Elder Care in the Los Angeles Area

Providing elder care for a loved one can feel like a heart-wrenching and all-consuming project. For those living in the Los Angeles area there are a multitude of care choices and it can all seem a bit daunting, but it doesn't have to be. While it still may not be easy, there are tools available to help you along the way.

In-Home Supportive Services in Los Angeles County

In-home care is the preference of many elderly and their families, but the reality of in-home care can put a strain on family caregivers with other responsibilities. Professional caregivers can be hired to come into the home as needed, whether to give a family caregiver a break, or to provide needed assistance. Adult Protective Services (APS) are available to dependent adults in the state of California. This includes individuals age 65 or older and people 18-64 who are dependent physically or who are mentally impaired. Under this protection, the Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC) is the arm that provides In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in Los Angeles County. PASC has a registry which provides referrals for IHSS consumers as well as access to training and support services. This training can help family members provide care and find the support they need.

Resources for In-home Care

There are a number of resources that provide in-home care in the Los Angeles area. Here are a few to help start your search:

• Acti Kare: Caregivers are trained to provide assistance in all aspects of daily living and help the elderly to live safely and independently. They also have individuals trained to aid those with Alzheimer's or dementia.


• Good Company Senior Care: Provides in-home help from as little as 4 hour visits to 24 hour live-in assistance. Along with help with day-to-day activities, they also provide help with shopping and errands, monitor diet, and will even help take care of pets. Help for Alzheimer's needs is also available.


• Home Instead: Offers homecare services including companionship, personal care services, 24 hour or live-in care and help for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.

Living Independently in Los Angeles

If you're looking for elder care in the Los Angeles area that offers independent living with some assistance, there is a consumer directed program that can be used as a resource to help guide you. LILA (Living Independently in Los Angeles) is an online project designed to benefit people with disabilities living in Los Angeles County. The information provided through this interactive project is a collection of knowledge offered by local residents willing to share their personal experience to identify independent living resources in the area.

Residential Care Facilities in Los Angeles

Residential care facilities in the Los Angeles area offer different levels of care. Assisted living facilities offer elder care that allows a level of independence paired with help such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, management of meds, help in dressing and bathing and other day-to-day activities. This type of help is known as custodial care and does not involve skilled nursing care. Facilities that offer skilled nursing care are often covered by insurance, while custodial care facilities often are not. Take this into consideration as you search for a facility. This short list of facilities that offer elder care in the Los Angeles area are a good example of the types of care available:

• Ayres Residential Care Home: Offers assisted living options in three different private homes located in residential neighborhoods. The provide personalized care that includes home cooking, transportation, daily activities, rehabilitation, and amenities including professional hair stylists, and elegant surroundings.


• Raya's Paradise: Provides board and care for the elderly. Services range from assisted living for the elderly, accepts Alzheimer's and dementia residents, and also offers respite and short term stays and Hospice care.


• Hollenbeck Palms: This retirement community offers custodial care, skilled nursing care and wellness programs.

Seek a Professional Assessment

Before you decide on exactly what type of care your elderly loved one needs get a professional assessment to determine their current and future needs. This will help you find the right long-term care solution.