Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

A Serene Senior Living

Small home·Licensed for 6·Mission Viejo, California

Licensed since 2017Licence #306005298
  • Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Dementia · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 13, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$5,400 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,450–$6,650
  • Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
  • Last state visitJuly 8, 2026CDSS inspection record

A Serene Senior Living is a small care home in Mission Viejo — a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), the licence category behind “assisted living” and “board and care.” It is licensed for 6 residents since 2017.

Built from CDSS public records · September 13, 2026. Every fact below names its source and date.

Quick answers and the state record

A citation does not make a home unsafe, and an empty file does not make a home good.

Quick answers about A Serene Senior Living

Is A Serene Senior Living licensed?

The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

How many residents is A Serene Senior Living licensed for?

6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Has A Serene Senior Living been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. Those records count 5 state visits over the same years.

Is A Serene Senior Living still open?

This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.

What does A Serene Senior Living cost?

$5,400 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,450–$6,650. 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 24 small homes within 2 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 27 other homes of a similar licensed size in Mission Viejo that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $4,500 to $5,500 a month, and the middle figure is $5,000 (n = 27 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 A Serene Senior Living take Medi-Cal?

On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: this home is not on the DHCS participation list dated September 23, 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 A Serene Senior Living LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Memorialcare Saddleback Medical Center is 1.5 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can A Serene Senior Living keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 4 residents, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

A Serene Senior Living license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “A SERENE SENIOR LIVING”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #306005298. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • Licensed for 6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • Licensed to A Serene Senior Living LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 5 state inspection visits since 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. The same records count 5 state visits in that period.
  • 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • The most recent state visit on file is July 8, 2026, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
Type A citationa violation that poses an immediate risk to health, safety or personal rights if it is not correctedType B citationa violation that could become a risk if not corrected, or one involving records, resources or required services

California writes these definitions for every licensed home, not for this one. CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗

See the state’s own record

Can they support the care needed?

California licenses a home for specific kinds of care. The state’s record lists what this home is approved for; the home’s own answers fill in what changes as needs change.

  • Wheelchair / non-ambulatoryApproved · covers up to 6 residents
  • Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
  • Hospice careApproved · covers up to 4 residents
  • BedriddenApproved · covers up to 1 resident

State licensing record · September 13, 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. 6 NON-AMBULATORY, OF WHICH 1 MAY BE BEDRIDDEN. HOSPICE WAIVER FOR 4.

983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA

CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 2026

As needs change

  • Staying through hospice

    Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 4 — care may continue at the end of life

    Ask: “If hospice is needed, can care continue here until the end?”

    State licensing record · September 13, 2026

  • If memory loss develops

    Dementia-care designation on file

    Ask: “Can we read the dementia care disclosure and discuss how daily support works?”

    State licensing record · September 13, 2026

3 more questions to ask the home
  • Two-person transfers or a lift

    Not on file

    Ask: “If two people or a lift are needed to transfer, can the person stay?”

  • Someone awake overnight

    Not on file

    Ask: “Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?”

  • Medicines

    Not on file

    Ask: “Who manages the medicines, and what happens when a dose is missed?”

What it costs here

Covelight estimate

$5,400a month to start

Likely $4,450–$6,650

From 24 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file

Likely monthly total

$5,400a month

Likely $4,450–$6,800

With a shared room and basic help.

An estimate for planning, not a quote. The price is made in the phone call.

See the full cost breakdownRoom, care and fees · how people pay · how this estimate works
Room
Daily care
Sharing the room
  • Starting monthly rate$5,400likely $4,450–$6,650

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 24 small homes within 2 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 (45 California homes publish a care-level range, seen in September 2026).

  • One-time move-in fee$2,000one time · likely $0–$4,000

    Homes that list a one-time entry or community fee charge a median of $2,000 (134 California listings; middle half $1,000–$4,000). Many homes list none — ask.

