Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

Avatar Retirement Home

Mid-size home·Licensed for 10·Palm Desert, California

Licensed since 2011Licence #336425030
  • Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Dementia · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 27, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$4,750 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $3,750–$6,250
  • Home sizeLicensed for 10Mid-size care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Room at the last state visit8 of 10 beds occupiedAugust 28, 2024 · not a current opening
  • Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
  • Last state visitAugust 27, 2026CDSS inspection record
  • Licence holderYolanda AlkawassSince 2011 · 2 licensed homes

Avatar Retirement Home is a mid-size care home in Palm Desert — a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), the licence category behind “assisted living” and “board and care.” It is licensed for 10 residents since 2011.

Built from CDSS public records · September 27, 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 Avatar Retirement Home

Is Avatar Retirement Home licensed?

The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

How many residents is Avatar Retirement Home licensed for?

10 residents — a mid-size home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

Has Avatar Retirement Home been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. Those records count 6 state visits over the same years.

Is Avatar Retirement Home still open?

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

What does Avatar Retirement Home cost?

$4,750 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $3,750–$6,250. 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 9 homes with 7 to 49 beds and similar homes within 5 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 6 other homes of a similar licensed size in Palm Desert that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $4,500 to $5,000 a month, and the middle figure is $4,500 (n = 6 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 Avatar Retirement Home 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 Yolanda Alkawass, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. See the homes licensed to Yolanda Alkawass — at least 2 on the state roster.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Eisenhower Medical Center 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 Avatar Retirement Home keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

Avatar Retirement Home license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “AVATAR RETIREMENT HOME”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #336425030. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • Licensed for 10 residents — a mid-size home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • Licensed to Yolanda Alkawass, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • 6 state inspection visits since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. The same records count 6 state visits in that period.
  • 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • The most recent state visit on file is August 27, 2026, per CDSS records as of September 27, 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 10 residents
  • Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
  • Hospice careApproved by the state
  • BedriddenApproved · covers up to 2 residents

State licensing record · September 27, 2026. An approval may cover specific rooms or residents; it does not establish an opening.

Read the state’s own wording
TEN (10) NON-AMBULATORY, OF WHICH TWO (2) MAY BE BEDRIDDEN. ADVERTISES FOR DEMENTIA SPECIAL CARE. HOSPICE WAIVER APPROVED FOR TWO (2) RESIDENTS AT ANY ONE TIME.

983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA

CDSS record, verbatim · September 27, 2026

As needs change

  • Staying through hospice

    Hospice waiver on file — care may continue at the end of life

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

    State licensing record · September 27, 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 27, 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?”

Care & day-to-day support

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.

What it costs here

Covelight estimate

$4,750a month to start

Likely $3,750–$6,250

From 9 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file

Likely monthly total

$4,750a month

Likely $3,750–$6,400

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$4,750likely $3,750–$6,250

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 9 homes with 7 to 49 beds and similar homes within 5 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 $3,750–$6,400
$4,750
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,500–$9,350
$6,750
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 9 homes with 7 to 49 beds and similar homes within 5 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.

9 homes like this within 5 miles publish starting rates mostly between $4,500–$7,750.

  • 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 9 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 44645 San Onofre Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260Address from the public record · September 27, 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 2021, the state has filed 7 documents for this home, and its records count 6 visits since 2011. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated August 27, 2026.

On file since
2021
State visits
6
Most recent visit
August 27, 2026
Occupied · August 28, 2024 visit
8 of 10 bedsa count on that day, not an opening

We hold 1 complaint report the state published for this home, dated August 28, 2024. 1 of the 1 carries the state's recorded outcome word: “Substantiated” (1). 1 includes the transcribed allegation the state investigated, word for word. Summary composed by computer from the 1 complaint report below — every count derives from them, and the documents themselves are the state's records, verbatim. We never grade, score, or color a record.

Beside homes the same size

  • Type A citations0typical 0
  • Type B citations0typical 0
  • Substantiated allegations0typical 0
  • Total complaints0typical 1

“Typical” is the statewide median across the 327 licensed mid-size homes (7–15 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 2011.

