14741 S. Vermont Ave.
Gardena, CA 90247
108 beds • Est. 2008 (17 years) • Get directions
A concerning record — 8 recent citations and 20 older and 22 substantiated complaints across 93 inspections. We strongly recommend reviewing the full state record. Last inspected in February 2026.
View full state recordGardena 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The website prominently displays COVID-19 visitor restriction notices and outdated safety protocols.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.
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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
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$7,634/mo
starting