Small home · Licensed for 6 · Escondido
Escondido Retirement Garden
819 N. Rose Street, Escondido, CA 92027Licensed since 2023
Overview
No openings reported
- Approved by the state: Wheelchair · Dementia · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · October 25, 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 3 residents
- Dementia
- Hospiceup to 3 residents
- Bedriddenup to 1 resident
Approved by the state · State licensing record · October 25, 2026. An approval may cover specific rooms or residents; it does not establish an opening.
Read the state’s own wording
AGE RANGE 60 AND OVER. 3 AMBULATORY, 3 NON-AMBULATORY, OF WHICH 1 MAY BE BEDRIDDEN. BEDROOM #5 ONLY ROOM APPROVED FOR BEDRIDDEN. BEDROOMS #3 AND 4 APPROVED FOR NON-AMBULATORY. HOSPICE WAIVER FOR 3.
983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA
CDSS record, verbatim · October 25, 2026
As needs change
Staying through hospice
Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 3 — care may continue at the end of life
State licensing record · October 25, 2026
If memory loss develops
Dementia-care designation on file
State licensing record · October 25, 2026
We’ll ask for you. Not on file for Escondido Retirement Garden: two-person transfers or a lift, who is awake overnight and help with medicines. When we check availability, we ask about these too.
Check availabilityWhat it costs here
This home’s starting rate
$3,500a month to start
Listed by the home on Seniorly · September 9, 2026
Monthly cost breakdownWith a shared room and basic help · room, care and fees$3,500likely a month
Starting monthly rate$3,500this home
The home lists this starting rate on Seniorly, seen September 9, 2026.
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–$4,100
- $3,500
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $3,500–$7,650
- $6,000
How people payPrivate pay, Medi-Cal waiver, 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 is not on the DHCS participation list dated October 1, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not 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 homes21 nearby homes publish starting rates of $3,200 to $7,000
21 homes like this within 3 miles publish starting rates mostly between $4,000–$6,500.
- El Norte Home CareEscondido · 0.6 mi · Mid-size home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Kelly's Greenway VillaEscondido · 0.9 mi · Small home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Kelly's Oakhill VillaEscondido · 1.0 mi · Small home$6,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Kelly's Eastbury VillaEscondido · 1.2 mi · Small home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Secure SeniorsEscondido · 1.3 mi · Mid-size home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Crossroads Home CareEscondido · 1.5 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Madeleine's Senior LivingEscondido · 1.7 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Mariposa ManorEscondido · 1.8 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Arnicare VillaEscondido · 1.9 mi · Small home$4,200Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Emerald Care ManorEscondido · 2.0 mi · Small home$3,200Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Avocado CreekEscondido · 2.0 mi · Mid-size home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Pacific Sunset - Eureka SpringsEscondido · 2.1 mi · Small home$3,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Elite Manor MelbourneEscondido · 2.4 mi · Small home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Elite Senior LivingEscondido · 2.5 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living studio · seen September 9, 2026
- Champine ManorEscondido · 2.6 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Affirmative's Elite HomeEscondido · 2.6 mi · Small home$5,800Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Alta View ManorEscondido · 2.6 mi · Small home$5,200Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Kelly's Grand VillaEscondido · 2.8 mi · Small home$4,800Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Golden Sunset Villa Senior LivingEscondido · 2.8 mi · Small home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Sapphire SunsetEscondido · 2.9 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Home of Purpose EscondidoEscondido · 3.0 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
How this estimate worksWhere this price comes from
The home lists this starting rate on Seniorly, seen September 9, 2026.
- 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 (2)Private rooms · Shared / companion rooms
Private rooms
Reported on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026.
Shared / companion rooms
Reported on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026.
Where it is
819 N. Rose Street, Escondido, CA 92027Address from the public record · October 25, 2026. Confirm the entrance with the home before visiting.
