14741 S. Vermont Ave.
Gardena, CA 90247
108 beds • Est. 2008 (17 years) • Get directions
Gardena Retirement Center has 27 state citations (4 serious, 23 minor) and 22 verified complaints since 2021 across 93 inspections. A 2022 investigation substantiated that staff failed to assess and report a resident's serious leg wound, described in hospital records as a gaping 6cm x 3cm opening on the lower leg, with 1 staff member acknowledging they had not checked the injury. A 2021 complaint was substantiated for resident-on-resident harassment, with 4 of 6 interviewed residents confirming they had witnessed the behavior. A 2024 investigation found a resident with stage 3 pressure injuries and identified gaps in the facility's resident rotation log, with entries missing across multiple weeks during the relevant period. 2 complaints from late 2025 involved resident falls, including 1 in which a resident sustained a broken hip, with state investigators conducting inspections in October and December 2025.
Gardena Retirement Center is a 108-bed assisted living facility on South Vermont Avenue in Gardena, one of the larger residential care communities in the South Bay area. Licensed since 2008, it offers retirement living and full-service assisted living with a notable Japanese cultural orientation — including Japanese cuisine served five days a week, Japanese language classes, and cultural studies.
The facility provides private and semi-private rooms, many with balcony or courtyard access, and accepts Medi-Cal through the ALW program.
Strong Japanese cultural programming
Japanese cuisine at lunch five days a week, Japanese and English language classes, Japanese culture studies, origami, and karaoke. For Japanese-American families or anyone who values this cultural connection, this is a rare and meaningful offering in the LA assisted living landscape.
17 years of continuous operation
Licensed since 2008, Gardena Retirement Center has nearly two decades of experience. You can ask about long-tenured staff, established care routines, and how they've evolved over time.
Genuinely varied activities program
Beyond the cultural programming: bingo, church services, birthday parties, holiday events, karaoke, lunch outings, shopping trips, library visits, and special events like zoo visits. This is a facility that takes resident engagement seriously.
Accepts Medi-Cal through the ALW program
Participates in the Assisted Living Waiver, which can significantly offset costs for eligible residents. Worth exploring if affordability is a factor.
Below-average safety record
The FYI Safety Score™ is 4.3 out of 10 (Poor), based on state inspection data. With 4 Type A citations, 23 Type B citations, and 22 substantiated allegations across 93 visits, this facility has a significantly higher-than-typical number of issues. Ask management directly about their inspection history, what specific problems were cited, and what corrective actions they've taken.
Website still references COVID-era visitor restrictions
The website prominently displays COVID-19 visitor restriction notices and outdated safety protocols. This suggests the website hasn't been meaningfully updated in years. Ask about current visiting policies directly — don't rely on the website.
108 beds is a large operation
At this size, the facility operates more like an institutional setting than a home. If your loved one prefers intimate, home-like care with high staff-to-resident ratios, a smaller board-and-care home may be a better fit.
Pricing is estimated, please contact the facility to confirm.
Have updated pricing?
14741 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90247
Get directionsLicense data from the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. View full state record
Claim your listing to verify pricing, add real photos, and respond to your FYI Safety Score™. Free for small facilities.
$7,634/mo
starting