Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

Irvine Cottage #5

Small home·Licensed for 6·Irvine, California

Licensed since 2023Licence #306006261Medi-Cal ALW
  • Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Dementia · HospiceState licensing record · September 13, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$5,550 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,550–$6,800
  • Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Ways to payMedi-Cal ALW acceptedDHCS participant list · September 23, 2026
  • Last state visitJune 12, 2026CDSS inspection record
  • Licence holderIrvine Cottages, LLCSince 2023 · 12 licensed homes

Irvine Cottage #5 is a small care home in Irvine — 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 2023. Bedridden care is 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 Irvine Cottage #5

Is Irvine Cottage #5 licensed?

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

How many residents is Irvine Cottage #5 licensed for?

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

Has Irvine Cottage #5 been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2023, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. Those records count 5 state visits over the same years.

Is Irvine Cottage #5 still open?

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

What does Irvine Cottage #5 cost?

$5,550 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,550–$6,800. 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 8 small homes and similar homes within 5 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 188 other homes of a similar licensed size across Orange County that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $4,500 to $6,000 a month, and the middle figure is $5,000 (n = 188 other homes publishing a starting rate).

Each of those is a home’s own published figure, gathered on its own date in September 2026 — not an average of ours, and not a survey. Similar size means small and mid-size homes counted together, and large communities counted on their own, because they are different markets.

A home outside the band is not overcharging or underpricing: a starting rate covers different things in different homes, which is the first thing to ask about.

The price is made in the phone call. Nothing here is a quote, an offer or a discount.

A starting rate is the room and the base care. California homes commonly bill care levels, medication management, supplies, transport and a second person in the room as extras. Many also charge a one-time fee at move-in. Ask for that list in writing before anything is signed.

Only prices a home put out itself count here: its own website, a listing it supplied, or a price a listing site says the home confirmed. Prices a site shows without saying where they came from are left out. What Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver covers in a care home.

Does Irvine Cottage #5 take Medi-Cal?

On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: this home appears on the DHCS participation list, September 23, 2026. Confirm eligibility and current participation with the program. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.

Who holds the license?

The license is held by Irvine Cottages, LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. See the homes licensed to Irvine Cottages, LLC — at least 17 on the state roster.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tustin is 2.5 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can Irvine Cottage #5 keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Irvine Cottage #5 license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “IRVINE COTTAGE #5”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #306006261. 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 Irvine Cottages, LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2023, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 5 state inspection visits since 2023, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2023, 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 2023, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • The most recent state visit on file is June 12, 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 6 residents
  • Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
  • Hospice careApproved by the state
  • 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. APPROVED FOR SIX (6) NON-AMBULATORY. HOSPICE WAIVER APPROVED FOR SIX.

983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA · 985 - RCFE / HOSPICE

CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 2026

As needs change

  • Staying through hospice

    Hospice waiver on file — 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

$5,550a month to start

Likely $4,550–$6,800

From 8 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file

Likely monthly total

$5,550a month

Likely $4,550–$6,950

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$5,550likely $4,550–$6,800

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 8 small homes and similar homes within 5 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–$6,950
$5,550
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $5,300–$10,000
$7,550
How people payOn the Medi-Cal waiver list · private pay, SSI/SSP, veterans, insurance
  • Private payMost residents pay from savings, a home sale or family help. Ask for the rate and what it includes in writing.
  • Medi-Cal Assisted Living WaiverThis home appears on the DHCS participation list, September 23, 2026. Confirm eligibility and current participation with the program. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board. For a resident on SSI/SSP, California’s 2026 standard sends $1,444.07 a month to the home for room and board.
  • SSI/SSPCalifornia’s 2026 standard is $1,626.07 a month; $1,444.07 of it goes to the home and $182 stays with the resident. Whether this home accepts it is not on file — ask.
  • VeteransVA Aid & Attendance can add to a veteran’s or surviving spouse’s pension. Ask whether residents here have used it.
  • Long-term care insuranceMost policies pay for licensed care homes. Ask what paperwork the home provides for claims.
  • MedicareDoes not pay for room and board in a care home. It can still cover hospice or home-health visits inside one.
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 8 small homes and similar homes within 5 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.

8 homes like this within 5 miles publish starting rates mostly between $5,400–$7,600.

  • 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 8 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 2 Brandywine, Irvine, CA 92620Address 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 2023, the state has filed 5 documents for this home, and its records count 5 visits since 2023. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated March 25, 2026.

On file since
2023
State visits
5
Most recent visit
June 12, 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 2023.

