A California paradise known for its beaches, warm ocean breezes, and endless entertainment opportunities, San Diego is a wonderful place for seniors to retire. San Diego assisted living facilities assist seniors with their activities of daily living, like personal hygiene, dressing, and meals, while also helping seniors maintain their desired levels of independence. Resort-style San Diego assisted living communities with luxe amenities await future residents who may benefit from this level of care. But with an abundance of assisted living facilities to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you or your loved one?
Let A Place for Mom walk you through your San Diego options. This all-inclusive guide to assisted living in San Diego contains helpful information from 25 assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s network, all within a 10-mile radius from San Diego’s city center. We also discuss the costs of assisted living in San Diego, how seniors tend to pay, what can be expected at these communities, and local laws and regulations for California’s assisted living facilities.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near San Diego, CA
A California paradise known for its beaches, warm ocean breezes, and endless entertainment opportunities, San Diego is a wonderful place for seniors to retire. San Diego assisted living facilities assist seniors with their activities of daily living, like personal hygiene, dressing, and meals, while also helping seniors maintain their desired levels of independence. Resort-style San Diego assisted living communities with luxe amenities await future residents who may benefit from this level of care. But with an abundance of assisted living facilities to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you or your loved one?Read more
Let A Place for Mom walk you through your San Diego options. This all-inclusive guide to assisted living in San Diego contains helpful information from 25 assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s network, all within a 10-mile radius from San Diego’s city center. We also discuss the costs of assisted living in San Diego, how seniors tend to pay, what can be expected at these communities, and local laws and regulations for California’s assisted living facilities.
San Diego Assisted Living Facilities | 1107 Reviews
All around they are a benchmark for other places. I viewed and interviewed a lot of places and this one was great.
The community is in a beautiful neighborhood, and the community is beautiful also. The director is amazing and very caring. The staff is amazing and I can't say anything bad about this community. I would...
My mom only got to experience about eight weeks at St. Paul's memory care. During that short stay the staff showed dedication and commitment and took the time to know her personality and find things that...
We recently moved our mother here, after a bad experience at a commercial assisted-living facility, and we -- and she -- couldn't be happier. This is by no means a clinical setting; it is more like a family...
My loved one liked the food. It was very expensive, but they did a pretty good job. Overall, I would recommend to other families.
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.
My Dad was so well cared for here. He loved his staff, loved the delicious food, and thought his apartment overlooking the open space in Santa Luz was so nice. He loved to look out his windows at the view....
I'm currently a resident at Remington Club. Everything has been good-great for me at this facility. The activities are great. We went on a trip to a Casino earlier this week. We also have exercise classes,...
This was a hidden treasure, and it ended up being the perfect place for my loved one. The communication was great and easy with the staff if the family had questions or concerns. The meals are homecooked. ...
Lilac Chateau has provided outstanding care to my 89 year old father for the past year. We thank our lucky stars that we found this senior care residence. The executive director, [name removed] and her...
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It's been a pleasure getting to know The Glen at Scripps Ranch and finding a new home for my Uncle while working with amazing people. We've been to the Glen in recent months, with my parents now living in a...
After I retired, my daughter felt it was important for her to live nearby in case my wife and I might need some assistance. That was nice of her, but I was disappointed to find out later that she had turned...
Most of the staff was fantastic. She really liked them and I did too. I interacted with the physical therapists, and the nurses and doctors. They were very good about communication. They doted on her, and if...
Our Dad spent 5 1/2 years at Nazareth House. During that time, we visited almost every. We observed interaction between many caregivers and residents. From not only our experience with Dad but others, the...
The staff members are very friendly and it is clear that they are all very caring people. Our loved one the second she moved in felt right at home which gives us some peace of mind.
- Costs of assisted living in the San Diego area
- How people pay for assisted living in San Diego
- Understand California laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in San Diego
- What assisted living communities in San Diego have to offer
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with San Diego? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the San Diego area
According to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data, the average price families pay for San Diego assisted living communities is $4,357 per month. This monthly price includes room and board, care fees, and add-ons. Costs in assisted living may vary depending on location, floor plan, care services, and specific amenities. For example, pet rent or choosing a larger floor plan may lead to additional monthly costs.
The following cost figures represent average monthly starting costs for assisted living in the area. Starting costs don’t always include additional fees and full care costs.
Average cost comparisons near San Diego, CA
Average monthly costs
San Diego, CA
How people pay for assisted living in San Diego
Paying for assisted living in San Diego, California, can be done in a variety of ways. Seniors can use personal finances, public resources, or a combination to cover some of the costs related to assisted living. Browse our guide to payment methods.
