Ararat Home of Los Angeles

Ararat Home of Los Angeles, which includes a skilled nursing facility, a chapel and the assisted living facility, sprawls over ten landscaped acres on its own street. Imprinted on a walking path leading from the parking lot to the assisted living building is an Armenian historical timeline from the Bronze Age until 1992—when Armenia became a member of the United Nations. The enormous beige building has turquoise trim and a Spanish-style roof. Although the area is urban, the campus is tucked behind a huge hospital, providing a sense of seclusion. A small patio out front is furnished with umbrella-topped tables.

We were welcomed to the facility by a full house—every sofa and chair in the seating area was occupied by a resident! A large mint green Oriental rug contrasts nicely with the brown tile floor. Adding even more color, a purple artificial orchid tops the blue coffee table. The room is open and inviting, with high ceilings, soft beige and mauve walls and a fireplace. Small gold plaques in the form of leaves extend from a cast-iron tree on the wall. The inscriptions commemorate donors. The lobby houses a lovely gift shop stocked with sundries. We noticed security monitors at the welcome desk, where the helpful receptionist sat greeting visitors. Natural light drenches the large dining room. Flowers, coffee cups and utensils crown every cloth-draped table.

Moderately sized resident rooms have beige carpet and come partially furnished unless someone requests additional furnishings. In the room we viewed, furnishings included a small sofa, a coffee table, three armchairs and a twin bed covered by a floral comforter. Although we didn’t see the activity room, we were able to glance at the schedule. Dancing, yoga, Bible study, trivia games, bingo, resident council meetings and current events discussions provide plenty of opportunity for involvement.