Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet
- Care approvals on fileHospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 27, 2026
- Typical starting rate$4,000 a monthTypical in Tulare County · likely $3,000–$5,000
- Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
- Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
- Last state visitApril 30, 2026CDSS inspection record
The Cottage is a small care home in Porterville — 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 2011. Wheelchair and non-ambulatory care and dementia care are 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 Cottage
Is The Cottage licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
How many residents is The Cottage licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Has The Cottage been cited?
0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. Those records count 10 state visits over the same years.
Is The Cottage still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.
What does The Cottage cost?
$4,000 a month to start is typical in Tulare County, likely $3,000–$5,000. This home’s own rate is not on file. Ask: “What is the all-in monthly rate, and what would push it higher?”
Too few homes publish a rate here, so this is the middle of Covelight’s researched range for small care homes in Tulare County (compiled June 2026). This home’s own rate is not on file.
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 Cottage 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 The Cottage Inc., per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Can The Cottage keep a resident on hospice?
Hospice care is approved on this license, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
The Cottage license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “COTTAGE INC, THE”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #547202420. 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 The Cottage Inc., per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- First licensed in 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 10 state inspection visits since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. The same records count 10 state visits in that period.
- 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- The most recent state visit on file is April 30, 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-ambulatoryNot on file · ask the home
- Dementia / memory careNot on file · ask the home
- Hospice careApproved by the state
- BedriddenApproved · covers up to 6 residents
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. ALL MAY BE BEDRIDDEN. HOSPICE WAIVER GRANTED FOR TWO (2) RESIDENTS
935 - ELDERLY
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
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?”
Care & day-to-day support
These are the home’s own statements about its day-to-day practice — they are not part of the state licensing record, and the state has not approved or reviewed them.
Diabetes care
Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.
Incontinence care
Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.
What it costs here
Typical starting rate
$4,000a month to start
Likely $3,000–$5,000
Covelight’s researched range for Tulare County · this home’s rate is not on file
Likely monthly total
$4,000a month
Likely $3,000–$5,200
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
Memory care is not priced here: a dementia-care designation is not on file for this home. Ask the home.
Starting monthly rate$4,000likely $3,000–$5,000
Too few homes publish a rate here, so this is the middle of Covelight’s researched range for small care homes in Tulare County (compiled June 2026). 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 $3,000–$5,200
- $4,000
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $3,750–$8,350
- $6,000
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.
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 worksWhy this is a county figure
Too few homes publish a rate here, so this is the middle of Covelight’s researched range for small care homes in Tulare County (compiled June 2026). This home’s own rate is not on file.
- 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 1 nearby home that publishes a rate
- Jordeth Senior Care HomeVisalia · 22 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on A Place for Mom · seen September 9, 2026
Where it is
- 19127 Avenue 150, Porterville, CA 93257Address 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 2022, the state has filed 10 documents for this home, and its records count 10 visits since 2011. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated April 30, 2026.
- On file since
- 2022
- State visits
- 10
- Most recent visit
- April 30, 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 2011.
