Best Nursing Homes in San Diego, CA | Compare Top Facilities
Seniors can find a vast array of senior care options in San Diego, California. From beachfront living to abundant, life-enriching experiences, seniors with a range of care needs can find their ideal lifestyle in San Diego. People sometimes refer to all senior living communities as nursing homes. However, the term nursing home refers to just one type of senior care — skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 medical care and supervision, rehabilitation, and hospice care by a staff made up of nurses and doctors.
If your loved one does not have a severe medical condition, is not rehabilitating from an illness or surgery, and does not require hospice, a nursing home is not the best option. Most seniors are better suited for an assisted living facility that provides tailored assistance with activities of daily living, medication reminders, and other senior-specific services. Memory care is another type of specialized assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Many modern assisted living communities also have on-site skilled nursing services, through an on-campus unit or third-party services provided in a resident’s quarters. These residential assisted living communities are meant for peacefully aging in place, so your loved one won’t have to move to an institutional nursing facility if they ever require skilled nursing care.
With so many senior care options to choose from, deciding on a specific community may be challenging. We created this all-inclusive guide to help you make this decision. With 20+ years of senior living market experience and proprietary data from local partners, we highlight details that are important to seniors. You’ll find information on 40 of our assisted living and memory care partner communities in a 10-mile radius of the San Diego city center. For skilled nursing as well as assisted living, this guide provides local information on costs, payment tips, laws and regulations, and an in-depth overview of senior living in San Diego.
Nursing Homes Facilities near San Diego, CA
My mother has lived here for her last 23 months. She loves the musical programs and live entertainment they bring in. She also enjoys the chair tai chi, bingo, bible study, outings, but especially her 3...
They were amazing with the short time my dad was there. They did everything they could to keep him happy! and we appreciate that staff so much!
I do think that it would be nice if there were more crafts/activities not intended for advanced patients, maybe same activities with multi-levels.
My sister started in the assisted living facility. When she got the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, we moved her to the Memory Care Unit. She is doing fine, the staff keeps me updated about her condition. Every...
love the place. took awhile to get medication management sorted kaiser makes it difficult), billing not accurate at this point but will get resolved...wish they included ingredients on menu, allergy handling...
The place is new which is a plus. Staff are friendly and I think are over worked. I think it is hard to get staffing for retirement communities so they see a bit short staffed. we appreciate the flexibility...
Torrey Pines Bayshire has been an excellent choice…. From the initial visit/tour 2months ago. Staff is friendly, professional & competent. They have been attentive & extremely helpful with this transition.
It is pricey, but the rooms are good size. We love the room and view we have - 4th floor (top), looking west across the valley. The Care Staff are super friendly and attentive. Location is convenient to most...
When it comes to the quality of care - short staffed, missing items after passing, treated differently after went into hospice. The administrative staff- slow to respond. We would not recommend this...
Beautiful small clean facility. Ample care. Opportunity for a wide choice of activities every day. Accommodating food service. Most important this is a loving family environment where everyone knows your...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
My dad was previously a resident at Oakmont of Pacific Beach for a short time. I can't say enough how good the experience was. I am an emergency room physician and I have a lot of experience with Assisted...
Everything was a 5. They were amazing to our mom. We like how it is a smaller sized community, it is a nice facility that had a good feel to it and staff.
My husband who has Alzheimer's, has been a resident at ActivCare at 4S Ranch for [time frame removed]. Before I placed my husband in their care, I researched and visited at least 15 facilities in my area. ...
My Mom has found the dog park to be her favorite daily place to socialize! The apartment sizes are the largest we saw for the price range, and include outside space. My Mom loves her balcony. Sadly my Mom...
This place is where my uncle lives and I went to see many places for him and I choose this one for him because he use to live in Oregon and loves the outdoors and he fit right in and feels at home with great...
1 - It has been a positive experience. It took my dad about a month to settle in and now he is participating more and making friends. 2 - The facility is clean. There are some older looking areas but they...
Seems like a nice place... there were a couple of hiccups. Some Medications were forgotten over the weekend. Room space is pretty tight. I am sure it takes awhile until you feel comfortable. Wish there was...
The majority of the staff is very accommodating and pleasant. Anyway, I toured several independent living with assistance places and I did not put Sunshine on my list. However Last minute circumstances took...
Give them all 5's. I doubt my FIL participated in any activities. I was able to observe a lot of things going on when walking through. Staff was always helpful and friendly. It takes special people to work...
