Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

Papa Joe's Hands

Small home·Licensed for 4·Los Angeles, California

Licensed since 2021Licence #198320164
  • Care approvals on fileHospiceState licensing record · September 13, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$5,200 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,250–$6,400
  • 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 15, 2026CDSS inspection record

Papa Joe's Hands is a small care home in Los Angeles — 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 2021. Wheelchair and non-ambulatory care, 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 Papa Joe's Hands

Is Papa Joe's Hands licensed?

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

How many residents is Papa Joe's Hands licensed for?

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

Has Papa Joe's Hands been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2021, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. Those records count 7 state visits over the same years.

Is Papa Joe's Hands still open?

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

What does Papa Joe's Hands cost?

$5,200 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,250–$6,400. 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 12 small 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 9 other homes of a similar licensed size in Los Angeles that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $4,375 to $8,250 a month, and the middle figure is $7,000 (n = 9 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 Papa Joe's Hands 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 Rashimer Swafford LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Memorial Hospital of Gardena is 1.7 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can Papa Joe's Hands keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 3 residents, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Papa Joe's Hands license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “PAPA JOE'S HANDS”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #198320164. 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 Rashimer Swafford LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2021, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 7 state inspection visits since 2021, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2021, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. The same records count 7 state visits in that period.
  • 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2021, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • The most recent state visit on file is July 15, 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 careNot on file · ask the home
  • Hospice careApproved · covers up to 3 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. 4 AMBULATORY. HOSPICE WAIVER FOR 3 RESIDENTS.

935 - ELDERLY

CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 2026

As needs change

  • Staying through hospice

    Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 3 — 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

$5,200a month to start

Likely $4,250–$6,400

From 12 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file

Likely monthly total

$5,200a month

Likely $4,250–$6,550

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$5,200likely $4,250–$6,400

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 12 small 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 $4,250–$6,550
$5,200
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,950–$9,650
$7,200
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 12 small 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.

12 homes like this within 5 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,900–$6,350.

  • 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 12 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 216 E. 137Th. St., Los Angeles, CA 90061Address 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 7 documents for this home, and its records count 7 visits since 2021. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated July 15, 2026.

On file since
2022
State visits
7
Most recent visit
July 15, 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 2021.

Year by year
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated20261102025220202422020231102022110

The last 36 months — 5 of 7 documents

20261 state visit · 1 document
Jul 15, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 07/14/2026, at approximately at 09:30AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Troy Watson conducted an unannounced annual visit using the CARE Inspection Tool. The department met with lead Direct Support Staff Kendra Howard, and the purpose of the visit was explained. The facility is licensed to serve four (4) elderly adults aged 60 and above, with an approved hospice waiver for three (3) residents. Physical Plant / Structure The facility is a single-story home located in a residential neighborhood. It consists of six (4) resident bedrooms, three (3) bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, attached garage, and an outdoor patio area and back yard. All exterior walkways were clean, clear, and free of debris, obstructions, or hazards. The department observed an outdoor table with a shaded roof area and chairs for residents’ use. No bodies of water were observed on the premises. CONTINUED ON LIC9099-C Bedrooms All residents’ bedrooms were inspected and found clean and in good repair. Each room had the required furniture: bed, dresser, nightstand, chair, and adequate storage for personal belongings. Beds had required linens, including mattress covers, fitted sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillows. An additional supply of linens in good repair was stored in a hallway closet. Each bedroom had sufficient lighting. Bathrooms All bathrooms met Title 22 requirements and were operable. Showers were clean and free of mold or mildew. Resident hygiene boxes and extra hygiene products were stored in the hallway closet. The supply of towels, hand towels, and washcloths was adequate. Safety handrails were secured. A sufficient supply of incontinent products was observed. Cleaning supplies were locked and inaccessible under the kitchen cabinets. Water temperatures measured in the bathrooms between 113.4 ° F. Kitchen The kitchen was clean and sanitary. All appliances were operable and in good repair. Dishware, cookware, and utensils were adequately supplied and in good condition. The facility had at least a 3-day supply of perishable food and a 7-day supply of non-perishable food, properly stored, labeled, and dated. Cleaning supplies and toxins were locked and inaccessible under the kitchen sink. Water temperature measured 118.2 °F. CONTINUED ON LIC9099-C Common Areas The living room contained four (2) couches and the tv room included 4 recliners for resident use. Games and activities were available. The dining room had a large table with seating for all residents. The facility was appropriately furnished. A screened fireplace was observed and was inaccessible to residents. Interior walkways and hallways were clean, clear, and free of hazards. The indoor temperature was maintained at 78.2°F. Files The department reviewed four (4) resident files and found required documents present. The department reviewed the Administrator file and three (3) staff files and verified required documents, training, and certifications. Medications Medications were locked in a kitchen cabinet and inaccessible to residents. All medications were observed in their original packaging. The department reviewed medications and Medication Administration Records (MARs) for four (4) residents and found all records consistent and properly documented. CONTINUED ON LIC9099-C Safety Nine (9) smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were operable. One (1) fully charged fire extinguishers was last serviced on 06/24/2025. The First Aid kit contained all required items and a current manual. The facility has an operational landline telephone. All exits were marked with EXIT signs. All doors had alarms that sounded when opened. Required postings were observed in the hallway near the entrance. Infection Control The department observed infection control procedures, including a sanitizing station at the entrance with a visitor log, hand sanitizer, thermometer, and masks. The facility had a 30-day supply of PPE. All required infection control signage was posted. During today’s visit, no deficiencies were observed or cited. An exit interview was conducted with lead Direct Support Staff, and a copy of this report was provided. CONTINUED ON LIC9099-Cthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 15, 2026
20252 state visits · 2 documents
Jun 19, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Case Management - Annual Continuation

