Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

Garden Home

Small home·Licensed for 4·San Rafael, California

Licensed since 2017Licence #216803663
  • Care approvals on fileWheelchair · HospiceState licensing record · September 13, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$5,550 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,550–$6,850
  • Home sizeLicensed for 4Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
  • Last state visitJuly 10, 2026CDSS inspection record

Garden Home is a small care home in San Rafael — a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), the licence category behind “assisted living” and “board and care.” It is licensed for 4 residents since 2017. Dementia care and bedridden care are 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 Garden Home

Is Garden Home licensed?

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

How many residents is Garden Home licensed for?

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

Has Garden Home been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. Those records count 5 state visits over the same years.

Is Garden Home still open?

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

What does Garden Home cost?

$5,550 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,550–$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 9 small homes and similar homes within 8 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 5 other homes of a similar licensed size in San Rafael that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $5,500 to $9,000 a month, and the middle figure is $7,000 (n = 5 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 Garden Home take Medi-Cal?

On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: this home is not on the DHCS participation list dated September 23, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.

Who holds the license?

The license is held by Bayhome Living LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San Rafael is 1.6 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can Garden Home keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 1 resident, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Garden Home license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “GARDEN HOME”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #216803663. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • Licensed for 4 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • Licensed to Bayhome Living LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 5 state inspection visits since 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. The same records count 5 state visits in that period.
  • 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2017, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • The most recent state visit on file is July 10, 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 4 residents
  • Dementia / memory careNot on file · ask the home
  • Hospice careApproved · covers up to 1 resident
  • BedriddenNot on file · ask the home

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. 4 NON-AMBULATORY. HOSPICE WAIVER FOR 1 (ONE).

910 - DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED (DD)

CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 2026

As needs change

  • Staying through hospice

    Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 1 — 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

$5,550a month to start

Likely $4,550–$6,850

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

Likely monthly total

$5,550a month

Likely $4,550–$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
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$5,550likely $4,550–$6,850

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 9 small homes and similar homes within 8 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 $4,550–$7,000
$5,550
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $5,300–$10,050
$7,550
How people payPrivate pay, Medi-Cal waiver, SSI/SSP, veterans, insurance
  • Private payMost residents pay from savings, a home sale or family help. Ask for the rate and what it includes in writing.
  • Medi-Cal Assisted Living WaiverThis home is not on the DHCS participation list dated September 23, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.
  • SSI/SSPCalifornia’s 2026 standard is $1,626.07 a month; $1,444.07 of it goes to the home and $182 stays with the resident. Whether this home accepts it is not on file — ask.
  • VeteransVA Aid & Attendance can add to a veteran’s or surviving spouse’s pension. Ask whether residents here have used it.
  • Long-term care insuranceMost policies pay for licensed care homes. Ask what paperwork the home provides for claims.
  • MedicareDoes not pay for room and board in a care home. It can still cover hospice or home-health visits inside one.
If the money runs out, what Medi-Cal covers
Avoid surprises on the billWhat changes the price, and what to ask
  • The care level

    Some homes charge one all-inclusive rate. Others add levels or points as needs grow. Ask how the level is set, who decides, and what the next level costs.

  • What is billed separately

    Medication management, incontinence supplies, transportation and a second person in the room are often extra. Ask for the list in writing.

  • Move-in costs

    A one-time community fee or deposit is common. Ask what it covers and whether any of it comes back if the stay is short.

  • Increases

    California requires at least 90 days’ written notice, with reasons, before a rate rises (Health & Safety Code §1569.655). A change in the resident’s care level is the section’s own exception and can be billed sooner.

  • What is the full monthly cost for the room and care we need, and what does it include?
  • What would the next care level cost, and who decides when it changes?
  • What is billed separately, and is there a one-time fee or deposit at move-in?
  • Is any private-pay period required before another payment program can begin?
How this estimate worksWithin 25% for 7 in 10 homes in testing

Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 9 small homes and similar homes within 8 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 8 miles publish starting rates mostly between $5,100–$7,500.

  • 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

Where it is

  • 16 Garden Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903Address 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 2022, the state has filed 5 documents for this home, and its records count 5 visits since 2017. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated July 10, 2026.

On file since
2022
State visits
5
Most recent visit
July 10, 2026

Beside homes the same size

  • Type A citations0typical 0
  • Type B citations0typical 0
  • Substantiated allegations0typical 0
  • Total complaints0typical 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 2017.

