Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

The Gardens

Mid-size home·Licensed for 15·Carlsbad, California

Licensed since 2011Licence #374603120
  • Care approvals on fileWheelchair · Dementia · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 27, 2026
  • Starting rate$8,500 a monthListed by the home on Seniorly · September 9, 2026
  • Home sizeLicensed for 15Mid-size care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Room at the last state visit12 of 15 beds occupiedFebruary 7, 2024 · not a current opening
  • Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
  • Last state visitJune 2, 2026CDSS inspection record

The Gardens is a mid-size care home in Carlsbad — a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), the licence category behind “assisted living” and “board and care.” It is licensed for 15 residents since 2011.

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 Gardens

Is The Gardens licensed?

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

How many residents is The Gardens licensed for?

15 residents — a mid-size home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

Has The Gardens been cited?

0 Type A and 1 Type B citation since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. Those records count 5 state visits over the same years.

Is The Gardens still open?

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

What does The Gardens cost?

$8,500 a month to start — listed by the home on Seniorly · September 9, 2026.

The home lists this starting rate on Seniorly for assisted living shared bedroom, seen September 9, 2026.

Among 12 other homes of a similar licensed size in Carlsbad that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $4,950 to $6,000 a month, and the middle figure is $5,000 (n = 12 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 Gardens 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 Gardens Nursing Facility LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Sharp Tri-City Medical Center is 3.3 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can The Gardens keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.

The Gardens license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “GARDENS, THE”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
  • License #374603120. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • Licensed for 15 residents — a mid-size home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • Licensed to The Gardens Nursing Facility LLC, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • First licensed in 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • 5 state inspection visits since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 1 Type B citation on file since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. The same records count 5 state visits in that period.
  • 1 complaint and 1 substantiated allegation on file since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. One complaint can carry several allegations.
  • The most recent state visit on file is June 2, 2026, 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 15 residents
  • Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
  • Hospice careApproved by the state
  • BedriddenApproved by the state

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
FACILITY SERVES FIFTEEN (15) NON-AMBULATORY ELDER RESIDENTS; AGES 60 AND ABOVE; SEVEN (7) OF WHOM MAY BE BEDRIDDEN. A HOSPICE WAIVER IS APPROVED FOR FIFTEEN (15) RESIDENTS. THE FACILITY IS ALSO APPROVED FOR A LOCKED PERIMETER.

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?”

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.

What it costs here

This home’s starting rate

$8,500a month to start

Listed by the home on Seniorly · September 9, 2026 · See listing

Likely monthly total

$8,500a month

Likely $8,500–$9,100

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 · where the price comes from
Room
Daily care
Sharing the room
  • Starting monthly rate$8,500this home

    The home lists this starting rate on Seniorly for assisted living shared bedroom, seen September 9, 2026.

  • 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 $8,500–$9,100
$8,500
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $8,500–$12,600
$10,500
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 worksWhere this price comes from

The home lists this starting rate on Seniorly for assisted living shared bedroom, seen September 9, 2026.

13 homes like this within 5 miles publish starting rates mostly between $4,500–$7,150.

  • 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 13 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 4380 Highland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008Address 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 5 documents for this home, and its records count 5 visits since 2011. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated June 2, 2026.

On file since
2023
State visits
5
Most recent visit
June 2, 2026
Occupied · February 7, 2024 visit
12 of 15 bedsa count on that day, not an opening

We hold 1 complaint report the state published for this home, dated February 7, 2024. 1 of the 1 carries the state's recorded outcome word: “Substantiated” (1). 1 includes the transcribed allegation the state investigated, word for word. Summary composed by computer from the 1 complaint report below — every count derives from them, and the documents themselves are the state's records, verbatim. We never grade, score, or color a record.

Beside homes the same size

  • Type A citations0typical 0
  • Type B citations1typical 0
  • Substantiated allegations1typical 0
  • Total complaints1typical 1

“Typical” is the statewide median across the 327 licensed mid-size homes (7–15 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
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated2026110202511020242212023110