A few months ago I asked a friend when she decided the time was right to enter into Senior Living. Her response gave me food for thought. She said whatever you do have a plan. If tomorrow you can not care...
Hello! My family highly recommends Coronado Retirement Village as a wonderful place for our 89-year-old mother to live. She has her own private room with a large window, private bathroom and shower, and...
The community is friendly. The apartment is spacious and bright. Daily exercise classes are offered to promote continued movement. The location is very convenient with banks, stores and eateries within...
I had good stay. They took good care of me while I healed up. The facility is beautiful and well maintained. Staff is courteous and responsive. Now I am able to return to work.
The meals and dining service has been excellent, and they have really great activities for us to participate in. Based on my experience so far I would recommend the White Sands community to others.
Rate 4 for all except for value..since the cost is increasing 10% each year and nothing is changing for the better I feel it isn't warranted. A lot of money is spent on decorations that are not even...
Our methodology
How we rank order the San Diego community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders San Diego community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of nursing homes in the San Diego area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in San Diego
- How people pay for a nursing home in San Diego
- Understand California laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from senior care in San Diego
- San Diego nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with San Diego? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the San Diego area
You may find that nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, cost more than other types of senior care in San Diego, California. Seniors in skilled nursing facilities typically need 24/7 skilled medical care from specialized, medical staff. This leads to higher monthly costs than a senior would incur in an assisted living facility with a less specialized level of care.
The monthly median cost for a semi-private room in a San Diego skilled nursing facility is $9,384, and it’s $12,167 for a private room.[02] These monthly costs may include room and board, personal care services, and senior-specific amenities. If your senior loved one doesn’t require 24/7 skilled medical care, you may want to look at other, more affordable senior living options.
Assisted living and memory care facilities in San Diego are less expensive than skilled nursing facilities and are better options for most seniors. Below are the average monthly costs that families paid in 2022 for A Place for Mom’s partnered assisted living and memory care communities in San Diego. These cost figures include rent, meal plans, care services, and any other add-on fees for extra services, amenities, or pet rent.
- $4,642 was the average monthly cost families paid for assisted living.
- $5,820 was the average monthly cost families paid for memory care. Memory care can be more expensive than assisted living due to specially trained dementia caregivers and specialized cognitive therapies.
Note that the starting costs of assisted living and memory care communities vary depending on location, specific amenities, and floor plan.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in San Diego, CA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in San Diego, CA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in San Diego vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in San Diego, CA by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in San Diego over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in San Diego
Recent reviews for nursing homes in San Diego
White Sands, a CCRC in La Jolla, CA
Santianna in Carlsbad, CA
Crest View Manor, Inc. in Escondido, CA
How people pay for a nursing home in San Diego
You and your senior loved one have several options to pay for long-term senior care. If the senior meets certain financial and medical criteria, nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities in San Diego can be paid for with the aid of state and federal programs. If assisted living and memory care communities are better suited for the senior in your life, similar payment options are available. Most families use a mix of private and public assistance methods to pay for senior care.
Continue reading to learn how private payment methods, public assistance options, and veterans benefits may be used to cover the costs of long-term senior care.
The costs of long-term senior care can be covered by personal income sources, such as savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Some of the following options may apply to your family as well:
Selling a house
Reverse mortgage
Health savings accounts
Life insurance
Long-term care insurance
It may be helpful to note that long-term care insurance policies can vary in what they cover. If your loved one has a policy, we recommend speaking with their long-term care policy provider to understand what aspects of senior care their policy covers.
Senior veterans in San Diego who need a nursing home level of care may qualify to move into a VA-approved skilled nursing facility. If your loved one is a senior veteran, they must meet the following requirements to receive long-term care in a nursing home:
- Enroll in VA health care
- Receive acknowledgement from the VA that they need specific medical treatment
- Live near an appropriate facility [04]
California has a specific veteran services program, called CalVet, through which seniors can access a Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program (or VBE). The VBE helps seniors transition from California’s Medicaid program to VA health care.
Disabled veterans may also qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit provides monthly payments in addition to the VA pension that can be used to cover senior living expenses in a care community of the senior’s choice. To qualify, the veteran must receive a VA pension, be enrolled in VA health care, and meet at least one of these additional requirements:
- Require assistance with some activities of daily living
- Have a disability that causes them to be bedridden if left untreated
- Live in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility
- Have significantly impaired eyesight [05]
Senior veterans can apply for the Aid and Attendance by downloading VA Form 21-2680. The process for approval of benefits through the VA is often a long and complicated process. Check out the following for assistance with navigating the process:
- Veterans can find local representatives who can assist with applications by contacting San Diego’s VA Regional Benefit Office.
