Occupancy rate
83%
Higher than the California average: 72.8%Desert Cottages I
Assisted Living, Memory Care & Hospice Care · USA
Desert Cottages I
Assisted Living, Memory Care & Hospice Care · USA
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.
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
Higher than the California average: 72.8%Occupied beds
5 / 6
Average residents per home in California
87 per day
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.
Respite Care
Dementia / Memory Care
Interactive Therapy & Engagement For Dementia Care
Pet Therapy
Transitioning Program
What does this home offer?
Total Residents: 6 Residents
Pets Allowed
Housing Options: 1 Bed / Semi-Private Room
Building Type: Single-story
Dining Services
Transportation Services
Parking Available
Housekeeping Services
Recreational Activities
Types of Care at Desert Cottages I
Memory Care
Assisted Living
Hospice Care
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.
Since 2022 · 4 years of data
4 citations
32 total visits
9 complaint visits
4 official inspections
6 complaint investigations
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
2 Worse
Metrics worse than California average:
• Total visits (100% above)
• Other visits (171% above) 1 At Avg Metrics at California average:
• Official inspections (at CA avg) 5 Better Metrics better than California average:
• Total citations (60% below)
• Citations per year (60% below)
• Citations per inspection (97% below)
• Complaint visits (31% below)
• Complaint investigations (40% below)
• Total visits (100% above)
• Other visits (171% above) 1 At Avg Metrics at California average:
• Official inspections (at CA avg) 5 Better Metrics better than California average:
• Total citations (60% below)
• Citations per year (60% below)
• Citations per inspection (97% below)
• Complaint visits (31% below)
• Complaint investigations (40% below)
Latest Inspection
October 30, 2025
Other
Citations
Citations are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.
| Metric | 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 | — | — |
|
Moderate citations (Type B)
Violations that do not pose an immediate risk but still represent a departure from required care or operational standards.
| 2 | — | — |
|
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.
| Metric | 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.
This facility’s inspection record is mostly clean, with only one minor deficiency cited for a broken toilet tank on October 10, 2025, and no substantiated complaints or safety concerns reported in recent visits. The most recent inspection on October 30, 2025, found no deficiencies or immediate health and safety issues during an unannounced visit. Past investigations, including complaint follow-ups in 2024 and 2025, consistently found no violations or substantiated complaints, showing stable compliance over time.
Read the full inspection reports for this facility, including detailed findings and corrective actions.
Show Inspection ReportsPlaces of interest near Desert Cottages I
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.
Calculate Travel Distance to Desert Cottages I
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The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.
Filter by care type
| Job Haines Home |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
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.
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.
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| Countryside Manor Assisted Living |
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| Anton’s Assisted 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. | Boerne | 10 | No | - | 45 | 1 Bed / Semi-Private Room |
| 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 | Yes | A+ | 37 | 1 Bed / Semi-Private Room |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Cottages I
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 4 recently reported deficiencies.
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