Inside Look at Daily Life and True Costs
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood offers senior housing and care services through its partnership with UCLA Medical Center. The facility, located in Los Angeles’ Westwood neighborhood, provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care programs.
Recent evaluations of the facility reveal monthly costs ranging from $10,500 to $21,200, significantly higher than Los Angeles’ average senior living rates. The price point reflects the facility’s location and comprehensive service offerings, including 24-hour nursing care and specialized memory support programs.
Current residents report varying experiences with daily activities, healthcare services, and social programs. Staff members maintain a 1:5 caregiver-to-resident ratio, exceeding standard industry requirements. The facility’s dining program serves approximately 360 meals daily through its signature restaurant, Josephine’s Kitchen.
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood operates under state licensing for both assisted living and memory care. The facility’s partnership with UCLA Medical Center provides residents access to specialized healthcare services and academic programs. Multiple residents and family members spoke about the impact of this medical partnership on care quality and daily life.
This analysis examines the facility’s costs, care programs, living accommodations, and resident experiences based on direct observations and interviews with current residents, family members, and staff.
Location and Property Overview
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood stands along Wilshire Boulevard’s ‘Golden Mile’, housing 176,580 square feet of senior living space in a 153-foot contemporary high-rise.
The facility’s location near UCLA Medical Center provides residents direct access to healthcare services. Historic museums, entertainment venues, and Santa Monica beaches sit within short driving distance. The property’s position near UCLA campus creates natural connections to academic programs and cultural activities.
Metal and cement exterior cladding defines the building’s architecture, while upper-level setbacks create open-air amenity decks. Three below-grade parking levels offer 184 vehicle spaces. The Great Room showcases unique metal prints of vintage brooches, complemented by the library’s creative collages using hand-folded dictionary pages.
Security features include non-combustible steel and concrete structures, fire-rated partitions, and complete fire alarm systems. The facility maintains 24-hour security personnel and emergency call systems throughout the building.
A heated pool, walking paths, and landscaped courtyard with fireplace provide secured outdoor spaces for resident activities. The property’s design emphasizes both accessibility and safety, with controlled entry points protecting the community while allowing convenient access to Westwood’s amenities.
Comprehensive Cost Analysis
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood’s monthly rates exceed Los Angeles’ average assisted living costs of $4,500. The facility’s premium pricing reflects its upscale amenities and comprehensive care services.
Base monthly rates vary by care level and accommodation type:
Independent Living:
- One-bedroom apartments: $10,500
- Two-bedroom units: $14,400
Assisted Living:
- Studio apartments: $10,800
- One-bedroom units: $13,800
- Two-bedroom residences: $21,200
Memory Care:
- Studio accommodations: $13,500
- One-bedroom units: $16,500
Monthly fees include basic utilities, cable TV, weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and emergency response systems. Assisted living residents receive three daily meals, while independent living residents get two meals daily.
The facility’s licensing allows couples with different care needs to live together. Care levels adjust as resident needs change, supported by full-spectrum care licenses throughout the building.
Payment options include traditional methods, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, and various financial planning strategies. The pricing structure aligns with Belmont Village Westwood’s premium location and service offerings, though costs remain significantly higher than regional averages.
Living Accommodations
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood offers residential units ranging from 328-square-foot studios to 885-square-foot two-bedroom apartments . One-bedroom units measure between 424 and 475 square feet .
The memory care neighborhood features specialized layouts with enhanced safety features and intuitive design elements . Each residence includes designer kitchenettes, private bathrooms with easy-access showers , individual climate controls , and basic cable TV service . Emergency assistance call switches provide 24-hour access to help .
Two-bedroom units come equipped with full-size bathtubs and in-unit washers and dryers . Senior-sensitive features include raised electrical outlets and lowered switches for easier access .
Residents personalize their spaces with their own furniture and linens . The facility offers furniture procurement assistance for those requiring support . Pet-friendly policies allow residents to bring their companions .
Barrier-free designs and ADA-compliant features mark select units . Bathrooms feature 24-hour night lights and strategically placed grab bars . Oversized windows flood the spaces with natural light while maintaining security .
