Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

Instacare, A Place Called Home

Small home·Licensed for 6·Palmdale, California

Licensed since 2025Licence #197610701
(818) 855-0377From the state roster · September 13, 2026Plan a visit
  • Care approvals on fileDementia · HospiceState licensing record · September 13, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$4,950 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,050–$6,100
  • Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
  • Last state visitMarch 7, 2026CDSS inspection record

Instacare, A Place Called Home is a small care home in Palmdale — 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 2025. Wheelchair and non-ambulatory 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 Instacare, A Place Called Home

Is Instacare, A Place Called Home licensed?

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

How many residents is Instacare, A Place Called Home licensed for?

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

Has Instacare, A Place Called Home been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. Those records count 4 state visits over the same years.

Is Instacare, A Place Called Home still open?

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

What does Instacare, A Place Called Home cost?

$4,950 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,050–$6,100. 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 12 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 228 other homes of a similar licensed size across Los Angeles County that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $4,000 to $6,300 a month, and the middle figure is $5,000 (n = 228 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 Instacare, A Place Called 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 Instacare Homehealth LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Palmdale Regional Medical Center is 2.9 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can Instacare, A Place Called Home keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 2 residents, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Instacare, A Place Called Home license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “INSTACARE, A PLACE CALLED HOME”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #197610701. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • Licensed for 6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • Licensed to Instacare Homehealth LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2025, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 4 state inspection visits since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. The same records count 4 state visits in that period.
  • 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • The most recent state visit on file is March 7, 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-ambulatoryNot on file · ask the home
  • Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
  • Hospice careApproved · covers up to 2 residents
  • 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. FIRE CLEARANCE APPROVE FOR SIX (6) NON-AMBULATORIES. WAIVER/GRANTED FOR HOSPICE CARE FOR TWO (2) RESIDENTS. DEMENTIA PLAN SUBMITTED.

985 - RCFE / HOSPICE · 983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA

CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 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 13, 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 13, 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

$4,950a month to start

Likely $4,050–$6,100

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

Likely monthly total

$4,950a month

Likely $4,050–$6,250

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
  • Starting monthly rate$4,950likely $4,050–$6,100

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 9 small homes within 12 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 $4,050–$6,250
$4,950
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,750–$9,350
$6,950
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 within 12 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 12 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,500–$4,600.

  • 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

  • 344 E Lago Lindo Rd., Palmdale, CA 93550Address 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 2025, the state has filed 4 documents for this home, and its records count 4 visits since 2025. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated March 7, 2026.

On file since
2025
State visits
4
Most recent visit
March 7, 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 2025.

Year by year
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated20261102025330

The last 36 months — 4 of 4 documents

The full record on the state’s site →
20261 state visit · 1 document
Mar 7, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jose Tan conducted an unannounced visit and was greeted by the staff Annel Denis who called the Administrator Christine Bwogi. Ms. Bwogi designated Ms. Denis to sign the report. LPA explained the reason for the visit. The facility is fire cleared for six (6) non-ambulatory residents, Hospice waiver for two (2) residents. At 12:19 PM, LPA conducted the physical plant tour with the staff and observed the following: The facility is a single storey building with five (5) bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms on one (1) shared and four (4) private room. Dual smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were tested and observed to be operable. Common Areas – The family room, living room, dining room, and kitchen were inspected. The family room and activity room were furnished with comfortable seating and a television. The dining room contained a dining room table and chairs. Fire extinguishers were located by the kitchen and the bedroom hallway and last bought on 03/07/26. Medications: LPA observed the resident medications and first aid kit were safely locked in a cabinet inside the Laundry room. Kitchen: LPA observed a two day supply of perishable food and a seven day supply of non-perishable food items. Dishwashing liquid and other cleaning agents were observed locked underneath the kitchen sink. Laundry Room is located adjacent to the kitchen and was observed to be locked during visit. Laundry detergent and other toxins were locked in the garage. (continued on LIC 809-C) (continued from LIC 809) Garage - The garage was attached to the house and was observed to be locked during visit. The garage is also being used as frozen food, PPE, cleaning agents, laundry detergents and other toxins and old equipment storage. Resident Rooms: There are five (5) resident rooms which were furnished with a bed, linens, night stand, lamp and chair. The rooms were properly furnished and observed to be neat and clean. Bathrooms: There are three bathrooms in the facility. The bathrooms contained hand soap, paper towels, grab bars, and slip resistant mats. LPA observed the clean linens were located in a cabinet within the staff bathroom. Water Temperature: was tested and measured at a range of 108.2°F to 111.6°F. Surrounding Grounds: There were no visible hazards, and passageways were free from obstruction. There is a shaded area with comfortable seating in backyard. Client records: Client records are reviewed. Client records appeared to be complete and updated. Staff records: LPA conducted a complete file review of staff record. Staff records appeared to be complete and updated. Disaster drill was last conducted on 02/06/26 . Required posting are observed to be complete and current and displayed properly at the facility. Exit interview conducted. Copy of this report issuedthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 7, 2026
20253 state visits · 3 documents
Jun 11, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Case Management - Other