Seniors and their families have a variety of options for financing the costs of assisted living in San Diego with their personal assets. The following resources explain some common ways seniors and their families cover the costs associated with assisted living:
Senior veterans in San Diego have access to a variety of resources and can use these resources to cover the costs of assisted living. California’s veteran services program, called CalVet, offers a Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program (or VBE). Through this program, seniors are guided through the process of switching from Medi-Cal — California’s Medicaid program — to VA health care.
Veterans who are receiving VA health care and a VA pension may qualify for additional benefits through the VA Aid and Attendance program — an option for seniors with qualifying health conditions. Qualifying disabled veterans can receive added monthly payments in addition to their pension. At least one of the following eligibility requirements must be met in order to receive these benefits:
- The senior requires help with daily activities.
- The senior has an illness that, without care, keeps them in bed for most or all of the day.
- The senior has significantly impaired eyesight.
- The senior is currently in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility.
Seniors must have acknowledgement from VA health care that they need specific care treatments for a disability. Seniors can apply for VA Aid and Attendance by downloading VA Form 21-2680. Local senior veterans can receive help with their benefit applications by contacting San Diego’s VA Regional Benefit Office.
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 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for San Diego veterans
8810 Rio San Diego Drive
San Diego, CA 9108
Phone: 800-827-1000
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 858-694-3222
San Diego Central Library, Room 316
330 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-236-5800
Phone: 619-400-5157
California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal, and it serves people of low-income status by paying for health care services such as medical appointments, rehabilitation, and hospital stays.
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. However, Medi-Cal only covers the cost of care services and doesn’t cover the costs of room and board in assisted living.
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. The Covered California application is the same as the Medi-Cal application, so when you apply through their web portal you will also see if you qualify for Medi-Cal. Covered California and Medi-Cal work in tandem to give low-income residents access to full essential health care benefits through one easy-to-use web portal.
San Diego resident Medicaid resources
Health and Human Services Agency
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 206
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-515-6555
1879 Logan Ave. J
San Diego, CA 92113
Phone: 800-300-1506
Phone: 866-262-9881
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 800-640-4661
Medicare is a federal program for seniors at least 65 years old that helps cover medical expenses. While Medicare doesn’t cover room and board in assisted living, it may cover some related medical care costs. Seniors already enrolled in Medicare may be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs that may cover part of a senior’s Medicare premium. Low-income requirements must be met in order to be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs in California.
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 can apply for Medicare Savings Programs online and see which program best fits their needs.
San Diego resident Medicare resources
1333 Front St.
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 800-772-1213
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Phone: 800-434-0222
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 858-495-5885
5560 Overland Ave., Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92193
Phone: 800-640-4661
Understand California laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities in San Diego must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services, also known as the CDSS. The CDSS is responsible for regulating and monitoring assisted living facilities and all other senior care facilities, often referred to in California as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly. The CDSS also licenses any Continuing Care Retirement Communities (also known as CCRCs) — facilities that offer a spectrum of senior care services, from independent and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing care.
All assisted living 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 comply with the following regulations:
- House a maximum of only 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 [03]
The CDSS inspects facilities once each year. In addition, the CDSS must inspect a facility within 10 days of receiving a complaint.[03] Licensed assisted living 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 Public Health contact information
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Phone: 916-558-1784
Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/
COVID-19 regulations for San Diego assisted living facilities
San Diego County still has COVID-19 guidelines in place to help protect its residents. The most current recommendations for individuals include staying current with COVID-19 vaccines and getting tested if symptoms are suspected. For the most part, mask-wearing is not required. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, had a recent positive test, or have 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 long-term care, senior care, and health care centers.
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. Masks aren’t required in public unless you have COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19, or are visiting an at-risk setting.
Facility cleanliness. Surfaces and shared items are routinely cleaned and disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectant.
Staff safety. Staff are given personal protective equipment (also known as PPE) and are routinely screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
Get to know assisted living in San Diego
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What assisted living communities in San Diego have to offer
Assisted living in San Diego offers the supportive care seniors need, while giving them access to luxe amenities, an ever-interesting coastal lifestyle, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Read on for more of what you can expect from San Diego assisted living communities.
Variety of senior care options on one campus
Many of San Diego’s assisted living facilities offer multiple senior care services in a single location. Some facilities offer on-site memory care, some exist within an independent living community, and others offer a full range of services. Many assisted living communities even offer on-site therapies, like physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Facilities with all care types on one campus are sometimes called Continuing Care Retirement Communities (or CCRCs). It’s worth noting that assisted living facilities licensed as CCRCs usually have an initial buy-in fee in addition to the monthly cost of room, board, and care services.
Whether licensed as a CCRC or not, assisted living communities that offer multiple levels of care on one campus enable seniors to age in place worry-free. Seniors who choose these facilities can rest assured their evolving needs will be met, and they will never have to move again if their care needs change.
