About Us
The Gardens, established in 1981, was granted an Exemption from licensing by the State of California, Department of Health Services in 1995, on the basis that it is exclusively for members of the Christian Science Church, or for those relying on Christian Science for healing.

Directions to The Gardens
Located at 4380 Highland Drive, The Gardens is only 2 exits south of the intersection of the 78 and 5 Freeways. Exit the 5 freeway at Tamarack and drive away from the ocean (east) up the hill to Highland and turn right. We are on your left. Please push buzzer for admittance.

Description of Property
The Gardens is a large gated home with four separate living areas: the Guest Wing, the original Ranch House: Staff living quarters downstairs and upstairs. The property’s spacious grounds include a fenced swimming pool and barbeque area.

Home-style Care for Guests
Home-style care is provided for those who desire sheltered living or who are temporarily unable to accommodate themselves fully in daily living. The Guest may be able to function independently, or may need assistance in transferring from bed to a chair, or may be experiencing some disorientation. Our care includes help with eating and toileting plus incontinence situations. Whatever is necessary to keep the Guest clean and comfortable is provided by a loving Staff in accordance with the non-medical practice of Christian Science.

Individual Attention
Members of our Staff interface daily with each Guest assessing various needs or desires. Shopping for Guest’s supplies such as stamps or writing pads is part of our service. Sentinel articles and other articles of interest are provided for or read to Guests. Puzzles and word games are also part of the daily activity. Guests sometimes hold their own Bible study meetings, taking turns to read and discuss what is read. The video of the current Bible Lesson is also played daily for Guests.

California Health and Safety Code, Section 1270(a)
This Section of the Health and Safety Code exempts from licensure any facility conducted by and for the adherents of any well-recognized church or religious denomination for the purpose of providing facilities for the care or treatment of the sick who depend upon prayer or spiritual means for healing in the practice of the religion of that church or denomination.

It is the opinion of the Department that The Gardens is exempt from licensure in accordance with Section 1270(a) of the California Health and Safety Code; so long as the clients are practitioners of Christian Science and the facility is operated exclusively for Christian Scientists.

Sincerely,
Joan A. Carmen, R.N., District Manager
Department of Health Services
Licensing and Certification
San Diego District Office
August 31, 1995

A Grateful Acknowledgment
We are grateful to have been on the forefront of providing practical nursing support to our church family for over 25 years. There have been interesting challenges and opportunities for growth. Our Exemption from licensing, granted August 31, 1995, was the culmination of prayer, patience and persistence. We shared Christian Science with many people in positions of public authority. Explanations of Christian Science nursing practice were respected and upheld. We made many friends during this period and continue to look for opportunities to explain more fully the concept of practical care and healing in the Christian Science tradition.

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