Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet

The Groves of Tustin

Large community·Licensed for 100·Tustin, California

LicensedLicence #306006736
  • Care approvals on fileDementia · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 13, 2026
  • Estimated starting rate$4,900 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $3,800–$6,250
  • Home sizeLicensed for 100Large care community · a licensed care home (RCFE)
  • Room at the last state visit69 of 100 beds occupiedJuly 24, 2026 · not a current opening
  • Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
  • Last state visitJuly 24, 2026CDSS inspection record

The Groves of Tustin is a large care community in Tustin — a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), the licence category behind “assisted living” and “board and care.” It is licensed for 100 residents. Wheelchair and non-ambulatory care is not on file.

Built from CDSS public records · September 13, 2026. Every fact below names its source and date.

Quick answers and the state record

A citation does not make a home unsafe, and an empty file does not make a home good.

Quick answers about The Groves of Tustin

Is The Groves of Tustin licensed?

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

How many residents is The Groves of Tustin licensed for?

100 residents — a large community, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Has The Groves of Tustin been cited?

0 Type A and 0 Type B citations, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Is The Groves of Tustin still open?

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

What does The Groves of Tustin cost?

$4,900 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $3,800–$6,250. 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 22 communities with 50 or more beds within 10 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.

Among 64 other homes of a similar licensed size across Orange County that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $3,333 to $5,895 a month, and the middle figure is $4,498 (n = 64 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 Groves of Tustin 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 Everest Tustin Blessing Star, LLC & Schc (Manager), per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Foothill Regional Medical Center is 1.2 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.

Can The Groves of Tustin keep a resident on hospice?

Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 25 residents, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.

The Groves of Tustin license and inspection record

  • Name on the license: “GROVES OF TUSTIN THE”, per the CDSS roster as of June 12, 2026.
  • License #306006736. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • Licensed for 100 residents — a large community, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • Licensed to Everest Tustin Blessing Star, LLC & Schc (Manager), per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • First licensed: the year is not on file — the roster carries no first-license date for it. Ask: “When did this license start?”
  • 3 state inspection visits on file, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
  • 1 complaint and 0 substantiated allegations on file, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. One complaint can carry several allegations.
  • The most recent state visit on file is July 24, 2026, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
Type A citationa violation that poses an immediate risk to health, safety or personal rights if it is not correctedType B citationa violation that could become a risk if not corrected, or one involving records, resources or required services

California writes these definitions for every licensed home, not for this one. CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗

See the state’s own record

Can they support the care needed?

California licenses a home for specific kinds of care. The state’s record lists what this home is approved for; the home’s own answers fill in what changes as needs change.

  • Wheelchair / non-ambulatoryNot on file · ask the home
  • Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
  • Hospice careApproved · covers up to 25 residents
  • BedriddenApproved · covers up to 30 residents

State licensing record · September 13, 2026. An approval may cover specific rooms or residents; it does not establish an opening.

Read the state’s own wording
AGE RANGE 60 AND OVER. FIRE CLEARANCE APPROVED FOR 100 NON-AMBULATORIES WHERE 30 CAN BE BEDRIDDEN ON FLOOR 1-3. WAIVER/GRANTED FOR HOSPICE CARE FOR 25 RESIDENTS. MANAGER: SPECIALIZED COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE COMPANY.

983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA · 985 - RCFE / HOSPICE

CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 2026

As needs change

  • Staying through hospice

    Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 25 — care may continue at the end of life

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

    State licensing record · September 13, 2026

  • If memory loss develops

    Dementia-care designation on file

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

    State licensing record · September 13, 2026

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

    Not on file

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

  • Someone awake overnight

    Not on file

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

  • Medicines

    Not on file

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

What it costs here

Covelight estimate

$4,900a month to start

Likely $3,800–$6,250

From 22 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file

Likely monthly total

$4,900a month

Likely $3,800–$6,400

With a studio and basic help.

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

See the full cost breakdownRoom, care and fees · how people pay · how this estimate works
Room
Daily care
Sharing the room
  • Starting monthly rate$4,900likely $3,800–$6,250

    Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 22 communities with 50 or more beds within 10 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.

  • Basic help with daily careUsually includedup to $600

    Basic help is usually part of the starting rate. Homes that price care by level start around $600 a month (45 California homes publish a care-level range, seen in September 2026).

  • One-time move-in fee$2,000one time · likely $0–$4,000

    Homes that list a one-time entry or community fee charge a median of $2,000 (134 California listings; middle half $1,000–$4,000). Many homes list none — ask.

Likely monthly totalLikely $3,800–$6,400
$4,900
First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,600–$9,400
$6,900
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 22 communities with 50 or more beds within 10 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.

22 homes like this within 10 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,000–$7,550.

  • 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 22 nearby homes behind this estimate

Where it is

  • 1262 Bryan Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780Address from the public record · September 13, 2026. Confirm the entrance with the home before visiting.

Opening the neighborhood map…

The state record

California inspects every licensed home and publishes what it found. Here are the dated documents and the state’s own words, beside what is typical for homes this size.

Since 2025, the state has filed 3 documents for this home, and its records count 3 visits. The most recent — a complaint investigation report on July 24, 2026 — closed with the state’s outcome word: “Unsubstantiated.”

On file since
2025
State visits
3
Most recent visit
July 24, 2026
Occupied at that visit
69 of 100 bedsa count on that day, not an opening

We hold 1 complaint report the state published for this home, dated July 24, 2026. 1 of the 1 carries the state's recorded outcome word: “Unsubstantiated” (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 citations0typical 1
  • Substantiated allegations0typical 2
  • Total complaints1typical 6

“Typical” is the statewide median across the 1,354 licensed larger communities (16+ 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.

