Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet
- Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Dementia · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 27, 2026
- Estimated starting rate$5,350 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,350–$6,550
- Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
- Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
- Last state visitJune 2, 2026CDSS inspection record
Royal Care is a small care home in La Mesa — 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 2024.
Built from CDSS public records · September 27, 2026. Every fact below names its source and date.
Quick answers and the state record
A citation does not make a home unsafe, and an empty file does not make a home good.
Quick answers about Royal Care
Is Royal Care licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
How many residents is Royal Care licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Has Royal Care been cited?
0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2024, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. Those records count 5 state visits over the same years.
Is Royal Care still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.
What does Royal Care cost?
$5,350 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,350–$6,550. 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 3 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Among 195 other homes of a similar licensed size across San Diego 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 = 195 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 Royal Care 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 Royal Care Inc., per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Is there a hospital nearby?
UC San Diego Health - East Campus Medical Center is 1.6 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.
Can Royal Care keep a resident on hospice?
Hospice care is approved on this license, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Royal Care license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “ROYAL CARE INC”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #374604739. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- Licensed for 6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- Licensed to Royal Care Inc., per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- First licensed in 2024, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 5 state inspection visits since 2024, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2024, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. The same records count 5 state visits in that period.
- 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2024, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- The most recent state visit on file is June 2, 2026, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
California writes these definitions for every licensed home, not for this one. CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗
Can they support the care needed?
California licenses a home for specific kinds of care. The state’s record lists what this home is approved for; the home’s own answers fill in what changes as needs change.
- Wheelchair / non-ambulatoryApproved by the state
- Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
- Hospice careApproved by the state
- BedriddenApproved · covers up to 1 resident
State licensing record · September 27, 2026. An approval may cover specific rooms or residents; it does not establish an opening.
Read the state’s own wording
AGE RANGE 60 AND OVER. APPROVED FOR (1) AMBULATORY ONLY IN ROOM #4. (5) NON-AMBULATORY OF WHICH (1) MAY BEBEDRIDDEN IN ROOM #2. HOSPICE WAIVER FOR(4).
983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA
CDSS record, verbatim · September 27, 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 27, 2026
- If memory loss develops
Dementia-care designation on file
Ask: “Can we read the dementia care disclosure and discuss how daily support works?”
State licensing record · September 27, 2026
3 more questions to ask the home
- Two-person transfers or a lift
Not on file
Ask: “If two people or a lift are needed to transfer, can the person stay?”
- Someone awake overnight
Not on file
Ask: “Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?”
- Medicines
Not on file
Ask: “Who manages the medicines, and what happens when a dose is missed?”
What it costs here
Covelight estimate
$5,350a month to start
Likely $4,350–$6,550
From 9 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file
Likely monthly total
$5,350a month
Likely $4,350–$6,700
With a shared room and basic help.
An estimate for planning, not a quote. The price is made in the phone call.
See the full cost breakdownRoom, care and fees · how people pay · how this estimate works
Starting monthly rate$5,350likely $4,350–$6,550
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 9 small homes within 3 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Basic help with daily careUsually includedup to $600
Basic help is usually part of the starting rate. Homes that price care by level start around $600 a month (45 California homes publish a care-level range, seen in September 2026).
One-time move-in fee$2,000one time · likely $0–$4,000
Homes that list a one-time entry or community fee charge a median of $2,000 (134 California listings; middle half $1,000–$4,000). Many homes list none — ask.
- Likely monthly totalLikely $4,350–$6,700
- $5,350
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $5,100–$9,800
- $7,350
How people payPrivate pay, Medi-Cal waiver, SSI/SSP, veterans, insurance
- Private payMost residents pay from savings, a home sale or family help. Ask for the rate and what it includes in writing.
- Medi-Cal Assisted Living WaiverThis home is not on the DHCS participation list dated September 23, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.
- SSI/SSPCalifornia’s 2026 standard is $1,626.07 a month; $1,444.07 of it goes to the home and $182 stays with the resident. Whether this home accepts it is not on file — ask.
- VeteransVA Aid & Attendance can add to a veteran’s or surviving spouse’s pension. Ask whether residents here have used it.
- Long-term care insuranceMost policies pay for licensed care homes. Ask what paperwork the home provides for claims.
- MedicareDoes not pay for room and board in a care home. It can still cover hospice or home-health visits inside one.
Avoid surprises on the billWhat changes the price, and what to ask
- The care level
Some homes charge one all-inclusive rate. Others add levels or points as needs grow. Ask how the level is set, who decides, and what the next level costs.
- What is billed separately
Medication management, incontinence supplies, transportation and a second person in the room are often extra. Ask for the list in writing.
- Move-in costs
A one-time community fee or deposit is common. Ask what it covers and whether any of it comes back if the stay is short.
- Increases
California requires at least 90 days’ written notice, with reasons, before a rate rises (Health & Safety Code §1569.655). A change in the resident’s care level is the section’s own exception and can be billed sooner.
