Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

Desert Cove Assisted Living

Large community·Licensed for 56·Desert Hot Springs, California

Licensed since 2025Licence #331881680
  • Care approvals on fileDementia · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 27, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$5,150 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,000–$6,550
  • Home sizeLicensed for 56Large care community · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Room at the last state visit49 of 56 beds occupiedOctober 23, 2025 · not a current opening
  • Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
  • Last state visitMay 21, 2026CDSS inspection record

Desert Cove Assisted Living is a large care community in Desert Hot Springs — a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), the licence category behind “assisted living” and “board and care.” It is licensed for 56 residents since 2025. Wheelchair and non-ambulatory 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 Cove Assisted Living

Is Desert Cove Assisted Living licensed?

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

How many residents is Desert Cove Assisted Living licensed for?

56 residents — a large community, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

Has Desert Cove Assisted Living been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. Those records count 8 state visits over the same years.

Is Desert Cove Assisted Living still open?

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

What does Desert Cove Assisted Living cost?

$5,150 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,000–$6,550. 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 13 communities with 50 or more beds within 37 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 26 other homes of a similar licensed size across Riverside County that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $3,295 to $4,395 a month, and the middle figure is $3,725 (n = 26 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 Desert Cove Assisted Living take Medi-Cal?

On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: we have not yet confirmed that an entry on the DHCS Assisted Living Waiver list is this home’s. Ask the home: “Do you take the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver?” The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.

Who holds the license?

The license is held by Desert Cove Assisted Living LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

Can Desert Cove Assisted Living keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 20 residents, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

Desert Cove Assisted Living license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “DESERT COVE ASSISTED LIVING”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #331881680. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • Licensed for 56 residents — a large community, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • Licensed to Desert Cove Assisted Living LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • 8 state inspection visits since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. The same records count 8 state visits in that period.
  • 1 complaint and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. One complaint can carry several allegations.
  • The most recent state visit on file is May 21, 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-ambulatoryNot on file · ask the home
  • Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
  • Hospice careApproved · covers up to 20 residents
  • BedriddenApproved · covers up to 20 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
AGE RANGE 60 AND OVER. APPROVED FIRE CLEARANCE FOR 56 NON-AMB OF WHICH 20 MAY BE BEDRIDDEN. ALL ROOMS ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME PER FIRE INSPECTOR. WAIVER/GRANTED FOR HOSPICE CARE FOR (20).

983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA

CDSS record, verbatim · September 27, 2026

As needs change

  • Staying through hospice

    Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 20 — 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

$5,150a month to start

Likely $4,000–$6,550

From 13 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file

Likely monthly total

$5,150a month

Likely $4,000–$6,700

With a studio and basic help.

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

See the full cost breakdownRoom, care and fees · how people pay · how this estimate works
Room
Daily care
Sharing the room
  • Starting monthly rate$5,150likely $4,000–$6,550

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 13 communities with 50 or more beds within 37 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 $4,000–$6,700
$5,150
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,800–$9,700
$7,150

Costs & moving in

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 WaiverWe have not yet confirmed that an entry on the DHCS Assisted Living Waiver list is this home’s. Ask the home: “Do you take the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver?” 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 13 communities with 50 or more beds within 37 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.

13 homes like this within 37 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,200–$5,250.

  • 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 13 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 13660 Mountain View Road, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240Address 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 2025, the state has filed 5 documents for this home, and its records count 8 visits since 2025. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated May 21, 2026.

On file since
2025
State visits
8
Most recent visit
May 21, 2026
Occupied · October 23, 2025 visit
49 of 56 bedsa count on that day, not an opening

We hold 1 complaint report the state published for this home, dated October 23, 2025. 1 of the 1 carries the state's recorded outcome word: “Unsubstantiated” (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 1
  • Substantiated allegations0typical 2
  • Total complaints1typical 6

“Typical” is the statewide median across the 1,354 licensed larger communities (16+ 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 2025.

Year by year
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated20261102025440

The last 36 months — 5 of 5 documents

20261 state visit · 1 document
May 21, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 5/21/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Valerie Flores conducted an unannounced 1-year required visit. LPA Flores met with Administrator Heather Scott and explained the purpose of the visit. A tour of the interior and exterior areas were conducted alongside the Administrator where the following was observed: The facility is a single-story structure with apartment style resident units. The facility houses (40) forty residents to which (5) five randomly selected resident units were toured. Resident units were observed to be equipped with private bathrooms, bedding, furniture, and functional lighting. Private bathrooms were equipped with slip resistant material and grab bars in the shower areas along with grab bars near the toilet area. Resident bathroom floors were observed to have dried up dirt. During the visit, LPA confirmed resident bathroom floors were cleaned. Water temperature measure within the required limits. All indoor and outdoor passageways were observed to be free of obstruction. Outdoor areas have sufficient room for activities LPA observe shaded areas that were furnished. A washing machine and dryer were available and in working order. LPA observed a sufficient supply of linen and towels for resident use. LPA observed a posted activities calendar near the main office. Books and other activities were observed to be stored in the dining room. Utensils and dishware are sufficient for the requested capacity. Knives and other sharp items were stored in the kitchen area, available only to authorized individuals. Fire Safety Inspection Report was conducted by the Riverside County Fire Department on 4/29/2026. Fire extinguishers were observed to be fully charged and were last serviced on 4/21/2026. Per Administrator there are no firearms and/or ammunition on the premises. (Continue to LIC809C...) (Continuation from LIC809) (5) Five resident records were review. Records reviewed included but not limited to identification and emergency information, admission agreement, medical assessment, needs and service plans, placement, and functional assessment. (4) Four staff records were review. Records review included but not limited to valid first-aid/CPR certification, criminal record clearance or an exemption, health screening and TB test results, employee rights, and training verification. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to the Administrator.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 21, 2026

