Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

Bethany Joy Garden

Small home·Licensed for 6·Bakersfield, California

Licensed since 2016Licence #157208767Medi-Cal ALW
  • Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 13, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$4,050 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $3,300–$4,950
  • Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Room at the last state visit2 of 6 beds occupiedJune 4, 2026 · not a current opening
  • Ways to payMedi-Cal ALW acceptedDHCS participant list · August 9, 2026
  • Last state visitJune 4, 2026CDSS inspection record

Bethany Joy Garden is a small care home in Bakersfield — 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 2016. Dementia care is not on file.

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 Bethany Joy Garden

Is Bethany Joy Garden licensed?

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

How many residents is Bethany Joy Garden licensed for?

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

Has Bethany Joy Garden been cited?

1 Type A and 1 Type B citations since 2016, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. Those records count 9 state visits over the same years.

Is Bethany Joy Garden still open?

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

What does Bethany Joy Garden cost?

$4,050 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $3,300–$4,950. 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 15 small homes and similar homes within 10 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 17 other homes of a similar licensed size in Bakersfield that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $3,000 to $4,050 a month, and the middle figure is $3,500 (n = 17 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. What Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver covers in a care home.

Does Bethany Joy Garden take Medi-Cal?

On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: this home appears on the DHCS participation list, August 9, 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 Rlz Healthcare Group LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Mercy Southwest Hospital is 4.1 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can Bethany Joy Garden keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Bethany Joy Garden license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “BETHANY JOY GARDEN”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #157208767. 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 Rlz Healthcare Group LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2016, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 9 state inspection visits since 2016, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 1 Type A and 1 Type B citations on file since 2016, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. The same records count 9 state visits in that period.
  • 3 complaints and 2 substantiated allegations on file since 2016, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. One complaint can carry several allegations.
  • The most recent state visit on file is June 4, 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 careNot on file · ask the home
  • Hospice careApproved by the state
  • BedriddenApproved · covers up to 2 residents

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. SIX (6) NON-AMBULATORY OF WHICH, TWO (2) MAY BE BEDRIDDEN. HOSPICE WAIVER APPROVED FOR THREE (3).

935 - ELDERLY

CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 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 13, 2026

4 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?”

  • If memory loss develops

    Dementia-care designation not on file

    Ask: “If memory loss develops, what would change — and when would a move be needed?”

What it costs here

Covelight estimate

$4,050a month to start

Likely $3,300–$4,950

From 15 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file

Likely monthly total

$4,050a month

Likely $3,300–$5,150

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

Memory care is not priced here: a dementia-care designation is not on file for this home. Ask the home.

  • Starting monthly rate$4,050likely $3,300–$4,950

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 15 small homes and similar homes within 10 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 $3,300–$5,150
$4,050
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $3,900–$8,350
$6,050
How people payOn the Medi-Cal waiver list · private pay, 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 appears on the DHCS participation list, August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility and current participation with the program. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board. For a resident on SSI/SSP, California’s 2026 standard sends $1,444.07 a month to the home 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.
  • 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 15 small homes and similar homes within 10 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.

15 homes like this within 10 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,300–$4,600.

  • 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 15 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 12302 Rambler Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93312Address 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 2021, the state has filed 9 documents for this home, and its records count 9 visits since 2016. The most recent — a complaint investigation report on June 4, 2026 — closed with the state’s outcome word: “Unsubstantiated.”

On file since
2021
State visits
9
Most recent visit
June 4, 2026
Occupied at that visit
2 of 6 bedsa count on that day, not an opening

We hold 3 complaint reports the state published for this home, dated April 22, 2026 to June 4, 2026. 3 of the 3 carry the state's recorded outcome word: “Substantiated” (2), “Unsubstantiated” (1). 3 include the transcribed allegation the state investigated, word for word. Summary composed by computer from the 3 complaint reports 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 citations1typical 0
  • Type B citations1typical 0
  • Substantiated allegations2typical 0
  • Total complaints3typical 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 2016.