- What is the full monthly cost for the room and care we need, and what does it include?
- What would the next care level cost, and who decides when it changes?
- What is billed separately, and is there a one-time fee or deposit at move-in?
- Is any private-pay period required before another payment program can begin?
How this estimate worksWithin 25% for 7 in 10 homes in testing
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 9 small homes within 3 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
9 homes like this within 3 miles publish starting rates mostly between $4,600–$5,950.
- 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
- Oasis Village CareLa Mesa · 1.1 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Casa Del CieloSan Diego · 1.7 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Peppertree Guest Home IILa Mesa · 1.9 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Right Choice Senior Living LLC - La MesaLa Mesa · 2.1 mi · Small home$6,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Renaissance LivingLa Mesa · 2.5 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Lake Murray Health Care CenterSan Diego · 2.6 mi · Small home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Green VillaSan Diego · 2.7 mi · Small home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Del Cerro Elder CareSan Diego · 2.8 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Silvercreek Home CareSan Diego · 2.9 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
Where it is
- 4440 Lowell St, La Mesa, CA 91942Address from the public record · September 27, 2026. Confirm the entrance with the home before visiting.
Opening the neighborhood map…
The state record
California inspects every licensed home and publishes what it found. Here are the dated documents and the state’s own words, beside what is typical for homes this size.
Since 2024, the state has filed 5 documents for this home, and its records count 5 visits since 2024. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated June 2, 2026.
- On file since
- 2024
- State visits
- 5
- Most recent visit
- June 2, 2026
Beside homes the same size
- Type A citations0typical 0
- Type B citations0typical 0
- Substantiated allegations0typical 0
- Total complaints0typical 0
“Typical” is the statewide median across the 6,808 licensed small board-and-care homes (6 or fewer beds) in the state record — larger, longer-licensed homes accumulate more visits and reports, so compare like with like. One complaint can contain several allegations. Counts cover this licence since 2024.
Year by year
The last 36 months — 5 of 5 documents
Jun 2, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Amy Domingo conducted an unannounced Required Annual Inspection. LPA was welcomed by, identified herself to, and discussed the purpose of the visit with staff Jefferson Marcos, Administrator House Manager, who participated during the annual inspection. According to the facility’s license, the facility has a maximum capacity of six (6) residents. This facility does not feature a secured perimeter or delayed egress doors. LPA, accompanied by licensee’s staff, toured the interior and exterior of the facility, and inspected each room. The facility was clean, sanitary, and in good repair. Pathways were free of obstruction and slip hazards. Client bedrooms contained the required furnishings. Doors, windows and screens, toilets, and showers were in working order. Extra linens and hygiene supplies were present, as well as Personal Protective Equipment. The facility had sufficient space and equipment to facilitate dining, laundry, visitation, meetings, and client activities. Hot water temperature at taps accessible to clients were all compliant. There was at least 2 days of perishable food, and at least 7 days non-perishable food present, all safely stored. Cooking/dining equipment and utensils were present. There were no sharp objects, toxic chemicals/poisons, fireplaces, or open-faced heaters accessible to clients. Medications were labeled, as required, and stored in locked areas. No pools or bodies of water were observed on the premises. Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, and facility telephone were all working. Fire extinguisher(s) were serviced within the last 12 months. First aid kit(s) were complete and readily accessible. Required licensing postings were observed in visible areas of the facility. LPA reviewed/interviewed staff and resident records/files. The interviews did not raise any significant licensing concerns. The reviewed files contained required documents. Confidential records were stored in locked areas. No deficiencies were observed or cited during today's annual inspection. An exit interview was conducted with Jefferson Marcos, to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 03/22) were provided during the visit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 2, 2026
Jun 17, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Amy Domingo conducted an unannounced Required Annual Inspection. The facility file was reviewed prior to the visit. LPA Domingo was welcomed by, identified herself to, and discussed the purpose of the visit with Estarlina Basuel, Support Staff and spoke Jefferson Marcos, House Manager, who participated during the annual inspection. According to the facility’s license, the facility has a maximum capacity of six (6) residents. The facility is approved for 1 ambulatory, 4 non-ambulatory and 1 bedridden. During today’s inspection, there were a total of six (6) residents in care. This facility does not feature a secured perimeter or delayed egress doors. LPA, accompanied by licensee’s staff, toured the interior and exterior of the facility, and inspected each room. The facility was clean, sanitary, and in good repair. Pathways were free of obstruction and slip hazards. Client bedrooms contained the required furnishings. Doors, windows and screens, toilets, and showers were in working order. Extra linens and hygiene supplies were present, as well as Personal Protective Equipment. The facility had sufficient space and equipment to facilitate dining, laundry, visitation, meetings, and client activities. The facility’s ambient internal temperature was 73 F. Hot water temperature at taps accessible to clients were all compliant: Kitchen sink was 112 F, Bathroom #1 sink was 112 F. Refrigerator temperature was 35 F and freezer temperature was 0 F. There was at least 2 days of perishable food, and at least 7 days non-perishable food present, all safely stored. Cooking/dining equipment and utensils were present. There were no sharp objects, toxic chemicals/poisons, fireplaces, or open-faced heaters accessible to clients. Medications were labeled, as required, and stored in locked areas. [CONTINUED ON LIC 809C] [CONTINUED FROM LIC 809] No pools or bodies of water were observed on the premises. Per the licensee's staff, no firearms or ammunition are kept at the facility. Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, and facility telephone were all working. Fire extinguisher(s) were serviced within the last 12 months. First aid kit(s) were complete and readily accessible. Required licensing postings were observed in visible areas of the facility. LPA reviewed/interviewed staff and resident records/files. The interviews did not raise any significant licensing concerns. The reviewed files contained required documents. Confidential records were stored in locked areas. No deficiencies were observed or cited during today's annual inspection. An exit interview was conducted with Jefferson Marcos, to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 03/22) were provided during the visit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 17, 2025
Sep 9, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Incident
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Iby Strong conducted an unannounced Case Management Visit. LPA was allowed entry, identified herself, and discussed the purpose of the visit with Caregiver Remedio De Rosario. All staff present had current criminal record clearance. LPA Strong spoke with Administrator Annie Nazarian via telephone. Today's visit is in response to the self-reported incident which occurred on 9/1/2024 regarding an AWOL of Resident 1 (R1 - see LIC811 Confidential Names List). According to the report submitted by the facility on 9/3/2024 R1 left facility unassisted on Sunday 9/1/24 after having an emotional outburst. Interview with staff present on the date of the incident revealed that emergency personnel were contacted within minutes of R1 leaving the home. LPA conducted a wellness check at the facility by touring the facility, observing a resident in care that appeared appropriate for the facility, interviewed staff, and collected resident records. Based on facility records and interviews, staff followed absentee notification plan as required. LPA Strong also provided regulation consultation via telephone. An exit interview was conducted with the Caregiver Remedio De Rosario. A copy of this report and appeal rights (LIC9056 03/22), were provided via hardcopy at the conclusion of the visit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 9, 2024
May 14, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Prelicensing
[Continued from LIC809] The facility has enough linens, hygiene supplies, dining supplies, and perishable and non-perishable food for future client use. Refrigerator temperature was 34 F, and freezer temperature was -0 F. The facility has sufficient space and equipment to facilitate laundry, visitation, meetings, and resident activities. The facility has locked areas for storage of medication and confidential client and staff records. No pools or bodies of water were observed on the premises. There were no toxic chemicals/poisons, fireplaces, or open-faced heaters accessible to clients. Per the applicant, no firearms or ammunition are or will be stored at the facility. Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, and facility telephone were all operational. Fire extinguishers and first aid kits were present. Required licensing postings were observed in visible areas of the facility. The items reviewed were compliant with Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8 of California Code of Regulations and Health & Safety Code including Comp III. The applicant passed the pre-licensing inspection. LPA also provided the Component III Training during today’s visit. Annie Nazarian was advised that the facility’s application is pending management final review and approval. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report and Licensee Rights LIC 9058 (3/22) were left with the Director, whose signature on this form confirms receipt of these documents.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 14, 2024
Mar 22, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Office
COMP II by CAB successfully completed Method: Phone Call at CAB Applicant/administrator participated in COMP II at CAB telephone call with analyst at CAB. Identification of the applicant and administrator was verified by presenting photo ID via phone. During COMP II, applicant and administrator confirmed the understanding of Title 22. Component II was successfully completed. Applicant and administrator were advised to email/fax signed LIC 809 with copy of photo ID to CAB. During COMP II, CAB analyst confirmed Applicant/Administrator’s understanding of following areas: 1. Facility operation: License type, client/resident populations, and program 2. Staff qualifications and responsibilities 3. Applicant and Administrator qualifications 4. Program policy: Abuse, admission agreement, medication management, reporting incidents to CCL, restricted & prohibited conditions 5. Grievances, Complaints, Community resources 6. Physical plant, food service 7. Application document review and technical assistance: Criminal record clearance, Health screening, Fire clearance, First Aid/CPR certificate, Administrator certificate, Financial verification, Pre-licensing inspection, Compliance history, Control of propertythe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 22, 2024
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 San Diego County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
Loving Heart Assisted Living
La Mesa · Small home · 0.0 mi away
$5,150 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Casa De Vida Senior Living
La Mesa · Small home · 0.3 mi away
$5,050 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Mesaview Senior Assisted Living
La Mesa · Mid-size home · 0.8 mi away
$4,850 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Lilos Tender Senior Care
La Mesa · Small home · 0.9 mi away
$5,850 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Grossmont Gardens Memory Care
La Mesa · Large community · 1.1 mi away
$3,850 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Oasis Village Care
La Mesa · Small home · 1.1 mi away
$5,000 a month to start · Listed by the home