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Small home · Licensed for 6 · Indio
Desert Cottage III
43745 Pettirosso St., Indio, CA 92203Licensed since 2014
Overview
No openings reported
- Approved by the state: Wheelchair · Dementia · BedriddenState licensing record · October 26, 2026
- Ways to pay: Medi-Cal ALW acceptedDHCS participant list · October 1, 2026
- Licensed for 6: a small care homeThe state license record
Ask this home
Free for families. A home gets your number only if you say yes.
Care and support
- Wheelchairup to 6 residents
- Dementia
- Bedriddenup to 6 residents
Not on file: hospice approval.
Approved by the state · State licensing record · October 26, 2026. An approval may cover specific rooms or residents; it does not establish an opening.
Read the state’s own wording
6 NON-AMBULATORY, OF WHICH 6 MAY BE BEDRIDDEN.
983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA
CDSS record, verbatim · October 26, 2026
Care services
These are the home’s own statements about its day-to-day practice — they are not part of the state licensing record, and the state has not approved or reviewed them.
Assisted living
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Activities of daily living the home lists help withAssistance with daily activitiesDuring respite care stays
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Podiatrist visits
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Incontinence care
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Respite / short-term stays
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
24-hour supervision claimed
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Training topics namedDementia careWe don’t have this home’s dementia-care disclosure. California requires a home that advertises dementia care to describe that care in writing when you ask.
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
As needs change
If memory loss develops
Dementia-care designation on file
State licensing record · October 26, 2026
We’ll ask for you. Not on file for Desert Cottage III: two-person transfers or a lift, who is awake overnight, help with medicines and staying through hospice. When we check availability, we ask about these too.
Check availabilityWhat it costs here
Covelight estimate
$4,250a month to start
Likely $3,500–$5,250
From 10 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file
Monthly cost breakdownWith a shared room and basic help · room, care and fees$4,250likely a month
Starting monthly rate$4,250likely $3,500–$5,250
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 10 small homes within 7 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Basic help with daily careUsually includedup to $600
Basic help is usually part of the starting rate. Homes that price care by level start around $600 a month (44 California homes publish a care-level range, seen in September 2026).
One-time move-in fee$2,500one time · likely $0–$4,000
Homes that list a one-time entry or community fee charge a median of $2,500 (133 California listings; middle half $1,000–$4,000). Many homes list none — ask.
- Likely monthly totalLikely $3,500–$5,450
- $4,250
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,100–$8,650
- $6,750
How people payOn the Medi-Cal waiver list · private pay, SSI/SSP, veterans, insurance
- MedicareDoes not pay for room and board in a care home. It can still cover hospice or home-health visits inside one.
- Private payMost residents pay from savings, a home sale or family help. Ask for the rate and what it includes in writing.
- Medi-Cal Assisted Living WaiverThis home appears on the DHCS participation list, October 1, 2026. Confirm eligibility and current participation with the program. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board. On the waiver, a resident on SSI/SSP pays the home $1,444.07 a month for room and board.
- SSI/SSPCalifornia’s 2026 standard is $1,626.07 a month; $1,444.07 of it goes to the home and $182 stays with the resident. Whether this home accepts it is not on file — ask.
- VeteransVA Aid & Attendance can add to a veteran’s or surviving spouse’s pension. Ask whether residents here have used it.
- Long-term care insuranceMost policies pay for licensed care homes. Ask what paperwork the home provides for claims.
Rates at nearby homes10 nearby homes publish starting rates of $2,500 to $5,500
10 homes like this within 7 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,000–$5,200.
- Terra Lago Assisted LivingIndio · 0.4 mi · Small home$2,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Monticello Senior Care in La QuintaLa Quinta · 4.5 mi · Small home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Shiloh LivingLa Quinta · 4.8 mi · Small home$5,200Listed on its own website · *monthly pricing ranges between · seen October 5, 2026
- Infinite Love & Care HomesIndio · 5.2 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Goldluxury VillaLa Quinta · 5.4 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Villa QuinterraLa Quinta · 5.4 mi · Small home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Mountain View Residential Care for the ElderlyLa Quinta · 5.7 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Sun City VillaPalm Desert · 6.2 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Del Oro Residential CareLa Quinta · 6.2 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Victoria Falls Home CarePalm Desert · 6.5 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
How this estimate worksWithin 25% for 7 in 10 homes in testing
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 10 small homes within 7 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
- Only prices a home put out itself count: its own website, a listing it supplied, or a price Seniorly says the home confirmed. Prices a listing site shows without saying where they came from are left out.
