Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet
Taking the Journey Orchard
Small home·Licensed for 6·Penngrove, California
- Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Dementia · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 27, 2026
- Estimated starting rate$6,550 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $5,400–$8,050
- Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
- Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
- Last state visitFebruary 26, 2026CDSS inspection record
- Licence holderTaking the Journey LLCSince 2025 · 3 licensed homes
Taking the Journey Orchard is a small care home in Penngrove — 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 2025.
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 Taking the Journey Orchard
Is Taking the Journey Orchard licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
How many residents is Taking the Journey Orchard licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Has Taking the Journey Orchard been cited?
0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. Those records count 3 state visits over the same years.
Is Taking the Journey Orchard still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.
What does Taking the Journey Orchard cost?
$6,550 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $5,400–$8,050. 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 and similar homes within 5 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Among 42 other homes of a similar licensed size across Sonoma County that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $5,500 to $7,500 a month, and the middle figure is $6,750 (n = 42 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 Taking the Journey Orchard 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 Taking the Journey LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. See the homes licensed to Taking the Journey LLC — at least 3 on the state roster.
Is there a hospital nearby?
Petaluma Valley Hospital is 3.2 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.
Can Taking the Journey Orchard keep a resident on hospice?
Hospice care is approved on this license, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Taking the Journey Orchard license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “TAKING THE JOURNEY ORCHARD”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #496804310. 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 Taking the Journey LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- First licensed in 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 3 state inspection visits since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. The same records count 3 state visits in that period.
- 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- The most recent state visit on file is February 26, 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 · covers up to 6 residents
- 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. 6 NON-AMBULATORY, OF WHICH 1 MAY BE BEDRIDDEN. HOSPICE WAIVER GRANTED FOR (2).
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
$6,550a month to start
Likely $5,400–$8,050
From 9 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file
Likely monthly total
$6,550a month
Likely $5,400–$8,200
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
Starting monthly rate$6,550likely $5,400–$8,050
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 9 small homes and similar homes within 5 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Basic help with daily careUsually includedup to $600
Basic help is usually part of the starting rate. Homes that price care by level start around $600 a month (45 California homes publish a care-level range, seen in September 2026).
One-time move-in fee$2,000one time · likely $0–$4,000
Homes that list a one-time entry or community fee charge a median of $2,000 (134 California listings; middle half $1,000–$4,000). Many homes list none — ask.
- Likely monthly totalLikely $5,400–$8,200
- $6,550
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $6,200–$11,150
- $8,550
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 and similar homes within 5 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
9 homes like this within 5 miles publish starting rates mostly between $6,000–$7,800.
- 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
- Sunset HouseCotati · 2.1 mi · Mid-size home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living one bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Penngrove GardensPenngrove · 3.1 mi · Mid-size home$8,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- White Rose ManorPetaluma · 3.2 mi · Small home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Penngrove Shangri-LaPenngrove · 3.4 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Little Bird Assisted LivingPetaluma · 4.0 mi · Small home$7,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Alta Care HomePetaluma · 4.1 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Creekside CottagePetaluma · 4.2 mi · Small home$7,800Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Genesis RCFEPetaluma · 4.8 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Family HouseRohnert Park · 4.9 mi · Mid-size home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
Where it is
- 309 Orchard Lane, Penngrove, CA 94951Address 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 2025, the state has filed 3 documents for this home, and its records count 3 visits since 2025. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated February 26, 2026.
- On file since
- 2025
- State visits
- 3
- Most recent visit
- February 26, 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 2025.
Year by year
The last 36 months — 3 of 3 documents
Feb 26, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
02/26/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Loera conducted an unannounced Annual Required – 1 yr. inspection visit for this facility. There are currently four residents in care. Facility approved/cleared for five non-ambulatory and one bedridden. Facility has a hospice waiver for two. LPA was greeted by staff. LPA and staff toured the building and grounds. The facility was found to be at a comfortable temperature. LPA observed a 2 day supply of perishable and 7 day supply of non-perishable food. Refrigerated food was found to be stored in a safe manner being labeled and dated. All rooms were furnished per regulation. Extra hygiene products and linens were available. Water temperature in sinks accessible to residents in care were measured and found to be within the range of 105 to 120 degrees F. Fire extinguishers were last inspected January 2026. Smoke/Carbon Monoxide detectors located throughout the facility were tested and operational. Sharps are located in a locked drawer in the kitchen. Chemicals were found to be secured located in the laundry room. Medications were found to be centrally stored. LPA conducted spot medication count and found all prescription medication to be properly recorded on the Centrally Stored Medication Record. Facilities last emergency drill was conducted 02/23/2026. LPA conducted a review of four resident records. All records had the required documentation. LPA conducted review of four staff records/training. Upon a review of staff records, LPA found all staff to have required annual and initial training as well as current 1st Aid & CPR certification on file. continued on LIC809C No deficiencies cited during today's inspection. Updated copies of the following documents were requested and are to be submitted to CCL by 03/26/2026: LIC500- Personnel Report LIC308- Designation of Responsibility Updated Liability Insurance Infection Control Plan (review, update if needed) Emergency Disaster Plan (review, update if needed) Exit interview conducted with Administrator and a copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Feb 26, 2026
