Magnolia and Primrose
Assisted Living & Memory Care · Santa Maria, CA

Magnolia and Primrose

Assisted Living & Memory Care · Santa Maria, CA

Overview of Magnolia and Primrose

Magnolia and Primrose is a sanctuary of comfort and attentive care, dedicated to enriching the lives of its residents. They feature well-appointed accommodations designed to promote both independence and a sense of community, fostering social engagement and a fulfilling lifestyle. With a team of compassionate professionals, they provide round-the-clock assistance while ensuring a warm and nurturing environment where residents feel cherished and empowered.

Magnolia and Primrose caters to the unique needs of its residents with unwavering dedication. The care home prides itself on offering personalized care plans, fostering a sense of autonomy while ensuring assistance with daily activities.

Bed community size
14-bed community Rank #1292 / 1644Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 1292nd out of 1644 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
15 years in operation Rank #436 / 1500Years in operation — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 436th out of 1500 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: 7 / 100 Rank #1985 / 2087Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 1985th 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.
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
64%
Rank #1100 / 1492Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 1100th out of 1492 homes in California for occupancy. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the California average, with its Statewide rank out of 1492. 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.
Lower than the California average: 72.8%
Occupied beds
9 / 14
Average occupied beds in California homes 87 beds

License Details

Facility TypeResidential Care Elderly
IssuanceMarch 30, 2011
CountySanta Barbara
RCFE Number425801520 & 425801723

Ownership & Operating Entity

Magnolia and Primrose is legally operated by Senior Living Resources, and administered by Dorothy Berger.

Safety & Compliance

Secured Perimeter
Safety FeaturesFully gated and locked with view fencing around the entire property.

Staffing & Medical

1 service
24-Hour Staffing

Additional Policies & Features

Pets not allowed
HousekeepingYes
Linen ServiceYes

Amenities & Lifestyle

Personalized Care Plans
Daily Housekeeping
Outdoor Walking Paths
Raised Garden Beds
Tranquil Patios And Courtyards
Companionship From Pets
Activities

Contact Magnolia and Primrose

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.

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

Rank #513 / 1400 in California Inspection Score — State benchmarked This home is ranked 513th out of 1400 homes in California for inspection score. Shows this facility's inspection score compared to the California average among 1400 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: 88 out of 100. Letter grade B+. 7 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 2022 vs. California state average
Overall vs. CA average 1 Worse Metrics worse than California average:
• Official inspections (25% above)
8 Better Metrics better than California average:
• Total citations (70% below)
• Serious citations (Type A) (33% below)
• Moderate citations (Type B) (75% below)
• Citations per inspection (91% below)
• Total visits (44% below)
• Complaint visits (69% below)
• Other visits (100% below)
• Complaint investigations (60% below)

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. 310 This facility has 70% fewer total citations than a typical California assisted living residence (3 vs. CA avg 10).↓ 70% 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. 23 This facility has 33% fewer serious citations (type a) than a typical California assisted living residence (2 vs. CA avg 3).↓ 33% better Rank #599 / 1160 Serious citations (Type A) — State benchmarked This home is ranked 599th 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. 14 This facility has 75% fewer moderate citations (type b) than a typical California assisted living residence (1 vs. CA avg 4).↓ 75% better
Citations per inspection Info Average citations per inspection. 0.33.3 This facility has 91% fewer citations per inspection than a typical California assisted living residence (0.3 vs. CA avg 3.3).↓ 91% 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. 916 This facility has 44% fewer total visits than a typical California assisted living residence (9 vs. CA avg 16).↓ 44% better
Complaint visits Info On-site visits triggered by formal complaints filed by residents, families, or staff. 413 This facility has 69% fewer complaint visits than a typical California assisted living residence (4 vs. CA avg 13).↓ 69% better Rank #525 / 1388 Complaint visits — State benchmarked This home is ranked 525th 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. 07 This facility has 100% fewer other visits than a typical California assisted living residence (0 vs. CA avg 7).↓ 100% better
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. 410 This facility has 60% fewer complaint investigations than a typical California assisted living residence (4 vs. CA avg 10).↓ 60% better

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

  • January 26, 2026 annual inspection found no deficiencies and full compliance with fire safety, emergency plans, infection control, and care tools.
  • September 26, 2024 complaint investigation substantiated multiple medication errors and failure to report a resident’s condition change, posing immediate and potential health risks.
  • October 9, 2024 complaint investigation substantiated a technical violation for delayed provision of an updated Weekly Client Weight Record to a resident’s authorized representative.

Managed by Margie Halsell

Administrator / Owner

Over 35 years of experience

Margie Halsell is the Administrator and Owner of Magnolia and Primrose, bringing over 35 years of experience in senior services. She is a certified master trainer for the Best Friends Approach to dementia care and an Eden Alternative associate. Margie founded Community Partners in Caring and is a dedicated community volunteer, committed to compassionate and innovative senior care.

Places of interest near Magnolia and Primrose

Address 5.8 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Santa Maria's city center to Magnolia and Primrose's address, calculated via Google Maps.

Calculate Travel Distance to Magnolia and Primrose

Add your location

Address

Compare Assisted Living around Santa Maria

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

Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
AL
IL
MC
Santa Maria
330
Facility 330
CA AVG 104
Rank #44 / 1644
Yes
20
Facility 20
CA AVG 57
Rank #1841 / 2087
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #398 / 1400
4
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 13
Rank #650 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #412 / 1160
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 12
Rank #1074 / 1500
59.7% A+Mg At Santa Maria, LP, Shi-IV Merrill Gp, LLC, And MStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Santa Maria Terrace
AL
MC
RC
Santa Maria
140
Facility 140
CA AVG 104
Rank #418 / 1644
Yes
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 57
Rank #1793 / 2087
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 81
Rank #1301 / 1400
5
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #1271 / 1388
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 3
Rank #1092 / 1160
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 12
Rank #851 / 1500
68.6% -Oceano Senior Living, IncStudio / 1 Bed
The Oaks at Nipomo
AL
IL
MC
Nipomo
122
Facility 122
CA AVG 104
Rank #549 / 1644
Yes
43
Facility 43
CA AVG 57
Rank #1501 / 2087
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 81
Rank #1301 / 1400
5
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 13
Rank #1282 / 1388
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 3
Rank #1029 / 1160
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 12
Rank #689 / 1500
78.7% -Nipomo Oaks, Gp Of Nipomo Oaks Ops LP And Westmont LvngStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Magnolia and Primrose
AL
MC
Santa Maria
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 104
Rank #1292 / 1644
No
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 57
Rank #1985 / 2087
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 81
Rank #513 / 1400
5
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #525 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #599 / 1160
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 12
Rank #436 / 1500
64.3% -Senior Living Resources-

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in California

Magnolia and Primrose is located in Santa Maria, 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 Magnolia and Primrose

Who is the owner of Magnolia and Primrose?

Magnolia and Primrose is legally operated by Senior Living Resources, and administered by Dorothy Berger.

Is Magnolia and Primrose in a walkable area?

Magnolia and Primrose has a walk score of 7. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

What is the occupancy rate at Magnolia and Primrose?

Magnolia and Primrose's occupancy is 64%.

How long has Magnolia and Primrose been in business?

Magnolia and Primrose has been operating for approximately 15 years, based on available licensing and registration records.

Are pets allowed at Magnolia and Primrose?

No, Magnolia and Primrose has a no-pet policy.

Who is the administrator of Magnolia and Primrose?

Dorothy Berger is the administrator of Magnolia and Primrose.

How many beds does Magnolia and Primrose have?

Magnolia and Primrose has 14 beds.

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Assisted Living Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance