Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet
Desert Cottage III
Small home·Licensed for 6·Indio, California
- Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Dementia · BedriddenState licensing record · September 27, 2026
- Estimated starting rate$4,250 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $3,450–$5,200
- Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
- Room at the last state visit0 of 6 beds occupiedApril 17, 2024 · not a current opening
- Ways to payMedi-Cal ALW acceptedDHCS participant list · September 23, 2026
- Last state visitAugust 19, 2026CDSS inspection record
Desert Cottage III is a small care home in Indio — 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 2014. Hospice care is 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 Desert Cottage III
Is Desert Cottage III licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
How many residents is Desert Cottage III licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Has Desert Cottage III been cited?
0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2014, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. Those records count 12 state visits over the same years.
Is Desert Cottage III still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.
What does Desert Cottage III cost?
$4,250 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $3,450–$5,200. 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 small homes within 7 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 161 other homes of a similar licensed size across Riverside County that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $3,800 to $5,000 a month, and the middle figure is $4,500 (n = 161 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 Desert Cottage III take Medi-Cal?
On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: this home appears on the DHCS participation list, September 23, 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 Desert Cottages, LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. See the homes licensed to Desert Cottages LLC — at least 3 on the state roster.
Is there a hospital nearby?
John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital is 3.1 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.
Can Desert Cottage III keep a resident on hospice?
Not on file — the state’s record does not list hospice care on this license. Ask: “Can a resident stay here on hospice, and under what conditions?”
Desert Cottage III license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “DESERT COTTAGE III”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #336426273. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- Licensed for 6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- Licensed to Desert Cottages, LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- First licensed in 2014, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 12 state inspection visits since 2014, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2014, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. The same records count 12 state visits in that period.
- 2 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2014, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. One complaint can carry several allegations.
- The most recent state visit on file is August 19, 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 6 residents
- Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
- Hospice careNot on file · ask the home
- BedriddenApproved · covers up to 6 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
6 NON-AMBULATORY, OF WHICH 6 MAY BE BEDRIDDEN.
983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA
CDSS record, verbatim · September 27, 2026
As needs change
- 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
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?”
- Staying through hospice
Hospice waiver not on file
Ask: “If hospice is needed, can care continue here until the end?”
What it costs here
Covelight estimate
$4,250a month to start
Likely $3,450–$5,200
From 9 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file
Likely monthly total
$4,250a month
Likely $3,450–$5,400
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
Starting monthly rate$4,250likely $3,450–$5,200
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 9 small homes within 7 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 $3,450–$5,400
- $4,250
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,050–$8,550
- $6,250
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, September 23, 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.
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 small homes within 7 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 7 miles publish starting rates mostly between $2,850–$4,500.
- 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
- Terra Lago Assisted LivingIndio · 0.4 mi · Small home$2,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Monticello Senior Care in La QuintaLa Quinta · 4.5 mi · Small home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Infinite Love & Care HomesIndio · 5.2 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Goldluxury VillaLa Quinta · 5.4 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Villa QuinterraLa Quinta · 5.4 mi · Small home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Mountain View Residential Care for the ElderlyLa Quinta · 5.7 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Del Oro Residential CareLa Quinta · 6.2 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Sun City VillaPalm Desert · 6.2 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Victoria Falls Home CarePalm Desert · 6.5 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
Where it is
- 43745 Pettirosso St., Indio, CA 92203Address 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 11 documents for this home, and its records count 12 visits since 2014. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated August 19, 2026.
- On file since
- 2022
- State visits
- 12
- Most recent visit
- August 19, 2026
- Occupied · April 17, 2024 visit
- 0 of 6 bedsa count on that day, not an opening
We hold 1 complaint report the state published for this home, dated April 17, 2024. 1 of the 1 carries the state's recorded outcome word: “Unfounded” (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 complaints2typical 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 2014.