The interior design emphasizes both functionality and comfort through senior-friendly features and thoughtful color schemes . This approach creates living spaces that residents can truly call home while ensuring their safety and independence.
Healthcare Services
Licensed nurses staff Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood 24 hours daily. The medical team maintains active state nursing licenses and CPR certification, specializing in medication management, diabetes care, and memory support.
The facility’s healthcare program includes:
- Professional medication management
- Diabetes Center of Excellence services
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Speech therapy support
- Regular wellness monitoring
- Emergency response systems
Belmont Village Westwood opened in 2009 as UCLA’s first university-affiliated senior living community. The UCLA partnership provides residents access to:
- Academic Programs:
- Senior Scholars program participation
- Research-based health initiatives
- Undergraduate course auditing
- Academic community engagement
- Medical Benefits:
- UCLA Medical Center proximity
- World-renowned physician access
- Latest research integration
- Enhanced care protocols
Additional partnerships with USC, Vanderbilt, and other institutions strengthen the facility’s healthcare offerings. This network supports Belmont Village Westwood’s comprehensive health model, ranging from basic medical care to specialized memory care services.
Dining Experience
Josephine’s Kitchen, Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood’s signature dining venue, earns resident satisfaction ratings 25% higher than industry averages. The restaurant serves more than 24 fresh menu options daily, featuring ingredients from community gardens and local sources.
Menu selections combine classic dishes with innovative cuisine. Heart-healthy poached salmon and white wine shrimp scampi highlight the kitchen’s emphasis on nutritious, flavorful options. The culinary team maintains Specialized Diet Options including:
- Diabetic-friendly meals
- Low/no sodium selections
- Gluten-free alternatives
- Vegetarian and vegan choices
Chefs demonstrate cooking techniques and discuss nutritional benefits, helping residents understand the connection between ingredients and health. The dining room stays open two hours per meal service, allowing flexible scheduling for residents and their guests.
Private dining spaces accommodate special celebrations and family gatherings. The broader Belmont Village network serves approximately 360,000 meals monthly, demonstrating the program’s operational scale.
Resident satisfaction surveys place the dining experience 5% above full-service restaurants. The dining staff coordinates seating arrangements that encourage social connections while maintaining the atmosphere of an upscale restaurant. Both main dining areas and intimate settings create varied dining experiences for residents and their guests.
Social Life and Activities
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood runs activities eight hours daily, seven days a week. A nationally recognized gerontologist directs programs ranging from brain fitness exercises to cultural experiences.
The Circle of Friends program engages residents from breakfast through dinner. Roughly 75% of participants spend at least four hours daily in structured activities. Daily programs include:
- Brain fitness exercises
- Physical wellness activities
- Creative arts workshops
- Educational seminars
- Social gatherings
UCLA’s Senior Scholars program connects residents with university resources through:
- Virtual undergraduate courses
- Special lectures
- Academic discussions
- Campus cultural events
Art exhibits hosted with UCLA’s Emeriti Retiree Relations Center showcase resident creativity. The Whole Brain Fitness program targets six mental fitness domains, focusing on critical thinking, memory exercises, and problem-solving challenges.
Residents teach classes alongside participating, creating peer learning opportunities. The Village Bistro and garden terrace provide spaces for informal gatherings. The Center For Life Enhancement offers fitness classes adapted to various ability levels.
Structured programs build resident confidence while maintaining cognitive function. Activities adjust to create appropriate challenges, ensuring meaningful participation regardless of ability level.
Memory Care Program
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood’s Circle of Friends program operates seven days a week, providing structured cognitive support from breakfast through dinner. The program maintains 75% daily participation rates in purposeful activities, compared to less than one-third participation among independent residents.
Memory care staff complete 40 hours of initial orientation, focusing on advanced dementia techniques and specialized support strategies. Lead caregivers conduct monthly training sessions emphasizing person-centered approaches.
Vanderbilt University’s Center for Quality Aging partners with the facility to evaluate and enhance memory care practices. The memory care neighborhood features:
- 24/7 licensed nurse oversight
- Dedicated program coordinators
- Secured outdoor spaces
- Chef-prepared meals in Josephine’s Café
The self-contained memory care area preserves the community’s sophisticated atmosphere while providing easier navigation. Residents receive ability-centered enrichment programs that adapt to changing needs.