- Nearby homes are the nearest of the same size that publish a rate, widening from 3 to 40 miles until at least 8 do. The estimate starts from what they charge, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices.
- Room, care-level, second-person and move-in lines come from what California homes publish on listing sites. Memory care uses Covelight’s researched premium over assisted living.
- Totals add each line’s figure and combine the lines’ ranges as separate charges, because a home is rarely at the top, or the bottom, of every line at once.
- We tested this estimate on 1,546 California homes that publish their own starting rate. It was within 10% of the real rate for 3 in 10 homes and within 25% for 7 in 10; the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 (September 12, 2026).
- It cannot see this home’s specials, how it assesses care, or which rooms are open.
Avoid surprises on the billWhat changes the price, and what to ask
- The care level
Some homes charge one all-inclusive rate. Others add levels or points as needs grow. Ask how the level is set, who decides, and what the next level costs.
- What is billed separately
Medication management, incontinence supplies, transportation and a second person in the room are often extra. Ask for the list in writing.
- Move-in costs
A one-time move-in fee or deposit is common. Ask what it covers and whether any of it comes back if the stay is short.
- Increases
California requires at least 90 days’ written notice, with reasons, before a rate rises (Health & Safety Code §1569.655). A change in the resident’s care level is the section’s own exception and can be billed sooner.
An estimate for planning, not a quote. A home sets the price after hearing about the care needed.
Daily life
Rooms, meals, activities and house rules, in the home’s own words. Open any detail to see where it came from.
Rooms & the spaces they will use (7)Private rooms · Building type · Shared / companion rooms
Private rooms
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Building typeSingle family home
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Shared / companion rooms
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Outdoor spaceWalks (for dementia patients) · Garden (for dementia patients) · A gardenWe don’t have this home’s dementia-care disclosure. California requires a home that advertises dementia care to describe that care in writing when you ask.
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Room typesSingle rooms · Double rooms
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Common areasDay rooms · Family room
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Rooms come furnished
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Meals, preferences & familiar food (1)Special diets supported
Special diets supportedHeart Healthy · Low Glycemic
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Activities & the rhythm of a day (7)The shape of an ordinary day, as the home describes it · Activity types offered · One-to-one engagement offered
The shape of an ordinary day, as the home describes itDaily activities are designed for social and mental stimulation.
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Activity types offeredSimple, intuitive games requiring no prior experience · Conversation starters that help residents engage with memories and emotions · Group play connecting residents with caregivers, family and other residents · Games responding to hand and arm movements · Gentle exercise · Coordination · and 22 more
Simple, intuitive games requiring no prior experience · Conversation starters that help residents engage with memories and emotions · Group play connecting residents with caregivers, family and other residents · Games responding to hand and arm movements · Gentle exercise · Coordination · Problem-solving · Memory recall · Focus · Recreational programs using interactive sensory table activities · Cognitive engagement · Physical movement · Social interaction · Group sessions · One-on-one sessions · Group play · Interactive light games · Interactive sensory table activities — reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Stimulating activities · Tranquil activities · Socially interactive activities · Stimulating · Tranquil · Socially interactive — reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Pet therapy — reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Social activities — reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Cognitive stimulation · Interactive Sensory Table — reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
One-to-one engagement offered
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Activities tailored to the individual
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Exercise or fitness programIndividualized low-impact exercise plans · Customized exercises for each resident to help maintain independence as long as possible. · Customized exercises
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Activities coordinator on staff
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Therapy animal visits
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Pets, routines & independence (3)Residents may bring a pet · Staff help care for a resident's pet · The home has its own pets
Residents may bring a petYes — “We also encourage residents, if possible, to bring in their own pets from their home to live at Desert Cottages with them.”
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Staff help care for a resident's pet
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
The home has its own pets
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Visiting & staying involved (4)Support services for families · Contact form · Neighborhood or area named
Support services for families
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
- Open on the website
Contact form
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Neighborhood or area namedIndio, CA 92203
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
- Open on the website
URL of the photo gallery page
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
About the home (1)Brand or trade name
Brand or trade nameDesert Cottages III
Reported on desertcottages.com · seen October 27, 2026.
