What adult day care looks like in Los Angeles

Adult day care in Los Angeles runs during business hours — typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday — and serves older adults and younger people with disabilities who need supervision, activities, and social connection during the day. Programs operate in dedicated centers, community centers, or sometimes within senior living facilities. You attend during the day and return home in the evening, which is different from residential care where you live on-site.

Los Angeles has programs across the city, from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach, though availability and cost vary significantly by neighborhood. Some programs focus on general adult day care; others specialize in memory care for people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Most provide meals, activities, health monitoring, and transportation to and from the center, though what's included depends on the program and what you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult day care in Los Angeles typically costs between $60 and $150 per day, though some programs offer sliding scale fees based on income.
  • The Los Angeles Department of Aging and the Eldercare Locator can point you toward programs in your area, and many accept Medicaid or other insurance.
  • Memory care programs exist specifically for people with dementia and usually cost more than general adult day care.
  • Most programs require a tour, an intake interview, and sometimes a health assessment before you can start attending.
  • Transportation is often included, but confirm this with each program because some require family pickup or charge extra for transport.

How to find adult day care programs near you

Start with the Eldercare Locator, a national phone service run by the U.S. Administration on Aging. Call 1-800-677-1116 and tell them you're looking for adult day care in Los Angeles; they'll give you the phone numbers and addresses of programs in your zip code or neighborhood. This is free and takes about 10 minutes.

The Los Angeles Department of Aging also maintains a list of licensed adult day care centers and can answer questions about what programs offer. You can reach them at 213-202-5900 or visit their website. They can tell you which programs are currently accepting new participants and which ones have waiting lists.

If cost is a concern, ask about Medicaid-funded programs. California's Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, covers adult day care for some people, though you must meet income and disability requirements. The program is called IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) or MSSP (Multipurpose Senior Services Program), depending on your situation. Your local Medi-Cal office can tell you whether you may have access to.

What to expect during a program visit and intake

Before you start attending, most programs require a tour and an intake appointment. During the tour, you'll see the activity space, the kitchen, the bathrooms, and meet some of the staff. Ask whether the program feels right for you — whether the activities interest you, whether the other participants seem engaged, and whether the staff seem attentive and kind. This matters more than any checklist.

At the intake appointment, staff will ask about your health history, any medications you take, dietary needs, and what activities you enjoy. They may ask about your living situation, who your emergency contact is, and whether you need transportation. Some programs do a brief health screening or ask your doctor to fill out a form. Bring your insurance card and any medical records you have.

Ask the program directly: What happens if I have a medical emergency? Who transports me? What's the cancellation policy if I'm sick? Can I attend part-time or do I have to commit to full-time? These answers matter for planning.

Cost and payment options in Los Angeles

Adult day care in Los Angeles typically costs between $60 and $150 per day, though some programs charge by the hour or offer part-time rates. Full-time attendance (five days a week) usually runs $300 to $750 per week. Meals and activities are usually included in this price, but transportation may cost extra — ask before you commit.

Several payment routes exist. Medi-Cal covers adult day care for people who may have access to, though the program must be Medi-Cal-certified. Medicare does not cover adult day care directly, but some Medicare Advantage plans include it as a supplemental benefit — call your plan to ask. Private insurance rarely covers it, but it's worth checking your policy.

Many programs offer sliding scale fees, meaning the cost adjusts based on your household income. Ask whether the program you're considering has a sliding scale and what income levels may have access to. Some nonprofits and senior centers offer lower-cost programs than for-profit centers, so if cost is tight, start there.

Memory care programs for people with dementia

If you or a family member has Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, memory care adult day programs exist specifically for this. These programs have staff trained in dementia care, activities designed for people with memory loss, and usually smaller group sizes than general adult day care. The environment is often quieter and more structured.

Memory care programs in Los Angeles typically cost $100 to $200 per day — more than general adult day care — because staffing ratios are higher and training is specialized. Ask whether the program has experience with the specific stage of dementia (early, middle, or late) that applies to you. Some programs are better equipped for people who wander or who have behavioral changes; others focus on people in earlier stages who can still participate in group activities.

The Alzheimer's Association Los Angeles Chapter can refer you to memory care programs and also offers support groups for family caregivers. Call them at 1-800-272-3900.

Transportation and scheduling

Most adult day care programs in Los Angeles include transportation to and from the center, either in a program van or through a contracted service. However, some programs require family pickup or charge an extra fee for transport — usually $5 to $15 per day. Ask this question early, because it affects both cost and whether the program is realistic for your situation.

If you drive yourself or use public transit, confirm that the program location is accessible to you. Some programs are near Metro bus lines; others are in areas where you need a car. If you use a wheelchair or walker, ask whether the van or building entrance is accessible.

Most programs operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offer extended hours (early morning or evening pickup) for an extra fee. If you need weekend or evening care, adult day care is not the right fit — you'd need residential care or in-home care instead.

Questions to ask before you commit

Beyond cost and transportation, ask these questions when you call or visit a program:

  • Staffing: What is the ratio of staff to participants? Are staff trained in first aid and CPR? Do the same staff members work every day, or does it rotate?
  • Activities: What does a typical day look like? Are activities optional or required? Can you choose what you do?
  • Health and medication: Can staff give you medication if you need it? What happens if you have a medical emergency?
  • Flexibility: Can you attend part-time or drop in occasionally, or do you have to commit to a set schedule?
  • Meals: What meals are provided? Can the program accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?
  • Cancellation: If you're sick or need to miss a day, do you still pay? How much notice do you need to give if you want to stop attending?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend adult day care part-time, or do I have to go five days a week?

Most programs allow part-time attendance, though some have a minimum (like two or three days per week). A few programs let you drop in as needed, though this is less common. Call the program directly and ask about their part-time options and whether there's a discount for fewer days.

What if I can't afford the daily cost?

Ask the program about sliding scale fees first. If that doesn't help, contact your local Medi-Cal office to see whether you may have access to for coverage. Nonprofit senior centers sometimes offer lower-cost programs than for-profit centers. The Los Angeles Department of Aging can also point you toward programs with financial information.

Is adult day care covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not cover adult day care directly. However, some Medicare Advantage plans include it as an extra benefit. Call your plan's member services number and ask whether adult day care is covered. If you have traditional Medicare, you would need to pay out of pocket or use Medi-Cal if you may have access to.

What's the difference between adult day care and assisted living?

Adult day care is daytime only — you go during business hours and return home at night. Assisted living is residential; you live there 24 hours a day. Adult day care is usually much less expensive and works well if you have family or a caregiver at home in the evenings and on weekends.

How do I know if a program is licensed and safe?

Licensed adult day care programs in California are regulated by the Department of Social Services. Ask the program for their license number and verify it on the state's website. You can also call the Los Angeles Department of Aging to confirm that a program is licensed. Licensed programs must meet staffing, safety, and health standards.