Year by year
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated20261102024221202311020222202021110

The last 36 months — 3 of 7 documents

20261 state visit · 1 document
Aug 27, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

n 8/27/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mia Lankford 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 ten (10) clients live at this facility. There was three (3) staff members present. The Administrator, Guadalupe Licea was advised of the annual and came to conduct and completed the facility tour. Client Records/Incident Reports/Clients Rights Information: LPA reviewed client records. Seven (7) records were reviewed. LPA 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/ Staffing/ Administration: 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. Guadalupe Licea Administrator’s certificate expiration date was 3/15/2028. 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 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 108.0 degrees F. Cont... Cont.. Laundry is done in the laundry room. There is a locked location for storing laundry soap, cleaning supplies and chemicals in the closet in the garage. 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 one (1) secured fireplace at this facility. There is not a pool at the facility. There are two (2) secured gates that have a self-latching lock on the northwest and northeast sides of the house. LPA observed emergency supplies and two (2) first aid kits. The last emergency fire drill was conducted on 05/19/2026. Infection Control: The LPA observed the hand washing stations in the facility restrooms and kitchen had hand hygiene supplies and hand washing signs. LPA observed PPE equipment and cleaning supplies to do regular cleaning of the facility. LPA reviewed the facility's infection control plan which met department requirements. LPA reviewed staff records and found that all staff had infection control training. Medications/Health Related Services/Incidental Medical Services: The medications are centrally stored. There is a locked cabinet allocated for medication storage. Centrally stored medication and destruction logs are maintained separately. LPA reviewed medication logs and observed that 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 twelve dual (12) smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the facility. There were two (2) fire extinguishers on site, date charged was 4/3/2026. An exit interview was conducted, this LIC 809 was reviewed with, and a copy of this report was provided to Administrator, Guadalupe Liceathe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 27, 2026
20242 state visits · 2 documents
Aug 28, 2024Complaint investigation reportSubstantiated

Allegation investigated: Facility failed to keep resident adequately hydrated

LPA Javier Prieto and LPA Eldin Serrano arrived at the facility to delivery findings to the listed allegations. LPA met with house manager Angel Sanchez and explained the nature of the visit. The investigation, conducted by Department staff consisted of interviews with relevant parties, and file reviews revealed that the administrator called 911 due to Resident 1 (R1) having a fast heart rate. R1 was admitted to the hospital on 2/4/2020, and discharged back to the facility on 2/6/2020, on hospice. Hospital documents indicates that R1 was dehydrated. Based on the LPAs interviews, and review of documents the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. An exit interview was conducted where this report, LIC 9099D, and appeal rights were discussed with and provided to the house manager. Substantiatedthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 28, 2024 · control 18-AS-20200207105543

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type A · Section cited: CCR 87705(c)(3)(A) · Plan of correction due date: Sep 3, 2024

CARE OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA Licensees who accept residents with dementia shall be responsible for ensuring:(3)on-the-job training to staff who provide direct care.(A) which should include, but not limited to, knowledge about hydration. This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on interviews and record review, the facility failed to ensure that Resident 1 (R1) remained hydrated. Hospital discharge documents dated 2/6/20 indicates R1 was dehydrated. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to residents in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 28, 2024

Plan of correction: The facility will ensure that all residents are properly hydrated and assessed for signs of dehydration. A declaration will be sent to LPA by the POC date,

Jun 26, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport 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 seven (7) clients live at this facility. There was two (2) staff members present. The Administrator, Yolanda Alkawass was advised of the annual and came to conduct and completed the facility tour. Client Records/Incident Reports/Clients Rights Information: LPA reviewed client records. Seven (7) records were reviewed. LPA 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/ Staffing/ Administration: 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. Yolanda Alkawass, Administrator’s certificate expiration date was 12/14/2023. The Administrator submitted her renewal on 12/04/2023 to the Department of Social Services. 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 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 108.0 degrees F. Laundry is done in the laundry room. There is a locked location for storing laundry soap, cleaning supplies and chemicals in the closet in the garage. 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 one (1) secured fireplace at this facility. There is not a pool at the facility. There are two (2) secured gates that have a self-latching lock on the northwest and northeast sides of the house. LPA observed emergency supplies and two (2) first aid kits. The last emergency fire drill was conducted on 05/01/2024. Infection Control: The LPA observed the hand washing stations in the facility restrooms and kitchen had hand hygiene supplies and hand washing signs. LPA observed PPE equipment and cleaning supplies to do regular cleaning of the facility. LPA reviewed the facility's infection control plan which met department requirements. LPA reviewed staff records and found that all staff had infection control training. Medications/Health Related Services/Incidental Medical Services: The medications are centrally stored. There is a locked cabinet allocated for medication storage. Centrally stored medication and destruction logs are maintained separately. LPA reviewed medication logs and observed that 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 twelve dual (12) smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the facility. There were two (2) fire extinguishers on site, date charged was 06/03/2023. Pursuant to 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 Administrator, Yolanda Alkawass.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 26, 2024

The state marks this report as 6 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 3. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

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.

Who holds the licence

Yolanda Alkawass, licensed since 2011, operates 2 licensed homes in California. Running more than one home is common and is neither good nor bad on its own.

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.

Find a detail about life at this home.

Rooms & the spaces they will use

  • Room typesStudio · 1 Bedroom

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

  • Common areasIndoor Common Areas

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

Meals, preferences & familiar food

Activities & the rhythm of a day

  • Activity types offeredActivities On-site

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

  • Religious services off site

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

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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