Year by year
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated202634220251102024110202311020221102021110

The last 36 months — 7 of 9 documents

20263 state visits · 4 documents
Jun 4, 2026Complaint investigation reportUnsubstantiated

Allegation investigated: Staff did not safeguard residents personal belongings

On 06/04/2026, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) M. Medina and J. Duarre conducted a subsequent unannounced complaint visit to deliver findings. LPAs introduced self, stated purpose of visit, and allowed entrance by direct care staff. Lilibeth Estomata, Licensee contacted by telephone and was unavailable to conduct today's complaint visit. LPAs delivered findings via telephone to licensee and the report was signed by staff on shift. . This department investigated the above allegations during the investigation, LPAs toured facility and conducted interviews. This department had insufficient information regarding the allegation listed above. Although the allegation may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove or disprove that the allegation occurred therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. No deficiencies issued during this complaint visit.. Exit interview conducted. A copy of this report was provided to Licensee for facility records Unsubstantiatedthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 4, 2026 · control 24-AS-20260513125529
May 18, 2026Complaint investigation reportSubstantiated

Allegation investigated: Staff did not accept resident back from hospital

On 5/18/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M. Medina arrived to conduct an unannounced initial 10-day complaint visit. LPA arrived, introduced self, stated purpose of visit, and allowed entrance to facility by staff. Licensee was not available to conduct today's complaint visit, LPA spoke with Licensee via telephone to advise of complaint and conduct interview. During the course of the investigation, interviews were conducted. Based on information gathered during interviews, R1 was ready for discharge from hospital on 5/15/2026 and was not accepted back at facility. Per licensee, they can no longer meet resident's needs. The preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation of is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. A deficiency is being cited in accordance to California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6 on the attached 9099D. Exit interview was conducted and a plan of correction developed and reviewed. A copy of this report provided to staff for facility records. . Substantiatedthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 18, 2026 · control 24-AS-20260517122302

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: CCR 87224(a) · Plan of correction due date: May 25, 2026

(a) The licensee may evict a resident for one or more of the reasons listed in Section 87224(a)(1) through (5). Thirty (30) days written notice to the resident is required except as otherwise specified in paragraph (5) **This was not met as evidenced by: R1 was ready for discharge from hospital on 5/15/2026 and was not accepted back at facility. Per licensee, they can no longer meet resident's needsthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 18, 2026

Plan of correction: Licensee will read regulation section 87224 and submit written statement acknowledging they have been read and understand was is stated. POC to be submitted to Fresno Regional Office by due date.

May 18, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Case Management - Other

On 5/22/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M, Medina conducted a Case Management visit due to interviews conducted during complaint (#24-AS-20260517122302) visit on this date. During interviews conducted, it was reported by licensee that there had been numerous incidents with resident 1 (R1) prior to hospitalization that had not been reported to department as required by Title 22 regulation. LPA advised Licensee via telephone of case management report. A deficiency is being cited in accordance to California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6 on the attached 9099D. Exit interview conducted via telephone with licensee and a plan of correction was developed and reviewed. A copy of this report provided to facility via email for facility records. .the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 18, 2026

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: CCR 87211(a)(1) · Plan of correction due date: May 25, 2026

(a) Each licensee shall furnish to the licensing agency such reports as the Department may require, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) A written report shall be submitted to the licensing agency and to the person responsible for the resident within seven days of the occurrence of any of the events specified in (A) through (D) below. This report shall include the resident's name, age, sex and date of admission; date and nature of event; attending physician's name, findings, and treatment, if any; and disposition of the case. **This was not met as evidenced by: During interview licensee it was reported by licensee that there had by numerous incidents with resident that had not been reported to department as required by Title 22.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 18, 2026

Plan of correction: Licensee will submit all incident reports for incidents that have occurred to department. Licensee will read regulation section 87211 and submit written statement acknowledging they have read and understand was is stated. POC to be submitted to Fresno Regional Office by due date.

Apr 22, 2026Complaint investigation reportSubstantiated

Allegation investigated: Facility did not provide supervision allowing resident to walk the neighborhood freely

On 4/22/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M. Medina arrived to conduct an unannounced initial 10-day complaint visit. LPA arrived, introduced self, stated purpose of visit, and allowed entrance to facility by staff. Licensee was not available to conduct today's complaint visit, LPA met with staff to conduct visit. During the course of the investigation, documents were reviewed, interviews conducted and observations made. Based on information gathered during interviews, and review of video surveillance, R1 left facility unassisted by staff. The preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation of is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. A deficiency is being cited in accordance to California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6 on the attached 9099D. An immediate Civil Penalty is being Assessed on the attached LIC421M Exit interview was conducted and a plan of correction developed and reviewed. A copy of this report provided to staff for facility records. . Substantiatedthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 22, 2026 · control 24-AS-20260415154451

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type A · Section cited: CCR 87411(a) · Plan of correction due date: Apr 23, 2026

(a) Facility personnel shall at all times be sufficient in numbers, and competent to provide the services necessary to meet resident needs. ***This was not met as evidenced by review of video surveillance, R1 left facility unassisted by staff. IMMEDIATE CIVIL PENALTY ASSESSEDthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 22, 2026

Plan of correction: Licensee to submit a written plan to department to ensure how regulation will be met.