Opening the neighborhood map…
- Palomar Ucsd Medical Center EscondidoHospital · General acute care, on the state’s list3.5 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 25, 2026 · License #371881376 · See the state’s own record
The last 36 months — 3 of 4 documents
20261 state visit · 1 document
Feb 25, 2026Facility evaluation reportRoutine visitReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Robert Campbell & Ahliah Sharp conducted an unannounced annual required visit. Upon entry, LPAs were greeted by Mercelita Williams/Administrator, and informed them of the purpose of the visit. At the time of the visit, there were two (2) staff member and four (4) residents present. Facility Overview: The facility is a one-story home with five (5) bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms, including an attached garage. There are no pools or known firearms on the premises. Infection Control: LPA observed that hygiene and cleaning supplies were available for regular facility maintenance. The facility has infection control plan in file. Physical Plant: The physical plant, including floors, windows, and doors, was clean and well maintained. Fixtures and furniture were in good repair. The outdoor area was free of hazards. Laundry equipment was in good working condition. Sharp and dangerous objects were securely locked and inaccessible to residents. Both the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector were operational, and the hot water temperature was 105°F. Fire extinguisher located at kitchen had current inspection tag 1/30/2026. Food Service: The facility’s kitchen was clean and equipped to prepare food. The facility maintained the required two-day supply of perishable foods and a seven-day supply of non-perishable foods. Continued on LIC809-C.... Care & Supervision/Administration: Adequate staff were present to supervise clients during the visit. The administrator holds a current administrator’s certificate. Record Review and Resident/Staff Files: LPA reviewed files for two (2) staff members, confirming criminal clearances, updated training, and CPR/First Aid certification. Four (4) resident files were reviewed and contained all the required documents. LPAs observed all (4) four residents in hospice care. Health-Related Services/Incidental Medical Services: All resident medications were securely locked in hallway medication cart. LPA reviewed medications for four (4) residents, confirming that all medications were listed on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) and accounted for. Personal & Incidental Funds: Monies for all residents are handled by private pay and not by the facility. Disaster Preparedness: LPA reviewed the facility’s emergency and disaster plan, including documentation of the last emergency drill conducted on 1-10-2026, which met department requirements. All facility exits were clear of obstructions. No deficiencies were cited during the visit. An exit interview was conducted, during which this report was reviewed and provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Feb 25, 2026
20251 state visit · 1 document
Feb 19, 2025Facility evaluation reportRoutine visitReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 02/19/25 at 10:50am Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Javina George made an unannounced visit to the facility to conduct a 1 year required visit. LPA met with Administrator Mercilita Williams where LPA explained the purpose of the visit. At the time of the visit there was (2) staff and (3) residents present. The facility is licensed to serve age range 60 and over (3) ambulatory and (3) non ambulatory, of which (1) may be bedridden. The facility has an approved hospice waiver for (3), with (2) residents currently receiving hospice services. LPA conducted a tour of the interior and exterior areas of the facility. The no pools or bodies of water on the premises, or known guns and ammunition. The facility has (2) fully charged fire extinguishers that were just services 01/27/25. The facility was observed to utilize video surveillance on the exterior of the property and inside the kitchen and in the hallway facing the medication cart. The facility is conducting (2) emergency disaster drills on a quarterly basis. The last drills were conducted on 01/10/25-power failure and 01/17/25-fire drill. The sharps and chemicals were observed to be locked and inaccessible to residents in care. The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were observed to be operable. The facility was observed to have valid liability insurance that expires 06/07/25. The facility does not utilize a Medication Authorization Record, but was observed to be utilizing the centrally stored form. The medication were observed to be locked inside a medication cart. File review the facility has (2) respite residents and (2) long term residents, both long term residents are receiving hospice services. The files were observed to have medical assessments, admissions agreements. The staff were observed to have obtained criminal record clearance and to be associated to the facility. In addition staff were observed to have valid CPR certification that expires 02/2026. The administrator Mercilita Williams was observed to have a valid administrator certificate that expires on 06/28/26. The facility was observed to have an adequate food supply of a 2 day supply of perishable and a 7 day supply of non perishable food items. Based on today's inspection there were no deficiencies issued. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to administrator Mercilita Williams.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Feb 19, 2025
20241 state visit · 1 document
Feb 23, 2024Facility evaluation reportRoutine visitReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jacqueline Shaw Ross arrived at the facility unannounced to conduct an annual inspection. LPA was greeted by Mercelita Williams, Administrator, and explained the purpose of the visit. The facility is licensed for age 60 and over, three (3) may be ambulatory and three (3) non-ambulatory, of which one (1) may be bedridden. Bedroom #5 is the only room approved for bedridden. Bedroom #3 and #4 are approved for non-ambulatory. There is a Hospice waiver for 3. The facility is five bedroom two bathroom one-story home. Four bedrooms designated for the residents and two of the bedrooms are shared occupancy. The licensee occupies one bedroom with her husband. There is a kitchen, dining area, and living room, with a 2 car garage. LPA conducted a tour of the home inside and out. During today's inspection, LPA observed the following: Indoor and outdoor passageways were observed to be free from obstruction. There are no pools or bodies of water. Per Administrator, there are no firearms or other dangerous weapons in the facility. Poisons and cleaning agents were observed to be secured and inaccessible to residents in care. Kitchen was observed to be fully operable and clean. LPA toured every room in the facility. Rooms designated as resident rooms had the required furnishings and sufficient lighting available. Licensee provided each resident with clean linen, in good repair, and sufficient hygiene products for personal use. During a tour of the bedrooms the following were observed: -Video cameras were mounted in each of the resident's bedrooms. LPA informed Administrator this is a violation of residents right to privacy. Deficiency Cited. The hot water temperature measured at 119 degrees F. The facility had a functioning carbon monoxide detector, multiple smoke detectors, and multiple