From left: Keiro board member Yukari Roberts, Keiro President and CEO Beverly Ito, and Keiro Kikyo Home Executive Director Desiree Kitagawa in Keiro Kikyo Home’s common area.
Keiro on Aug. 12 held an open house for the first Keiro Kikyo Home, located in Torrance.
Converted from a house in a residential area, Keiro Kikyo Home recently received its Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) license from the California Department of Social Services.
“Keiro Kikyo Home is a board and care home dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive support for older adults,” the Los Angeles-based organization said in a statement. “As a part of Keiro’s commitment to building a community where everyone, across generations, can live a healthier and more fulfilling life, Keiro Kikyo Home offers residents and their loved ones a safe, comfortable environment rooted in dignity and respect. This home extends Keiro’s vision by offering personalized assistance, connection, and care for daily living needs.”
“Keiro Kikyo Home is licensed to care for up to six residents, of which one may be bedridden or on hospice,” said Keiro President and CEO Beverly Ito.
“We offer 24/7 supervised care and assistance. Staff schedules are adjusted to ensure coverage over 24 hours with some overlap during times when care is expected to be heavier, such as assisting residents with their morning routine — assistance with toileting, dressing, preparation for breakfast, personal hygiene.”
The home, designed for residents who prefer a smaller, more intimate residential care environment, features shared and private rooms, culturally responsive programming, and an emphasis on safety, engagement, and meaningful daily activities. Safety features include ramps leading to the backyard and walk-in showers.
“What matters most to our team is creating a home where older adults feel safe, respected, and genuinely cared for,” said Desiree Kitagawa, executive director of Keiro Kikyo Home. “Every person who walks through the doors becomes part of a community that we proudly nurture with compassion and intention.”
Residents have not yet moved in, Ito said. “We are conducting preadmission screenings and tours, as we continue to prepare for opening and full staffing coverage.”
Ito added that the Torrance facility is the first step toward making affordable, culturally sensitive board and care homes accessible across the community, and that expansion to other cities will be based on community needs and real estate opportunities.
Monthly rates vary depending on the level of care needed and room assignment. Community members may submit admission inquiries through the Keiro website, www.keiro.org. Inquiries will be reviewed in the order received. However, acceptance will be based on multiple factors and is not made on a first-come, first-served basis. An interest list will be maintained for future openings and updates. Visit keiro.org/kkh.