California State Regulators for Active Senior Living Communities

This posting is inspired by a recent Anonymous Letter I received from a Fellow Resident💚 concerns on unfair rental hikes, transparency, poor communication between Residents and THD management,  rapid employee turnovers, Resident Council, and Fear of retaliation from Management if renters complain or voiced their opinion on the daily operation of the community that affect the quality of life and daily activities of the residents ( Clients/Renters).      

In California, the regulation of an active senior living community owned by a private corporation depends on the services provided:

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🏡 1. Independent Living Communities (No Personal or Medical Care)

If the community only provides housing, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and recreational activities, it is considered independent living, and not licensed by the state as a healthcare or residential care facility.

Relevant Regulators:

• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
  – Enforces Fair Housing Act protections, including age (55+) and disability rights.

• California Department of Consumer Affairs
  – Handles complaints related to deceptive business practices, contracts, or advertising.

• Local City or County Building & Planning Departments
  – Ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and zoning ordinances.

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🏥 2. Assisted Living or Continuing Care Communities (With Personal/Medical Care)

If the community assists with daily living tasks (like bathing, dressing, or medications), or markets itself as an assisted living facility:

Regulated by:

• California Department of Social Services (CDSS) – Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD)
  – Licenses Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs).
  – Website: https://www.cdss.ca.gov

• California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
  – If the facility provides skilled nursing or medical services, CDPH licensing may also be required.

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🧓 3. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

These are facilities that offer a continuum of care (independent living → assisted living → skilled nursing) under a long-term contract.

Regulated by:

• California Department of Social Services – Continuing Care Contracts Branch
  – Requires registration, disclosure of financials, resident protections.
  – Website: CCRC Regulations

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⚖️ Summary Table

Type of Community	California Regulator(s)
Independent Living (no care)	DFEH, Consumer Affairs, Local Building/Zoning
Assisted Living / Personal Care (RCFE)	CDSS – Community Care Licensing Division
Skilled Nursing / Medical Care	California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)	CDSS – Continuing Care Contracts Branch I hope you find the above article helpful. Thanks ChatGPT for the above article.

https://distinctive-liv.com/who-regulates-senior-living-facilities/

💚Personal Note: If you are unhappy of your living conditions here at THD, first voiced your concern to our local THD management Team. If you are not satisfied with their response, you may either leave or consult your legal rights from DFEH, Consumer Affairs or form local Building/Zoning Boards.  Writing an Anonymous Letter and sending it to a Few Fellow Residents is not a good Solution to your Concerns, whether it is true or fabricated.  

Meanwhile, a number of residents had suggested that an extra day for Chair Volleyball be in Our Weekly Activity. Currently, it is scheduled twice a month alternating with Corn Hole and Ladder Ball every Tuesday at 11AM. It was suggested that another day of the week at 11AM is a good time for most residents. If you agree with my suggestion,  please let Camille or Ted know of your desires.    Another suggestion is An Excursion to a nearby Casino ( Graton ) and lunch to ethnic restaurants in the East Bay.