Where it is
43745 Pettirosso St., Indio, CA 92203Address from the public record · October 26, 2026. Confirm the entrance with the home before visiting.
Opening the neighborhood map…
- John F. Kennedy Memorial HospitalHospital · General acute care, on the state’s list3.1 mi
Straight-line distances; check the drive or the walk. Hospital: the nearest general acute care hospital on the state’s list (CDPH, September 16, 2026).
Open directionsThe state record
California inspects every licensed home and publishes what it found. A citation does not make a home unsafe, and an empty file does not make a home good.
CDSS public record, read October 26, 2026 · License #336426273 · See the state’s own record
The last 36 months — 9 of 11 documents
Complaint outcomes in these 36 months, in the state’s words: 1 “Unfounded”.
20261 state visit · 1 document
Aug 19, 2026Facility evaluation reportRoutine visitReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 8/19/26 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Toni Nwala conducted an unannounced one (1) year required visit. LPA were granted entry by Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler, who was informed of the purpose of visit. At the time of visit, there are no residents in care. Elizabeth has obtained proper fingerprint clearance and association to the facility LPA observed the following during today's visit: LPA conducted a tour of the facility with Administrator, Elizabeth. The physical plant contained four (4) resident bedrooms, one (1) staff bedroom, and three and a half (3.5) bathrooms. The facility has a dining room, kitchen, living room, and a gated backyard. Indoor and outdoor passageways were free of obstruction. There were no bodies of water located on the property. The facility has a working refrigerator ready for residents to be accepted into the facility. Water temperature measured at 106.5-degree Fahrenheit meeting within the required limits. Dishes and utensils were in sufficient supply and in good repair. Knives and sharp items are located in the kitchen in a locked cabinet. Resident bedrooms had the required bedding, furniture, and lighting. Disinfectants and cleaning solutions were secured in a locked cabinet in the kitchen. There is a locked cabinet located in the kitchen to store centrally stored medication. The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and were observed to be operable. LPA observed charged fire extinguishers mounted in the kitchen. Facility maintained a sufficient amount of PPE located in the locked staff bedroom. Administrator file reviewed have a criminal record clearance and valid first aid/CPR certification. Administrator’s license expiration date is 12/25/2026. Facility sketch, personal rights, and emergency disaster plan is posted on a wall in the hallway near entrance. According to Administrator, Elizabeth, there are no firearms or ammunition on the premises. During today's visit, LPA did not observe any immediate violations or concerns. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was reviewed and provided to Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 19, 2026
20256 state visits · 6 documents
Oct 30, 2025Facility evaluation reportCase Management - OtherReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPA met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler and explained the purpose of the visit. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 30, 2025
Oct 10, 2025Facility evaluation reportCase Management - OtherReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPA met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler and explained the purpose of the visit. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 10, 2025
Sep 26, 2025Facility evaluation reportCase Management - OtherReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPA met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler and explained the purpose of the visit. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 26, 2025
Sep 16, 2025Facility evaluation reportCase Management - OtherReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPA met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler and explained the purpose of the visit. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 16, 2025
Aug 30, 2025Facility evaluation reportCase Management - OtherReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs),Abdoulaye Zerbo and Armando Perez conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPAs met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler, informed them of the purpose of the visit and was granted access. During today's visit, LPAs toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 30, 2025
May 15, 2025Facility evaluation reportCase Management - OtherReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility to issue an amended report to clarify the reported allegation(s). LPA met with Elizabeth Hengstler, identified himself and discussed the purpose of the visit. A tour was conducted of the facility. No immediate health and safety concerns were observed during the visit. During today’s visit, LPA obtained Elizabeth Hengstler's signature on an amended version of a report originally delivered on 12-11-2024. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to Elizabeth Hengstlerthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 15, 2025
20242 state visits · 2 documents
Aug 21, 2024Facility evaluation reportRoutine visitReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 8/21/24 Licensing Program Analyst's (LPAs) Valerie Flores, Ferrer Sabarias, and Andrei Castillo conducted an unannounced one (1) year required visit. LPA's were granted entry by Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler, who was informed of the purpose of visit. At the time of visit, there are no residents in care. Per Elizabeth, they wish to admit residents once their fire sprinklers have been installed. Elizabeth has obtained proper fingerprint clearance and association to the facility. LPA's observed the following during today's visit: LPA's conducted a tour of the facility with Administrator, Elizabeth. The physical plant contained four (4) resident bedrooms, one (1) staff bedroom, and three and a half (3.5) bathrooms. The facility has a dining room, kitchen, living room, and a gated backyard. Indoor and outdoor passageways were free of obstruction. There were no bodies of water located on the property. The facility has a working refrigerator ready for residents to be accepted into the facility. Water temperature measured at 120-degree Fahrenheit meeting within the required limits. Dishes and utensils were in sufficient supply and in good repair. Knives and sharp items are located in the kitchen in a locked cabinet. Resident bedrooms had the required bedding, furniture, and lighting. Disinfectants and cleaning solutions were secured in a locked cabinet in the kitchen. There is a locked cabinet located in the kitchen to store centrally stored medication. The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and were observed to be operable. LPA's observed charged fire extinguishers mounted in the kitchen. Facility maintained a sufficient amount of PPE located in the locked staff bedroom. Administrator file reviewed have a criminal record clearance and valid first aid/CPR certification. Administrator’s license expiration date is 12/25/2024. Facility sketch, personal rights, and emergency disaster plan is posted on a wall in the hallway near entrance. According to Administrator, Elizabeth, there are no firearms or ammunition on the premises. During today's visit, LPA's did not observe any immediate violations or concerns. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was reviewed and provided to Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 21, 2024
Apr 17, 2024Complaint investigation reportUnfounded
Allegation investigated: Staff are prohibiting the Long Term Ombudsman from touring the facility
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sara Martinez and Licensing Program Manager Tricia Danielson conducted an unannounced visit to the facility to initiate the investigation regarding the allegation listed above. LPM and LPA were granted entry and met with Administrator Elizabeth Hengstler who was informed of the purpose for this visit. Regarding the allegation, it was reported that Riverside County Ombudsman was not allowed to enter this facility. Interview with Administrator Elizabeth Hengstler stated the facility has not had any residents residing at this facility since 2021 and the facility was last utilized as a COVID-19 surge facility. LPA and LPM toured the facility and did not see any evidence of residents residing at the facility. Due to the facility not having any residents currently residing at the facility, no personal rights of residents were violated in prohibiting the Ombudsman from touring the facility. This agency has investigated the complaint alleging "Staff are prohibiting the Long Term Ombudsman from touring the facility". We have found that the complaint was unfounded, meaning that the allegation was false, could not have happened and/or are without a reasonable basis. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to Hengstler. Unfoundedthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 17, 2024 · control 18-AS-20240411142009
Earlier years2022 to 2023 · 2 documents
20231 state visit · 1 document
Aug 7, 2023Facility evaluation reportRoutine visitReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kathleen Banrasavong arrived unannounced to conduct an annual inspection. Upon arrival LPA was greeted by facility staff and granted entry. LPA began inspection with introduction and visit purpose. Upon arrival LPA learned that zero (0) clients live at this facility. There was two (2) staff members present. The Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler conducted the facility tour. There is an Infection Control Plan on file. Client Records-Incident Reports/Clients Rights-Information/Dental- LPA would have reviewed client records. Zero (0) records were reviewed. LPA would have reviewed for identification and emergency information, admission agreement, medical assessment, and TB test results, needs and service plans, placement, functional assessment, centrally stored medication/destruction records, safeguard for personal property/valuables, and personal rights notification. Personnel Records/Training/and Staffing- LPA reviewed employee records. Two (2) records were reviewed. LPA reviewed employee records for first aid certification, criminal record clearance or an exemption, health screening and TB test results, employee rights, training verification, and current administrative organization. Elizabeth Hengstler, Administrator’s license expiration date is 12/25/2024. (Continued on LIC809C) (Continuation