Hollenbeck Palms: Location, Size, and Basic Facts

Hollenbeck Palms is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Los Angeles, California, in the Boyle Heights neighbourhood. The community sits on a 12-acre campus and houses around 400 residents across independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care settings. It is operated by a non-profit organisation and has been serving seniors since 1926.

The community is designed so residents can age in place — meaning you can move between levels of care (independent to assisted living to nursing) without leaving the campus. This structure appeals to people who want to plan ahead for changing care needs rather than move multiple times.

Hollenbeck Palms is not a government-run facility. It is a private non-profit, which means it sets its own pricing, admission policies, and care standards, though it must meet California state licensing requirements for each level of care it provides.

Key Takeaways

  • Hollenbeck Palms is a non-profit continuing care community in Los Angeles that offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing on one campus.
  • Residents typically pay an entrance fee (which varies by unit and care level) plus monthly fees for housing, meals, and services.
  • Admission usually requires a health assessment, financial review, and sometimes a waiting period, depending on the care level you need.
  • The community accepts Medicare and some insurance plans for skilled nursing care, but independent and assisted living are typically paid out-of-pocket or through long-term care insurance.
  • You can contact the community directly to request a tour, ask about current availability, and learn what documentation you will need to begin the process.

Entrance Fees and Monthly Costs

Hollenbeck Palms uses a continuing care contract model, which means you typically pay an upfront entrance fee when you move in, plus monthly service fees. The entrance fee is partially refundable in some contracts and non-refundable in others — this varies by the specific agreement you sign and the care level you choose.

Monthly fees cover housing, meals (usually included in the base fee), utilities, activities, and basic services. Assisted living and skilled nursing typically cost more per month than independent living. Costs also vary depending on the size and location of your unit on campus.

Because entrance fees and monthly costs change and depend on your specific situation, the community itself is the only reliable source for current pricing. You can call them directly or request a tour to receive a detailed fee schedule. Many people also ask whether they can tour the facility before committing to any financial discussion.

What the Admission Process Looks Like

Admission to Hollenbeck Palms typically involves several steps. First, you or a family member contact the community to express interest and often schedule a tour. During the tour, staff explain the care levels, costs, and what to expect.

If you decide to move forward, the community will ask for financial information to confirm you can sustain the monthly fees. They may also request medical records or a health history to determine which care level is appropriate for you. Some applicants are placed on a waiting list if their preferred unit type is not when ready available.

Once your paperwork is reviewed and approved, you sign a continuing care contract. This contract outlines your rights, the services included, what happens if you need to move to a higher level of care, and what occurs if you leave the community. Read this carefully or have a lawyer review it before signing, as it is a binding agreement.

Care Levels and Services Offered

Independent living is for seniors who do not need daily information with personal care. You have your own apartment or cottage, prepare your own meals (though dining options are usually available), and participate in community activities. Staff are on-site but you manage your own schedule and household.

Assisted living provides help with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals. You still have your own private or semi-private room, but staff are available throughout the day and night. This level is for people who need support but do not require round-the-clock nursing care.

Skilled nursing care is for residents who need medical care, wound care, rehabilitation after hospitalisation, or 24-hour monitoring. This is the highest level of care on campus and is regulated as a nursing facility under California law. Medicare may cover some skilled nursing stays if certain conditions are met.

Insurance, Medicare, and Payment Options

Independent living and assisted living at Hollenbeck Palms are almost always paid out-of-pocket, through savings, or through a long-term care insurance policy if you have one. Medicare does not cover these levels of care.

Skilled nursing care may be covered by Medicare for a limited time if you are admitted after a hospital stay of at least three days and meet other conditions. You would need to verify your Medicare coverage before admission. Some residents also use Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) to help pay for skilled nursing, though this requires a separate financial assessment and may have restrictions on which rooms or units are available.

The community can tell you which insurance plans they accept and what paperwork you need to provide. If you have questions about whether your specific coverage applies, contact both the community and your insurance provider directly — they sometimes give different answers, and you need both perspectives.

How to Contact Hollenbeck Palms and What to Ask

You can reach Hollenbeck Palms by phone or by visiting in person. When you call, have ready: your age, the type of care you think you need (independent, assisted, or skilled nursing), and whether you have any specific questions about costs or availability.

Useful questions to ask include: What is the current entrance fee and monthly cost for the care level I need? How long is the waiting list? What documents do I need to bring to start the process? Do you accept Medicare or Medi-Cal? What happens if I need to move to a higher level of care? What is the refund policy if I leave?

Request a tour if you are seriously considering the community. Tours let you see the facilities, meet current residents if possible, and get a sense of whether the environment feels right for you. Many people tour multiple communities before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the entrance fee all at once?

Most continuing care communities allow you to pay the entrance fee in a lump sum or in installments over a set period (often 12 months). Ask Hollenbeck Palms about their payment plan options when you discuss costs. Some contracts also allow you to finance part of the entrance fee, though this may involve interest.

What happens if I move to a higher level of care?

If you move from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing, you typically move to a different unit on campus and your monthly fee increases. Your entrance fee usually transfers with you or is adjusted based on the new care level. The contract should spell out exactly how this works.

Can I leave Hollenbeck Palms if I change my mind?

Yes, but the financial consequences depend on your contract. Some contracts offer a full or partial refund of your entrance fee if you leave within a certain period (often the first year). After that period, refunds may be reduced or eliminated. Read your contract carefully to understand the exit terms before you sign.

Is Hollenbeck Palms the right choice for me?

That depends on your care needs, budget, location preference, and whether you want to age in place on one campus. The best way to decide is to tour the community, speak with current residents if possible, and compare it to other retirement communities in the Los Angeles area. Cost and care level are usually the deciding factors.

What if I have Medi-Cal but not much savings?

Medi-Cal can help pay for skilled nursing care at Hollenbeck Palms if you meet income and asset limits. However, Medi-Cal does not cover independent or assisted living. If you need one of those levels, you would need to find a community that accepts Medi-Cal residents or explore other housing options. Contact Hollenbeck Palms and your local Medi-Cal office to understand what is available to you.