The state marks this report as 5 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 3. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

20254 state visits · 4 documents
Nov 13, 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 perform a health and safety check. Upon arrival, the LPA met with Executive Director (ED) Heather Scott, informed her of the purpose of the visit, and was granted access to the facility. Community Care Licensing (CCL) received an incident report on November 7, 2025, alleging that Staff 1 (S1) made a threat toward Resident 1 (R1). As part of the case management process, the LPA conducted an interview with facility staff, obtained relevant documentation, and toured the facility to assess for any health and safety concerns. No immediate health or safety risks were observed during the visit. According to the ED, S1 has been terminated due to the threatening behavior exhibited toward the resident. The ED was informed that additional follow-up, including possible phone interviews and future visits, may be conducted prior to a final determination. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to Executive Director Heather Scott.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 13, 2025
Oct 23, 2025Complaint investigation reportUnsubstantiated

Allegation investigated: Staff did not provide adequate care and supervision resulting in resident wandering away from the facility in the heat

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo made and unannounced visit at the facility to deliver findings on the above allegation. LPA met with Executive Director Heather Scott and discuss the purpose of the visit. It was alleged Staff did not provide adequate care and supervision resulting in resident wandering away from the facility in the heat. LPA conducted a comprehensive investigation, which included interviews with facility staff and R1, a review of relevant documentation such as the resident’s file and facility records, and direct observations of the facility’s environment and supervision practices. During the course of the investigation, it was confirmed through records review and staff interviews that R1 is not under a conservatorship and retains all personal rights, including the right to enter and exit the facility unsupervised. A review of R1’s physician’s indicated that R1 can leave the facility unassisted. Unsubstantiated Although R1 left the facility premises during a period of elevated temperatures, there was no evidence to suggest that staff neglected their responsibilities or failed to follow the resident’s care plan. Staff reported that R1 is known to take walks independently to nearby stores. Based on records review, and interviews, the above allegation is Unsubstantiated. A finding that the complaint is UNSUBSTANTIATED means the allegation may have happened or is valid, but there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to Executive Director Heather Scott.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 23, 2025 · control 18-AS-20250615213557
May 6, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Prelicensing

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Abdoulaye Zerbo conducted an announced pre-licensing inspection at the facility and met with Executive Director Heather Scott and Chief Operation Officer Jason Mullen. Application: The inspection is a Change of ownership (CHOW) for a Residential Care Facility for Elderly (RCFE). The Desert Hot Springs Fire Department approved a fire clearance on 02-27-2025 for thirty six (36) non-ambulatory residents and twenty(20) bedridden residents. Buildings and Grounds: The facility is composed of twenty eight (28) bedrooms, twenty eight (28) bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen area, a laundry room an office and a medication room area. Water temperature was measured at several places averaging at 113.5 F. The interior and exterior walkways of the facility were observed to be clutter free with no obstructions present. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors were in working order. There is a no pool and there are no weapons stored in the facility. Residents' bedrooms are fully furnished, and privacy is available. Outdoor areas have sufficient room for activities and leisure. A washing machine and dryer were available and in working order. The facility has a working phone witnessed by calling the phone number. Storage and Supplies: Medications, and residents files will be stored in a locked cabinet in the medication room area, and staff files will be stored in the office and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. A complete first aid kit was observed to be available. Cleaning supplies will be stored in the office area. Linens, and equipment appeared to be in good repair and sufficient for the approved census. Continued 809-C.... Fire extinguishers were available and fully charged with an expiration date of February 27th, 2026. Food Service: Utensils and dishware are sufficient for the requested capacity. The refrigerator and freezer are in working order. Sharps knives will be stored in the kitchen area, available only to authorized individuals. Forms: The following signs were observed to be posted at the facility: See something say something, Personal Rights, Emergency disaster plan, the facility sketch. LPA verified the Administrator's Certification, with an expiration date of January 03-26, and CPR certification with the expiration date of May-26-25. LPA observed that the physical plant is clean, in good repair, and to be hazard-free during today’s visit. The applicant completed Comp III on April 30, 2025. LPA determined the facility meets the operational requirements for licensure. The Pre-licensing inspection is complete and has satisfied all requirements in accordance with Title 22, California Code of Regulations. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was discussed and a copy was provided Executive Director Heather Scott and Chief Operation Officer Jason Mullenthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 6, 2025
Apr 2, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Office

Component II completion: Successful Facility Type: RCFE Application Type: CHOW Capacity: 56 Census (if any clients in care): 51 COMP II Participants: Heather Scott (Administrator) & Ginger Po (CEO) Interview Method: Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams On April 02, 2025, applicant/administrator participated in COMP II. Identification of the applicant and administrator was verified through interview questions based on photo ID and other identifying personal information. During COMP II, applicant and administrator confirmed that they have read and understand community care facility licensing laws included in the Health and Safety Codes and the California Code of Regulations Title 22. Signed LIC 809 with copy of photo ID have been obtained. During COMP II, CAB analyst confirmed Applicant/Administrator’s understanding of following areas: 1. Facility operation: License type, client/resident populations, and program 2. Admission Policies 3. Staffing requirements & Training 4. Restrictive/Prohibited Health Conditions 5. General provisions 6. Emergency Preparedness 7. Complaints & Reporting 8. Pre-licensing readinessthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 2, 2025
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.

Find a detail about life at this home.

Faith, culture & language

  • Languages spoken by caregiversSpanish · American Sign Language

    Reported on aging.networkofcare.org · 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. Can we read the dementia care disclosure and discuss how daily support works?
  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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