Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet
- Care approvals on fileWheelchairState licensing record · September 13, 2026
- Typical starting rate$4,000 a monthTypical in Madera County · likely $3,000–$5,000
- Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
- Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
- Last state visitApril 22, 2026CDSS inspection record
Mcalister's RCFE is a small care home in Madera — 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 2002. Dementia care, hospice 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 Mcalister's RCFE
Is Mcalister's RCFE licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
How many residents is Mcalister's RCFE licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
Has Mcalister's RCFE been cited?
0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. Those records count 6 state visits over the same years.
Is Mcalister's RCFE still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.
What does Mcalister's RCFE cost?
$4,000 a month to start is typical in Madera County, likely $3,000–$5,000. This home’s own rate is not on file. Ask: “What is the all-in monthly rate, and what would push it higher?”
Too few homes publish a rate here, so this is the middle of Covelight’s researched range for small care homes in Madera County (compiled June 2026). This home’s own rate is not on file.
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 Mcalister's RCFE 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 Mc Alister, Duane, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
Can Mcalister's RCFE keep a resident on hospice?
Not on file — the state’s record does not list hospice care on this license. Ask: “Can a resident stay here on hospice, and under what conditions?”
Mcalister's RCFE license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “MCALISTER'S RCFE”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #207202556. 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 Mc Alister, Duane, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
- First licensed in 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
- 6 state inspection visits since 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
- 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. The same records count 6 state visits in that period.
- 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
- The most recent state visit on file is April 22, 2026, per CDSS records as of September 13, 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 by the state
- Dementia / memory careNot on file · ask the home
- Hospice careNot on file · ask the home
- 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
BEDROOMS #1, #2, #3 MAY BE NON-AMBULATORY.
935 - ELDERLY
CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 2026
As needs change
5 questions to ask the home — nothing on file yet
- 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?”
- Staying through hospice
Hospice waiver not on file
Ask: “If hospice is needed, can care continue here until the end?”
- 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
Typical starting rate
$4,000a month to start
Likely $3,000–$5,000
Covelight’s researched range for Madera County · this home’s rate is not on file
Likely monthly total
$4,000a month
Likely $3,000–$5,200
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
Memory care is not priced here: a dementia-care designation is not on file for this home. Ask the home.
Starting monthly rate$4,000likely $3,000–$5,000
Too few homes publish a rate here, so this is the middle of Covelight’s researched range for small care homes in Madera County (compiled June 2026). 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 $3,000–$5,200
- $4,000
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $3,750–$8,350
- $6,000
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 worksWhy this is a county figure
Too few homes publish a rate here, so this is the middle of Covelight’s researched range for small care homes in Madera County (compiled June 2026). This home’s own rate is not on file.
- 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 7 nearby homes that publish a rate
- Green VillaFresno · 7.4 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Palo Alto Senior Care HomeFresno · 7.9 mi · Small home$3,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living · seen September 9, 2026
- Joyful Living RcheFresno · 8.1 mi · Small home$3,600Listed on Seniorly · assisted living · seen September 9, 2026
- Carmel Village Memory CareClovis · 14 mi · Mid-size home$6,000Listed on Seniorly · independent living private cottage/casita · seen September 9, 2026
- Serenity Garden Home 2Fresno · 17 mi · Small home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Close to Home Residential CareFresno · 18 mi · Small home$5,700Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- The Harvest at FowlerFowler · 24 mi · Mid-size home$3,000Listed on AssistedLiving.com · seen September 9, 2026
Where it is
- 11976 Rd 36 1/2, Madera, CA 93638Address 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 2021, the state has filed 6 documents for this home, and its records count 6 visits since 2002. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated April 22, 2026.
- On file since
- 2021
- State visits
- 6
- Most recent visit
- April 22, 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 2002.
