Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet
- Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Dementia · HospiceState licensing record · September 27, 2026
- Estimated starting rate$6,250 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $5,100–$7,650
- Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
- Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
- Last state visitJuly 2, 2026CDSS inspection record
Golden Years Retreat is a small care home in Santa Rosa — 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. Bedridden 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 Golden Years Retreat
Is Golden Years Retreat licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
How many residents is Golden Years Retreat licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Has Golden Years Retreat been cited?
0 Type A and 0 Type B citations, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Is Golden Years Retreat still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.
What does Golden Years Retreat cost?
$6,250 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $5,100–$7,650. 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 3 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 23 other homes of a similar licensed size in Santa Rosa that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $5,125 to $7,000 a month, and the middle figure is $5,550 (n = 23 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 Golden Years Retreat 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 Golden Years Retreat Inc., per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Is there a hospital nearby?
Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital is 1.9 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.
Can Golden Years Retreat keep a resident on hospice?
Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 2 residents, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Golden Years Retreat license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “GOLDEN YEARS RETREAT INC”, per the CDSS roster as of June 12, 2026.
- License #496804333. 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 Golden Years Retreat Inc., per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- First licensed: the year is not on file — the roster carries no first-license date for it. Ask: “When did this license start?”
- 2 state inspection visits on file, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- The most recent state visit on file is July 2, 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 careApproved · covers up to 2 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; APPROVED FOR SIX(6) NON-AMBULATORY; WAIVER/GRANTED FOR HOSPICE CARE FOR TWO(2).
983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA
CDSS record, verbatim · September 27, 2026
As needs change
- Staying through hospice
Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 2 — 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?”
What it costs here
Covelight estimate
$6,250a month to start
Likely $5,100–$7,650
From 9 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file
Likely monthly total
$6,250a month
Likely $5,100–$7,800
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$6,250likely $5,100–$7,650
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 9 small homes and similar homes within 3 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 $5,100–$7,800
- $6,250
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $5,900–$10,800
- $8,250
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 9 small homes and similar homes within 3 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 3 miles publish starting rates mostly between $4,850–$7,000.
- 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
- Valley View Care HomeSanta Rosa · 0.7 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living · seen September 9, 2026
- Serenity Villa IISanta Rosa · 1.1 mi · Mid-size home$7,600Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Idaho Care HomeSanta Rosa · 1.3 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Spring Creek LodgeSanta Rosa · 1.4 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Sleepy Hollow Assisted LivingSanta Rosa · 1.4 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Rincon Valley Gardens ISanta Rosa · 1.5 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- H & M's the Rose GardenSanta Rosa · 1.8 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Marian Gardens Care Home - RCFESanta Rosa · 1.8 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- The Canterbury HomeSanta Rosa · 2.7 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living one bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
Where it is
- 4040 Shadowhill Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95404Address 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 2026, the state has filed 2 documents for this home, and its records count 2 visits. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated July 2, 2026.
- On file since
- 2026
- State visits
- 2
- Most recent visit
- July 2, 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.
The last 36 months — 2 of 2 documents
Jul 2, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Post Licensing
At approximately 8:40 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Robert Frank arrived unannounced to conduct a Required Post Licensing Visit and was greeted by Administrator Dawit Belaineh. Golden Years Retreat Inc. is Licensed as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE). The facility is a single story ranch house. The facility has an approved fire clearance for six (6) non-ambulatory residents. The facility has a Hospice Waiver for two (2) residents. The facility has a Dementia program on file. The facility began admitting residents in 6/2026. Upon arrival, LPA was informed that there is one (1) resident in care. 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 8:55 AM, LPA toured the facility. All exits were clear and unobstructed. The facility's two (2) fire extinguishers were last serviced and tagged on 6/29/2026. The facility was sufficiently lighted. LPA inspected four (4) resident bedrooms and found all to have sufficient lighting and furnishings as required per Title 22 Regulations. 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. Toxins were observed to be stored inaccessible to residents. Facility has an infection control plan as required. The facility has a required emergency disaster plan. The facility is conducting fire and emergency drills quarterly. The last disaster drill was conducted on 6/6/2026. The facility does have emergency food and supplies to meet the "72 hour shelter in place" requirements. Hot water temperatures for all sinks in facility were found to be within Title 22 regulations of 105 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Facility smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and observed to be operational. Continued on 809-C... ...Continued from 809 At approximately 10:05 AM, LPA reviewed one (1) resident file. One (1) of one (1) resident's file was found to be well organized and thorough with all required documentation. LPA reviewed one (1) staff files. One (1) of one (1) staff's files was found to be well organized with all required documentation including First Aid and CPR certification. LPA audited Medication for one (1) resident. LPA observed all medications to be centrally stored, secure and with proper documentation. The facility does not handle resident’s monies for personal and incidental items. Dawit Belainehr’s Administrator Certification 7039846740 is current with an expiration date of 10/28/2026. LPA requested the following documents be submitted to Community Care Licensing by 7/30/2026: LIC 500 Personnel Report LIC 308 Designation of Responsibility (once designate is hired) The facility is in compliance. No deficiencies cited during today's visit. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report and discussed and provided to Administrator Belaineh . Signature on form confirms receipt of documents.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 2, 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.
