Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet
Carnelian II
Mid-size home·Licensed for 9·Walnut Creek, California
- Care approvals on fileWheelchair · HospiceState licensing record · September 27, 2026
- Estimated starting rate$5,200 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,100–$6,850
- Home sizeLicensed for 9Mid-size care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
- Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
- Last state visitJune 12, 2026CDSS inspection record
- Licence holderCarnelian Assisted Living, LLCSince 2011 · 2 licensed homes
Carnelian II is a mid-size care home in Walnut Creek — a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), the licence category behind “assisted living” and “board and care.” It is licensed for 9 residents since 2011. Dementia care and bedridden care are not on file.
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 Carnelian II
Is Carnelian II licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
How many residents is Carnelian II licensed for?
9 residents — a mid-size home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Has Carnelian II 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 Carnelian II still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.
What does Carnelian II cost?
$5,200 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,100–$6,850. 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 20 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 8 other homes of a similar licensed size in Walnut Creek that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $3,448 to $6,500 a month, and the middle figure is $5,000 (n = 8 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 Carnelian II 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 Carnelian Assisted Living, LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. See the homes licensed to Carnelian Assisted Living, LLC — at least 2 on the state roster.
Is there a hospital nearby?
Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Walnut Creek is 0.9 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.
Can Carnelian II keep a resident on hospice?
Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 7 residents, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Carnelian II license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “CARNELIAN II”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #75601537. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- Licensed for 9 residents — a mid-size home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- Licensed to Carnelian Assisted Living, LLC, 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 June 12, 2026, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
California writes these definitions for every licensed home, not for this one. CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗
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 9 residents
- Dementia / memory careNot on file · ask the home
- Hospice careApproved · covers up to 7 residents
- BedriddenNot on file · ask the home
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
AGE RANGE 60 AND OVER. ALL MAY BE NON-AMBULATORY. LICENSE IS SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HOSPICE WAIVER FOR SEVEN RESIDENTS.
985 - RCFE / HOSPICE
CDSS record, verbatim · September 27, 2026
As needs change
- Staying through hospice
Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 7 — 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
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
$5,200a month to start
Likely $4,100–$6,850
From 20 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file
Likely monthly total
$5,200a month
Likely $4,100–$7,000
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
Memory care is not priced here: a dementia-care designation is not on file for this home. Ask the home.
Starting monthly rate$5,200likely $4,100–$6,850
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 20 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 $4,100–$7,000
- $5,200
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,900–$9,900
- $7,200
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.
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 20 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.
20 homes like this within 5 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,400–$6,700.
- 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 20 nearby homes behind this estimate
- Heatherwood Memory CareWalnut Creek · 1.1 mi · Mid-size home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Lafayette GardensLafayette · 2.2 mi · Small home$5,600Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Aaron's Advance Care HomeWalnut Creek · 2.5 mi · Small home$3,395Listed on Seniorly · assisted living studio · seen September 9, 2026
- Ag Health CareWalnut Creek · 2.6 mi · Small home$3,395Listed on Seniorly · assisted living studio · seen September 9, 2026
- Caring Angels Care HomeLafayette · 2.8 mi · Small home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Wimbledon Walnut Creek Care HomeWalnut Creek · 3.3 mi · Small home$8,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Welcome Home Senior Residence (Walnut Creek)Walnut Creek · 3.6 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Bermuda Residential Care HomeConcord · 3.6 mi · Small home$3,800Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Casa Blanca Retirement HomesAlamo · 3.6 mi · Mid-size home$3,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Better Living of Walnut CreekWalnut Creek · 3.7 mi · Small home$3,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living · seen September 9, 2026
- A Place for SeniorsWalnut Creek · 3.7 mi · Small home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Welcome Home Senior Residence (Concord 2)Concord · 3.8 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Camellia Garden Care VillaWalnut Creek · 3.9 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Ramona Care HomePleasant Hill · 3.9 mi · Small home$3,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Maureen HousePleasant Hill · 4.0 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- New Alamo Residence HomeAlamo · 4.2 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on A Place for Mom · seen September 9, 2026
- Buttercup Care HomeConcord · 4.4 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on A Place for Mom · seen September 9, 2026
- Elisabeth Care HomePleasant Hill · 4.5 mi · Small home$3,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Aspen Senior LivingConcord · 4.7 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Blue Horizon LivingConcord · 4.8 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on A Place for Mom · seen September 9, 2026
Where it is
- 170 Flora Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94595Address 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 2022, the state has filed 6 documents for this home, and its records count 6 visits since 2011. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated June 12, 2026.
