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Sage Care Homes

Small home·Licensed for 6·Bakersfield, California

Licensed since 2023Licence #157209405
(661) 332-6079From the state roster · September 13, 2026Plan a visit
  • Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Dementia · HospiceState licensing record · September 13, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$4,150 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $3,400–$5,100
  • Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
  • Last state visitDecember 18, 2025CDSS inspection record

Sage Care Homes is a small care home in Bakersfield — 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 Sage Care Homes

Is Sage Care Homes licensed?

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

How many residents is Sage Care Homes licensed for?

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

Has Sage Care Homes been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2023, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. Those records count 3 state visits over the same years.

Is Sage Care Homes still open?

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

What does Sage Care Homes cost?

$4,150 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $3,400–$5,100. This home’s own rate is not on file. Ask: “What is the all-in monthly rate, and what would push it higher?”

Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 14 small homes and similar homes within 10 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 17 other homes of a similar licensed size in Bakersfield that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $3,000 to $4,050 a month, and the middle figure is $3,500 (n = 17 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 Sage Care Homes 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 Sage Care Home, LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. See the homes licensed to Sage Care Home LLC — at least 3 on the state roster.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Mercy Southwest Hospital is 4.6 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can Sage Care Homes keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 4 residents, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Sage Care Homes license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “SAGE CARE HOMES”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #157209405. 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 Sage Care Home, LLC, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2023, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 3 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 3 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 December 18, 2025, 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 · covers up to 4 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. APPROVED FOR SIX(6) NON-AMBULATORY. WAIVER/GRANTED FOR HOSPICE CARE FOR FOUR (4).

983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA

CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 2026

As needs change

  • Staying through hospice

    Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 4 — care may continue at the end of life

    Ask: “If hospice is needed, can care continue here until the end?”

    State licensing record · September 13, 2026

  • If memory loss develops

    Dementia-care designation on file

    Ask: “Can we read the dementia care disclosure and discuss how daily support works?”

    State licensing record · September 13, 2026

3 more questions to ask the home
  • Two-person transfers or a lift

    Not on file

    Ask: “If two people or a lift are needed to transfer, can the person stay?”

  • Someone awake overnight

    Not on file

    Ask: “Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?”

  • Medicines

    Not on file

    Ask: “Who manages the medicines, and what happens when a dose is missed?”

What it costs here

Covelight estimate

$4,150a month to start

Likely $3,400–$5,100

From 14 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file

Likely monthly total

$4,150a month

Likely $3,400–$5,300

With a shared room and basic help.

An estimate for planning, not a quote. The price is made in the phone call.

See the full cost breakdownRoom, care and fees · how people pay · how this estimate works
Room
Daily care
Sharing the room
  • Starting monthly rate$4,150likely $3,400–$5,100

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 14 small homes and similar homes within 10 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 $3,400–$5,300
$4,150
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,000–$8,450
$6,150
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 14 small homes and similar homes within 10 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.

14 homes like this within 10 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,250–$4,600.

  • Only prices a home put out itself count: its own website, a listing it supplied, or a price Seniorly says the home confirmed. Prices a listing site shows without saying where they came from are left out.
  • Nearby homes are the nearest of the same size that publish a rate, widening from 3 to 40 miles until at least 8 do. The estimate starts from what they charge, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices.
  • Room, care-level, second-person and move-in lines come from what California homes publish on listing sites. Memory care uses Covelight’s researched premium over assisted living.
  • Totals add each line’s figure and combine the lines’ ranges as separate charges, because a home is rarely at the top, or the bottom, of every line at once.
  • We tested this estimate on 1,546 California homes that publish their own starting rate. It was within 10% of the real rate for 3 in 10 homes and within 25% for 7 in 10; the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 (September 12, 2026).
  • It cannot see this home’s specials, how it assesses care, or which rooms are open.
Show the 14 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 13601 Star Shine Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93314Address 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 3 documents for this home, and its records count 3 visits since 2023. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated December 18, 2025.

On file since
2023
State visits
3
Most recent visit
December 18, 2025

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
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated202511020241102023110

The last 36 months — 3 of 3 documents

The full record on the state’s site →
20251 state visit · 1 document
Dec 18, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 12/18/25, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M. Yang arrived unannounced to conduct an annual inspection. LPA introduced self, stated the purpose of the visit and requested to meet with the Administrator. Facility staff granted LPA entry to the facility and contacted staff Juanita Ruiz. Administrator arrived a short time later. LPA met with Administrator. Four residents were present during inspection. Licensee/ Administrator Merilyn Bergstrom arrived later during visit. The facility was observed to be at a comfortable temperature, clean, in good repair, and no passageway obstructions or fire hazards were observed inside or outside. Fire extinguisher was observed with a service date: 08/25/25. An adequate supply of perishable and non-perishable food was observed. Refrigerator temperature is maintained at 35 degrees F and freezer at -6 degrees F. Knives were observed locked in locked box. Cleaning supplies and chemicals stored and locked in laundry room and in the garage. Medications were observed locked in cabinet. Medication and MAR were checked and reviewed. Extra linens and towels were observed in the hall closet. All bedrooms were observed to have the required furnishings and adequate lighting. The bathrooms were toured. Non-skid mats and grabbed bars were observed. Hot water temperature was tested maintained at 113.5 and 114.3 degree F in hall bathroom and 110.5 and 111 degree F in the master bathroom. Outside of facility toured and observed to be free of debris. Adequate outdoor seating is available for residents. Side gate observed clear of obstruction. All residents’ and sample staff files were reviewed to have all required records. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide were observed operational during visit. A deficiency is being cited, per California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6, see attached Lic 809D. Exit Interview conducted. The following documents are requested and to be submitted to Fresno CCL by: 12/24/25. The following updated forms were requested: Lic 500, Lic 610E, current liability insurance, current Administrator certificate, and Lic 9020. A copy of this report and appeal rights was provided to Licensee, via email.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Dec 18, 2025

The state marks this report as 4 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 3. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

20241 state visit · 1 document
Nov 21, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 11/21/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Walton arrived unannounced to conduct an annual inspection. LPA introduced self, stated the purpose of the visit and requested to meet with the Administrator. Facility staff granted LPA entry to the facility and contact Administrator, Merilyn Bergstrom, via telephone. Administrator arrived a short time later. LPA met with Administrator. LPA reviewed facility records and observed the following: Resident records were observed to be current and complete. Staff records were observed to be current and complete. Staff training was observed to be up to date. Emergency disaster plan reviewed and observed to be up to date. Last documented fire drill was conducted on 10/25/2024. Medications were reviewed. Facility utilizes an electronic medication administration record (MAR). Medications observed to be administered as prescribed. Facility tour conducted with Administrator. Facility observed to be clean and odor free. Common areas including the dining area observed to have adequate furnishings and lighting available. Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector were observed to be operational. Kitchen toured. Kitchen observed to be clean and safe for food preparation. LPA observed an adequate food supply. Knives/sharps observed to be locked in a lock box inaccessible to residents in care. Cleaning supplies observed to be locked and inaccessible in the laundry room. Resident bedrooms toured. Bedrooms were observed to have required furnishings. Resident bathrooms toured. Bathrooms were equipped with securely fastened grab bars. Facility is equipped with a tank-less water heater programmed to maintain water temperature at 120 degrees F. Hot water measured at 118.0 degrees F. LPA observed an adequate supply of linens and hygiene products. Exterior tour conducted. All exits open and free from obstructions. No fire clearance issues observed during today's inspection. No deficiencies issued. Exit interview conducted. A copy of this report was discussed and provided to Administrator, Merilyn Bergstrom, via email due to technical issues. Administrator informed that a hard copy of the report will be mailed to the facility. Report was signed on-site by facility representative. LPA is requesting the following documents be submitted to the Fresno CCL office by 12/05/2024: Current copy of Administrator Certificate, Designation of Facility Responsibility (LIC308), Administrator Organization (LIC 309), Affidavit regarding Client/Resident Cash Resources (LIC 400), Liability Insurance, Emergency and Disaster Plan (LIC 610E), Personnel Report (LIC500), Register of Facility Clients/Residents for (LIC9020A), Surety Bond*the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 21, 2024
20231 state visit · 1 document
Dec 11, 2023Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Prelicensing

On 12/11/2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Walton arrived for an announced pre-licensing inspection. LPA introduced self, stated the purpose of the visit and was granted entry to the facility. LPA met with Licensee, Merilyn Bergstrom. This facility is a 4 bedroom and 2 bathroom home and a fire clearance was granted for 6 Non-Ambulatory, for a total capacity of 6. LPA toured the facility. Common areas were furnished and had adequate seating and lighting available. Bedrooms had required furnishings and are ready for occupancy. Hot water measured at 118.0 degrees F in the hallway bathroom and the bathroom in bedroom 1. LPA observed an extra supply of bed linens and personal hygiene products. Kitchen was toured and observed to have dishes, plates, and utensils. Cleaning supplies and chemicals were observed to be locked and inaccessible in a closet in the laundry room. Medications will be locked in a cabinet in the office/visiting room. First aid kit was observed and contained all required items. A fire extinguisher was observed and has a service date of 10/24/2023. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector were observed to be operational. Outside of facility toured. Exits were open and free of obstructions. LPA observed side gate to be self-latching. I have found that the applicant has met all pre-licensing requirements. LPA will submit documentation to CAB in Sacramento for final review prior to license being issued.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Dec 11, 2023
What the state’s words mean
Substantiatedthe state found the allegation more likely true than notUnsubstantiatedthere was not enough evidence to prove a violation occurred — not a finding of wrongdoingUnfoundedthe evidence showed the allegation was false, could not have happened, or had no reasonable basisType A citationa violation that poses an immediate risk to health, safety or personal rights if it is not correctedType B citationa violation that could become a risk if not corrected, or one involving records, resources or required services

CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗ · CDSS complaint outcomes ↗

An “unsubstantiated” complaint is not a finding of wrongdoing — it means the state investigated and could not confirm the allegation. Outcome words are the state’s own; we never grade, score, or color a record, and we publish no reviews — the state’s dated documents and the questions below stand in their place.
Open CDSS facility search ↗Report a record errorOperate this home? Respond or correct, free →

Life here

Rooms, meals, the rhythm of a day, faith and language, pets and house rules — as the home describes them. Tap any detail for its source and date; nothing here is graded.

The home has not described daily life anywhere we have reviewed yet — that is the case for most small homes, and it says nothing about the home. These questions fill in the picture; keep the ones that matter to you.

Before you call

Ask every home the same questions — the state’s record does not answer these. Keep the ones that matter and they travel with your saved homes.

  1. What is included in the monthly rate, and what costs extra?
  2. Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?
  3. 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?
Print a visit sheetCompare saved homesOpen saved homes

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The nearest licensed homes in Kern County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.

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$4,100 a month to start · Covelight estimate

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Bethany Joy Garden

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A & A Bakersfield Care Home

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$3,500 a month to start · Listed by the home

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A Comfort Care Home

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$4,150 a month to start · Covelight estimate

WheelchairHospiceBedridden

Joyful Living Care Home

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$4,100 a month to start · Covelight estimate

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Serenity Springs Home Care

Bakersfield · Mid-size home · 1.3 mi away

$4,750 a month to start · Covelight estimate

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