Feb 19, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Prelicensing
At approximately 8:45 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Robert Frank arrived for a scheduled visit to conduct a pre-licensing inspection and was greeted by Licensee/Applicant/Administrator, Dawit Belaineh. This pre-licensing inspection is being conducted for an initial licensing of a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE). Fire Clearance has been approved for six (6) non-ambulatory residents. All bedrooms are approved for non-ambulatory use. Applicant did not ask for approval for bedridden residents by the local fire department. At approximately 9:05 AM, LPA initiated a tour of the facility and observed the following: Facility is a one story home, was a comfortable temperature, and passageways were free from obstructions. Water temperature in residents' bathrooms measured within the allowable range of 105 to 120 degrees F per Title 22 regulations. Applicant had non-slip mats and grab bars in place. LPA observed a supply of clean linens, and paper products available for residents. Residents' bedrooms have all the appropriate furnishings as outlined in Title 22 regulations. LPA observed dishes and cooking supplies for resident use with sharps and other hazardous items kept secured in locked cabinets. Applicant agrees to keep magnets and keys to these locked areas in facility safe secured and inaccessible to residents in care. Licensee agrees to maintain at least two days of perishable foods and one week of non-perishable foods and an emergency water supply. The required posters were not observed hanging in the facility. Licensee/applicant will purchase a long-term care ombudsman poster and the PUB 475 Facility Complaint poster which will be hung on a wall in a common area prior to resident occupancy. Applicant has posted a copy of their admissions agreement and emergency disaster plan in a common area of the facility. Continued on 809-C... ...Continued from 809 The facility currently has the Applicant associated to facility in Guardian and will hire an additional staff members once license is approved. Applicant has been informed of association and staff transfer process. Applicant will provide an ipad/computer for residents to use. Facility phone/land line was observed to be operational. Facility has a designated locked cabinet for centrally stored medications. LPA observed a first aid kit and other emergency supplies. LPA recommended that Applicant add additional, age appropriate activities for elderly residents. Facility has multiple fire extinguishers, which are brand new and fully charged. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors were tested and observed to be operational during inspection. LPA reviewed a facility sketch which was observed to accurately reflect the floor plan. The backyard features a shaded patio area for resident use. Windows, screens, and blinds were all observed in good repair. Prior to admitting residents, applicant will: remove bricks and tiles from back yard patio area; purchase night lights for hallways; purchase individual bins so that resident's medications are separated; add a door lock to the laundry area; add a door lock to the garage; remove half-rails from all beds; finish minor repair work in closet of bedroom #4 as marked on facility drawings. LPA and Licensee/Applicant discussed the following items: Hospice Waiver - Applicant to apply for a waiver if it's decided they want hospice care in the facility. Requirements for a Hospice Waiver and a Hospice Exception along with copies of 87632 Hospice Care Waiver & 87633 Hospice Care of Terminally Ill Residents regulation were provided to Licensee applicant. Guardian background clearances and associations Updated Dementia regulations. LPA discussed Licensee/Applicant providing a Dementia Care program in the future. Technical Support Program (TSP). Licensee/Applicant expressed interest in the Department's TSP. LPA will submit a request for Technical Support on behalf of the Licensee/Applicant. LPA provided Licensee/Applicant requirements for a Plan of Operation update needed to have video surveillance at the facility. Continued on 809-C2... ...Continued from 809-C Component III orientation was conducted at facility with Dawit Belaineh. Dawit Belaineh’s Administrator Certification 6072519740 is current with an expiration date of 10/28/2026. Applicant will submit proof of liability insurance once facility has been licensed. No Deficiencies given during visit. Pre-Licensing completed. Facility is ready to be Licensed as a Residential Facility for the Elderly (RCFE). LPA will submit Pre-Licensing Application Report to the Application Unit Analyst in Sacramento. Application Unit Analyst will notify Applicant of Status. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report discussed and provided to Applicant/Administrator Belaineh. Signature on form confirms receipt of document.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Feb 19, 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.
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 Sonoma County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
Willows Nursing Home
Santa Rosa · Small home · 0.3 mi away
$5,600 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Friends House
Santa Rosa · Large community · 0.5 mi away
$4,850 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Elsa Care Home
Santa Rosa · Small home · 0.6 mi away
$6,250 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Granada Manor
Santa Rosa · Small home · 0.6 mi away
$4,600 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Ivy Park at Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa · Large community · 0.6 mi away
$4,695 a month to start · Listed by the home
Valley View Care Home
Santa Rosa · Small home · 0.7 mi away
$5,000 a month to start · Listed by the home