Year by year
YearVisitsDocumentsSubstantiated20261102025220

The last 36 months — 3 of 3 documents

20261 state visit · 1 document
Jul 24, 2026Complaint investigation reportUnsubstantiated

Allegation investigated: Staff yelled at resident Staff do not provide resident with protein drink. Staff does not follow food menu for residents.

On this day, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Andrea Mendivil made an unannounced visit to conduct a complaint investigation. LPA was greeted and granted entry into the facility and explained the reason for the visit. The Department received a complaint on July 20, 2026 and the Department conducted an initial 10 day visit. LPA Mendivil obtained copies of facility menus, resident physician's orders, physician's report and care plan as well as interviewed staff and residents. Regarding the allegations staff yelled at resident, staff do not provide resident with protein drink and staff does not follow food menu for residents, the investigation revealed the following: Per review of Resident 1 (R1) physician's report dated October 15, 2025 reported that R1 has a diagnosis hypertension, hypothyriod, chronic low back pain, and chronic kidney disease. It was alleged that staff yelled at R1. Per interviews with 4 out of 4 residnets stated staff has not yelled at them. Unsubstantiated Per interviews with 5 out of 5 staff interviewed, staff denies ever yelling at R1 or any resident. It was alleged that staff do not provide a resident protein drink. Per review of R1's physician's orders there is no order for protein shakes or nutritional supplements. Per interview with Memory Care Director (MCD) Alma Gomez, it was stated the nutritional shakes are stored in the facility kitchen and available upon request. It was alleged that staff does not follow food menu for residents. Per interview with MCD staff follows menu unless an item was not available through Sysco which then the menu would be updated. MCD stated the front desk has a copy of daily menus available. Per MCD the facility is currently in the process of hiring a new Culinary Services Director . MCD stated core kitchen staff is the same and trained. MCD stated she is doing the ordering and logistics of the kitchen. MCD stated that there is an "always available" menu for residents. Interviews with 4 out of 4 residents, the residents stated the food was good and they did not have any complaints. Therefore based on the preponderance of evidence through records reviewed and interviews the allegations the allegations Staff yelled at resident , Staff do not provide resident with protein drink, Staff does not follow food menu for residents are determined to be UNSUBSTANTIATED, meaning that although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove or refute the alleged violation occurred. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 24, 2026 · control 22-AS-20260720095305
20252 state visits · 2 documents
Dec 30, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Prelicensing

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Andrea Mendivil made an announced visit to conduct a pre-licensing inspection. LPA identified themselves and discussed the purpose of the visit with Executive Director Susan Ruiz Hidalgo an initial application to operate a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly application was received by CCL on 01/28/2025 for a capacity of 70 non-ambulatory and 30 bedridden residents for a total of 100 resident capacity. LPA Mendivil along with Health and Wellness Director Robin Aquino, Executive Director Susan Ruiz Hildago and Memory Care Director Alma Gomez toured the facility at 10:00AM and observed the following: Structure: Facility is a three story building with , 82 rooms, 6 public restrooms. The exit gates on first floor are secured delayed egress. Living Room/ Dining Room: Adequate seating is available in the dining room and living room. Bedrooms Residents: First floor is Assisted Living with 25 single occupancy rooms all of which contain their own bathrooms. Second floor is a secured Memory Care with 26 rooms of which 10 rooms are shared occupancy. Third floor is Assisted Living with 31 rooms all of which are single occupancy. Bathrooms: Resident bathrooms have a working toilet/ wash basin .Linens & Hygiene Supplies: Facility supplies basic care items such as toilet paper and paper towels. Emergency Phone Numbers and Exit Plan: Posted behind receptionist desk in entry of facility. . Food Service: Licensee has 2 day perishable and 7-day nonperishable foods kept in facility kicthen. Smoke Detectors: Smoke detectors/ carbon monoxide detectors were tested by Fire Service Corp on 10/20/2025. Appliances: Faciltiy kitchen's appliances such as oven, stove top and refrigeration were operational. Toxins/ Sharps: LPA observed a secure area for sharps in secured kitchen. CONTINUED ON LIC 809C DATED 12/30/2025. Water Temperature: LPA tested hot water and it read as following 106.7 to 110.3 degrees fahrenheit. Emergency Supplies: LPA observed supply of emergency water and food in staff break room and dry storage area in dining room. Medications, First-Aid Kit & Book: First aid kit observed contained all required items. Medication is stored in a secured medication cart which are housed in secured medication rooms on the first and second floors. Resident & Staff File: Resident records such as admission agreements and intake documents are stored in secured Executive Director's office and medical documents such physicians report and orders are stored in secured medication rooms. Reading Material, Games, and Equipment: . LPA observed games and coloring books in facility in facility palor. Backyard: LPA observed a shaded area for residents. Fire Clearance: Approved for 70 non-ambulatory and 30 bedridden residents on 09/08/2025. Facility is ready to be licensed. Component III completed. Exit interview conducted and a copy of this report was left at the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Dec 30, 2025
Oct 29, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file

Type of visit: Office

Component II completion: Successful Facility Type: Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Application Type: Change in Ownership (CHOW) Capacity: 100 Census (if any clients in care): 69 COMP II Participants: Charlene Lee, Applicant Wendy Cruz, Administrator Interview Method: Virtual interview (Microsoft Teams) On October 29, 2025, Applicant and Administrator participated in COMP II. Identification of the Applicant and Administrator was verified through interview questions based on photo ID and other identifying personal information. During COMP II, Applicant and 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 and 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 29, 2025
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. Can we read the dementia care disclosure and discuss how daily support works?
  4. What could change whether someone can stay here?
  5. Can we see a bedroom and share a meal during a visit?

Other homes nearby

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

Explore Orange County