Desert Cottages II
Assisted Living, Hospice Care, Memory Care, Residential Care & Respite Care · Indio, CA

Desert Cottages II

Assisted Living, Hospice Care, Memory Care, Residential Care & Respite Care · Indio, CA

Overview of Desert Cottages II

Conveniently set along Himalaya Drive, Indio, CA, Desert Cottages II is a unique community that offers dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Hospice care, transitioning program, and respite care is also provided to meet residents’ special needs. A compassionate and well-trained team delivers the utmost care and assistance 24/7 for residents to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle.

The community also conducts personalized exercise programs to improve their well-being. Heart-healthy and delicious meals are served for residents dietary needs and preferences. Incontinence management, medication management, medication-use reduction, and high acute care are also provided for residents’ convenience. Cherish every moment of your later years and live happily with the community’s friendly vibe.

Bed community size
6-bed community Rank #1321 / 1648Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 1321st out of 1648 homes in California for Bed Count. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other California facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in California that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A smaller, more intimate setting that may offer a quieter environment and closer staff-resident interactions.
Years in operation
17 years in operation Rank #458 / 1494Years in operation — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 458th out of 1494 homes in California for Years In Operation. Shows how long this facility has been in operation compared to other California facilities. Longer operating histories may benefit residents, families, and staff.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in California that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A community with a solid operating history and experience delivering ongoing care.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 47 / 100 Rank #1420 / 2087Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 1420th out of 2087 homes in California for Walk Score. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across California facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in California that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.
BBB Rating
BBB Rating: A+ (Not Accredited)
An independent rating from the Better Business Bureau based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and business practices.
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About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
100%
Rank #1 / 1496Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 1st out of 1496 homes in California for Occupancy. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the California average, with its Statewide rank out of 1496. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in California that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Higher than the California average: 72.8%
Occupied beds
6 / 6
Average occupied beds in California homes 87 beds

License Details

Facility TypeResidential Care Elderly
IssuanceOctober 30, 2008
CountyRiverside
License Number336413271
State License TypesLic#336423672

Ownership & Operating Entity

Desert Cottages II is legally operated by Desert Cottages, L.l.c., and administered by Elizabeth Hengstler.

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

Leadership

ContactElizabeth Hengstler (per BBB, record updated Jul 2026)

Therapy & Rehabilitation

1 service
Respite Care

Additional Services

2 services
Rehabilitation
Home Care

Amenities & Lifestyle

Specific ProgramsDementia / Memory Care, Interactive Therapy & Engagement for Dementia Care, Pet Therapy, Transitioning Program

Contact Desert Cottages II

Inspection History

In California, the Department of Social Services (for assisted living facilities) and the Department of Public Health (for nursing homes) conduct inspections to ensure resident safety and regulatory compliance.

Inspection Score Info A composite 0–100 score combining this facility's inspections, citations, complaints, and enforcement actions relative to the California state average. The score below shows how many points this facility sits above or below the typical California assisted living residence score (the benchmark); higher is better.This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine score.

4 points above the California average for assisted living residences (81/100)

Rank #687 / 1399 in California Inspection Score — State benchmarked This home is ranked 687th out of 1399 homes in California for Inspection Score. Shows this facility's inspection score compared to the California average among 1399 comparable communities in the ranking pool. Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in California that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine score. Inspection score: 85 out of 100. Letter grade B. 4 points above the California average for assisted living residences (81/100)

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the California state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2021 vs. California state average
Overall vs. CA average 3 Worse Metrics worse than California average:
• Total visits (138% above)
• Other visits (186% above)
• Official inspections (25% above)
2 At Avg Metrics at California average:
• Complaint visits (at CA avg)
• Complaint investigations (at CA avg)
5 Better Metrics better than California average:
• Total citations (60% below)
• Serious citations (Type A) (67% below)
• Moderate citations (Type B) (25% below)
• Citations per year (60% below)
• Citations per inspection (97% below)
Latest Inspection April 9, 2026