Likely monthly totalLikely $4,450–$6,800
$5,400
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $5,150–$9,850
$7,400
How people payPrivate pay, Medi-Cal waiver, SSI/SSP, veterans, insurance
  • 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 September 23, 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.
  • MedicareDoes not pay for room and board in a care home. It can still cover hospice or home-health visits inside one.
If the money runs out, what Medi-Cal covers
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 community 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.

  • What is the full monthly cost for the room and care we need, and what does it include?
  • What would the next care level cost, and who decides when it changes?
  • What is billed separately, and is there a one-time fee or deposit at move-in?
  • Is any private-pay period required before another payment program can begin?
How this estimate worksWithin 25% for 7 in 10 homes in testing

Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 24 small homes within 2 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.

24 homes like this within 2 miles publish starting rates mostly between $4,000–$5,750.

  • 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.
Show the 24 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 24562 Dardania Ave, Mission Viejo, CA 92691Address from the public record · September 13, 2026. Confirm the entrance with the home before visiting.

Opening the neighborhood map…

The state record

California inspects every licensed home and publishes what it found. Here are the dated documents and the state’s own words, beside what is typical for homes this size.

Since 2022, the state has filed 5 documents for this home, and its records count 5 visits since 2017. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated July 8, 2026.

On file since
2022
State visits
5
Most recent visit
July 8, 2026

Beside homes the same size

  • Type A citations0typical 0
  • Type B citations0typical 0
  • Substantiated allegations0typical 0
  • Total complaints0typical 0

“Typical” is the statewide median across the 6,808 licensed small board-and-care homes (6 or fewer beds) in the state record — larger, longer-licensed homes accumulate more visits and reports, so compare like with like. One complaint can contain several allegations. Counts cover this licence since 2017.

Year by year
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated2026110202511020242202022110