On 06/19/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jose Anguiano conducted an unannounced case management continuation annual visit. LPA met with Licensee Swafford Rashimer and explained the purpose of today’s visit. The facility is licensed for 4 age ambulatory elderly ranging 60 and over with a hospice waiver for 3 residents. A total of 4 clients are currently enrolled in this facility. During the visit, LPA observed the facility's infection control practices. LPA observed screening protocols for visitors, staff, and residents, and sanitizing stations in common areas and restrooms. All mandated inspection control posters were posted including Activities Calendar and Food Menu. LPA conducted an audit of 4 resident records, and 4 personnel records. The facility is current in CCLD annual license fees. The administrator and Liability Insurance Certificate are current and valid. The following were observed during today’s visit: Hot water temperature measured at 127 degrees Fahrenheit in bathroom faucet. The facility is current in CCLD annual license fees. One Advisory Note was issued please see LIC 9102. No deficiencies were cited during today’s visit. An exit interview was conducted with Administrator and a copy of the report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 19, 2025

The state marks this report as 6 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 2. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

Jun 18, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 06/18/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jose Anguiano conducted an unannounced annual required visit. LPA met with Lead Staff Kendra Howard and explained the purpose of today’s visit. The facility is licensed for 4 age ambulatory elderly ranging 60 and over with a hospice waiver for 3 residents. A total of 4 clients are currently enrolled in this facility. The facility consists of the following: One story building, 4 bedrooms, 2 living room, 3-bathroom, 1 kitchen area, 1 office, 1 laundry and a backyard patio area with shaded seating. LPA toured the physical plant. There were no bodies of water on the premises. All rooms were inspected. Beds and bedding supplies were in good condition, adequate lighting was provided, and storage for the resident's personal belongings was observed. Bed linens, comforters, and bath towels were stocked during the visit. A comfortable temperature was maintained in the facility at 75 degrees F. LPA observed the facility to be furnished at the time of the visit. Storage areas for personal hygiene, cleaning supplies, toxins, and sharps objects were stored and not accessible to residents. The kitchen was inspected, and 2 days supplies perishable, and 7 days non-perishable food was maintained. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide were operable. LPA observed screening protocols for visitors, staff, and residents, and sanitizing stations in common areas and restrooms. All mandated inspection control posters were posted including Food Menu. No deficiencies were cited during today’s visit. An exit interview was conducted with lead staff and a copy of the report was provided. Due to time constraints, only a portion of the visits was completed. The remaining items will be addressed upon return to the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 18, 2025

The state marks this report as 6 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 3. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

20242 state visits · 2 documents
Jul 18, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Case Management - Annual Continuation

On 07/18/2024 at around 8:00 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Leandro conducted an unannounced continuation Required – 1 Year Inspection to the above-named facility and met with Staff, Shamier Swafford. LPA explained the purpose of the visit and was accompanied by staff inside and outside the facility during this inspection. Outside grounds were toured and no bodies of water were observed. The patio furniture is under a shaded area and accessible to residents. Walkways around the home were clear of hazards. There are no security bars or weapons on the premises. LPA toured the kitchen area and observed supplies of nonperishable foods for a minimum of one week and fresh perishable foods for a minimum of two days. Knives and toxins were kept in locked storage cabinet. LPA observed that medications were safe, locked, and inaccessible. All medications observed were labeled and maintained in compliance with label instructions and State and Federal law. Documents are posted as mandated. First aid kit is fully stocked with manual. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were in compliance and operational. There is a fire extinguisher near the kitchen area. There are two landline telephones in the facility. 4 out of 4 resident’s bedrooms were checked. Mattresses were in good condition, adequate lighting, plenty of dresser and closet space observed. Walls and floors were clean and in good condition. Comforters, bed linen, bath towels and mattress protectors were adequately stocked. Bathroom toilets and water faucets worked properly, grab bars were secure, and a non-skid mat was in place. Adequate lighting and toiletries accessible to residents. LPA tested hot water temperature and it measured between 105 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This facility provides residents with hygiene products such as nonmedicated soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, and comb. 5 staff records were reviewed, 5 out of 5 staff records had required documentation. 3 resident records were reviewed and, 3 out of 3 resident records had required documentation. No deficiencies are being cited based on LPA observation and record review in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 22. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was left with staff.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 18, 2024
Jul 11, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 07/11/2024 at around 2:00 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Leandro conducted an unannounced Required – 1 Year Inspection to the above-named facility and met with Licensee/Administrator, Rashimer Swafford. LPA explained the purpose of the visit and was accompanied by a staff inside and outside the facility during this inspection. This facility is licensed to serve 4 adults ages 55 and above. A total of 3 ambulatory residents are currently residing in this facility. The facility is a one-story house located in a residential street. The home consists of 4 resident bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 living room, 1 dining room, 1 kitchen, 1 attached garage, 1 community room, and 1 backyard patio area with shaded seating. Due to time constraints, LPA was unable to complete annual inspection. No deficiencies were cited. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was left with the Administrator.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 11, 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. What could change whether someone can stay here?
  4. Can we see a bedroom and share a meal during a visit?

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