The last 36 months — 5 of 5 documents

20261 state visit · 1 document
Jun 2, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Ramin Hashemi conducted an unannounced Required Annual Inspection. The facility file was reviewed prior to the visit. LPA was welcomed by and discussed the purpose of the visit to Administrator David Cooper. The facility's license shows a maximum capacity of fifteen (15) non-ambulatory residents, of which seven (7) may be bedridden. Hospice waiver approved for fifteen (15) residents and the facility is approved for a locked perimeter. During today’s inspection, there were ten (10) residents in care. LPA and Administrator toured the interior and exterior of the facility and inspected each room. The facility was clean, sanitary, and in good repair. Pathways were free of obstruction and slip hazards. Resident bedrooms contained the required furnishings. Doors, windows, screens, toilets, and showers were in working order. Extra linens and hygiene supplies were present, as well as Personal Protective Equipment. The facility had sufficient space and equipment to facilitate dining, laundry, visitation, meetings, and client activities. The facility contained at least 2 days of perishable food, and at least 7 days non-perishable food, all safely stored. Cooking, dining equipment, and utensils were present. No toxic chemicals or poisons were accessible to clients. Medications were labeled, as required, and stored in locked areas.The pool located on the premises was fenced and locked. Per Administrator, no firearms or ammunition are kept at the facility. Carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, and facility telephone were all in working order. Fire extinguisher(s) were serviced within the last 12 months. First aid kit(s) were complete and readily accessible. Required licensing postings were observed in visible areas of the facility. LPA interviewed staff and reviewed facility records. The files reviewed by LPA contained required documents. Confidential records were stored in locked areas. No deficiencies were cited during the inspection. An exit interview was conducted with Administrator to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 03/22) were provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 2, 2026
20251 state visit · 1 document
Jun 26, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hannah Rodgers conducted an unannounced Required Annual Inspection. The facility file was reviewed prior to the visit. LPA was welcomed by and discussed the purpose of the visit to Licensee David Cooper. The facility's license shows a maximum capacity of fifteen (15) non-ambulatory residents, of which seven (7) may be bedridden. Hospice waiver approved for fifteen (15) residents and the facility is approved for a locked perimeter. During today’s inspection, there were twelve (12) residents in care. LPA accompanied by Licensee Cooper toured the interior and exterior of the facility and inspected each room. Pathways were free of obstruction and slip hazards. Resident bedrooms contained the required furnishings. Doors, windows, screens, toilets, and showers were in working order. Extra linens and hygiene supplies were present. The facility had sufficient space and equipment to facilitate dining, laundry, visitation, meetings, and resident activities. The facility contained at least 2 days of perishable food, and at least 7 days non-perishable food, all safely stored. Cooking, dining equipment, and utensils were present. No toxic chemicals or poisons were accessible to residents. Medications were labeled, as required, and stored in locked areas. The pool located on the premises was fenced and locked. Per Licensee Cooper, no firearms or ammunition are kept at the facility. Carbon monoxide detectors and facility telephone were all in working order. Fire extinguisher(s) were serviced within the last 12 months. First aid kit was complete and readily accessible. Required licensing postings were observed in visible areas of the facility. [Continued on LIC809-C] LPA reviewed facility records. During review of staff records LPA observed that Staff #1-3 (S1-S3) did not have a health screening report in the files. One deficiency was cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22 (refer to the attached LIC 809-D). A plan of correction was jointly formulated, and an exit interview was conducted with Licensee Cooper, to whom a copy of this report, LIC809-C, LIC809-D and the Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC 9058 03/22) were provided to.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 26, 2025
20242 state visits · 2 documents
Jun 4, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Ryan Fulton conducted an unannounced Required Annual Inspection. The facility file was reviewed prior to the visit. LPA was welcomed by and discussed the purpose of the visit to Elsa Tovar. The facility's license shows a maximum capacity of fifteen (15) residents, of which fifteen (15) may be non-ambulatory. During today’s inspection there were six (11) residents in care, of which one (8) was non-ambulatory. LPA and Elsa Tovar toured the interior and exterior of the facility and inspected each room. The facility was clean, sanitary, and in good repair. Pathways were free of obstruction and slip hazards. Residents bedrooms contained the required furnishings. Doors, windows, screens, toilets, and showers were in working order. Extra linens and hygiene supplies were present, as well as Personal Protective Equipment. The facility had sufficient space and equipment to facilitate dining, laundry, visitation, meetings, and client activities. There was at least 2 days of perishable food, and at least 7 days non-perishable food present, all of which are safely stored. Cooking/dining equipment and utensils were present. Toxic chemicals/poisons were locked and inaccessible to clients. Medications were labeled, as required, and stored in locked areas. The facility’s ambient internal temperature was compliant at 74 F. Hot water temperature at taps accessible to clients were all complainant. No pools or bodies of water exist on the premises. Per licensee, no firearms or ammunition are kept at the facility. Carbon monoxide/Smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and facility telephone were all in working order. Fire extinguisher(s) were serviced within the last 12 months. First aid kit(s) were complete and readily accessible. Required licensing postings were observed in visible areas of the facility. A technical violation was issued due to the Personal Rights not being published in the facility. No deficiencies were cited during todays inspection. An exit interview was conducted with Elsa Tovar to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 03/22) were provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 4, 2024

The state marks this report as 3 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 2. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