Senior-specific activities and resort-style amenities
Seniors who choose assisted living facilities in San Diego are set up to enjoy all that the city and their new lifestyle have to offer. Activities both within and outside of the community, such as fitness classes, volunteer programs, and live on-site entertainment, make for enriching social experiences. Visits to local museums, outings to sunny beaches, and lively tours of SeaWorld San Diego also await residents who want to maximize each moment.
Luxe amenities are also found in many of San Diego’s assisted living communities. Residents can enjoy on-site fine dining experiences, including full table service in community restaurants with meals crafted by professional culinary chefs. Many also have full service on-site salons, therapy spas, and fitness centers equipped to help seniors maintain optimum levels of health and wellness. Other desirable, high-end amenities found in San Diego’s assisted living facilities include heated swimming pools, pristine walking trails, cozy movie theaters, and convenient concierge services.
Ocean views and beachfront access
Perhaps the most iconic features of San Diego are its many beaches. Seniors will find several assisted living communities that take advantage of this idyllic landscape by providing ocean views, pools, and short walking paths to the nearest sandy beaches. Some even offer exclusive, private beach access and rooftop decks overlooking the ocean. These unique features of the San Diego assisted living lifestyle allow residents to soak up the California sunshine and relax to the sound of the crashing waves, all while receiving care in the community of their choice.
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Unfamiliar with San Diego? Highlights for seniors
489122
Number of residents in San Diego who are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of the San Diego population that is 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
77
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 have access to several nationally ranked hospitals and senior health care centers, several of which are located near San Diego’s assisted living facilities.
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 care including 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 assisted living communities offer scheduled transportation to residents and their visitors for exploring, running errands, and traveling to appointments.
San Diego Public Transportation also has a program called PRONTO that enables riders to buy their tickets online through an app. Their trolleys, trains, and buses are wheelchair accessible via ramps and lifts. In addition, public transportation options in San Diego have discounted fares for seniors 65+.
Browse these other transportation options for San Diego citizens:
- The San Diego Trolley allows people to travel as far north as the VA medical center, as far south as the Mexico 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 for a fee with wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
- 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.
The scores below are based on San Diego’s accessibility of different transportation methods. The highest and best possible score is 100, meaning that higher numbers indicate a popular and easy-to-use method of getting around San Diego.[08]
53
Walk Score
37
Transit Score
43
Bike Score
Senior activities in San Diego
Endless entertainment awaits seniors in San Diego, California. From lounging on sandy beaches to finding new favorite restaurants and museums, seniors can find something to make each outing a memorable experience.
Unique restaurants
Find every cuisine imaginable in San Diego’s popular restaurants. Exquisite local seafood in Top of the Market allows customers to experience fine San Diego dining. ANIMAE is another popular option that has a unique steakhouse environment. Or, visit Little Italy and enjoy a wonderful Mediterranean dish at Herb & Wood.
Abundance of live entertainment
Live entertainment, whether via a sporting event or theatrical performance, is another wonderful way to enjoy a San Diego retirement. The San Diego Padres games in Petco Park are just one part of the city’s lively sports scene. View the latest professional football or soccer games at Balboa Stadium, or even catch a rugby or lacrosse game at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego is also home to several performing arts centers — such as The Old Globe, the Civic Theater, and Balboa Theater — where seniors can view shows from local musicians or catch world premiere theatrical productions.
Stunning beaches
Of course, seniors and their families have an abundance of popular beaches to choose from, 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 breathtaking Coronado Beach to sipping coffee in coastal cafes.
Historical attractions
Seniors have many options for exploring local history, many of which have accessibility options for people with disabilities. For example, Balboa Park — San Diego’s 1,200-acre backyard with dozens of museums — offers scooter and wheelchair rentals, though availability is limited. The Comic-Con Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, breathtaking gardens, tropical trails, cafes, and much more are all located in the park. The City of San Diego’s AgeWell Services even hosts a senior lounge and senior lunch at Balboa Park for seniors to socialize and relax.
Many other museums are also accessible, like the USS Midway Museum, which offers wheelchair rentals, tour scripts, and guides. The San Diego History Center is another popular museum about local history and doesn’t have an admission fee. San Diego also has its own Natural History Museum, where seniors can find ever-changing exhibits, weekly events, and a discounted admission fee. Or, seniors can stroll through Old Town San Diego, which is a popular downtown area full of historic landmarks and unique shops.
Frequently asked questions
Monte Vista Village, Cypress Court and Silvergate Rancho Bernardo are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near San Diego, CA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in San Diego is 4583.32 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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkscore. (2022). Living in San Diego.
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