Ark, the
RCFE · Memory Care
A Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) is a non-medical residential care home licensed by California CDSS under Health & Safety Code §1560. Residents receive help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. An RCFE with a Memory Care designation is additionally required by California Title 22 (§87705 and §87706) to provide specialized staff training in dementia care, individualized care plans for residents with cognitive impairment, and appropriate supervision protocols — requirements that go beyond a standard RCFE license.
1320 Valota Rd · Redwood City, 94061
Quick facts
Quality snapshot
Updated April 26, 2026Compared to 182 California RCFE memory care facilities of similar size, over the last 36 months.
Source: California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. View raw inspection records →
Quality grade· click to show how this was calculated
Severity52thWeighted citations per bed
Repeats100thRepeat deficiencies as share of total
Frequency73thDeficiencies per inspection
Tick mark at 50% = peer median · higher percentile = better facility
Quality grade· click to show how this was calculated
Weighted citations per bed
Repeat deficiencies as share of total
Deficiencies per inspection
Tick mark at 50% = peer median · higher percentile = better facility
Ark, the scores B. Better than 75% of comparable California RESIDENTIAL CARE ELDERLY facilities. Severity: 52th percentile. Repeats: top 0%. Frequency: 73th percentile.
Each metric is converted to a 0–100 percentile within the peer set (higher = better). The composite grade averages all four. Peer set: CA / rcfe_memory_care / small beds (182 facilities).
Citation severity over time
↓ improvingWeighted severity score per month · 24 months
Weighted score (24mo)
30
Last citation
Oct 25
Finding distribution
3 total · 36 monthsScope × Severity (CMS A–L)
The rules that apply to this facility
California Title 22 requirements for this facility, with the specific regulation and a suggested question for each.Rules this facility has been cited for are shown first.
What dementia-care training must staff complete?Cited Oct 202522 CCR §87705 / HSC §1569.625
Because this facility markets dementia or Alzheimer's care, state law mandates higher training standards:
- 12 hours initial dementia training — 6 hours before a staff member works independently with residents, 6 more within the first 4 weeks.
- 8 hours annual dementia in-service — required every year thereafter.
- Administrator CE — the administrator must include 8 hours of dementia-specific continuing education in every 2-year recertification cycle.
Training must cover individualized care plans, behavioral expressions, appropriate supervision, and the facility's dementia care philosophy.
Ask on tour: Ask how dementia training records are kept — families may request documentation.
How many staff must be on duty overnight?22 CCR §87415
Based on 6 licensed beds:
One qualified staff member must be on call and physically on premises at all times overnight.
Violation pattern to watch for:A facility that documents a staff member as "on call" but with that person physically off-site — when the law requires on-premises presence — is in violation of this section.
Ask on tour: Ask the facility to walk you through their overnight staffing plan and confirm whether on-call staff are on premises or off-site.
What health conditions can this facility legally accept or refuse?22 CCR §87612–87615
Restricted — allowed with physician order + care plan
- Supplemental oxygen
- Insulin and injectable medications
- Indwelling or intermittent catheters
- Colostomy / ileostomy
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 pressure injuries
- Wound care (non-complex)
- Incontinence
- Contractures
Prohibited — facility must refuse or discharge
- Stage 3 or Stage 4 pressure injuries
- Feeding tubes (PEG, NG, or J-tube)
- Tracheostomies
- Active MRSA or communicable infections requiring isolation
- 24-hour skilled nursing needs
- Total ADL dependence with inability to communicate needs
A hospice waiver (HSC §1569.73) can allow continued care for residents on hospice who would otherwise fall into a prohibited category.
Ask on tour: Ask whether your loved one's specific care needs are restricted or prohibited, and what the facility's process is if needs change after admission.
What must this facility report to the state — and how fast?22 CCR §87211 / WIC §15630
- ImmediateElopement, fire, epidemic outbreak, or poisoningImmediately
- 2 hoursAbuse with serious bodily injury2-hour phone report + 2-hour written report — to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Adult Protective Services, and law enforcement
- 24 hrsAbuse without serious bodily injuryWithin 24 hours
- Next dayDeath of a residentPhone by next working day; written within 7 days
- Next dayInjury requiring medical treatment beyond first aidPhone by next working day; written within 7 days
- WrittenBankruptcy, foreclosure, eviction, or utility shutoff noticeWritten notice to CDSS and residents — $100/day penalty (max $2,000) for failure
Your enforcement lever:Incidents that aren't reported on time are themselves a separate violation. If you believe a reportable event wasn't filed, you can submit a complaint directly to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
How does CDSS enforce these rules?22 CCR §87755–87777 / HSC §1569.58
- 1Notice of DeficiencyWritten citation with a correction deadline. Facility must submit a Plan of Correction.
- 2Civil PenaltyStarts at $50/day for non-serious; $150/day for serious deficiencies — immediately, with no grace period. Repeats escalate to $150 first day + $50/day, then $1,000 first day + $100/day.
- 3Suspension of AdmissionsFacility cannot accept new residents until violations are corrected.
- 4Temporary Suspension or RevocationEmergency suspension for imminent danger; full revocation after administrative hearing.