from LIC809) Food Service- Food prep areas are clean and organized. Food supply meets the requirement of one (1) week supply of nonperishable and two (2) day supply of perishables. Emergency food and water supply is present. There is a locked location for sharps in the kitchen. Physical Plant and Safety of Environment/Operational Requirements- LPA toured the facility inside and outside. LPA observed the facility to be clean and in good repair. The facility is maintained at 75 degrees for the client’s comfort. Lighting is sufficient for safety. Water temperature measured 105.0 degrees F. Laundry is done in the hallway closet. There is a locked cabinet for storing laundry soap and other chemicals. All outdoor and indoor passageways are free of obstruction. Emergency lighting is available. There is a telephone working at this location. LPA dialed the facility’s landline number, which rang and was operable. The LIC 610, emergency disaster plan is maintained. There are no firearms at this facility. There is not a fireplace at this facility. There is not a pool at the facility. There is a gate that has a self-latching lock on the northwest side of the house. The facility performed their last fire and emergency drills on July 15th, 2023. Medications- The medications are centrally stored. There is a locked cabinet allocated for medication storage. Centrally stored medication and destruction logs are maintained separately. LPA would have reviewed medication logs and observed if they were dispensed accurately. LPA made observation throughout the inspection process to assess if the facility remains in conformity with the State Fire Marshall regulations. LPA observed eleven (11) fire alarms and one (1) carbon monoxide detectors. The Administrator tested the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. There is one (1) fire extinguisher on site. (Continued on LIC809C) (Continuation from LIC809) Pursuant to the Title 22 of The California Code of Regulations Division 6, there are zero (0) deficiencies observed. An exit interview was conducted, this LIC 809 was reviewed with, and a copy of this report was provided to the Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 7, 2023
20221 state visit · 1 document
Aug 30, 2022Facility evaluation reportRoutine visitReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Crystal Colvin arrived at the facility unannounced for the purpose of completing the facility's Annual Inspection. LPA Colvin met with Administrator Elizabeth Hengstler and advised of the purpose of the visit, and that the Annual Inspection will be limited to Infection Control only. Below is a summary of what was observed: Infection Control: LPA Colvin went over COVID-19 best practices for infection control and prevention with Administrator Elizabetrh Hengstler, who LPA Colvin found to be successfully incorporating the several aspects of the facility's Mitigation Plan. Residents have hand sanitizer available to them, and the bathrooms were stocked with hand soap but no paper towels. LPA Colvin observed the bathrooms to be missing paper towels. LPA Colvin will be issuing a Technical Assistance (TA) Advisory Note during today's inspection, as residents do have cloth towels available for use to dry their hands. While touring the facility, LPA Colvin observed postings throughout the facility for cough etiquette, social distancing, and infection control. LPA Colvin requested to view the facility's PPE supplies (gloves, masks, and sanitizer, and isolation gowns), which was located in the facility garage. LPA Colvin observed the facility have an adequate supply of PPE. LPA Colvin went over the various recommended training for facility staff with Administrator Elizabeth Hengstler in relation to COVID-19 and confirmed that staff have been trained on various aspects of infection control, recognition of symptoms of COVID-19, and donning/doffing PPE. LPA Colvin inquired as to if staff have been fit tested for N95 masks, and Administrator Elizabetrh Hengstler informed LPA Colvin that all staff (Administrator) have been fit tested. LPA Colvin observed a sign-in sheet at the front door of the facility, and confirmed that visitors and staff are being screened for symptoms prior to entering the facility, as LPA Colvin was today. Administrator Elizabeth Hengstler confirmed that both new staff and new residents must present a negative COVID-19 test prior to start of employment or residence at the facility. An exit interview was conducted with Administrator Elizabeth Hengstler and a copy of this report and LIC9102 TA Advisory Notes were provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 30, 2022
The state marks this report as 2 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 1. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.
0 of 6 beds were occupied at the April 17, 2024 state visit — a count on that day, not an opening.
License holder
Desert Cottages, LLC, licensed since 2014.
The state’s totals for this licenseSince 2014, as the state’s facility page counts them
- State visits on file
- 12
- Total complaints
- 2
- Substantiated allegations
- 0
- Type A citations
- 0
- Type B citations
- 0
These are the state’s own totals for this license since 2014, per CDSS records. The state counts them apart from the documents above, and they can differ from what those documents show; the documents say what each visit found. One complaint can contain several allegations.