- Benefits counseling and assistance is also available through the County’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (also referred to as OMVA).
- Volunteers are available through the San Diego Public Library’s Veterans Resources Center to assist veterans in accessing their benefits.
Approximate number of veterans living in San Diego, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of veterans in San Diego who are over the age of 75, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for San Diego veterans
San Diego VA Regional Benefit Office — public contact offices
8810 Rio San Diego Drive
San Diego, CA 9108
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
San Diego County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs — veterans services
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 858-694-3222
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
San Diego Public Library’s Veterans Resource Center — outreach
San Diego Central Library, Room 316
330 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-236-5800
Hours: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing
Phone: 619-400-5157
California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. It serves people of low-income status by paying for health care services, such as medical appointments, rehabilitation, and hospital stays. Covered California is the health care portal specifically for California residents that offers Medi-Cal as well as affordable, full-coverage health care plans to low-income residents. Applying through Covered California’s web portal allows you to see if you qualify for Medi-Cal, as the Covered California application is the same as the Medi-Cal application. Through their easy-to-use site, Covered California gives low-income residents access to full, essential health care benefits on top of their Medi-Cal coverage.
Skilled nursing care in a nursing home, or skilled nursing facility, is a mandatory benefit under Medi-Cal. This means that medically necessary care in a skilled nursing facility is covered through Medi-Cal.[06] However, receiving nursing care in a skilled nursing facility is not a senior’s only option. All of A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living communities have at least some on-site skilled nursing services, and in-home health care options are also available through Medi-Cal.
In-home health care services
Medi-Cal has in-home health care programs with specific Medi-Cal-approved providers. These in-home programs include skilled nursing services, enabling the senior to remain in their home or in an assisted living facility and still receive specialized nursing care. Note that not all assisted living facilities utilize Medi-Cal-approved in-home health care providers.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) model is available to eligible seniors through California’s Department of Health Care Services (or DHCS). This model enables seniors to receive long-term care services in their place of residence rather than in a skilled nursing facility. All of the following requirements must be met for a senior to enroll in the PACE model:
- Be at least 55 years of age
- Live in an area that the PACE model serves
- Receive confirmation from the DHCS that skilled nursing services are needed
- Currently live safely within their home or their assisted living community [07]
Medi-Cal programs for assisted living
Medi-Cal doesn’t cover room and board fees in other types of senior living communities, such as assisted living and memory care communities. However, Medi-Cal may cover some of the costs of medical-related services that take place in assisted living or memory care communities, if it is a Medi-Cal-approved facility.[08]
Medi-Cal eligible seniors in San Diego may use the Assisted Living Waiver — a waiver designed to help seniors access care in an assisted living facility instead of in institutions such as nursing facilities or hospitals. The Assisted Living Waiver only helps seniors cover the cost of care services at a facility, and does not cover room and board in the community. Note that all of A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living facilities have at least some on-site skilled nursing services, enabling seniors to receive nursing care while living in an assisted living facility.
Seniors have many resources available in San Diego, whether it’s for assistance and support in applying for Medi-Cal or for information on chronic health conditions and senior care programs. The following resources include applications, program descriptions, and eligibility requirements, as well as where to find application counseling through your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.
San Diego resident Medi-Cal resources
Apply for Medi-Cal through San Diego County
Health and Human Services Agency
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 206
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-515-6555
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California
1879 Logan Ave. J
San Diego, CA 92113
Phone: 800-300-1506
Hours: Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 5 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Access home health care services through PACE
1515 K St., #400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-713-8444
Medi-Cal program and eligibility information
Phone: 1-866-262-9881
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Find your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 800-640-4661
Medicare may cover up to 100 days of nursing home services in a certified skilled nursing facility in San Diego, California. To be eligible for skilled nursing services, your senior loved one must have a medical diagnosis and meet all of the following requirements:
- Be age 65+
- Receive Part A hospital insurance and have a leftover balance in their benefit period
- Have an inpatient hospital stay that qualifies for coverage
- Receive skilled nursing services in a facility certified by Medicare
- Need skilled nursing services for either a medical condition that was treated during an inpatient hospital stay or for a medical condition that began in a skilled nursing facility[09]
Dual Medicare/Medi-Cal Plan
Seniors in need of skilled nursing levels of care may qualify for California’s Senior Care Action Network (SCAN) Health Plan. SCAN is a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan that contracts with the California Department of Health’s Medi-Cal program for a dual Medicare/Medi-Cal program. This dual program provides home and community based services for in-home care services in the senior’s home or at an approved assisted living facility. All of the following requirements must be met for a senior to access the SCAN dual-coverage plan:
- Be at least 65 years of age
- Enroll in Medicare Part A and B
- Enroll in Medi-Cal with the full scope of benefits
- Live in a San Diego County SCAN-approved area
- Do not have end-stage renal disease [10]
Note that Medicare may cover some medical care costs at an approved assisted living or a residential care home. However, the cost of rent isn’t covered by Medicare — only specific, medically necessary care services.