- 5Exclusion OrderAdministrator and operator can be barred from all CDSS-licensed facilities — not just this one.
See how these rules have been applied to this specific facility:
View state inspection record and citationsState records
California Dept. of Social Services · Community Care Licensing- License number
- 415601161
- License type
- RESIDENTIAL CARE ELDERLY
- License status
- LICENSED
- License expires
- Not yet indexed
- Licensed beds
- 6
- Operator
- Caring Hearts Senior Living Llc
Inspections & citations
5
reports on file
3
total deficiencies
3
Type A (actual harm)
1
dementia-care citations
Other visitOctober 23, 2025No deficiencies
Plain-language summary
During a follow-up visit on October 23, 2025, the facility corrected two violations found during a previous inspection: sharp knives are now locked and inaccessible to residents, and the perimeter fence gate is no longer locked as required by fire safety approval. The inspector found no new deficiencies during this visit.
View full inspector notes
On 10/23/2025, Licensing Program Analyst(LPA) John Calandra arrived at the facility to conduct a Proof of Correction(POC) visit in regards to deficiencies cited during the Annual inspection on 10/14/2025. LPA Calandra was greeted by Ivy Castillo, Caregiver and explained the purpose of the visit. Hilda Apande, House Manager arrived later during the visit. On 10/14/2025, the Licensee was cited for a violation of California Code of Regulations(CCR) 87309(a)-Storage Space and Access as the Licensee did not have sharps locked and in-accessible to persons in care. During the visit on 10/23/2025, LPA observed that sharp knives were locked and in-accessible to persons in care. On 10/14/2025, the Licensee was cited for a violation of California Code of Regulations(CCR) 87705(f)(2)-Care of Persons with Dementia as the Licensee did not ensure that their fire clearance included approval of locked perimeter fence gate. During today's visit, LPA observed that the perimeter fence gate is no longer locked. No deficiencies cited during today's visit. An exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with facility representatives and a copy provided along with the POC clearance letters.
InspectionOctober 23, 2025No deficiencies
Plain-language summary
During a routine annual inspection on October 23, 2025, inspectors reviewed the facility's medication storage and records, checked liability insurance, and found no violations. Medications were properly labeled with dosage instructions and matched the facility's records. The facility passed the inspection.
View full inspector notes
On 10/23/2025, Licensing Program Analyst(LPA) John Calandra arrived at the facility to conduct the Annual 1-year required inspection. LPA Calandra was greeted by Ivy Castillo, Caregiver and explained the purpose of the visit. Hilda Apande, House Manager arrived later during the visit. A review of Centrally Stored Medications indicated that medications for residents were properly labeled with instructions on dosage and times of day and matched the Centrally Stored Medication Records(CSMR) kept at the facility. LPA received a copy of the facility's liability insurance during the visit. No deficiencies cited during today's visit. An exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with facility representative and a copy provided.
InspectionOctober 14, 2025Type A2 deficiencies
Plain-language summary
On October 14, 2025, inspectors conducted the annual required inspection and found two violations. The facility had an unlocked kitchen knife drawer accessible to residents, and the exterior gate was locked in a way that could trap residents with dementia in case of emergency. The facility must correct these safety issues by the required deadline.
View full inspector notes
On October 14, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst(LPA) John Calandra arrived at the facility to conduct the Annual 1-year required inspection. LPA Calandra was greeted by Evelyn Wilcox, Caretaker and explained the purpose of the visit. LPA Calandra toured the physical plant. This is a 1-story building with 6 bedrooms and 4 and a half bathrooms, a living room, kitchen and backyard. No accessible bodies of water or hazards were observed. All bedrooms had the required furniture and sufficient lighting. Hot water temperature was measured between the required 105-120 degrees Fahrenheit. All bathrooms had the required grab bars and anti-skid floor mats. The facility had the required 2 days of perishables and 7 days of non-perishables. All soap, poisons, and detergents were observed to be locked and in-accessible to persons in care. LPA Calandra reviewed 5 staff files and 5 resident files. All were observed to be complete. During the inspection, LPA Calandra observed that the knives drawer in the kitchen was unlocked and accessible to persons in care. A Type A citation was provided for this deficiency. LPA Calandra also observed on a previous visit on 10/7/2025 that the Licensee locks the exterior gate in front of the facility and takes care of residents who have been diagnosed with Dementia. LPA confirmed that facility staff lock the exterior gate. A Type A citation was provided for this deficiency. The deficiencies are cited under the California Code of Regulations, Title 22. Failure to correct the deficiencies by the due date may result in civil penalties. The Annual will be completed at a later date. An exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with facility representative and a copy along with Appeal Rights provided.
Regulation
(a) Except as specified in subsection (b), the licensee shall ensure that disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisonous substances, knives, matches, tools, sharp objects, and other similar items which could pose a danger to residents are in locked storage and are not left unattended if outside the locked storage.
Inspector finding
Based on observation, the licensee did not have sharp objects(knives) locked and in-accessible to persons in care, which poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. POC Due Date: 10/15/2025 Plan of Correction 1 2 3 4 Licensee shall ensure that all sharp objects are locked and in-accessible to persons in care and provide proof of correction(POC) to the Department by the POC due date.