Bi-annual assessments measure program effectiveness, allowing quick adjustments to maintain personalized care. Activities create the “just right challenge” for each resident. Partnerships with UCLA and USC keep memory care practices aligned with current research.
The program addresses six core domains: critical thinking, memory-body movement, learning opportunities, sequencing tasks, long-term memory engagement, and problem-solving challenges. This comprehensive approach combines therapeutic support with cognitive stimulation.
Staff and Service Quality
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood maintains a staff-to-resident ratio of 1:5, exceeding standard industry requirements. Licensed nurses provide 24/7 coverage, supporting an efficient service delivery system focused on resident care.
Staff members complete 40 hours of orientation training, covering:
- Advanced dementia care
- Emergency response protocols
- Medication management
- Safety procedures
- Resident rights
Monthly in-service sessions keep staff skills current with industry practices. The facility’s corporate training department develops specialized programs promoting continuous improvement.
Service quality monitoring includes:
- Response Systems:
- 24-hour emergency calls
- Regular wellness checks
- Prompt medication management
- Quality Measures:
- Performance evaluations
- Service audits
- Resident satisfaction surveys
Caregiver retention rates surpass administrative positions, enabling deeper resident relationships. Belmont Village’s Great Place to Work certification since 2018 extends to FORTUNE’S Top 50 Best Workplaces in Aging Services recognition in 2018 and 2019.
Family members report positive staff interactions, noting strong rapport development and effective psychosocial engagement. Staff members demonstrate particular proficiency handling memory impairment cases. The facility’s rigorous selection process and high staffing ratios create an atmosphere of comfort and security while maintaining consistent care standards.
Conclusion
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood’s monthly rates exceed regional averages, starting at $10,500 for independent living and reaching $21,200 for assisted living units. The facility’s partnership with UCLA Medical Center provides residents specialized healthcare access and academic opportunities.
Staff-to-resident ratios maintain 1:5 coverage, surpassing industry standards. The Circle of Friends memory care program achieves 75% daily participation rates. Josephine’s Kitchen earns dining satisfaction scores 25% above industry averages.
Licensed nurses provide 24/7 medical oversight while coordinating with UCLA physicians. The facility’s location near Wilshire Boulevard’s ‘Golden Mile’ offers direct access to cultural venues and healthcare services. Resident feedback highlights strong staff engagement and consistent service quality.
Belmont Village Westwood’s Great Place to Work certification since 2018 reflects its investment in staff development and resident care. The 176,580-square-foot property combines upscale amenities with comprehensive medical support, establishing service standards that justify its premium market position.
FAQs
Q1. What is the cost range for living at Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood? Monthly rates at Belmont Village Westwood vary based on care level and accommodation type. Independent living starts at $10,500 for one-bedroom apartments, while assisted living ranges from $10,800 for studios to $21,200 for two-bedroom units. Memory care options begin at $13,500 for studios.
Q2. What healthcare services are available at Belmont Village Westwood? Belmont Village Westwood offers 24/7 licensed nursing care, medication management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The facility also has a partnership with UCLA Medical Center, providing residents access to world-renowned physicians and cutting-edge medical research.
Q3. What dining options are available for residents? Residents can enjoy meals at Josephine’s Kitchen, which offers over 24 fresh menu options daily. The culinary team focuses on farm-to-table practices, incorporating fresh herbs and vegetables from community gardens. Special dietary needs, including diabetic-friendly, low-sodium, gluten-free, and vegetarian options, are accommodated.
Q4. What types of activities and social programs are offered? Belmont Village Westwood provides a rich calendar of daily activities, including brain fitness exercises, physical wellness activities, creative arts workshops, and educational seminars. The community also offers unique experiences through its partnership with UCLA, such as the Senior Scholars program, allowing residents to participate in undergraduate courses and attend special lectures.
Q5. How does Belmont Village Westwood support residents with memory care needs? The facility offers a specialized Circle of Friends program for residents with mild cognitive impairment. This comprehensive therapeutic program operates seven days a week, addressing six essential domains of mental fitness. The memory care neighborhood provides a secure environment with dedicated staff, specially trained enrichment leaders, and 24/7 licensed nurse oversight.