Seniors enrolled in Medicare can check their eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs that may cover part of their Medicare premium. There are four different Medicare Savings Programs in California, each of which may cover some of Medicare Part A, B, C, or a combination of parts. Seniors who meet low-income requirements can apply for Medicare Savings Programs online and explore additional state Medicare resources to see which program best fits their needs.
San Diego resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration — learn about Medicare benefits
1333 Front St.
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Phone: 1-800-434-0222
Find senior services in your county
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 858-495-5885
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SCAN information
Phone: 800-675-4439
Find your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 800-640-4661
Understand California laws and regulations for nursing homes
California nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, are sometimes also referred to as rehabilitation centers and convalescent hospitals. All of these terms apply to skilled nursing facilities, which must be licensed in the state. Skilled nursing facilities that are part of larger senior living communities, such as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (or CCRCs), must be licensed by the California Department of Public Health (or CDPH). The CCRC as a whole must also be licensed by the California Department of Social Services (or CDSS).
Skilled nursing facilities in California are required to provide a range of services, including but not limited to services in the list below:
- Physician services
- Skilled nursing services
- Dietary services
- Pharmaceutical services
- Activity programming
- Arranged transportation to services that can’t be provided on-site
- A plan for emergency medical care if the on-site physician isn’t present [11]
California skilled nursing facilities must also adhere to the following requirements for staff members and living spaces:
- Sufficient nursing staff must be present so that each resident gets at least three hours of services each day.
- All staff members need to participate in continuing education on safety and care procedures.
- Each facility is licensed for a different number of residents and beds, and facilities must not exceed these numbers.
- Each room must have a bed, table, chair, and a space to keep the resident’s belongings. [11]
Assisted living and memory care laws and regulations
A nursing home, or skilled nursing facility, may not be the right option for your loved one, particularly if they don’t need 24-hour medical supervision. So, we’ve included information on California’s assisted living and memory care laws and regulations.
Assisted living and memory care facilities in San Diego must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services (or CDSS). All assisted living and memory care facilities in California must assess a senior via interviews and by reviewing their health records before welcoming them as a resident. Once a senior moves in, these facilities must also adhere to the following regulations:
- House a maximum of two residents per bedroom
- Provide individual privacy in each bathroom
- Ensure bedrooms have enough room to accommodate equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers
- Provide clean and accessible common rooms for residents
- Provide activities involving social, leisure, and daily living skills [12]
Inspections and reports
Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, are inspected annually by the CDPH’s Licensing and Certification Division.[13] The CDPH Center for Health Care Quality (or CHCQ) has a dashboard of the most common skilled nursing facility requirement violations. You can search by facility name, facility type, and county to find them.
The CDSS inspects assisted living and memory care facilities once each year. The CDSS must also inspect a facility within 10 days of receiving a complaint.[12] Licensed facilities and their inspection reports are available to the public via the CDSS Care Facility Search. Scroll down to “Search By Facility Group,” select “Elderly Assisted Living,” select the “Facility Type” and “San Diego County,” then click on the search button. You can also search by facility name or address.
California Department of Health contact information
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Phone: 916-558-1784
COVID-19 regulations for San Diego nursing homes
San Diego County has COVID-19 guidelines that residents are encouraged to follow. The most current recommendations include staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and getting tested if symptoms are suspected. In general, mask-wearing is not required. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, a recent positive test, or been exposed to the virus, San Diego County asks that you wear a mask in public. Masks are also required in at-risk settings, such as health care centers and skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes.
Read the most recent San Diego County COVID-19 guidelines here.
Vaccinations. San Diego County encourages all citizens to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Masking. Guests are required to wear masks in skilled nursing facilities.
Facility cleanliness. Surfaces and shared items are routinely cleaned and disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectant.