Regulation
(f) Licensees that lock exterior doors or perimeter fence gates shall meet the following initial and continuing requirements: (2) The licensee shall ensure that the fire clearance includes approval of locked exterior doors or perimeter fence gates and that facility staff on all shifts have access to, and know how to use, equipment needed to unlock…
Inspector finding
Based on interview and observation, the licensee did not ensure that fire clearance includes approval of locked perimeter fence gate, which poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. POC Due Date: 10/15/2025 Plan of Correction 1 2 3 4 Licensee will remove the lock and send proof of correction to the Department by the POC due date.
Other visitOctober 3, 2024Type A1 deficiency
Inspector: John Calandra
Plain-language summary
A state inspector visited this facility on October 3, 2024, for the required annual inspection and found that the building, staffing records, resident files, medications, safety equipment, and hazard storage all met standards. The facility was found to have an inadequate supply of non-perishable food on hand — it had 2 days' worth when 7 days' worth is required. The administrator was notified of this deficiency and given time to correct it.
View full inspector notes
On October 3, 2024, Licensing Program Analyst(LPA) John Calandra arrived at the facility at 12:33 PM to conduct the Annual 1-year required inspection. LPA Calandra was greeted by Yrvanie Velsaquez, Caretaker and explained the purpose of the visit. Carol Apande, Administrator arrived later during the visit. LPA Calandra toured the physical plant. This is a 1-story building with 6 bedrooms and 4 and a half bathrooms, a living room, kitchen and backyard. No accessible bodies of water or hazards were observed. All bedrooms had the required furniture and sufficient lighting. Hot water temperature was measured between the required 105-120 degrees Fahrenheit. All bathrooms had the required grab bars and anti-skid floor mats. The facility had the required 2 days of perishables but not the required 7 days of non perishables. The facility's fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors were observed to be in working order. All sharp objects, poisons, soaps, and detergents were observed to be locked and in-accessible to persons in care. LPA Calandra reviewed 4 staff files and 5 resident files. All were observed to be complete. LPA Calandra requested and received the following documents at the facility: -Current Liability Insurance -Administrator's Certificate A review of Centrally Stored Medications indicated that medications for residents were properly labeled with instructions on dosage and times of day and matched the Centrally Stored Medication Records(CSMR) kept at the facility. The deficiencies are cited under the California Code of Regulations, Title 22. Failure to correct the deficiencies by the due date may result in civil penalties. An exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with Carol Apande, Administrator and a copy of the report along with Appeal rights left at the facility.
Regulation
(b) The following food service requirements shall apply: (26) Supplies of nonperishable foods for a minimum of one week and perishable foods for a minimum of two days shall be maintained on the premises.
Inspector finding
Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 1 out 1 instances in which there was not enough supply of canned goods/7-days worth of non-perishable foods in the facility, which poses an immediate health, safety, or personal rights risk to persons in care. POC Due Date: 10/04/2024 Plan of Correction 1 2 3 4 Administrator/Licensee to submit proof of correction and a written plan outlining how this violation will be avoided in the future to licensing office by …
Other visitOctober 17, 2023No deficiencies
Inspector: Jaime Vado
Plain-language summary
This was an unannounced pre-licensing visit before the facility opened. The inspector found the building, furnishings, and safety equipment (fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors) to be in good condition, emergency exits clear, medications and hazardous items properly locked, and staff files and training current. The facility passed inspection and licensure is recommended.
View full inspector notes
On this day, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jaime Vado conducted an unannounced prelicensing visit. LPA met with caregiver Ivy Velasquez and explained the purpose of today's visit. LPA contacted the licensee/administrator Carol Apande and informed her of LPAs presence at facility. She is unable to make it to the prelicensing on this day. During today's visit, LPA toured the facility with independently and made observations through out the facility and the exterior surrounding areas of the facility. LPA observed that the fire place is not in use. The emergency exits around the facility are clear of obstructions and fences are not locked. Outdoor furniture in the front and backyard are in good condition for resident, staff, and visitor use. All resident rooms are furnished with the required furniture outlined in regulations. These items are in good repair. The facility ambient temperature is comfortable for residents and visitors. Bathrooms are observed as operational. Water is tested at all sinks at 115F and those faucets are operating properly. Fire extinguisher inspections tag is current showing 06/26/2023. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are hard wired through out the facility. Medications are locked and knives are locked away appropriately. Cleaning supplies are locked as well. Food supplies are in place. Resident and staff files are reviewed as complete and current. Staff training is current. Facility does not handle resident money. Administrator certificate is current. Comp III orientation was given to the caregiver. Pre-Licensing is complete. Licensure is recommended pending final approval from the Central Applications Bureau. Report is reviewed with the caregiver Ivy and a copy of the report is provided. No citations issued.
Federal summary
CMS Care CompareNot a CMS-certified facility
California RCFEs (residential care facilities for the elderly) are licensed by the state, not by CMS. CMS data only applies to skilled nursing facilities or to CCRCs that operate a licensed SNF wing.
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