Assisted Living in San Diego

Intro to San Diego Assisted Living

★★★★★

San Diego is located in beautiful San Diego County, California just 1 hour away from Irvine and minutes from the Mexican border. San Diego is home to over 222 Assisted Living facilities for seniors 65 and above. We give this city a 5-star rating for having plenty of Assisted Living facilities in a safe, active city with great weather. These senior living homes or residential care communities in San Diego are great for seniors who want to live independently but need assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, toileting, grooming and other minor household chores.

Cost of Assisted Living in San Diego averages about $4,525/month based on the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Throughout San Diego and surrounding cities, care can also be found at $3,500 to $8,250/month for assisted living. There are programs available including the VA Aid and Attendance program that helps Veterans and Spouses of veterans by subsidizing the cost of Assisted Living.

Some of the popular Assisted Living communities and board and care homes in the city include: Belmont Village La Jolla, Westmont of Carmel Valley, Sunrise of Sabre Springs, Oakmont Pacific Beach, Pacifica Rancho Penasquitos, Atria Collwood, Brookdale Clairemont, Belmont Village Sabre Springs, Casa Cielo, Del Cerro Manor, Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill, Brookdale Carmel Valley, and so much more.

San Diego is an amazing city and is on our list of "The Top 20 Best Cities for Seniors." The History, Weather, Activities, Senior Community, Temperature, Safety and plenty of Care Options all make San Diego one of the most desirable places for any Senior to live. This quiet city is surrounded by some of the best parks, zoos, shopping, dining and hospitals.

Guide to San Diego Assisted Living

200 Assisted Living facilities are located in the city of San Diego, CA and can accommodate the needs of your Loved One. Depending on their care needs, Assisted Living in San Diego has facilities that provide daily nutritional meals, bathing, grooming, dressing, medication management and more.

Assisted Living in San Diego can offer Seniors with amenities and conveniences in any of the 200 large or small facilities. Some examples would be furnished rooms, family dining rooms, activity rooms, wellness programs, beauty salons, spa and swimming pools and saunas. If San Diego residents need to go out, staff can take them to doctor appointments, religious services, outings to the park, movie theaters, shopping malls, and more.

When Do Seniors need Assisted Living?

Seniors in San Diego will typically need Assisted Living in San Diego when it is unsafe to live by themselves at home or they need assistance with their ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Residents living in Assisted Living in San Diego can either be independent, need Assisted Living or can be diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.

Types of Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego

The size of Assisted Living in San Diego facilities can vary from small, residential care homes to large “resort-style” Assisted Living communities. 

Depending on the size of the 200 facilities in San Diego, services and amenities can differ. Large communities can offer a broader range of amenities due to its size and staff while the smaller, residential care homes offer a more intimate, home-like atmosphere. 

Residential Care Homes in San Diego

Assisted Living in San Diego offers Residential Care Homes located are regular homes in the neighborhood that have been converted to care for 6 to 10 senior residents. These "home-feel" Assisted Living in San Diego homes are licensed by California's State Licensing Division and permitted by the city of San Diego.

If your loved one prefers a “home-like” setting, a residential care home might be a better fit. Some of these top facilities are Del Cerro Manor, Santa Martha Residential, Baron's Residential Care, Ambassador Senior Retreat, Serra Mesa Guests Home and more in San Diego. These types of care facilities typically have 1:3 “caregiver to resident ratio” and provide meals, activities, music and pet therapy and assist residents with transportation to and from the doctor.

With Assisted Living in San Diego smaller facility sizes and lower number of residents, the Caregiver-to-Resident Ratio in a San Diego residential care home is 1 Caregiver for every 2 to 3 residents.

Large Communities in San Diego

Assisted Living in San Diego’s Large Communities will look like a large resort or hotel with 50 to 200 residents. These Assisted Living in San Diego care facilities will usually be located in commercial areas and are also regulated by California's State Licensing Department. These large senior living facilities can also have a secure Memory Wing that can keep residents suffering from Alzheimer's safe from wandering.

Large communities such as Sunrise Assisted Living of La Jolla, Brookdale Carmel Valley, Belmont Village of Sabre Springs, Pacifica Senior Living of Rancho Penasquitos and Atria of Collwood are known for daily activities, frequent socialization and have locations in San Diego that provide secure memory care wings for Alzheimer’s residents that wander. 

Seniors living in Large Assisted Living Communities in San Diego will typically prefer these types of Facilities due to the daily schedule of activities, higher levels of socialization with other residents, chef prepared meals, music and pet therapy, music and art classes, fitness classes and regular outings.

Due to the large size of the Assisted Living facility and larger number of residents, the typical Caregiver-to-Resident Ratio for Assisted Living in San Diego can range from 1 Caregiver for every 6 to 12 Residents in these types of facilities.

With over 220 Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego, you should not have a problem finding great care for your loved one.

 San Diego Assisted Living Costs

The average cost of San Diego Assisted Living is $4,500 per month (source: Genworth Financial). Whether your loved one prefers San Diego Assisted Living residential care homes or large Assisted Living communities, the lowest cost care and rent starts at $3,000 and can go as high as $7,500 depending on the level of care needs. To find out what factors play a part of the monthly costs of Assisted Living, Click Here.