operable fire extinguishers. The facility was stocked with a two-day supply of perishable food items and a seven-day supply of nonperishable food items. Staff records were reviewed and contained CPR/First Aid training, Health Screening Reports, and annual training. Resident records were reviewed and had a current Physician's Report, Resident Appraisal, Identification and Emergency Information, Admission Agreement, and Centrally Stored Medication and Destruction Records. However during review LPA noticed the following: -One resident's file was did not have Pre-Appraisal form filled out, only signed. Deficiency cited. Medications were stored in a locked cabinet and were labeled and maintained in compliance with label instructions. During review of medications LPA observed the following: -Medications were stored in a medication pill container and not in it's original container. Deficiency cited. The above deficiencies were cited during today's visit. This report was discussed with the Administrator. A copy of this report, LIC809D, along with Licensee/Appeal Rights, was provided to at the conclusion of the visit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Feb 23, 2024
Earlier years2023 · 1 document
20231 state visit · 1 document
Jan 23, 2023Facility evaluation reportPrelicensingReport on file
Type of visit: Prelicensing
On January, 23, 2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Venus Mixson conducted a scheduled visit to complete a Pre-licensing inspection. LPA Mixson met with Administrator introduced self and stated the purpose of the visit. LPA Mixson toured the facility inside and outside. The facility is a single story home with five bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, dinning area, and living room, with a 2 car garage. LPA Mixson observed sufficient food supply, and the overall facility to be in clean condition with a comfortable temperature. LPA Mixson observed passageways to be free from obstruction. Water temperature was tested and found to be within regulation limitations. There were grab bars and nonskid mats and/or strips in the bathrooms. LPA Mixson observed location where medications will be kept locked and inaccessible. LPA observed smoke alarms in working condition, fire extinguishers charged and are operable carbon monoxide detector installed. The Escondido Fire Department cleared facility on 12/28/2022, for 3 Ambulatory, two Non-Ambulatory, and 1 Bedridden. LPA Mixson observed the facility is equipped with lights in the passages. The facility is also stocked with emergency night lights throughout the home. LPA observed locked cleaning supplies and the sharps are locked in a kitchen drawer. All doors, and passageways are clear from obstruction. All beds have the required linen and supplies. There was enough clean linen and hygiene items. There was appropriate lighting in each room with night stand and chair. LPA Mixson observed central heating and air conditioning systems. The Administrator dialed the phone number (760) 294- 4433 it is operable. Outside/Yards: No obstructions or standing water observed. COMP III reviewed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was given to Administrator.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jan 23, 2023
License holder
Williams, Mercelita, licensed since 2023.
The state’s totals for this licenseSince 2023, as the state’s facility page counts them
- State visits on file
- 4
- Total complaints
- 0
- Substantiated allegations
- 0
- Type A citations
- 0
- Type B citations
- 0
These are the state’s own totals for this license since 2023, 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 | 0 | 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 Escondido Retirement Garden
Is Escondido Retirement Garden licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
How many residents is Escondido Retirement Garden licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
Has Escondido Retirement Garden been cited?
0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2023, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026. Those records count 4 state visits over the same years.
Is Escondido Retirement Garden still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of November 11, 2026.
What does Escondido Retirement Garden cost?
$3,500 a month to start — listed by the home on Seniorly · September 9, 2026.
The home lists this starting rate on Seniorly, seen September 9, 2026.
Among 31 other homes of a similar licensed size in Escondido that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $4,050 to $6,000 a month, and the middle figure is $5,000 (n = 31 other homes publishing a starting rate).
Each of those is a home’s own published figure, gathered on its own date in September 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.
Does Escondido Retirement Garden take Medi-Cal?
On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: this home is not on the DHCS participation list dated October 1, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.
Who holds the license?
The license is held by Williams, Mercelita, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
Is there a hospital nearby?
Palomar Ucsd Medical Center Escondido is 3.5 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.
Can Escondido Retirement Garden keep a resident on hospice?
Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 3 residents, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
Escondido Retirement Garden license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “ESCONDIDO RETIREMENT GARDEN”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #371881376. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
- Licensed for 6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
- Licensed to Williams, Mercelita, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
- First licensed in 2023, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
- 4 state inspection visits since 2023, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
- 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2023, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026. The same records count 4 state visits in that period.
- 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2023, per CDSS records as of October 25, 2026.
- The most recent state visit on file is February 25, 2026, per CDSS records as of October 25, 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 San Diego County, most information on file first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
- Map
Estimated starting rate
$4,350 a month to start
Covelight estimate · likely $3,400–$5,550On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Hospice: on the state record
- Bedridden: on the state record
- Map
Starting rate
$4,000 a month to start
Listed by the home on Seniorly · September 9, 2026On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Map
Starting rate
$6,500 a month to start
Listed by the home on Seniorly · September 9, 2026On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Hospice: on the state record
- Bedridden: on the state record
- Map
Estimated starting rate
$4,850 a month to start
Covelight estimate · likely $4,000–$6,000On 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
$5,050 a month to start
Covelight estimate · likely $4,150–$6,200On 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
$4,450 a month to start
Covelight estimate · likely $3,650–$5,450On the state record
- Wheelchair: on the state record
- Hospice: on the state record
Street maps © Protomaps · © OpenStreetMap
Explore San Diego County