Citations Info Citations are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityCA Averagevs. CA Avg
Total citations Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 410 This facility has 60% fewer total citations than a typical California assisted living residence (4 vs. CA avg 10).↓ 60% better
Serious citations (Type A) Info Citations that pose an immediate risk to resident health or safety. Type A citations are the most serious and typically require prompt corrective action. 13 This facility has 67% fewer serious citations (type a) than a typical California assisted living residence (1 vs. CA avg 3).↓ 67% better Rank #412 / 1160 Serious citations (Type A) — State benchmarked This home is ranked 412th out of 1160 homes in California for # of serious citations. Shows this facility's # of serious citations compared to the California average among 1160 comparable communities in the ranking pool. Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in California that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.
Moderate citations (Type B) Info Citations that do not pose an immediate risk but still represent a departure from required care or operational standards. 34 This facility has 25% fewer moderate citations (type b) than a typical California assisted living residence (3 vs. CA avg 4).↓ 25% better
Citations per year Info Average citations per year since 2021. 0.82 This facility has 60% fewer citations per year than a typical California assisted living residence (0.8 vs. CA avg 2).↓ 60% better
Citations per inspection Info Average citations per inspection. 0.13.3 This facility has 97% fewer citations per inspection than a typical California assisted living residence (0.1 vs. CA avg 3.3).↓ 97% better

Inspections & Visits Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityCA Averagevs. CA Avg
Total visits Info Combined count of complaint visits, other regulatory visits, and official scheduled inspections. 3816 This facility has 138% more total visits than a typical California assisted living residence (38 vs. CA avg 16).↑ 138% worse
Complaint visits Info On-site visits triggered by formal complaints filed by residents, families, or staff. 1313 This facility has complaint visits in line with the California average (13 vs. CA avg 13).— At avg Rank #949 / 1388 Complaint visits — State benchmarked This home is ranked 949th out of 1388 homes in California for # of complaint visits. Shows this facility's # of complaint visits compared to the California average among 1388 comparable communities in the ranking pool. Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in California that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.
Other visits Info Regulatory visits that are neither routine inspections nor complaint investigations — administrative check-ins, follow-up reviews, licensing-related visits. 207 This facility has 186% more other visits than a typical California assisted living residence (20 vs. CA avg 7).↑ 186% worse
Official inspections Info Routine, scheduled inspections conducted by state regulators to evaluate whether the facility meets federal and state standards. 54 This facility has 25% more official inspections than a typical California assisted living residence (5 vs. CA avg 4).↑ 25% worse
Complaint investigations Info On-site investigations triggered by complaints filed with California regulators. 1010 This facility has complaint investigations in line with the California average (10 vs. CA avg 10).— At avg

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • The most recent inspection on February 20, 2026, found no health or safety concerns and no deficiencies were cited during two announced visits.
  • The December 3, 2025 complaint investigation substantiated two personal rights violations for restricting visiting hours and moving residents without consent.
  • The September 30, 2025 complaint investigation substantiated use of weighted restraint vests on residents, posing immediate health and personal rights risks.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
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Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / Semi-Private

Building type icon
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Building Type: Single-story

Transportation services icon
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Transportation Services

Parking Available   icon

Parking Available

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Housekeeping Services

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Recreational Activities

Places of interest near Desert Cottages II

Address 1.6 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Indio's city center to Desert Cottages II's address, calculated via Google Maps.

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Compare Assisted Living around Riverside County

The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.

