Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

The Ark

Small home·Licensed for 6·Redwood City, California

Licensed since 2023Licence #415601161
  • Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 27, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$7,000 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $5,750–$8,600
  • Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
  • Last state visitOctober 23, 2025CDSS inspection record

The Ark is a small care home in Redwood City — 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. Dementia care is not on file.

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 The Ark

Is The Ark licensed?

The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

How many residents is The Ark licensed for?

6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

Has The Ark been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2023, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. Those records count 6 state visits over the same years.

Is The Ark still open?

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

What does The Ark cost?

$7,000 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $5,750–$8,600. 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 8 small homes and similar 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 8 other homes of a similar licensed size in Redwood City that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $6,750 to $8,250 a month, and the middle figure is $7,500 (n = 8 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 The Ark 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 Caring Hearts Senior Living LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Sequoia Hospital is 1.9 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can The Ark keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 6 residents, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

The Ark license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “ARK, THE”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #415601161. 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 Caring Hearts Senior Living LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2023, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • 6 state inspection visits since 2023, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2023, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. The same records count 6 state visits in that period.
  • 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2023, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • The most recent state visit on file is October 23, 2025, per CDSS records as of September 27, 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 careNot on file · ask the home
  • Hospice careApproved · covers up to 6 residents
  • 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 6 NON-AMBULATORY, OF WHICH 1 MAY BE BEDRIDDEN. BEDRIDDEN TO RESIDE IN BDRM #1. WAIVER/GRANTED FOR HOSPICE CARE FOR (6).

935 - ELDERLY

CDSS record, verbatim · September 27, 2026

As needs change

  • Staying through hospice

    Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 6 — 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

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

$7,000a month to start

Likely $5,750–$8,600

From 8 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file

Likely monthly total

$7,000a month

Likely $5,750–$8,750

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$7,000likely $5,750–$8,600

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 8 small homes and similar 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 $5,750–$8,750
$7,000
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $6,600–$11,650
$9,000
How people payPrivate pay, Medi-Cal waiver, SSI/SSP, veterans, insurance
  • Private payMost residents pay from savings, a home sale or family help. Ask for the rate and what it includes in writing.
  • Medi-Cal Assisted Living WaiverThis home is not on the DHCS participation list dated September 23, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.
  • SSI/SSPCalifornia’s 2026 standard is $1,626.07 a month; $1,444.07 of it goes to the home and $182 stays with the resident. Whether this home accepts it is not on file — ask.
  • VeteransVA Aid & Attendance can add to a veteran’s or surviving spouse’s pension. Ask whether residents here have used it.
  • Long-term care insuranceMost policies pay for licensed care homes. Ask what paperwork the home provides for claims.
  • MedicareDoes not pay for room and board in a care home. It can still cover hospice or home-health visits inside one.
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 8 small homes and similar 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.

8 homes like this within 3 miles publish starting rates mostly between $6,500–$7,500.

  • 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 8 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 1320 Valota Rd, Redwood City, CA 94061Address 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 2023, the state has filed 6 documents for this home, and its records count 6 visits since 2023. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated October 23, 2025.

On file since
2023
State visits
6
Most recent visit
October 23, 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
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated202523020241102023220

The last 36 months — 6 of 6 documents

20252 state visits · 3 documents
Oct 23, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Case Management - Annual Continuation

On 10/23/2025, Licensing Program Analyst(LPA) John Calandra arrived at the facility to conduct the Annual 1-year required inspection. LPA Calandra was greeted by Ivy Castillo, Caregiver and explained the purpose of the visit. Hilda Apande, House Manager arrived later during the visit. A review of Centrally Stored Medications indicated that medications for residents were properly labeled with instructions on dosage and times of day and matched the Centrally Stored Medication Records(CSMR) kept at the facility. LPA received a copy of the facility's liability insurance during the visit. No deficiencies cited during today's visit. An exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with facility representative and a copy provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 23, 2025
Oct 23, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: POC

