Find licensed assisted living in California
Every listing is a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) in the California Department of Social Services licensing data: licensed capacity, licensee, first license date and a link to the state's own record with inspection reports.
Browse by facility size
Top cities
Guides
Where this data comes from
Every listing starts from public records — CDSS Community Care Licensing: Care Facility Search, CHHS Open Data: Community Care Licensing Facilities, CDSS Community Care Licensing facility layer (ArcGIS) — not from who paid to be listed. A Licensed (CDSS) badge means we matched the business to an active public record, dated. Read the methodology →
Common questions
Is assisted living in California the same as an RCFE?
Yes. California licenses assisted living, board and care and memory care homes as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) under the Department of Social Services. Skilled nursing facilities are a different license, issued by the Department of Public Health.
How do I check whether a facility is licensed?
Search the facility on the CDSS Care Facility Search site. It shows the license status, inspection reports and any substantiated complaints. Each listing here links directly to that page.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare does not cover room and board or personal care in assisted living. Costs are usually paid privately, with long-term care insurance, VA benefits for eligible veterans, or in some counties through the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver.
Does the Licensed badge mean this is a good facility?
No. It means CDSS data shows an active license. It says nothing about quality or price. Read the inspection reports, tour in person and ask for the admission agreement.
Who can I call with a concern about a facility?
Complaints go to CDSS Community Care Licensing. The state Long-Term Care Ombudsman program also advocates for residents, free of charge.