Desert Cottages I

Assisted Living, Memory Care & Hospice Care · Riverside County, CA

Desert Cottages I

Assisted Living, Memory Care & Hospice Care · Riverside County, CA

83617 Himalaya Drive, Indio, CA 92203 View map

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Overview of Desert Cottages I

Ideally located in the peaceful residential of Himalaya Drive, Indio, CA, Desert Cottages I is a blissful retreat that specializes in dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Dedicated to residents’ welfare, the community also offers hospice care, transitioning program, and respite care. With its quaint and welcoming setting, the community strives to accommodate up to six residents. Keep peace of mind with a compassionate and highly trained team attending to your special needs 24/7, while retaining your independence.

Enhance cognition through stimulating activities that aims to keep residents happy and active. Pet therapy is also conducted to ease residents’ loneliness. Seek comfort in food and enjoy mealtimes with delightful and healthy meals catering to dietary needs and tastes. The community is great for those aiming to create memorable moments in their later years with its specially designed amenities and dedicated services.

(760) 342-7767

6-bed community

A smaller, more intimate setting that may offer a quieter environment and closer staff-resident interactions.

18 years in operation

A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.

Walk Score: 37 / 100

Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

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

83%

Higher than the California average: 72.8%

Occupied beds

5 / 6

Average occupied beds in California homes 87 beds

Facility TypeResidential Care Elderly

StatusLicensed

IssuanceAugust 28, 2007

CountyRiverside

RCFE Number336413271

Desert Cottages I is legally operated by Desert Cottages L.l.c, and administrated by Elizabeth Hengstler.

Staffing

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

ContactElizabeth Hengstler

Respite Care

Dementia / Memory Care

Interactive Therapy & Engagement For Dementia Care

Pet Therapy

Transitioning Program

Get floorplan photos & videos Schedule a home tour Get detailed pricing Check availability Get brochure

Since 2022 · 4 years of data 4 citations 32 total visits 9 complaint visits 4 official inspections 6 complaint investigations

Inspection Score

3 points above the California average for assisted living residences (76/100)

Inspection Scorecard 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 2022 vs. California state average

Overall vs. CA average

Latest Inspection March 3, 2026

Citations Citations are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.	This Facility	CA Average	vs. CA Avg
Total citations Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.	4	10	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) Violations that pose an immediate risk to resident health or safety. Type A citations are the most serious and typically require prompt corrective action.	2	3	This facility has 33% fewer serious citations (type a) than a typical California assisted living residence (2 vs. CA avg 3).↓ 33% better
Moderate citations (Type B) Violations that do not pose an immediate risk but still represent a departure from required care or operational standards.	2	4	This facility has 50% fewer moderate citations (type b) than a typical California assisted living residence (2 vs. CA avg 4).↓ 50% better
Citations per year Average citations per year since 2022.	1	2.5	This facility has 60% fewer citations per year than a typical California assisted living residence (1 vs. CA avg 2.5).↓ 60% better
Citations per inspection Average citations per inspection.	0.1	3.3	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 State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.	This Facility	CA Average	vs. CA Avg
Total visits Combined count of complaint visits, other regulatory visits, and official scheduled inspections.	32	16	This facility has 100% more total visits than a typical California assisted living residence (32 vs. CA avg 16).↑ 100% worse
Complaint visits On-site visits triggered by formal complaints filed by residents, families, or staff.	9	13	This facility has 31% fewer complaint visits than a typical California assisted living residence (9 vs. CA avg 13).↓ 31% better
Other visits Regulatory visits that are neither routine inspections nor complaint investigations — administrative check-ins, follow-up reviews, licensing-related visits.	19	7	This facility has 171% more other visits than a typical California assisted living residence (19 vs. CA avg 7).↑ 171% worse
Official inspections Routine, scheduled inspections conducted by state regulators to evaluate whether the facility meets federal and state standards.	4	4	This facility has official inspections in line with the California average (4 vs. CA avg 4).— At avg
Complaint investigations On-site investigations triggered by complaints filed with California regulators.	6	10	This facility has 40% fewer complaint investigations than a typical California assisted living residence (6 vs. CA avg 10).↓ 40% better

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

February 18, 2026 complaint investigation substantiated staff physically abused a resident, resulting in arrest and a $500 civil penalty for the facility.
December 3, 2025 complaint investigation substantiated a personal rights violation for restricting visiting hours by posting signs requiring approval for visits.
August 4, 2025 annual inspection found no deficiencies, with the facility clean and compliant in infection control, medication management, and disaster preparedness.

Show Inspection Reports

What does this home offer?

Total Residents: 6 Residents

Pets Allowed

Housing Options: 1 Bed / Semi-Private Room

Building Type: Single-story

Transportation Services

Parking Available

Housekeeping Services

Recreational Activities

2.6 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Indio's city center to Desert Cottages I's address, calculated via Google Maps.

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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in California

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

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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).

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

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

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.

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

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.

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)

Compare Assisted Living around Riverside County

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

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CalOaks Senior Living	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.	Riverside (La Sierra)	74 Facility 74 CA AVG 103 Rank #970 / 1658	No	56 Facility 56 CA AVG 57 Rank #1181 / 2093	4	30 Facility 30 CA AVG 13 Rank #1261 / 1397	6 Facility 6 CA AVG 3 Rank #953 / 1164	12 Facility 12 CA AVG 13 Rank #569 / 1486	70.3% Facility 70.3% CA AVG 75.9% Rank #794 / 1249	-	Caloaks Care Group, Inc.	Private / Shared Rooms
Desert Cottages I	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. HC Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Indio	6 Facility 6 CA AVG 103 Rank #1331 / 1658	Yes	37 Facility 37 CA AVG 57 Rank #1606 / 2093	4	9 Facility 9 CA AVG 13 Rank #814 / 1397	2 Facility 2 CA AVG 3 Rank #600 / 1164	18 Facility 18 CA AVG 13 Rank #428 / 1486	83.3% Facility 83.3% CA AVG 75.9% Rank #404 / 1249	A+	Desert Cottages L.l.c	1 Bed / Semi-Private Room
Allbrite Care Inc.	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.	Desert Hot Springs (Garnet)	6 Facility 6 CA AVG 103 Rank #1331 / 1658	No	0 Facility 0 CA AVG 57 Rank #2071 / 2093	-	-	0 Facility 0 CA AVG 3 Rank #1 / 1164	-	-	-	-	1 Bed / Semi-Private Room
Goldware Senior Housing	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.	Riverside (Magnolia Center)	-	No	61 Facility 61 CA AVG 57 Rank #1014 / 2093	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1 Bed / 2 Bed

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What neighborhood is Desert Cottages I in?

Desert Cottages I is in the Indio neighborhood of Indio.

Who is the owner of Desert Cottages I?

The legal owner and operator of Desert Cottages I is Desert Cottages L.l.c.

Is Desert Cottages I in a walkable area?

Desert Cottages I has a walk score of 37. Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

What is the occupancy rate at Desert Cottages I?

Desert Cottages I's occupancy is 83%.

Who is the administrator of Desert Cottages I?

Elizabeth Hengstler is the administrator of Desert Cottages I.

How many beds does Desert Cottages I have?

Desert Cottages I has 6 beds.

Has Desert Cottages I had any recent deficiencies or citations?

Desert Cottages I has had 5 recently reported deficiencies.

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