The Best Memory Care Communities in Los Angeles County, CA

The California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, monitors and licenses memory care facilities in Los Angeles County and the rest of the state. This agency enforces regulations and conducts background checks on prospective caregivers. 

• Los Angeles County is one of the most expensive areas to live in California. On a cost of living index that’s based on a national score of 100, Los Angeles County has a score of 165 versus the state median of 150. To help low-income seniors afford memory care services, several local agencies provide options counseling and assist individuals with enrolling in public benefit programs.  
• Crime is slightly more prevalent in Los Angeles County than in the typical U.S. community, making memory care an attractive alternative to living alone for those with dementia. On a crime scale, the county’s violent crime is rated at 23.1 compared to the national median of 22.7, and property crime is rated at 41.7 versus 35.4 nationally.  
• Los Angeles County has a pleasant climate throughout the year with high temperatures ranging between 66 and 85 degrees. The county gets about 16 inches of rain annually and no snow, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to relax outdoors and enjoy therapeutic activities such as birdwatching and walking.  
• Health care costs are about 15% lower in Los Angeles County than in the nation as a whole, which may provide savings for those managing chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s. UCLA Medical Center is in the city of Los Angeles and has specialized dementia services, as is Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, which is nationally ranked in nearly a dozen specialties.  
• All forms of retirement income, except for Social Security benefits, are fully taxed at the state level. This may be a consideration for those who rely on forms of income such as dividends from investments, pensions and withdrawals from retirement accounts. There are veterans’ benefits specialists and financial experts seniors can connect with through their local Area Agency on Aging who can help them apply for tax breaks.  
• Los Angeles County is listed on the AARP Age-Friendly Network, indicating that its officials have worked to create a safe, comfortable environment for people of all ages.

In Los Angeles County, dementia services are offered in assisted living facilities that are licensed to provide specialized care. Data isn’t available through any senior care cost surveys, but on average, memory care costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living. The following rates are calculated by adding 25% to assisted living costs in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.  

Seniors in Los Angeles County pay $6,563 per month for memory care, which is equal to the state median but nearly $1,000 more than the national average of $5,625. Several California cities have more affordable costs, including Bakersfield, where seniors pay $4,688, and Fresno, where costs average $4,875. In Santa Cruz, rates are higher at $6,938, and in Santa Rosa, fees are considerably more expensive at $8,810.   

Los Angeles County has several senior care options at various price points. The cheapest option, adult day health care, costs $1,652 per month. Older adults pay $5,250 for residential assisted living, and $5,911 for home care or specialized home health care. Nursing home residents in semiprivate rooms pay $9,125, and those in private rooms pay $11,269.  

In Los Angeles County, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in California page.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in California page.

Los Angeles County Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in California are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in California page for more information about these laws.