Year by year
The last 36 months — 8 of 10 documents
Apr 30, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: POC
On April 30, 2026 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) B. Miranda arrived at the facility unannounced to conduct a visit regarding POCs. LPA observed 2 residents at the facility (R1 & R2) with 2 staff. While at the facility LPA observed when owner Howard Fergerson arrived at the facility to say good bye to R1. LPA observed facility to be clean, odor free, and clutter free. Lady is working on the proper Administrator Certification and is in constant contact with LPA. Lady has reached out to the Dept handling the certification testing and is waiting for a follow-up. Lady will provide a plan for scheduling staff training by May 8, 2026. Verification of oxygen training will be provided to LPA by May 5, 2026. During the visit LPA observed the following corrections: Tested/Working Carbon Monoxide detector Glue trap has been moved and is no longer with clean dishes Knives are in lock container under the sink R2's centrally stored medication log was current and up to date Resident's P&I is balanced and matches logs Liability insurance is current Licensee purchased a surety bond for facility Residents have updated physician reports LPA reviewed disaster plan LPA reviewed facility's disaster drill log Letters of cleared POCs were generated, printed, and provided to Caregiver Lady Villanueva. Exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report LIC809 was provided to Caregiver Lady Villanueva.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 30, 2026
Apr 13, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) B. Miranda conducted an unannounced visit today for the facility’s annual inspection. LPA introduced themselves and was allowed entrance into the facility. LPA met with Amber Land. Facility is licensed for 6 residents and has a current census of 6. There are 2 residents on hospice and they are also receiving home health care through hospice. Plans are current, but facility was not able to provide staff training on Hospice Care Plans. Water temperature was checked in the kitchen which read at 113.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Fire Extinguisher was serviced November 18, 2025 and is within the safety regulation period. Smoke detectors were tested and in working order. Facility does not have carbon monoxide detectors. Facility has kitchen knives stored with cleaning supplies under the sink. Kitchen cabinet has a glue trap stored with clean dishes Administrator Jennifer Thompson is no longer at the facility since February 2026. Currently there is not a qualified administrator in the facility. Staff Amber Land is working on obtaining RCFE Administrator's Certificate. Staff files were reviewed, are not complete. Staff training was conducted by Jennifer Thompson who was not certified as an RCFE Administrator, but as an ARF Administrator. Training verification was missing information regarding explanation of training conducted and hours completed for training. Resident files were reviewed and incomplete. Resident files are missing current and complete physician reports, appraisals/re-appraisals for change in condition. Facility could not provide a log for disaster drills that are conducted quarterly. Facility could not provide a disaster plan or infection control plan. Toxins and cleaning supplies are locked and inaccessible. There is a locked storage for medications. Hygiene products are accessible to resident’s in care; R1’s physician's report indicated R1 is at risk if hygiene products are accessible. LPA inspected the interior and the exterior of the facility including the common living spaces, resident bedrooms, bathrooms, medication storage, kitchen, and outdoor areas. Back fence has a gate making facility accessible to neighbors. Bedrooms were clean, properly furnished, with adequate lighting, and in good repair. Food supply is adequate for 2-day perishable and 7-day nonperishable. Deficiencies observed during today's inspection were cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22. Owner/operator Howard Ferguson is not listed on the staff roster; follow-up visit may be warranted at a later time to issue citations. Any other deficiencies not cited during today's visit could warrant follow-up visit to cite at a later time. LPA's requested the following documents: LIC 500 Personnel Report, LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility, LIC 610-E the Emergency Disaster Plan and copy of current Administrator’s Certificate to update the facility file. Listed documents shall be sent to Licensing by April 24, 2026. Exit interview conducted and a copy of this report LIC809, LIC809Ds, and appeal rights were provided to Amber Land.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 13, 2026
Mar 24, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
Today, Licensing Program Analyst L. Xiong arrived at the facility unannounced to conduct the Infection Control Inspection. LPAs met with Administrator Jennifer Thompson and inform her the purpose of the visit. LPA toured the facility with staff. Facility appeared clean with no obstruction or fire clearance issues. All common areas have adequate seating and lighting. Resident bedrooms toured, rooms observed to have all required accommodations. Kitchen toured, LPA observed a 2-day supply of perishable and a 7-day supply of non-perishable food available for residents. Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors observed operational during inspection. Fire extinguisher present with a service date of 12/2024. Water temperature observed to measure at 110 degrees F. No deficiencies were observed.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 24, 2025
Apr 30, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
