In 1955, Dr. Vernon L. Nickel developed the halo vest, a device which is still in use to immobilize the cervical spine following severe neck injury or certain types of surgery.

[6][5] During this period the oldest building still standing on the south campus, the aviary, was constructed as well as the male and female wards and the refectory.

[5] Under Harriman much of the farm was rebuilt following a flood in 1914 which brought with it significant improvements including new buildings and an irrigation system.

[5] In 1926 the facility's occupational therapy program, which focused on rehabilitation through actions, was established and through it patients learned various crafts and made much the hospital's of the furniture, food, and other necessities.

[5] In 1935 The National Social Security Act enabled many older residents to leave Rancho Los Amigos which made room for many mentally ill children to be admitted in.

[5] Due to many residents being unable to work this brought upon the end of Rancho Los Amigo's farming operations.

[9][10] On October 1, 2021 the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the demolition of 103 vacant buildings in the historic South Campus.

Concerns were raised by the Los Angeles Conservancy which had identified over 60 historic buildings slated for demolition.

Primarily developed between 1907 and 1932, these structures provided a rare glimpse into the early history of Los Angeles.

Rancho specializes in helping patients with disabilities regain skills and learn techniques to accomplish the basic activities of daily living, and returning to work or school if possible.

For more than two decades, Rancho has been ranked among "America's Best Hospitals" in Rehabilitation Medicine by U.S. News & World Report.

[16] These services help patients to obtain as much independence as they are able, so they may return to their family, school or a job if feasible.

[2] As the rehabilitation arm of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services healthcare system, Rancho is becoming an enhanced medical home for stroke and spinal cord injury, providing lifetime care for seniors and persons with disabilities.