other day I was talking to a client who was confusing “active” senior living with “independent” senior living. He mentioned that someone in his community suggested they get a ping-pong table and joked that there was no one there who would be physically able to play ping-pong. I explained he was living in an independent living community, which is not the same as an active community.
Independent living communities are defined as facilities that provide meals, housekeeping, utilities, activities, and transportation. They do not employ caregiving staff. People living in independent living are not necessarily active but they are able to take care of their own activities of daily living (ADLs) – bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring, and ambulating. If someone needs care (and many eventually do) when living in an independent living property, they move or hire a private caregiver whom they pay them directly.
In metro Los Angeles, there are only a handful of independent living properties. Most places that provide independent living also provide assisted living and, in many cases, memory care. It is easy to understand why. The minute someone needs help with medication management or standby-showering (entry level assisted living), the facility is unable to assist. The resident has to hire an outside caregiving agency to come in and help, or they move. Not good if you are the provider
Below are some of the communities in Los Angeles that cater to “independent” residents. It is a cursory overview at best. To find out the particulars on any community and to make sure you are guided to the best option for your loved one, contact Assisted Living Locators at 310-853-8282. We know LA senior living and our service is provided a no charge to our clients.
Palm Court is a mid-priced independent living community across the street from Sony Pictures on Overland Avenue. It has over-sized studios and one-bedrooms, a terrific movie theater and art classroom, and is adjacent to the Culver City Senior Center, one of the best in LA. The activity calendar is engaging and the food can be really good. However, many of the residents who live there have their own private caregivers, so whether you view it as independent or assisted living is really up to you.
Holiday Villa East, Santa Monica
Holiday Villa in Santa Monica is a low-cost property offering comfortable studios, most with balconies or patios, in a great location right on 17th Street and Broadway. Meals, housekeeping, and basic amenities are on offer. Family-owned and operated, this community has been in business since 1978, It is good for seniors that are working on a limited budget and who no longer want to deal with home-making chores.
On 4 ½ acres, Ararat Gardens (previously known as Windsor) in Glendale is a retirement community for older adults who are looking for care-free independent living with a little bit of support. A continuing care retirement community (CCRC), Ararat Gardens offers 73 independent apartments, 28 assisted living units and 23 skilled nursing beds on its campus. Ararat Gardens is a non-profit 501c3. Residents have a say in decision-making on everything from activities to rate increases. Residents run the on-site convenience store and a very well-stocked library of resident donated books.
The Village at Sherman Oaks and The Village at Northridge
SRG operates two independent and assisted living communities in the Los Angeles area, The Village at Sherman Oaks and The Village at Northridge. Both skew towards their independent residents. Amenities include pools, barbecue grills, putting greens, and movie theaters, making these SRG properties the closest thing in LA to resort-style senior living, more commonly found in other parts of the US. The one and two-bedroom apartments are equipped with full kitchens.
Other Independent Living Communities
Other independent/assisted living communities with large independent populations include Belmont Village – Westwood, Kingsley Manor, Nazareth House, The Watermark at Westwood Village, Fairwinds in West Hills, Merrill Gardens in Rancho Palos Verdes, The Kensington in Redondo Beach, and the soon-to-open Variel of Woodland Hills.
If you are willing to accept that any place, no matter how it is advertised, will have residents whose care needs run the spectrum, we can find a home for you. The trick is to make the right match. Call Sarah or Laura at Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles to guide you through the options.
Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles owner Sarah Ordover is one of LA’s top senior living advisors. Certified in dementia care, Sarah is a trained aging specialist who holds an RCFE assisted living administrator license. Sarah thoughtfully guides families through the senior living decision-making process, helping them find the best solution for their loved ones. Call Sarah at 310-853-8282 for a consultation. Assisted Living Locators is free to clients.