Feb 7, 2024Complaint investigation reportSubstantiated

Allegation investigated: Licensee placed video camera without permission

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Sabel Martinez, conducted an unannounced visit to initiate a complaint investigation. The LPA introduced himself and disclosed the purpose of the visit to Caregiver Elsa Tover. Throughout the investigation, the Department secured pertinent records and conducted interviews with external and internal sources. It was alleged a Licensee placed a video camera without permission. Interviews with internal sources revealed there were two cameras in two residents’ bedrooms. One was non-operational and the second camera was linked to a monitor in the kitchen area displaying a live image. During the visit, the LPA observed both cameras in resident bedrooms and confirmed one was operational displaying a live image. Review of the facility file and records revealed the licensee had not submitted and updated Plan of Operation addressing video surveillance, nor submitted a waiver request. Substantiated The deficiency was cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22, and listed on the LIC 9099D. A plan of correction was jointly formulated with Administrator David Cooper over the phone. An exit interview was conducted with Caregiver Elsa Tover, to whom a copy of this report, LIC 9099D, and Licensee/Appeals Rights (LIC 9058),were provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Feb 7, 2024 · control 08-AS-20240202135810

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: CCR 87468.1(a)(1) · Plan of correction due date: Feb 7, 2024

87468.2 Additional Personal Rights of Residents in Privately Operated Facilities (a) In addition to the rights listed in Section 87468.1, Personal Rights of Residents in All Facilities, residents in privately operated residential care facilities for the elderly shall have all of the following personal rights: (1) To have a reasonable level of personal privacy in accommodations, medical treatment, personal care and assistance, visits, communications, telephone conversations, use of the Internet, and meetings of resident and family groups. This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on review of records, interviews, and observations, the license did not ensure reasonable level of privacy when placing a camera, which posed a potential personal rights risk to 1 of 12 residents in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Feb 7, 2024

Plan of correction: Administrator and caregiver agreed to remove the camera and monitor in question. LPA observed the camera and monitoer were removed, therefore, the POC was cleared on today's date.

20231 state visit · 1 document
Oct 19, 2023Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Amy Rodgers, made an unannounced visit to conduct the required One-Year Inspection visit to ensure substantial compliance with tittle 22 regulations. LPA Rodgers was granted entry into the facility by care giver, Elsa Tovar after identifying herself and stating the purpose of the inspection. The facility has one building with 2 different living areas. The facility is licensed for fifteen non-ambulatory elderly residents, seven of whom may be bedridden. There is an approved hospice waiver for fifteen (15). Seven (7) residents are currently on hospice care. LPA, accompanied by manager Elsa Tower, toured the interior and exterior of the facility, and inspected each room. The facility was clean, sanitary, and in good repair. Pathways were free of obstruction and slip hazards. Resident rooms contain required furnishings. There is an outdoor front yard with water feature. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are operable in the small building (consisting of 3 client rooms) and the large building (7 client rooms) have an operable signal system. Extra linens and hygiene supplies were present, as well as Personal Protective Equipment. The facility had sufficient space and equipment to facilitate dining, laundry, visitation, meetings, and resident activities. Hot water temperature at taps accessible to residents were all compliant. Continued on 809-C Continued on 809-C There was at least 2 days of perishable food, and at least 7 days non-perishable food present, all safely stored. Cooking/dining equipment and utensils were present. There were no sharp objects, toxic chemicals/poisons, or open-faced heaters accessible to clients According manger Tovar, there are no weapons and/or ammunition stored on the premises. Each toilet and shared shower have grab bars for resident use and non-skid surfacing along with shower chair. Each resident room has sufficient lighting. Medications were labeled, as required, and stored in locked areas. LPA observed that residents were being treated with dignity by staff, and there were sufficient staff on duty to meet resident’s needs. Staff records review and verified that 6 of 6 staff do not have a current First Aid/CPR, TB clearance or Health Screening Report. They do have all required training. Resident records reviewed for a current Physician's Report, Resident Appraisal, Needs & Services Plan, Identification and Emergency Information and Admission Agreement. Administrator’s certification for David Cooper expires on December 1, 2024. A deficiency was cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22 (refer to the attached LIC 809-D). The Department determined that the violation resulted in a potential safety hazard to clients. A Plan of Correction was jointly developed with the licensee. An exit interview was conducted with Licensee Cooper to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 03/22) were provided during the visit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 19, 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.

Find a detail about life at this home.

Rooms & the spaces they will use

Meals, preferences & familiar food

Activities & the rhythm of a day

  • Activity types offeredBirthday Parties · Holiday Parties · Activities On-site · Resident Band or Musicians

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

  • Trips outside the home

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

  • Religious services at the home

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

  • Religious services off site

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

Faith, culture & language

  • Languages spoken by caregiversSpanish · English

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

Pets, routines & independence

  • Residents may bring a petReported no

    Reported on caring.com · seen September 9, 2026.

  • Pet types allowedDogs · Cats

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

Visiting & staying involved

  • Transport for shopping and errands

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

  • Transportation costs extra

    Reported on aplaceformom.com · seen September 9, 2026.

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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