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Melissa Spaeth conducted an unannounced visit and was greeted by the caregiver. The Licensee, Marlen Lopez, was called. The Licensee had previously informed LPA the facility now has one resident. LPA Spaeth stated the purpose of the visit was to tour the facility and review the resident's file. LPA and the caregiver toured the facility at 2:35 pm to 2:54 pm. Kitchen - LPA observed a two day supply of perishable food and a seven day supply of non-perishable food. LPA Spaeth tested the water temperature at 3:00 pm which was 110.4 Degrees F. The knives and cleaning solutions were locked in a kitchen cabinet. Resident Room - LPA observed the resident was resting comfortably in their room. Bathrooms - LPA Spaeth observed the bathrooms contained slip resistant mat, hand soap, grab bars, and a trash can. Resident File/Medications - LPA reviewed the resident file at 3:10 pm until 3:45 pm. There are no issues regarding the resident's file and the resident's medications. Smoke Detectors - The smoke detector was tested at 3:48 pm and was operable. There are no deficiencies to report at this time. Exit interview conducted and a copy of the report was given.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 11, 2025
Feb 28, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Prelicensing

On 2/28/2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Melissa Spaeth conducted an announced pre-licensing visit to this facility and met with the Applicant, Christine Bwogi and the Administrator Marlen Lopez. This is a new application. A fire clearance dated 11/27/2024 was received for six (6) non-ambulatory residents. Bedrooms 1, 2, 3, and 5 are designated to house one (1) non-ambulatory resident. Bedroom four is designated to house two (2) non-ambulatory residents. The purpose of today’s visit is to inspect the facility to ensure that it maintains compliance under California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6. Component III was conducted with the applicant and administrator from 9:40 am until 11:15 am. Today’s site visit consisted of LPA touring the physical plant inside and outside from 11:20 am until 11:45 am. LPA Spaeth observed the following: Office – The office contained a desk and a locked file cabinet. The staff and resident files will be locked in the cabinet. Living Room– the living room contained comfortable seating. Family room – The room contained comfortable seating. Continued 809-C Kitchen/Dining Room - The knives were locked in a kitchen cabinet. The facility contained a two-day supply of perishable food and a seven day supply of non-perishable food. A fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen area. The dining area contained a dining room table and chairs. Laundry Room – A washer and dryer are located in the room. The resident medications will be locked in a cabinet. The laundry soap, first aid kit and cleaning solutions are locked in a cabinet. Backyard - The backyard has a flower garden surrounded by comfortable seating. A shaded seating area is also available for residents. Also, there is a designated area for residents to plant their own garden. Water Temperature - The water temperature was tested at 11:30 am and was 105.9 degrees F. Bathrooms- The bathrooms contained hand soap, slip resistant mats, paper towels, grab bars and a trash can. Bedrooms – The bedrooms contained bed, linens, night stand, chest of drawers, a chair, and a closet. Hallway Closet - The hallway closet contained linens. Garage – the garage was locked and is designated as a staff break room. The smoke/carbon monoxide detectors were tested at 11:45 am and were operable. The facility was clean and appears to be in good repair. This report will be forwarded to the Centralized Application Bureau (CAB). You will be notified by the CAB Analyst when your license has been approved.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Feb 28, 2025
Jan 22, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Office

Component II completion: Successful Facility Type: Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Application Type: Initial Capacity: 6 Census (if any clients in care): none COMP II Participants: Christine Bwogi, Applicant Marlen Lopez, Administrator Interview Method: Virtual interview (Microsoft Teams) On January 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM, Applicant and 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. During COMP II, CAB analyst confirmed Applicant and 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 Readiness Exit interview conducted with Applicant and Administrator. Report sent via email and request to return sign copy to CAB by end of business day today.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jan 22, 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.
Open CDSS facility search ↗Report a record errorOperate this home? Respond or correct, free →

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. 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?
Print a visit sheetCompare saved homesOpen saved homes

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