Staff safety. Health care facility staff are given personal protective equipment (also known as PPE) and are routinely screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
What to expect from senior care in San Diego
Assisted living and memory care communities in San Diego have much to offer seniors. From full calendars of engaging activities to connected care opportunities, seniors with a variety of needs can find the lifestyle option that fits them.
San Diego nursing homes and senior care facilities
San Diego nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities are staffed with doctors and nurses that provide seniors with round-the-clock supervision and skilled medical care. Skilled nursing facilities may also coordinate hospice and rehabilitation services for seniors. Rehabilitation services are designed for seniors recovering from surgery or an illness. Skilled nursing facilities as well as assisted living communities have a range of rehabilitative therapies available on-site. These therapies often include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Residents of these San Diego facilities may also find unique options, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and certified therapy dogs.
All of our San Diego assisted living and memory care communities should provide a least some on-site nursing care services to current residents, equivalent to the services received at a skilled nursing facility. However, it is not typical that an assisted living community will admit a senior in need of 24/7 medical observation, as that service is reserved for seniors already living in the community. For example, residents already in an assisted living community that grow to need rehabilitation or hospice care can receive such care services in the comfort of their own unit.
Seniors who aren’t recovering from surgery or an illness, aren’t in need of hospice care, and don’t require 24/7 medical oversight should look at assisted living communities — not nursing homes — to meet their current and future needs.
San Diego assisted living
Seniors who choose assisted living facilities in San Diego are set up to enjoy all that the city and their new lifestyle has to offer. Activities both within and outside of the community make for enriching social experiences, such as fitness classes, volunteer programs, parties, and live on-site entertainment. Visits to local museums, outings to sunny beaches, and lively tours of SeaWorld San Diego also await residents who want to maximize each day.
Luxe amenities can be found in many of San Diego’s assisted living communities, from living units to dining and common areas. Residents enjoy on-site fine dining experiences, pamper themselves in full service salons, wellness spas, and optimize their health in fitness centers and therapy pools. In addition, pools with views of the ocean waves and walking paths to nearby sandy beaches await residents. Some communities even maintain exclusive, private beach access and rooftop decks overlooking the ocean.
Most of San Diego’s assisted living facilities offer multiple senior care services in a single location, such as memory care and on-site skilled nursing care. These communities allow seniors to choose their ideal living situation without worry of moving in the future if their care needs change. Some of these facilities even have social services teams to coordinate residents’ appointments and facilitate communication between residents, families, and nursing staff.
San Diego memory care
Memory care communities in San Diego are ready to make each resident’s day meaningful. These specialized senior living communities are staffed with memory-care trained staff and uniquely designed for the safety and comfort of seniors with memory care needs. From person-centered activities to specialized therapies and amenities, these communities have something for all seniors to keep their minds engaged. Some communities even offer unique experiences, like virtual reality brain fitness games, accessible and safe social events, and chauffeured field trips to many of San Diego’s popular attractions.
Most memory care facilities in San Diego are a part of a larger assisted living facility which provides an array of on-site skilled nursing care services. Some even advertise themselves as luxury care communities, offering many high-end amenities for seniors to enjoy along the stages of their care journey.
Seniors can socialize in comfortable common areas after treating themselves to fresh styles and manicures in full-service, on-site salons. Residents are often found enjoying a gourmet meal with regional seafood and seasonal produce, or spending tranquil moments in on-site therapy gardens and landscaped courtyards. Like assisted living communities, many San Diego memory care communities even have unique, on-site amenities like personal wine storage, bars, and sports lounges.
San Diego nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in San Diego nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in San Diego nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in San Diego nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in San Diego nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in San Diego nursing homes
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with San Diego? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 75 currently living in San Diego, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 75 and older currently living in San Diego, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Average high temperature (Fahrenheit) in August — San Diego’s warmest month, according to Weather Spark
Health care for seniors in San Diego
Senior residents in San Diego, California, have access to several nationally ranked hospitals and senior health care centers.
UC San Diego Health – La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals
UC San Diego Health – La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals are teaching hospitals that provide general and surgical care. They’re nationally ranked for several areas of adult care, including cancer surgeries, cardiology, and their geriatric clinic.
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla provides general and surgical care. They’re nationally ranked for cardiology and orthopedics.
Sharp Memorial Hospital
Sharp Memorial Hospital is nationally ranked for lung surgery and urology. This hospital also provides general medical and surgical care, in addition to having geriatric specialists and several senior resource centers.
Transportation for seniors in San Diego
Many of San Diego’s nursing homes and senior care facilities offer scheduled transportation to their residents for specific appointments, errands, and scheduled outings. Resident visitors will also find many public transportation options available, allowing them to maximize their experiences with their loved ones in San Diego.