- On file since
- 2022
- State visits
- 6
- Most recent visit
- June 12, 2026
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
The last 36 months — 4 of 6 documents
Jun 12, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 06/12/2026, at 09:00 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) James Sampair arrived unannounced to conduct this Annual inspection. Upon entry, the LPA stated the purpose of the visit to Resident Care Coordinator Ruby Bowers. The Administrator (ADM) Katherine Dunphy arrived at approximately 09:45 AM. The LPA toured the interior and exterior of the facility with the ADM. The tour of the facility included, but was not limited to, residents’ rooms, bathrooms, the central kitchen, and common areas. The LPA observed adequate lighting for the comfort and safety of residents throughout the community and in individual's rooms. The walkways in both the interior and exterior of the facility are free from obstructions. There are no bodies of water. The temperature of the refrigerators was below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezers below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. At 10:47 AM, the living room temperature was measured at 72.1 degrees Fahrenheit. At 10:51 AM, the maximum hot water temperature was 111.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the shared bathroom. The residents’ bathrooms are equipped with grab bars and slip-resistant mats. There is more than the required minimum 7-day supply of nonperishable foods and a 2-day supply of perishable foods. The LPA observed the required postings in the facility. The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were last tested on 10/02/2025 by Cintas and found to be in full operating condition. The fire extinguishers were last serviced on 02/24/2026. The Emergency Disaster Plan was reviewed by Administrator Adlai Grutas on 05/14/2026. Emergency and disaster drills are conducted quarterly; the most recent was conducted on 05/28/2026. The first aid kit was observed to be complete and staff dispense medications directly from the original container to residents. The liability insurance expires on 08/15/2026. An administrator is on site more than the minimum of 20 hours a week to ensure proper business operations are being conducted. Continued on LIC 809-C . . . . . . Continued from LIC 809 The LPA reviewed 5 Resident, 5 Staff, and the Facility records. No citations were issued for deficiencies during this inspection. Exit interview conducted and a copy of this report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 12, 2026
Aug 29, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
On 8/29/2025, at 9:00 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) James Sampair arrived unannounced to conduct this Case Management visit to the facility. Upon arrival, LPA stated the purpose of the visit to Caregiver Beth Panelo and Administrator (ADM) Katherine Grutas Dunphy by phone. The ADM arrived at the facility at approximately 10:00 AM. The LPA interviewed the ADM about food preparation and the shared dining areas in the three facilities. The ADM stated that a single kitchen in Carnelian I serving all residents and a shared dining room used as a multipurpose room has been the standard operating procedure since the facility was first opened in 1973. The LPA toured Carnelian I, II, and III with the ADM, inspecting the kitchen in Carnelian I, food storage in the shed, the dining areas in all three facilities, as well as the grounds of the facility. The LPA observed that more than the required minimum of 7 days of nonperishable and 2 days of perishable foods were securely and safely stored. The dining rooms were part of an open space that was centrally located in each of the three facilities, serving serve as multipurpose areas. Upon arrival, in Carnelian I, the LPA observed residents interacting with each other and their visitors near the entrance into the facility, while in the middle, in the dining room area, a few residents were eating and chatting with each other. Beyond the dining room, near the piano, more residents and visitors were talking with each other. In Carnelian III, a resident was being served food by a caregiver. Upon return to Carnelian I at approximately 11:00 AM, the LPA observed 14 residents sharing a live musical performance at the piano. No citation was issued during the inspection. Exit interview conducted and a copy of this report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 29, 2025
May 19, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 5/19/2025, at 9:00 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) James Sampair arrived unannounced to conduct the Required Annual Inspection of the facility. Upon arrival, LPA stated the purpose of the visit to Administrator Jay Grutas. The LPA toured the interior and exterior of the facility, inspecting the kitchen, food and emergency supply storage areas, dining area, shared restrooms, community living spaces, client rooms, and the grounds of the facility. More than the required minimum of 7 days of nonperishable and 2 days of perishable foods were appropriately stored. The maximum hot water temperature and the room temperature in the common areas were within the acceptable temperature range. The carbon monoxide and smoke detectors were fully operational. The fire extinguishers were last serviced on 3/31/2025. The LPA observed postings in the facility that included a complaint poster, Ombudsman, and Personal Rights posters. An administrator is on site more than the minimum of 20 hours a week to oversee the proper business operations. The LPA reviewed facility records, records of 5 staff members, and records of 5 residents. No citation was issued during the inspection. Exit interview conducted and a copy of this report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 19, 2025
May 24, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 5/24/2024 at 10:00 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) James Sampair arrived unannounced to conduct the Required Annual Inspection. Upon entry, LPA stated the purpose of the visit to staff members. Administrator (ADM) Katherine Grutas arrived at approximately 11:15 AM. The LPA inspected the interior and exterior of the facility with the ADM. The inspection of the physical plant included the kitchen, dining area, restrooms, community living spaces, resident rooms, storage areas, and the grounds of the facility. More than the required minimum of 7 days of nonperishable and 2 days of perishable foods were appropriately stored. Temperature in the living room was measured at 72.5 degrees Fahrenheit at 12:45 PM. The fire extinguishers were fully charged and last serviced 3/14/2024. The carbon monoxide and smoke detectors were fully operational. The LPA observed postings in the facility that included a complaint poster, Ombudsman and Personal Rights posters, Theft and Loss Policy, Rights to Resident Council, and Rights to Family Council. An administrator is on site more than the minimum of 20 hours a week to oversee the proper business operations. The LPA reviewed facility records, records of 5 residents, and records of 5 staff members. The LPA interviewed 2 staff members and 2 residents. No citations issued during the inspection. Exit interview conducted with ADM and a copy of this report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 24, 2024
What the state’s words mean
CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗ · CDSS complaint outcomes ↗
Who holds the licence
Carnelian Assisted Living, LLC, 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.
- Carnelian I · Walnut Creek
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.
- What is included in the monthly rate, and what costs extra?
- Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?
- Which rooms does the non-ambulatory approval cover, and what transfer support is provided?
- What could change whether someone can stay here?
- Can we see a bedroom and share a meal during a visit?
Other homes nearby
The nearest licensed homes in Contra Costa County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
Carnelian I
Walnut Creek · Mid-size home · 0.1 mi away
$5,100 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Carnelian III
Walnut Creek · Small home · 0.1 mi away
$4,950 a month to start · Covelight estimate
New Haven
Walnut Creek · Small home · 0.3 mi away
$5,050 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Lafayette Residential Care
Walnut Creek · Small home · 0.4 mi away
$5,900 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Bridge View at Whyte Park
Walnut Creek · Small home · 0.4 mi away
$6,050 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Bethel Care Home on Cottage
Walnut Creek · Small home · 0.4 mi away
$5,100 a month to start · Covelight estimate