Compare with homes the same size
| This home | Typical | |
|---|---|---|
| Type A citations | 0 | 0 |
| Type B citations | 0 | 0 |
| Substantiated allegations | 0 | 0 |
| Total complaints | 2 | 0 |
“Typical” is the statewide median for licensed homes this size. It does not adjust for years licensed, and older licenses have had more visits and reports. The median is across the 6,916 licensed small board-and-care homes (6 or fewer beds) in the state record. The figures compared are the state’s totals, not the documents.
What the state’s words mean
CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗ · CDSS complaint outcomes ↗
An “unsubstantiated” complaint is not a finding of wrongdoing — it means the state investigated and could not confirm the allegation. Outcome words are the state’s own; we never grade, score, or color a record, and we publish no reviews — the state’s dated documents stand in their place.
Frequently asked questions
A citation does not make a home unsafe, and an empty file does not make a home good.
Quick answers about Desert Cottage III
Is Desert Cottage III licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026.
How many residents is Desert Cottage III licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026.
Has Desert Cottage III been cited?
0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2014, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026. Those records count 12 state visits over the same years.
Is Desert Cottage III still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of November 11, 2026.
What does Desert Cottage III cost?
$4,250 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $3,500–$5,250. This home’s own rate is not on file. Ask: “What is the all-in monthly rate, and what would push it higher?”
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 10 small homes within 7 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Among 165 other homes of a similar licensed size across Riverside County that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $3,800 to $5,000 a month, and the middle figure is $4,500 (n = 165 other homes publishing a starting rate).
Each of those is a home’s own published figure, gathered on its own date between September and October 2026 — not an average of ours, and not a survey. Similar size means small and mid-size homes counted together, and large communities counted on their own, because they are different markets.
A home outside the band is not overcharging or underpricing: a starting rate covers different things in different homes, which is the first thing to ask about.
The price is made in the phone call. Nothing here is a quote, an offer or a discount.
A starting rate is the room and the base care. California homes commonly bill care levels, medication management, supplies, transport and a second person in the room as extras. Many also charge a one-time fee at move-in. Ask for that list in writing before anything is signed.
Only prices a home put out itself count here: its own website, a listing it supplied, or a price a listing site says the home confirmed. Prices a site shows without saying where they came from are left out. What Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver covers in a care home.
Does Desert Cottage III take Medi-Cal?
On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: this home appears on the DHCS participation list, October 1, 2026. Confirm eligibility and current participation with the program. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.
Who holds the license?
The license is held by Desert Cottages, LLC, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026. See the homes licensed to Desert Cottages LLC — at least 3 on the state roster.
Is there a hospital nearby?
John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital is 3.1 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.
Can Desert Cottage III keep a resident on hospice?
Not on file — the state’s record does not list hospice care on this license. Ask: “Can a resident stay here on hospice, and under what conditions?”
Desert Cottage III license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “DESERT COTTAGE III”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #336426273. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026.
- Licensed for 6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026.
- Licensed to Desert Cottages, LLC, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026.
- First licensed in 2014, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026.
- 12 state inspection visits since 2014, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026.
- 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2014, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026. The same records count 12 state visits in that period.
- 2 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2014, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026. One complaint can carry several allegations.
- The most recent state visit on file is August 19, 2026, per CDSS records as of October 26, 2026.
California writes these definitions for every licensed home, not for this one. CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗
Nearby
Other homes nearby
Licensed homes near this one in Riverside County, most information on file first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
- Map
Starting rate
$2,500 a month to start
Listed by the home on Seniorly · September 9, 2026On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Dementia: on the state record
- Hospice: on the state record
- Map
Estimated starting rate
$4,300 a month to start
Covelight estimate · likely $3,500–$5,300On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Dementia: on the state record
- Hospice: on the state record
- Map
Estimated starting rate
$4,800 a month to start
Covelight estimate · likely $3,950–$5,950On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Dementia: on the state record
- Hospice: on the state record
- Bedridden: on the state record
- Map
Estimated starting rate
$4,300 a month to start
Covelight estimate · likely $3,500–$5,250On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Dementia: on the state record
- Hospice: on the state record
- Map
Estimated starting rate
$4,450 a month to start
Covelight estimate · likely $3,650–$5,500On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Dementia: on the state record
- Hospice: on the state record
- Map
Estimated starting rate
$4,800 a month to start
Covelight estimate · likely $3,900–$5,900On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Hospice: on the state record
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