The last 36 months — 4 of 5 documents

20261 state visit · 1 document
Jul 8, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Ruth Martinez is conducting this unannounced visit for the purpose of completing an annual required inspection. LPA arrived at the facility and was greeted and granted entry by staff. LPA explained the nature of the visit. There are six (6) residents at the facility and there are no residents receiving hospice services currently. Dianna Manalo, Administrator arrived at the facility and met with LPA. LPA verified Administrator has a current and active certificate. LPA accompanied by staff began the tour of the inside and outside of the facility. LPA observed required department postings throughout the facility. Facility stays within the capacity limitations. There is a minimum of one week of non-perishables foods and two days of perishables foods available. There is additional food storage in a spare refrigerator in the garage. The facility is maintained at a comfortable temperature. LPA inspected that medication is centrally stored in a safe locked storage cabinet located in the kitchen. LPA reviewed medication and observed medication was labeled and stored inaccessible to residents in care. LPA inspected the facility bathrooms and LPA measured the hot water temperature which measured 108.8 Fahrenheit degrees. All bathrooms observed to have a supply of soap, toilet paper and towels. Bathrooms are equipped with required safety measures such as non-skid mats and grab bars. Lighting is sufficient to ensure safety and comfort. The facility is equipped with sufficient hand hygiene, cleaning, and disinfecting supplies. LPA observed that toxic chemicals, cleaning solutions and disinfectants are stored locked underneath kitchen sink, laundry unit and in the garage which is inaccessible to residents in care. The facility has an available clean supply of linens. LPA inspected residents’ bedrooms which had sufficient lighting to Continued on LIC809-C ensure safety and comfort. All bedrooms observed to have all required components. Storage space is provided for residents in their bedroom. Smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors were tested and found to be operational. LPA toured the outside of the facility and observed outdoor passageways are free of obstructions. LPA observed there are shaded seating areas for residents’ enjoyment in the backyard of the facility. LPA observed a fire extinguisher with service date of March 28, 2026, charged and mounted in the dining room. Fire drills are conducted every three months, LPA verified fire drill logs are kept and last drill was conducted June 23,2026. LPA began review of records. LPA reviewed three resident records. All the required documentation was present and reviewed in the residents’ files. LPA reviewed two employee records. All employees present have a criminal record clearance and are associated to the facility. LPA observed records reviewed have a current First Aid certificate. LPA as a reminder provided annual fee dues information. Based on the observations made during today’s visit, no deficiencies were noted today in the areas inspected per Title 22 Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations. This report was reviewed with the Administrator, and a copy of this report was provided to the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 8, 2026
20251 state visit · 1 document
Sep 23, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jessica Cho arrived at the facility unannounced for the purpose of conducting the Required 1-Year annual evaluation using the CARE Inspection Tool. LPA was greeted and granted entry by Caregiver Raquel Pamintuan after stating the reason for the visit. Administrator (Admin) Ray Santianez arrived on premise and remained at the facility to assist with the inspection. Admin has a valid administrator's certificate expiring on August 18, 2027. The following was observed during the inspection: This is a single story property located in a residential neighborhood comprised of six resident bedrooms and two resident bathrooms. Facility operates within the conditions and limitations specified on the license. LPA observed six residents in care of which one is receiving hospice service. LPA observed two caregivers on duty and verified fingerprint clearance and association statuses including the administrators. LPA along with Admin toured the interior portion of the facility. All common areas were inspected which includes the laundry room and attached two car garage. The fireplace is appropriately screened in the living room. LPA inspected all the resident bedrooms. The resident bedrooms' were appropriately furnished, beds and bedding supplies were in good condition, adequate lighting was provided, and sufficient storage space for each residents' personal belongings were observed. All bathrooms were found be in compliance, clean, and operational. The hot water temperature in both bathrooms measured at 105.4 and 105.0 degrees Fahrenheit. Toxins, disinfectants, sharps, and medications were secured and inaccessible. LPA observed ample two-day supply of perishables and seven-day supply of non-perishable food. LPA toured the exterior portion of the facility. The outdoor passageway is free of obstruction. The two exit gates on each side of the property were operational, and there were sufficient seating and shading in the patio area. The outdoor shed which holds storage items remains secured. The two fire extinguishers were mounted, charged, and serviced on April 16, 2025. The auditory devices and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors were tested and operational. LPA observed the emergency food/water and supplies in the kitchen and garage. The first aid kit had all necessary elements. Emergency drills are conducted quarterly of various scenarios with the last date on August 2, 2025. The Complaint Poster (PUB475) poster was posted in the entry way in the correct size requirement. LPA reviewed six out of six resident files and two personnel files in which no discrepancies were found. Facility maintained all hospital and bed rail orders. Medications were audited for two out of six residents and no discrepancies were found. Based on the observations made during today's visit, no deficiencies are being cited. An Advisory Note is being issued. An exit interview was conducted with Administrator Ray Santianez, and a copy of this report was provided at exit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 23, 2025

The state marks this report as 4 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 3. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

20242 state visits · 2 documents
Aug 1, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: POC