Meridian of Riverside
AL
MC
Riverside (Magnolia Center)
232
Facility 232
CA AVG 104
Rank #106 / 1648
No
74
Facility 74
CA AVG 57
Rank #597 / 2087
77
Facility 77
CA AVG 81
Rank #924 / 1399
2
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 13
Rank #1322 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1160
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #1305 / 1494
49.1% -Riverside Retirement Villa LLCSemi-Private / 1 Bed / Studio
Savant of Jurupa Valley
AL
MC
Riverside (Pedley)
197
Facility 197
CA AVG 104
Rank #175 / 1648
No
60
Facility 60
CA AVG 57
Rank #1048 / 2087
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 81
Rank #824 / 1399
3
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 13
Rank #1379 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #412 / 1160
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #1215 / 1494
72.1% -Villa De Anza Holdings, LLCPrivate / Shared Apartments
Community Care On Palm
AL
ADC
NH
RC
SNF
Riverside (Wood Streets)
51
Facility 51
CA AVG 104
Rank #1124 / 1648
No
55
Facility 55
CA AVG 57
Rank #1213 / 2087
----- 95.1% --Shared Rooms
Integrated Care Communities
AL
HOS
MC
Moreno Valley
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 104
Rank #1282 / 1648
No
16
Facility 16
CA AVG 57
Rank #1891 / 2087
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #355 / 1399
5
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #588 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #412 / 1160
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 13
Rank #265 / 1494
100.0% A+California Drug Consultants, IncPrivate / Semi-Private Rooms
Desert Cottages II
AL
HOS
MC
RESC
RC
Indio
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 104
Rank #1321 / 1648
Yes
47
Facility 47
CA AVG 57
Rank #1420 / 2087
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 81
Rank #687 / 1399
5
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #949 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #412 / 1160
17
Facility 17
CA AVG 13
Rank #458 / 1494
100.0% A+Desert Cottages, L.l.c1 Bed / Semi-Private Room

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in California

Desert Cottages II is located in Indio, California.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in California.

Get Financial aid guidance

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

MSSP (Medi-Cal Waiver)

Age 65+
General California resident, Medi-Cal eligible, nursing home risk.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
CA

County-managed; waitlists possible.

Benefits
In-home support (4-6 hours/day) Respite care (14 days/year) Meals (~$6/meal) Transportation (8 trips/month) Care management

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

California IHSS

Age 65+
General California resident, Medicaid-eligible or low-income.
Income Limits ~$1,732/month individual, Medi-Cal threshold
Asset Limits $2,000 individual
CA

Can hire family as caregivers.

Benefits
Personal care (up to 283 hours/month) Homemaker services Respite (varies)

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

CA MSSP

Age 65+
General California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible but community-capable.
Income Limits ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 individual
CA

Available in 38 counties; waitlists common.

Benefits
Case management Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Minor home mods (avg. $500) Adult day care (~$50/day)

Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP)

CA PTP

Age 62+
General California resident, own and live in home, 40% equity.
Income Limits (2025) ~$51,500/year household, adjusted annually
Asset Limits Equity-based; no strict asset cap.
CA

Deferred taxes accrue interest (5% as of 2024); repaid upon sale/death.

Benefits
Property tax deferral (avg. $1,000-$3,000/year, varies by county)

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)

CA ALW

Age 65+ or disabled
General California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible.
Income Limits ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 individual
CA

Available in 15 counties (e.g., LA, Sacramento); waitlists common.

Benefits
Personal care in ALFs (5-7 hours/day) Medication management Social services

California CARES Program

CA CARES

Age
General Caregivers of California residents 60+ needing help with 3+ daily activities; no caregiver age limit.
Income Limits No strict limit; cost-sharing above ~$2,500/month threshold.
Asset Limits Not applicable; need-based.
CA

High demand in urban areas; complements IHSS respite.

Benefits
Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Counseling (4-6 sessions/year) Training (2-3 workshops/year) Supplies (~$200/year)

Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Cottages II

Who is the owner of Desert Cottages II?

Desert Cottages II is legally operated by Desert Cottages, L.l.c., and administered by Elizabeth Hengstler.

Is Desert Cottages II in a walkable area?

Desert Cottages II has a walk score of 47. Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

What is the occupancy rate at Desert Cottages II?

Desert Cottages II's occupancy is 100%.

Are pets allowed at Desert Cottages II?

Yes, Desert Cottages II allows residents to bring their pets.

Who is the administrator of Desert Cottages II?

Elizabeth Hengstler is the administrator of Desert Cottages II.

How many beds does Desert Cottages II have?

Desert Cottages II has 6 beds.

Has Desert Cottages II had any citations?

Desert Cottages II has had 4 reported citations since 2021 according to records from California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

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