Year by year
The last 36 months — 4 of 6 documents
Apr 22, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Incident
On 04/22/26 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M. Garza arrived at the facility for an unannounced case management visit. LPA met with Care Giver, Jackie Cunningham, explained reason for visit and was permitted entry into the facility. This case management visit is being conducted for a death report that was received by the Department. LPA toured the facility and completed a health and safety check on residents in care. LPA observed 1 of 3 residents during time of visit in their room. LPA observed a 7-day non-perishable and 2-day perishable source of food. Water and electricity is on and functioning. 2 of 3 residents had not returned from day program. LPA notified Licensee via telephone file for R1 needed to be removed and copied. Licensee stated the file was not at the facility and will drop off at the office. LPA informed Licensee file will be copied and returned within 3 business days. No deficiencies cited during todays visit. Exit interview completed with Care Giver, Jackie. A copy of this report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 22, 2026
Oct 17, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 10/17/2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M. Garza arrived at the facility to complete an unannounced annual visit. LPA met with Licensee, Duane McAlister explained reason for visit and was permitted entry into the facility. LPA completed a tour of the facility inside and out. There were no residents present during todays visit. Pathways and doors were clear and free from obstruction. Facility was without odor. Common areas were adequately furnished, and adequately lit. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were present and operational at time of visit. Fire extinguisher last serviced on 09/12/2025. Last fire drill on conducted on 10/7/25. Resident rooms observed to have the required furnishings and with adequate lighting. Sharps, chemicals and medications were located in locked cabinets/closets and cupboards. The following issues were observed during today’s visit: Complaint poster not posted. Emergency disaster plan did not have all of the required components. 2 of 2 resident files reviewed did not have the required documents. Deficiencies cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22, on the attached 809D. If not corrected, the violation with have a potential risk to the health, safety and/or personal rights of residents in care. LPA requested the following documents to be submitted to CCL by 10/24/2025: current copy of Administrator’s Certificate, Administrator Organization (LIC 309), Designation of Administrative Responsibility (LIC 308), Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC 610-D), Affidavit regarding Resident Cash Resources (LIC 400), Personnel Report (LIC 500), Register of Facility Clients/Residents (LIC 9020) and a copy of liability insurance in order to update the facility file. Exit interview was conducted with Licensee, Duane. A plan of correction was developed by Administrator and reviewed by LPA. A copy of this report, deficiencies, and appeal rights were discussed and provided to Administrator.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 17, 2025
Nov 7, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 11/7/2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) B. Miranda arrived unannounced at the above facility to conduct an Annual Inspection. LPA introduced herself, stated the purpose of the visit, and was granted entry to the facility. Licensee/Administrator Duane McAlister was contacted but was not able to attend the visit. Staff Carol Holley conducted the tour with LPA. LPA toured the facility inside and out including entry, kitchen, dining, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, and exterior. LPA observed the facility to be at a comfortable temperature, clutter & odor free. Facility is free of debris and no passageway are obstructed and no fire hazards were observed. Common areas were properly furnished and well-lit throughout. Facility capacity is 6, with a current census of 4. Residents do not share bedrooms. Fire extinguishers have been services as of 9/17/24 and are in good standing with charge. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector were tested and are in working condition. Water temperature was checked in the kitchen and read at 105.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Inspecting the kitchen LPA observed the required 7-day supply of non-perishable food and 2- day supply of fresh perishables to be properly stored. Knives & cleaning supplies were observed to be locked and inaccessible to residents. R1 has a DX of dementia and LPA observed scissors and screwdrivers in the kitchen drawers. LPA did not observe all resident files to have current emergency information or physician report. LPA did not observe staff to have current training for dementia. LPA is requesting the following due by 11/28/24: Current copy of Administrator Certificate, Designation of Facility Responsibility (LIC308), Personnel Report (LIC500), Register of Facility Clients/Residents (LIC9020A), and current liability insurance. Under California Code of Regulations Title 22 the following deficiencies were observed, and citations were issued. Pool is accessible to residents on the far left side (left side of the gate is missing) Scissors and screwdrivers were in unlocked kitchen drawer and accessible to residents R1 has a glucose meter prescribed and R1 listed as not being able to test themselves, facility has no meter Kitchen needs cleaning under sink, inside & outside of cabinets Bathrooms cabinets are dirty and hallway bathroom is missing cabinet doors Staff do not have current dementia training on file. Exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report LIC809, LIC809D, LIC421IM and appeal rights were provided to Staff Carol Holley.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 7, 2024
Dec 15, 2023Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 12/15/23 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) arrived at the facility to conduct an annual inspection. There were no residents or staff at the facility. LPA spoke with Administrator who was not able to come at the moment, but could arrive after a bit. LPA informed they will attempt another time to complete annual inspection. Administrator stated the residents all go to day program and staff are available at the facility after 2:00 p.m.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Dec 15, 2023
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 Madera County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
Blue Morpho Assisted Living
Madera · Small home · 0.2 mi away
$4,000 a month to start · Typical in Madera County
Our House - Westgate
Madera · Small home · 12 mi away
$4,400 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Cedar Creek Senior Living
Madera · Large community · 12 mi away
$2,995 a month to start · Listed by the home
The Golden Years Residential Care Home
Chowchilla · Mid-size home · 25 mi away
$4,500 a month to start · Typical in Madera County
Oakhurst Board and Care
Oakhurst · Mid-size home · 31 mi away
$4,500 a month to start · Typical in Madera County