Year by year
The last 36 months — 9 of 11 documents
Aug 19, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 8/19/26 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Toni Nwala conducted an unannounced one (1) year required visit. LPA were granted entry by Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler, who was informed of the purpose of visit. At the time of visit, there are no residents in care. Elizabeth has obtained proper fingerprint clearance and association to the facility LPA observed the following during today's visit: LPA conducted a tour of the facility with Administrator, Elizabeth. The physical plant contained four (4) resident bedrooms, one (1) staff bedroom, and three and a half (3.5) bathrooms. The facility has a dining room, kitchen, living room, and a gated backyard. Indoor and outdoor passageways were free of obstruction. There were no bodies of water located on the property. The facility has a working refrigerator ready for residents to be accepted into the facility. Water temperature measured at 106.5-degree Fahrenheit meeting within the required limits. Dishes and utensils were in sufficient supply and in good repair. Knives and sharp items are located in the kitchen in a locked cabinet. Resident bedrooms had the required bedding, furniture, and lighting. Disinfectants and cleaning solutions were secured in a locked cabinet in the kitchen. There is a locked cabinet located in the kitchen to store centrally stored medication. The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and were observed to be operable. LPA observed charged fire extinguishers mounted in the kitchen. Facility maintained a sufficient amount of PPE located in the locked staff bedroom. Administrator file reviewed have a criminal record clearance and valid first aid/CPR certification. Administrator’s license expiration date is 12/25/2026. Facility sketch, personal rights, and emergency disaster plan is posted on a wall in the hallway near entrance. According to Administrator, Elizabeth, there are no firearms or ammunition on the premises. During today's visit, LPA did not observe any immediate violations or concerns. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was reviewed and provided to Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 19, 2026
Oct 30, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPA met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler and explained the purpose of the visit. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 30, 2025
Oct 10, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPA met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler and explained the purpose of the visit. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 10, 2025
Sep 26, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPA met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler and explained the purpose of the visit. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 26, 2025
Sep 16, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPA met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler and explained the purpose of the visit. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 16, 2025
Aug 30, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs),Abdoulaye Zerbo and Armando Perez conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for a health an safety check. The LPAs met with Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler, informed them of the purpose of the visit and was granted access. During today's visit, LPAs toured the facility and no immediate health and safety concerns were observed. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Licensee Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 30, 2025
May 15, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Other
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an unannounced visit to the facility to issue an amended report to clarify the reported allegation(s). LPA met with Elizabeth Hengstler, identified himself and discussed the purpose of the visit. A tour was conducted of the facility. No immediate health and safety concerns were observed during the visit. During today’s visit, LPA obtained Elizabeth Hengstler's signature on an amended version of a report originally delivered on 12-11-2024. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to Elizabeth Hengstlerthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 15, 2025
Aug 21, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 8/21/24 Licensing Program Analyst's (LPAs) Valerie Flores, Ferrer Sabarias, and Andrei Castillo conducted an unannounced one (1) year required visit. LPA's were granted entry by Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler, who was informed of the purpose of visit. At the time of visit, there are no residents in care. Per Elizabeth, they wish to admit residents once their fire sprinklers have been installed. Elizabeth has obtained proper fingerprint clearance and association to the facility. LPA's observed the following during today's visit: LPA's conducted a tour of the facility with Administrator, Elizabeth. The physical plant contained four (4) resident bedrooms, one (1) staff bedroom, and three and a half (3.5) bathrooms. The facility has a dining room, kitchen, living room, and a gated backyard. Indoor and outdoor passageways were free of obstruction. There were no bodies of water located on the property. The facility has a working refrigerator ready for residents to be accepted into the facility. Water temperature measured at 120-degree Fahrenheit meeting within the required limits. Dishes and utensils were in sufficient supply and in good repair. Knives and sharp items are located in the kitchen in a locked cabinet. Resident bedrooms had the required bedding, furniture, and lighting. Disinfectants and cleaning solutions were secured in a locked cabinet in the kitchen. There is a locked cabinet located in the kitchen to store centrally stored medication. The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and were observed to be operable. LPA's observed charged fire extinguishers mounted in the kitchen. Facility maintained a sufficient amount of PPE located in the locked staff bedroom. Administrator file reviewed have a criminal record clearance and valid first aid/CPR certification. Administrator’s license expiration date is 12/25/2024. Facility sketch, personal rights, and emergency disaster plan is posted on a wall in the hallway near entrance. According to Administrator, Elizabeth, there are no firearms or ammunition on the premises. During today's visit, LPA's did not observe any immediate violations or concerns. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was reviewed and provided to Administrator, Elizabeth Hengstler.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 21, 2024
Apr 17, 2024Complaint investigation reportUnfounded
Allegation investigated: Staff are prohibiting the Long Term Ombudsman from touring the facility
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sara Martinez and Licensing Program Manager Tricia Danielson conducted an unannounced visit to the facility to initiate the investigation regarding the allegation listed above. LPM and LPA were granted entry and met with Administrator Elizabeth Hengstler who was informed of the purpose for this visit. Regarding the allegation, it was reported that Riverside County Ombudsman was not allowed to enter this facility. Interview with Administrator Elizabeth Hengstler stated the facility has not had any residents residing at this facility since 2021 and the facility was last utilized as a COVID-19 surge facility. LPA and LPM toured the facility and did not see any evidence of residents residing at the facility. Due to the facility not having any residents currently residing at the facility, no personal rights of residents were violated in prohibiting the Ombudsman from touring the facility. This agency has investigated the complaint alleging "Staff are prohibiting the Long Term Ombudsman from touring the facility". We have found that the complaint was unfounded, meaning that the allegation was false, could not have happened and/or are without a reasonable basis. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to Hengstler. Unfoundedthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 17, 2024 · control 18-AS-20240411142009
What the state’s words mean
CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗ · CDSS complaint outcomes ↗
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 Riverside County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
Terra Lago Assisted Living
Indio · Small home · 0.4 mi away
$2,500 a month to start · Listed by the home
Desert Cottage
Indio · Small home · 1.2 mi away
$4,300 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Desert Cottage II
Indio · Small home · 1.3 mi away
$4,450 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Sunset Retreats Senior Living
Indio · Small home · 1.4 mi away
$5,550 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Angelic Hands Assisted Living
Indio · Small home · 2.5 mi away
$4,450 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Golden Life Manor Oasis
Indio · Small home · 3.3 mi away
$4,750 a month to start · Covelight estimate