San Diego Public Transportation has a program called PRONTO that enables riders to buy their tickets online through an app. These public transportation options are available to San Diego residents and visitors alike:
- The San Diego Trolley allows people to travel as far north as the VA medical center, as far south as the Mexican border, and everywhere in between.
- The COASTER train is a great option for people who want to spend a day at the beach, as the train has routes to several popular beach communities, such as Carlsbad and Solana Beach.
- There are several local buses with a variety of routes.
- The SPRINTER is the city’s light rail, which offers convenient routes for a small fare.
- Pedicabs are available for enjoyable tours of unique San Diego locations.
- Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is a popular train for touring around southern California.
San Diego also has transportation options designed with seniors in mind.
- Happy2Help Transportation helps seniors travel to and from medical and nonmedical appointments in wheelchair-accessible vehicles for a fee.
- Ride FACT is another senior-specific option with low prices. Seniors at least 60 years of age are eligible and must schedule their transportation in advance.
Popular senior activities in San Diego
Endless entertainment awaits seniors and their visitors in San Diego, California, a city known for its scenic beaches and world-renowned attractions. From lounging on picturesque beaches to visiting San Diego’s most iconic attractions, this city has something for everyone. Check out the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website for updates on things to do and local guides for San Diego visitors and locals alike.
Accessible theme parks
Many of San Diego’s popular attractions are wheelchair accessible and make accommodations for people with disabilities. For example, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the USS Midway Museum all offer wheelchair rentals, tour scripts, and accessibility guides. SeaWorld San Diego and the San Diego Zoo itself also offer accessibility accommodations and options for people with varying cognitive and physical abilities.
Dramatic coastal landscapes
Family visitors and locals alike have many opportunities to enjoy gorgeous coastal scenery while in San Diego. There are many popular beaches, including La Jolla Shores and Cove, located near unique shops and restaurants. Natural beauty, stunning views from the rocky cliffs, and marine life sightings await. Day trips to Coronado Island are also full of possibilities and unique experiences, from lounging on the breathtaking Coronado Beach to sipping coffee in coastal cafes.
Neighborhoods with flair
Locals and visitors alike enjoy spending time in Old Town San Diego or Balboa Park — a historical site and thousand-acre park with serene nature areas as well as entertainment venues, cafes, and museums. The Comic-Con Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, lush gardens, tropical trails, and much more are all located in the park.
Find every cuisine imaginable in San Diego’s popular restaurants, from seafood fine dining experiences to unique steakhouses. And after dinner, live entertainment awaits. Whether via a sporting event or theatrical performance, San Diego’s cultural attractions make for an exciting and bustling city. Catch a San Diego Padres game in Petco Park or a rugby or lacrosse game at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego is also home to several performing arts centers. The Old Globe and two venues managed by San Diego Theatres — Civic Theater and Balboa Theater — host famous acts, popular musicals, theatrical comedies, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Silvergate Rancho Bernardo, Cypress Court and Paradise Village are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near San Diego, CA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in San Diego is $5,920 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA nursing homes, assisted living, and home health care.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA aid and attendance benefits and housebound allowance.
Medicaid.gov. Mandatory and optional Medicaid benefits.
Department of Health Care Services. (2023, January 12). Program of all-inclusive care for the elderly.
Department of Health Care Services. (2019, November 19). Medi-Cal eligibility & covered California FAQ’s.
Medicare.gov. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care.
Department of Health Care Services. (2023, January 3). Senior care action network health plan.
Required Services, 22 CCR § 72301 (1983 & rev. 2023).
State of California Health and Human Services Agency Department of Social Services. (2008). Manual of Policies and Procedures Community Care Licensing Division: Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8.
California Association of Health Facilities. (2021, March). Facts and statistics – Long-term care providers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus disease (2019) preparedness checklist for nursing homes and other long-term care settings.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Weather Spark. (2022). Average temperature in San Diego.
U.S. World and News Report. (2022). Best hospitals in San Diego, California.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Lemon Grove, California
- La Mesa, California
- La Presa, California
- University Heights, California
- Lake San Marcos, California
- South Park, California
- San Marcos, California
- Grossmont, California
- Casa de Oro, California
- Spring Valley, California
- Homelands, California
- Bonita, California
- Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, California
- Calavo Gardens, California
- National City, California
- Del Dios, California
- Harmony Grove, California
- San Diego Country Estates, California
- Lincoln Acres, California
- Carlton Hills, California