Year by year
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated2026110202511020241102023220

The last 36 months — 3 of 5 documents

20261 state visit · 1 document
Mar 25, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On this day, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Andrea Mendivil made an unannounced visit to conduct a required annual visit. LPA was greeted and granted entry by staff and explained the reason for the visit. Facility is licensed for 6 non-ambulatory residents and has 6 residents during today's visit. During today’s visit, LPA along with Compliance Manager Michelle Nesbitt toured the facility and inspected the physical plant, including but not limited to testing all smoke detectors, testing hot water temperature in bathrooms. The hot water temperature measured between 106.5 and 111.5 degrees Fahrenheit and all smoke detectors were operational. LPA inspected the facility food supply and observed the facility retained a minimum of two days perishable and seven days non-perishable food on hand. LPA observed emergency food in locked garage. Facility conducted last fire and earthquake drill 03/01/2026. LPA observed resident's medication securely stored in hallway cabinet. LPA reviewed medications and all appear to be given as prescribed LPA reviewed two out of two staff training and fingerprint records. LPA conducted a complete review of resident records. LPA confirmed that administrator has a current administrator certificate which expires on 07/21/2026. Therefore based on observations made no deficiencies are being cited per California Code of Regulations Title 22. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 25, 2026
20251 state visit · 1 document
Mar 25, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On this day, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Andrea Mendivil made an unannounced visit to conduct a required annual visit. LPA was greeted and granted entry into the facility and explained the reason for the visit. Facility is licensed for 6 non-ambulatory residents and has 5 residents during today's visit. Administrator Certificate expires on 07/21/2026. Administrator Kimberly Arnett and Compliance Manager Michelle Nesbitt arrived at the facility. LPA Mendivil toured the facility with Compliance Manager. LPA toured the physical plant, checked food service, and the first aid kit. The home consists of 6 resident bedrooms, 1 staff bedroom, 2 resident bathrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen. LPA observed smoke detectors/carbon monoxide in common areas and bedrooms and are operational. Resident bedrooms had the required furniture, bed linens and closet/drawer space to accommodate each resident comfortably. Resident bathrooms were checked. Toilets and water faucets worked properly, grab bars were secure and shower was free of mold/mildew. Water temperature measured between 106 degrees and 115 degrees in both bathrooms. Resident bath towels, toiletries and personal hygiene supplies were adequately stocked at time of visit. Common areas were clean and clear of hazards, doorways were free of obstructions. First aid kit had all the required elements including tweezers, thermometer, and scissors. LPA observed a locked storage area for cleaning supplies in the garage. Kitchen was inspected. Perishable and non-perishable food supply was checked and adequately stocked at time of visit. LPA observed sharps locked in a kitchen drawer. LPA observed secured medications in a cabinet. Kitchen appliances are operational during today's visit. LPA toured the outside grounds and there is ample seating and the exit gate is self latching and operational. LPA observed emergency food and water supply in the garage. LPA reviewed the emergency disaster plan during the visit. Plan is thorough and complete. Facility provides activities in the form of music and exercise. LPA Mendivil reviewed five resident files and five staff files. Residents files and staff files contained all required documentation. LPA Mendivil reviewed medication storage and administration. Based on the observation made during today’s visit, no deficiencies were noted today in the areas inspected per Title 22 Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations. This report was reviewed with the Administrator and a copy of this report was provided to the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 25, 2025
20241 state visit · 1 document
Mar 22, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Andrea Mendivil and Michael Tea conducted an unannounced visit. The purpose of today’s visit was to conduct the Annual Required inspection. LPAs were greeted and granted entry into the facility and explained the reason for the visit. Facility is licensed for 6 non-ambulatory residents and has 4 residents during today's visit. Administrator Certificate expires on 07/21/2024. Administrator Kimberly Arnett ,Compliance Manager Michelle Nesbitt, Tammy Sampedro Executive Administrator arrived shortly after. LPAs Mendivil and Tea along with the Compliance Manager toured the facility at 1:50 PM. LPA toured the physical plant, checked food service, and the first aid kit. The home consists of 6 resident bedrooms, 1 staff bedroom, 2 resident bathrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen. At 2:30PM LPA observed smoke detectors/carbon monoxide in common areas and bedrooms and operational. Resident bedrooms had the required furniture, bed linens and closet/drawer space to accommodate each resident comfortably. Resident bathrooms were checked. Toilets and water faucets worked properly, grab bars were secure and shower was free of mold/mildew. Water temperature measured between 105.4 degrees and 106 degrees in both bathrooms. Resident bath towels, toiletries and personal hygiene supplies were adequately stocked at time of visit. Common areas were clean and clear of hazards, doorways were free of obstructions. First aid kit had all the required elements including tweezers, thermometer, and scissors. LPA observed a locked storage area for cleaning supplies in the garage. Kitchen was inspected. Perishable and non-perishable food supply was checked and adequately stocked at time of visit. LPA observed sharps locked in a kitchen drawer. At 2:30pm, LPA observed secured medications in a cabinet. Fire extinguishers are fully charged. Kitchen appliances are operational during today's visit. LPA toured the outside grounds and there is ample seating and the exit gate is self latching and operational. LPA observed emergency food and water supply in the garage. LPA reviewed the emergency disaster plan during the visit. Plan is thorough and complete. Facility provides activities in the form of music and exercise. At 1:45PM, LPA Mendivil reviewed four resident files and four staff files. Residents files and staff files contained all required documentation. At 1:50PM LPA Mendivil reviewed medication storage and administration. Medications are stored in a locked cabinet. Medications are being administered per physician order. Based on the observation made during today’s visit, no deficiencies were noted today in the areas inspected per Title 22 Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations. This report was reviewed with the Administrator and a copy of this report was provided to the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 22, 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.

Who holds the licence

Irvine Cottages, LLC, licensed since 2023, operates 12 licensed homes in California. Running more than one home is common and is neither good nor bad on its own.

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?

Other homes nearby

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