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kimberly Lyman conducted an unannounced Plan of Correction (POC) visit to follow up on deficiencies cited on 07/22/2024. LPA was greeted and granted entry into the facility and explained the reason for the visit. Administrator/ Licensee Minerva Sansano arrived during the visit. Deficiency cited under Title 22 Regulation 87465(h)(2) pertaining to Centrally Stored Medications has been cleared. Facility has discontinued pre-pouring medications and LPA observed medications in their original containers. Licensee has complied with the POC. Advisory note given 07/22/2024 indicated the following: Facility was checking blood pressure for medication administration. Facility has discontinued the practice. Exit gate appears broken. Facility has repaired gate. One out of six residents was missing an updated physician report. Facility has obtained updated physician report. Facility has been advised to remain in compliance with all items cited. Exit interview conducted and a copy of this report was left at the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 1, 2024
Jul 22, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kimberly Lyman conducted an unannounced visit to A Serene Senior Living. The purpose of today’s visit was to conduct the Annual Required inspection. LPA was allowed entry into the facility and explained the reason for the visit. Facility is licensed for 6 non-ambulatory residents, one of which may be bedridden. Facility has an approved hospice waiver for 4 residents and the home currently has 6 residents, with 2 on hospice. Administrators Minerva Sansano and Ray Santianez arrived during the visit. Administrator Ray Santianez has an administrator certificate valid until 08/18/2025. LPA Lyman along with Caregiver Raquel Pamintuan toured the facility at 7:36 AM. LPA toured the physical plant, checked food service, first aid kit and reviewed records. Facility appears to be clean, safe, and sanitary. The home consists of six resident bedrooms, 2 common restrooms, one staff room, living room, dining room, and kitchen. Resident bedrooms had the required furniture, bed linens and closet/drawer space to accommodate each resident comfortably. LPA observed five residents with a half bed rails. Resident bathrooms were checked. Toilets and water faucets worked properly, grab bars were secure and shower was free of mold/mildew. Water temperature measured between 106.8 and 107.7 degrees F in all facility bathrooms. Resident bath towels, toiletries and personal hygiene supplies were adequately stocked at time of visit. Common areas were clean and clear of hazards, doorways were free of obstructions. Auditory exit alarms were operational during today's visit. First aid kit had all the elements including thermometer, tweezers and scissors as well as a first aid manual. LPA observed toxins are secured during today's visit. Kitchen was inspected. Perishable and non-perishable food supply was checked and adequately stocked at time of visit. Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors are hardwired and tested operational during today's visit. Fire extinguisher is fully charged. Kitchen appliances are operational during today's visit. LPA toured the outside grounds and there is ample shaded seating for residents. Exit gates are unlocked and self latching. LPA observed ample emergency food and water supply. LPA reviewed the emergency disaster plan and infection control plan during the visit. Plans are thorough and complete. Facility provided documentation of last fire drill conducted on 04/24/2024. CONT ON LIC809-C DATED 07/21/2024. Facility provides activities in the form of exercise, games and music. At 8:30 AM, LPA reviewed six resident files and five staff files. Resident files contained required documents including admission agreements, physician reports and resident appraisals. Staff files reviewed contained required documentation of medical clearance/ TB, CPR training and criminal record clearance. Three out of five staff files do not have proof of training in the file. At 9:30 AM, LPA reviewed medication storage and administration. Medications are stored in a locked cabinet. Medications are being administered per physician order. LPA observed facility is pre-pouring medications for 48 hours. Based on the observations made during today's visit, the following violations are being cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report as well as appeal rights were discussed and provided with facility representative.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 22, 2024
What the state’s words mean
Substantiatedthe state found the allegation more likely true than notUnsubstantiatedthere was not enough evidence to prove a violation occurred — not a finding of wrongdoingUnfoundedthe evidence showed the allegation was false, could not have happened, or had no reasonable basisType A citationa violation that poses an immediate risk to health, safety or personal rights if it is not correctedType B citationa violation that could become a risk if not corrected, or one involving records, resources or required services

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 and the questions below stand in their place.

Life here

Rooms, meals, the rhythm of a day, faith and language, pets and house rules — as the home describes them. Tap any detail for its source and date; nothing here is graded.

The home has not described daily life anywhere we have reviewed yet — that is the case for most small homes, and it says nothing about the home. These questions fill in the picture; keep the ones that matter to you.

Before you call

Ask every home the same questions — the state’s record does not answer these. Keep the ones that matter and they travel with your saved homes.

  1. What is included in the monthly rate, and what costs extra?
  2. Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?
  3. Which rooms does the non-ambulatory approval cover, and what transfer support is provided?
  4. What could change whether someone can stay here?
  5. Can we see a bedroom and share a meal during a visit?

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