On 10/23/2025, Licensing Program Analyst(LPA) John Calandra arrived at the facility to conduct a Proof of Correction(POC) visit in regards to deficiencies cited during the Annual inspection on 10/14/2025. LPA Calandra was greeted by Ivy Castillo, Caregiver and explained the purpose of the visit. Hilda Apande, House Manager arrived later during the visit. On 10/14/2025, the Licensee was cited for a violation of California Code of Regulations(CCR) 87309(a)-Storage Space and Access as the Licensee did not have sharps locked and in-accessible to persons in care. During the visit on 10/23/2025, LPA observed that sharp knives were locked and in-accessible to persons in care. On 10/14/2025, the Licensee was cited for a violation of California Code of Regulations(CCR) 87705(f)(2)-Care of Persons with Dementia as the Licensee did not ensure that their fire clearance included approval of locked perimeter fence gate. During today's visit, LPA observed that the perimeter fence gate is no longer locked. No deficiencies cited during today's visit. An exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with facility representatives and a copy provided along with the POC clearance letters.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 23, 2025
Oct 14, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On October 14, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst(LPA) John Calandra arrived at the facility to conduct the Annual 1-year required inspection. LPA Calandra was greeted by Evelyn Wilcox, Caretaker and explained the purpose of the visit. LPA Calandra toured the physical plant. This is a 1-story building with 6 bedrooms and 4 and a half bathrooms, a living room, kitchen and backyard. No accessible bodies of water or hazards were observed. All bedrooms had the required furniture and sufficient lighting. Hot water temperature was measured between the required 105-120 degrees Fahrenheit. All bathrooms had the required grab bars and anti-skid floor mats. The facility had the required 2 days of perishables and 7 days of non-perishables. All soap, poisons, and detergents were observed to be locked and in-accessible to persons in care. LPA Calandra reviewed 5 staff files and 5 resident files. All were observed to be complete. During the inspection, LPA Calandra observed that the knives drawer in the kitchen was unlocked and accessible to persons in care. A Type A citation was provided for this deficiency. LPA Calandra also observed on a previous visit on 10/7/2025 that the Licensee locks the exterior gate in front of the facility and takes care of residents who have been diagnosed with Dementia. LPA confirmed that facility staff lock the exterior gate. A Type A citation was provided for this deficiency. The deficiencies are cited under the California Code of Regulations, Title 22. Failure to correct the deficiencies by the due date may result in civil penalties. The Annual will be completed at a later date. An exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with facility representative and a copy along with Appeal Rights provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 14, 2025
20241 state visit · 1 document
Oct 3, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On October 3, 2024, Licensing Program Analyst(LPA) John Calandra arrived at the facility at 12:33 PM to conduct the Annual 1-year required inspection. LPA Calandra was greeted by Yrvanie Velsaquez, Caretaker and explained the purpose of the visit. Carol Apande, Administrator arrived later during the visit. LPA Calandra toured the physical plant. This is a 1-story building with 6 bedrooms and 4 and a half bathrooms, a living room, kitchen and backyard. No accessible bodies of water or hazards were observed. All bedrooms had the required furniture and sufficient lighting. Hot water temperature was measured between the required 105-120 degrees Fahrenheit. All bathrooms had the required grab bars and anti-skid floor mats. The facility had the required 2 days of perishables but not the required 7 days of non perishables. The facility's fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors were observed to be in working order. All sharp objects, poisons, soaps, and detergents were observed to be locked and in-accessible to persons in care. LPA Calandra reviewed 4 staff files and 5 resident files. All were observed to be complete. LPA Calandra requested and received the following documents at the facility: -Current Liability Insurance -Administrator's Certificate A review of Centrally Stored Medications indicated that medications for residents were properly labeled with instructions on dosage and times of day and matched the Centrally Stored Medication Records(CSMR) kept at the facility. The deficiencies are cited under the California Code of Regulations, Title 22. Failure to correct the deficiencies by the due date may result in civil penalties. An exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with Carol Apande, Administrator and a copy of the report along with Appeal rights left at the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 3, 2024
20232 state visits · 2 documents
Oct 17, 2023Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Prelicensing

On this day, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jaime Vado conducted an unannounced prelicensing visit. LPA met with caregiver Ivy Velasquez and explained the purpose of today's visit. LPA contacted the licensee/administrator Carol Apande and informed her of LPAs presence at facility. She is unable to make it to the prelicensing on this day. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility with independently and made observations through out the facility and the exterior surrounding areas of the facility. LPA observed that the fire place is not in use. The emergency exits around the facility are clear of obstructions and fences are not locked. Outdoor furniture in the front and backyard are in good condition for resident, staff, and visitor use. All resident rooms are furnished with the required furniture outlined in regulations. These items are in good repair. The facility ambient temperature is comfortable for residents and visitors. Bathrooms are observed as operational. Water is tested at all sinks at 115F and those faucets are operating properly. Fire extinguisher inspections tag is current showing 06/26/2023. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are hard wired through out the facility. Medications are locked and knives are locked away appropriately. Cleaning supplies are locked as well. Food supplies are in place. Resident and staff files are reviewed as complete and current. Staff training is current. Facility does not handle resident money. Administrator certificate is current. Comp III orientation was given to the caregiver. Pre-Licensing is complete. Licensure is recommended pending final approval from the Central Applications Bureau. Report is reviewed with the caregiver Ivy and a copy of the report is provided. No citations issued.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 17, 2023
Oct 3, 2023Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Office

Facility Type: RCFE Application Type: CHOW Capacity: 6 Census (if any clients in care): 4 Interview Method: Telephone interview On 10/3/2023, applicant/administrator participated in COMP II. Identification of the applicant / administrator was verified through interview questions based on photo ID and other identifying personal information. During COMP II, applicant / administrator confirmed that they have read and understand community care facility licensing laws included in the Health and Safety Codes and the California Code of Regulations Title 22. Signed LIC 809 with copy of photo ID have been obtained. During COMP II, CAB analyst confirmed Applicant/Administrator’s understanding of following areas: 1. Facility operation: License type, client/resident populations, and program 2. Admission Policies 3. Staffing requirements & Training 4. Restrictive/Prohibited Health Conditions 5. General provisions 6. Emergency Preparedness 7. Complaints & Reporting 8. Pre-licensing readinessthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 3, 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.

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?

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