Year by year
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated20261102025110202411020231102022110

The last 36 months — 3 of 5 documents

20261 state visit · 1 document
Jul 10, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

At approximately 8:30AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Felias arrived unannounced to conduct a 1 Year Required visit and met with Staff Members, Elsa Bacsal and Mary Wang. Administrator, Tom Yuan, arrived during visit at approximately 9:00AM. Licensee, Sherry Zhu, arrived during visit at approximately 9:20AM. Facility is a Residential Home for the Elderly that provides care and assistance for Older Adults with Disabilities. Facility has an approved fire clearance and capacity for 4 Non-Ambulatory Residents. Facility has a hospice waiver for 1 individual. Upon arrival, LPA was informed that there were 4 residents in care, with 2 residents preparing to leave for their Day Program. LPA was also informed that there were 2 staff members on site. At approximately 8:45AM, LPA reviewed the Facility's Staff Roster and found that all staff on site were background cleared and associated to the facility per regulation. LPA conducted a walk-though of the facility with Administrator. LPA observed the following: Facility was found to be clean and at a comfortable temperature with all exits free from obstruction. Facility had emergency lighting. Facility is a one story building with 4 resident bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and common spaces. Facility has an Infection Control plan on file. There was a sufficient supply of both perishable and nonperishable foods as required by Title 22 Regulations. There was an appropriate supply of cleaning products, linens, hygiene products and paper products available for residents. Mattress pads were in place or available for resident use. Toxins were observed to be stored inaccessible to residents. Hot water temperatures for all sinks in facility were within Title 22 regulations of 105 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. During walkthrough, LPA observed that facility had multiple instances of expired foods in facility fridge and freezer including tofu and Costco prepared meals. LPA, Administrator, Licensee discussed checking foods to ensure that food stays safe for consumption. Administrator's Certificate for Tom Yuan (7003584740) was current with an expiration date of 05/19/2026. Fire extinguishers were last inspected June 2026. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and operational. Facility's last emergency/disaster drill was conducted July 2026. Facility's emergency disaster plan was last reviewed and updated May 2025 and infection control plan were last reviewed and updated June 2025. Facility did not have Continued LIC809C Continued from LIC809 an adequate supply of emergency water accessible in the event they needed to shelter in place for 72 hours. LPA reviewed staff files, resident files, resident medication. All files were all found to be well organized, thorough and contained the required documentation. Staff files had current First Aid and CPR certification. Resident files had updated resident assessments and appraisals. LPA observed that facility tracks staff annual training by using a training checklist. LPA, Licensee, and Administrator discussed their annual training checklist and ensuring it is fully completed with signatures and dates by a staff member's date of hire. LPA discussed with Licensee and Administrator on ensuring that resident appraisals address behavioral expressions if they have been identified in resident medical assessments. During medication review it was observed that the pharmacy sends a completed LIC622/Central Storage Log to the facility. It was observed that there was incorrect information on the LIC622 from the pharmacy such as expiration date and number of refills. LPA, Licensee, and Administrator discussed reviewing the LIC622 completed by pharmacy to ensure its accuracy. LPA also discussed the following with Licensee and Administrator: Reporting Requirements PIN regarding 911 protocols LPA requested the following documents to update facility file: Designation of Facility Responsibility (LIC 308) Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC 610E) Updated Personnel Report (LIC 500) Updated Liability Insurance Active and Current Administrator Certificate Documents to be submitted to Community Care Licensing (CCL) by due date of 8/10/2026. Deficiencies are cited from the California Code of Regulations (CCRs), and/or the Health and Safety Code. Failure to correct the cited deficiencies, on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report, LIC809D (Deficiency Page), LIC9102 (Technical Advisories/Violations), Plan of Corrections, and Appeal Rights discussed and provided to Licensee and Administrator. Signature on form confirms receipt of documents.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 10, 2026

The state marks this report as 7 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 4. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

20251 state visit · 1 document
Jun 5, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