20251 state visit · 1 document
Nov 24, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 11/24/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M. Medina conducted an unannounced Annual Required Inspection. LPA introduced self, stated purpose of visit and allowed entrance into facility by Direct Care Staff. Licensee, Lilibeth Estomata contacted by telephone and was not available to conduct today's inspection visit. LPA conducted facility tour with direct care staff. Currently, three (3) residents in care. Residents were all present during today's inspection. Residents were observed to be relaxing in the family room and resting in their bedroom All common area observed to have adequate seating and lighting available. Resident bedrooms toured, all bedrooms observed to have required furnishings. Linens observed to be clean and in good repair. Resident bathrooms toured, fixtures observed to be clean and operational during inspection. Showers observed to have grab bars, skid-resistant mats, and shower chairs available. Water temperature measured at 109 degrees F. Kitchen tour conducted, sharps and knives are stored and secured in kitchen cabinet. Medications observed to also be locked and secured in cabinet. All cleaning supplies are locked and secured and inaccessible to residents. Fire extinguisher present with a service date of 1/14/2025. Outside of the facility toured, all exits open free of obstruction. Facility has outdoor seating and shade available for residents. Due to time constraints LPA will return to review medication, staff and resident files and complete inspection tool. No deficiencies cited during this inspection.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 24, 2025
20241 state visit · 1 document
Nov 7, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 11/07/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M Medina conduced an unannounced Annual Required inspection. LPA arrived, introduced self, stated purpose of visit and allowed entrance by Direct Care Staff. Licensee/Administrator contacted by telephone and was not available to conduct facility inspection. LPA conducted facility tour with Gemma Jones, Lead Care Staff. Currently, there are six (6) residents in care. All were present at time of inspection. LPA observed facility to be clean, odor free, and a comfortable temperature. Facility is 4 bedrooms and 2 bathroom, there are 2 shared room and 2 private bedrooms. Facility tour conducted with Lead Care Staff. All common areas have adequate seating available for all residents in care. Kitchen toured, LPA observed facility to have a 2-day supply of perishable and a 7-day of non-perishable food available. LPA observed all food to be properly stored and dated. LPA observed stove knobs to be removed and secured. All knives and sharps were also observed to be locked and secured. All resident bedrooms toured, bedrooms observed to have all required accommodations available. Resident bathrooms toured. LPA observed fixtures to be operational during inspection. LPA observed grab bars, non-skid mats, and grab bars in the shower/tub areas, as well as near toilets. Water temperature measured at 116 degrees F. Medications observed to be locked and secured. LPA observed medications to have original labels and to be administered as prescribed. Cleaning supplies observed to be locked and secured in cabinets in garage, as well as in laundry room which is locked and secured. Fire extinguishers present with a service date of 11/27/2023. Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors observed operational at time of inspection. Outside of facility toured. All exits open free of obstruction. No hazards observed. Resident and staff files reviewed. A copy of this signed report will be provided to Licensee via e-mail for their records. No deficiencies cited.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 7, 2024
20231 state visit · 1 document
Nov 27, 2023Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 11/27/2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M. Medina conducted an unannounced Annual Required inspection. LPA introduced self, stated purpose of visit and allowed entrance by direct care staff. Licensee/Administrator, Lilibeth Estomata contacted by telephone and arrived a short time later to conduct inspection. Facility tour conducted with Licensee. Facility tour began in resident bedrooms. Rooms observed to be sufficiently furnished with adequate lighting. Residents bathrooms observed to be clean and in good repair. Bath/tub are have non-skid mats and grab bars. Hot water tested in both bathrooms with a water temperature of 119 degrees F. Dining room and living room have adequate seating and lighting for all residents in care. Tour of kitchen conducted. LPA observed a two day supply of perishable food and a seven day supply of nonperishable food available. All foods and leftovers stored in the refrigerator and/or freezer observed to be properly stored and labeled. All medications observed to be locked and secured in kitchen cabinet . Medication observed to have all original labels and to be administered as prescribed. All sharps are locked and secured and inaccessible to residents. All cleaning supplies are locked and secured in cabinet. Last fire drill conducted on 11/03/23 according to facility records. Outside of facility toured. Seating is available for residents, all exits observed to be free of obstruction. Staff and resident files reviewed. No deficiencies observed. Exit interview was conducted, facility report signed and a copy provided for facility records.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 27, 2023
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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