Today, Licensing Program Analyst L. Xiong arrived at the facility unannounced to conduct the Annual Inspection. LPA met with staff Alicia Ledesma an spoke to Administrator Jennifer Thompson and inform her the purpose of the visit. LPA toured the facility with staff. Facility appeared clean with no obstruction or fire clearance issues. All common areas have adequate seating and lighting. Resident bedrooms toured, rooms observed to have all required accommodations. Kitchen toured, LPA observed a 2-day supply of perishable and a 7-day supply of non-perishable food available for residents. Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors observed operational during inspection. Fire extinguisher present with a service date of 12/2023. Water temperature observed to measure at 117 degrees F. No deficiencies were observed.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 30, 2024
Apr 12, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Case Management - Health Checks
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) L. Xiong conducted a Case Management visit for the purpose of Health and Safety check of residents in care. LPA observed two residents and one staff working during facility visit. LPA allowed entrance by Direct Care Staff, Lady Villanueva. Per staff, there is currently one (1) resident receiving hospice services and no home health services. A tour of the facility was conducted. Adequate food supply to meet the needs of residents. Facility observed to be clean and odor free. Facility temperature comfortable. LPA observed two (2) residents at the facility and was informed four (4) went to day program. LPA obtained updated LIC 9020 (Register of Facility Clients/Residents) during the visit. No deficiencies cited during this visit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 12, 2024
Dec 20, 2023Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Office
On 12/20/23, this Department conducted a office meeting to follow up on previous meeting held on 12/15/23. Present during meeting were Brenda White, Regional Manager, Melinda Medina, Licensing Program Analyst, and Howard Ferguson. The Department has received the following documents provided by Howard Ferguson during office visit: LIC 200, LIC 308, LIC 309, Lease Agreement, Appointment Letter for Administrator, Certificate of Liability Insurance, and Articles of Incorporation with Statement of Conversion. This Department will review documents received and will advise if any additional information is needed. A copy of this report was provided to Howard Ferguson during meeting.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Dec 20, 2023
Dec 15, 2023Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Office
On 12/15/23, this Department conducted a office meeting to discuss control of property for facility. Present during meeting were Brenda White, Regional Manager, Melinda Hoffmann, Licensing Program Manager, Melinda Medina, Licensing Program Analyst, Howard Ferguson, and Terry Overstreet via telephone. The Department has requested the following documents be submitted no later than 12/20/23: LIC 200, LIC 308, LIC 309, Lease Agreement, Appointment Letter for Administrator to be completed by Licensee, Terry Overstreet. This report will be emailed as Licensee was in attendance via telephone.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Dec 15, 2023
Dec 6, 2023Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 12/06/2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) M. Medina made an unannounced Annual Required Inspection. LPA was allowed entrance by staff, Jennifer Thompson. During the inspection it was stated that Jennifer Thompson is Administrator, however, this Department has not received any paperwork. Currently, six (6) residents in care. Residents attend day program Monday-Friday 6:45 am - 3:15 pm, All residents were at Day program at time of inspection. Facility tour began in resident bedrooms. Rooms observed to have all required accommodations. All areas of the facility have sufficient lighting. Residents bathrooms observed to be clean and in good repair. Bath/tub are have non-skid mats and grab bars. Hot water tested in both bathrooms with a water temperature of 108 degrees F. Dining room and living room have adequate seating and lighting for all residents in care. Tour of kitchen conducted. LPA observed adequate food supply for the residents in care. LPA observed leftovers stored in the refrigerator and/or freezer observed to be properly stored and labeled. Medications observed to be locked in small cabinet in hallway. All medications observed to have original labels and administered as prescribed. Smoke Alarms tested observed operational at time of inspection. Carbon monoxide detector present in dining room and observed operational at time of inspection. Fire extinguisher has a purchase date of 12/06/23. All cleaning supplies observed to be locked and secured under kitchen sink. Facility has no proof of liability insurance on site. Outside areas toured. All exits open freely and observed to be free of obstruction. No hazards observed. Due to time constraints, file reviews and interviews will be conducted at a later time. Facility to submit updated LIC 309, LIC 500, LIC 610E, Deficiencies cited on attached 809D. Exit interview conducted, appeal rights and copy of report provided for facility records.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Dec 6, 2023
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?
- 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 Tulare County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
Jeffries Home RCFE
Porterville · Small home · 4.1 mi away
$4,000 a month to start · Typical in Tulare County
Bella Home
Porterville · Small home · 4.1 mi away
$4,000 a month to start · Typical in Tulare County
Searcy Home
Porterville · Small home · 4.3 mi away
$4,000 a month to start · Typical in Tulare County
Wiggins Home 4
Porterville · Small home · 4.5 mi away
$4,000 a month to start · Typical in Tulare County
Bella Home Senior Care
Porterville · Small home · 4.9 mi away
$4,000 a month to start · Typical in Tulare County
Haleys Home Care
Porterville · Small home · 5.2 mi away
$4,000 a month to start · Typical in Tulare County