At approximately 9:15AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Felias arrived unannounced to conduct a 1 Year Required visit and met with Staff Members, Elsa Bacsal and Lisa Lin. Administrator, Tom Yuan, arrived during visit at approximately 9:50AM. Facility is a Residential Home for the Elderly that provides care and assistance for Older Adults with Disabilities. Facility has an approved fire clearance and capacity for 4 Non-Ambulatory Residents. Upon arrival, LPA was informed that there were 4 residents in care, with 2 residents out of the community attending Day Program. LPA was also informed that there were 2 staff members on site. At approximately 9:20AM, LPA reviewed the Facility's Staff Roster and found that all staff on site were background cleared and associated to the facility per regulation. LPA conducted a walk-though of the facility with Staff Member. LPA observed the following: Facility was found to be clean and at a comfortable temperature with all exits free from obstruction. Facility had emergency lighting. Facility is a one story building with 4 resident bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and common spaces. Facility has an Infection Control plan on file. There was a sufficient supply of both perishable and nonperishable foods as required by Title 22 Regulations. There was an appropriate supply of cleaning products, linens, hygiene products and paper products available for residents. Mattress pads were in place or available for resident use. Toxins were observed to be stored inaccessible to residents. Hot water temperatures for all sinks in facility were within Title 22 regulations of 105 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Administrator's Certificate for Tom Yuan (7003584740 was current with an expiration date of 05/19/2026. Fire extinguishers were last inspected May 2025. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and operational. Facility's last emergency/disaster drill was conducted April 2025. LPA reviewed staff files, resident files, resident medication, and resident P&I monies. Continued on LIC809C Continued from LIC809 All files were all found to be well organized, thorough and contained the required documentation. Staff files had current First Aid and CPR certification. Medication was centrally stored and secure. P&I monies were documented, secure and not commingled. LPA requested the following documents to update facility file: Designation of Facility Responsibility (LIC 308) Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC 610E) Updated Personnel Report (LIC 500) Updated Liability Insurance Active and Current Administrator Certificate Documents to be submitted to Community Care Licensing (CCL) by due date of 7/05/2025. No Deficiencies Cited during visit. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report discussed and provided to Administrator. Signature on form confirms receipt of documents.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 5, 2025
20241 state visit · 1 document
Jul 29, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

At approximately 12:15PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Felias arrived unannounced to conduct a 1 Year Required visit and met with Staff Member, Elsa Bacsal. Administrators, Tom Yuan and Sherry Zhu arrived during visit at approximately 12:45PM. Facility is a Residential Home for the Elderly that provides care and assistance for Older Adults with Disabilities. Facility has an approved fire clearance and capacity for 4 Non-Ambulatory Residents. Upon arrival, LPA was informed that there were 4 residents in care, with 2 residents out of the community attending Day Program. LPA was also informed that there were 2 staff members on site. At approximately 12:30PM, LPA reviewed the Facility's Staff Roster and found that all staff on site were background cleared and associated to the facility per regulation. At approximately 12:35PM, LPA conducted a walk-though of the facility with Staff Member. LPA observed the following: The facility was found to be clean and at a comfortable temperature with all exits free from obstruction. Facility had emergency lighting. Facility is a one story building with 4 resident bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and common spaces. Facility has an Infection Control plan on file. There was a sufficient supply of both perishable and nonperishable foods as required by Title 22 Regulations. There was an appropriate supply of cleaning products, linens, hygiene products and paper products available for residents. Mattress pads were in place or available for resident use. Toxins were observed to be stored inaccessible to residents. Hot water temperatures for all sinks in facility were within Title 22 regulations of 105 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Administrator's Certificate for Xiaotong (Sherry) Zhu (6003088740) currently pending. Fire extinguishers were last inspected May 2024. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and operational. Facility's last emergency drill was conducted in July 2024. LPA reviewed staff files, resident files, resident medication, and resident P&I monies. All files were all found to be well organized, thorough and contained the required documentation. Staff files had current First Aid and CPR certification. Medication was centrally stored and secure. P&I monies were documented, secure and not commingled. Continued on LIC809C Continued from LIC809 LPA requested the following documents to update facility file: Affidavit regarding Client/Resident Cash Resources (LIC 400) Designation of Facility Responsibility (LIC 308) Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC 610D) Updated Personnel Report (LIC 500) Surety Bond (LIC 402) Updated Liability Insurance Active and Current Administrator Certificate Documents to be submitted to Community Care Licensing (CCL) by due date of 8/29/2024. No Deficiencies Cited during visit. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report discussed and provided to Administrator. Signature on form confirms receipt of documents.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 29, 2024
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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