Jun 5, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Post Licensing
On 06/05/2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Shannan Hansen arrived unannounced to conduct a Post-Licensing Inspection of facility and was welcomed by staff Alberto Lopez. Staff contacted Administrator Kelly Eriksen who arrived during inspection. Facility is a single-story building with 6 bedrooms, and an approved fire clearance for 6 Non-Ambulatory of which 1 may be bedridden. Hospice waver has been granted for 2. There are currently 6 residents with 1 using Hospice services during the time of this inspection. Facility tour/inspection began at 8:10 AM: LPA toured the indoor and outdoor portions of facility on 6/05/2025; facility was found to be clean and at a comfortable temperature with all exits free from obstruction. The facility has special care plan of operation and programming for residents with dementia. A sample tour of resident’s bedrooms was conducted, and bedrooms inspected have lighting & appropriate furnishing, as well night lights for residents. There was a sufficient supply of both perishable and nonperishable foods as required by Title 22 Regulations. Food stored in the kitchen refrigerator were properly stored as per regulations. Food is available for residents any time of the day. Cleaning products, sharp items, other toxins and chemicals are kept out of resident access and found secured and stored in the kitchen, laundry room, and shed. There was a supply of cleaners, hygiene products and paper products available for residents. Resident bathrooms had required slip resistant mats and grab bars. Hot water temperature measured between 111.7 degrees F and 115.8 degrees F within Title 22 acceptable regulation of 105 to 120 degrees F in 3 of 3 resident’s bathroom faucets. All bathrooms at the facility were supplied with paper towels and hand soap. Continue on LIC809-C Continued from LIC809 Fire Extinguisher was found to be last charged on 2/12/2025. Smoke detectors and Carbon monoxide detectors were tested and found to be operational. Facility has video surveillance in common areas, that does not include audio. The back porch of the house has shade and provides a safe and secure area for residents to spend time outside. File Review began at 9:30 AM: A review of six residents & sample review of five staff records as well as two resident’s medications was conducted. LPA learned that 6 out of 6 residents have updated reappraisal/needs & care plan as well as medical assessments. Sample review of 5 staff records revealed staff and other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record clearances or exemptions. All direct care staff have received the additional training requirements; LPA was also provided required proof of CPR & 1st Aid certification. Medication Audit began at 11:00 AM: Medications were centrally stored in locked hallway closet/ medication room. LPA observed medications of 2 out of 2 residents were found to be given according to physicians’ directions. Centrally Stored Medication Record (CSMR) of 2 out of 2 residents were found to have all medications entered for residents. LPA reviewed Licensing Information System (LIS) with Administrator who stated that is corrected and updated at this time; no need to change any of the information. Disaster Drills will be conducted quarterly and in different shifts with the last one being conducted on 4/18/2025. Facility has 1 large generator that can power ¾ of the house in case of power outage. In addition, Kelly Eriksen, Administrator Certificate # 7008387740 expires 11/5/2025. LPA has requested Licensee to submit Liability Insurance, LIC308 (Designee), & LIC 500 (Personnel Report) to CCL by 6/20/2025. No deficiencies found. No citations issued.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 5, 2025
Mar 11, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Prelicensing
On 03/11/2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Loera conducted a pre-licensing inspection and was greeted by Licensee Applicant Kelly Eriksen. This pre-licensing inspection is being conducted for an initial licensing. The facility is a one story home with a fire clearance approved for 5 non-ambulatory and 1 bedridden. LPA conducted a tour and inspection of the indoor and outdoor portions of the facility. Facility was found to be clean and comfortable temperature with bedroom doors free from obstruction. LPA observed Fire extinguishers throughout the facility which were last inspected 02/2025. Cleaning products, sharp items, other toxins and chemicals are kept out of resident access and found secured and stored in the kitchen and in the laundry room. Additional supply of hygiene products and linens available to residents. Water was measured at 111.4, 107.4, and 108.3 degrees F in faucets used by residents which is within regulation between 105 & 120 degrees F. Facility has a sample food menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Medications are centrally stored and secured in a locked hallway closet. The facility has all appropriate public documentation and personal rights information posted in common spaces within the facility. Facility's smoke detectors were tested and operational. They were last tested 02/27/2025. LPA confirmed that contents of the facility's First Aid Kit and emergency supplies were sufficient. Component III was reviewed with Applicant. No Deficiencies or Advisories given during visit. Pre-Licensing completed. License will be granted upon completion of a final review and approval from the Licensing Program Manager. LPA will submit Pre-Licensing Application Report to the Application Unit Analyst in Sacramento. Application Unit Analyst will notify Applicant of Status. Exit interview conducted. This report was reviewed with applicant and a copy was provided to the Licensee.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 11, 2025
What the state’s words mean
CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗ · CDSS complaint outcomes ↗
Who holds the licence
Taking the Journey LLC, licensed since 2025, operates 3 licensed homes in California. Running more than one home is common and is neither good nor bad on its own.
- Taking the Journey · Petaluma
- Taking the Journey North · Petaluma
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 Sonoma County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
Taking the Journey North
Petaluma · Small home · 1.3 mi away
$6,500 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Sunset House
Cotati · Mid-size home · 2.1 mi away
$7,000 a month to start · Listed by the home
Windsong of Sonoma
Petaluma · Large community · 2.1 mi away
$4,390 a month to start · Listed by the home
Muirwoods Memory Care
Petaluma · Large community · 2.3 mi away
$5,650 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Well Care Home
Petaluma · Small home · 2.8 mi away
$5,750 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Treehouse Senior Living
Penngrove · Mid-size home · 3.1 mi away
$6,850 a month to start · Covelight estimate