Paying for Care

Paying for San Diego Assisted Living can be done through a variety of ways. Most residents and families in San Diego pay for care out of pocket or also called "Private Pay." Other methods of paying for San Diego Assisted Living through Long Term Care Insurance, Veterans Aid and Attendance. 

Unfortunately, Medicare or Medicaid does not cover the costs of Assisted Living care and rent in San Diego. For more details and options on how you can pay for San Diego Assisted Living, Click Here.

Making Care Affordable

Veterans Aid and Attendance

Veterans Aid and Attendance for San Diego Assisted Living is an important program offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This program provides supplementary benefits to veterans, their spouses, and surviving family members. The VA Aid and Attendance program in San Diego helps those who have served our country access necessary medical care and assistance with activities of daily living.

In order to qualify for these additional funds, a person must meet certain financial, medical, and service requirements. The amount of the benefit for San Diego Assisted Living depends on individual circumstances such as income level and other factors.

If you or a loved one may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance program in San Diego, it's important to reach out to organizations like American Veterans Aid or VeteranAid.org that can provide additional information about this benefit and help you complete the application process.

At times when our nation’s veterans need extra support, programs like VA Aid and Attendance for San Diego make sure they get the help they deserve. Our brave service men and women have given so much for this country; it's time we protect and take care of them too.

Assisted Living Waiver

An Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) is a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver that provides San Diego Assisted Living services to elderly or disabled individuals who require assistance with personal care and household tasks.The ALW program pays for the costs of care in San Diego assisted living facilities for eligible people with Medicaid, allowing them to remain in their community as an alternative to residing in a licensed health care facility. 

Depending on the state, services provided in San Diego under the ALW program may include help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring from bed to chair and back again, medication management, housekeeping, laundry services and more.

Medicare or Medicaid

Medicare does not pay for long-term care (Assisted Living or Memory Care) in San Diego. Medicare does, however, pay for those in hospital or nursing homes for stays usually up to 90 days. You can learn more by going to Medicare.gov or Medicaid.gov for more information.

California’s Medicaid program helps pay for Assisted Living Facilities through the Assisted Living Waiver. In order for seniors to be eligible for this program, the elderly has to be a Medi-Cal beneficiary. To learn more about the Assisted Living Waiver Program, contact California Department of Home Care Services (DHCS) at (2000) 281-9799 or visit DHCS.

Low Income Housing

Cost of senior living in San Diego can be out of reach for a lot of families. It can start as low as $2,500 per month and go higher than $10,000 per month depending on the level of care and location.  

If the costs of Assisted Living in San Diego still seems a little out of reach for you and your loved one, you can also search for facilities in nearby cities. Sometimes residential care homes or large communities in Santee, Chula Vista, Escondido or Spring Valley, for example, may cost less in rent or care per month. If you need help finding these facilities, our care advisors can help at no charge. Just call them at 877.523.6523 or click here and they will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you still need care options under $3,000 per month, you can also get in touch with your state's Department of Social Services. This government agency helps those with restricted budgets and low-income housing resources.

 Finding Top San Diego Assisted Living

As someone who is looking for a new assisted living facility for themselves or their loved one, the task can seem daunting. But with the right approach, you can find the perfect fit in no time. Here are some tips on how to find an assisted living home that meets your needs:

• Determine what type of care is needed - It’s important to determine exactly what kind of services and level of care is required before considering an assisted living facility. This will help narrow down the list of potential facilities.
• Research each option thoroughly - Read reviews from current and former residents. Take the time to visit each facility in person to get a better understanding of its atmosphere and meet staff members face-to-face.
• Ask questions - Once you've narrowed down your options, take the time to thoroughly explore each one before making a commitment. Ask questions about services offered, safety protocols, and other concerns to ensure that the facility is up to standard.

Where Can I Get Quality Assisted Living Guidance?

Since 2007, SeniorCareHomes.com provides free Senior Living in San Diego options to help seniors and families find the best-matched facilities based on budget, location and care needs. The process for finding the right care home or community can be overwhelming and daunting. SeniorCareHomes helps make the journey much easier for all of the families we’ve helped since 2007.

Contact one of our Expert Care Advisors today to get started for Senior Living in San Diego options at (877) 523-6523 x1 or Click Here to be contacted.

 San Diego Assisted Living Tips and Resources

California Licensing for Assisted Living San Diego

The 200 Assisted Living San Diego Facilities are licensed, inspected and regulated by California’s Department of Health Services. Their responsibilities are to have the administrators currently licensed, inspect the Assisted Living San Diego facility before it opens, ensure the Assisted Living  facility is operating up to standards and the community residents are receiving good care.

Licensing and Regulation for San Diego

Assisted Living is regulated by the Department of Social Services and inspected by state officials. Every state has its own policies and guidelines. If the quality standards are not met, the state will not issue a license to the facility or for existing care facilities, the license will be revoked. This helps ensure the quality of senior care services in all assisted living facilities.

10 Signs that it’s Time for Assisted Living in San Diego

Here are some signs that you can look out for observing your Loved One:

1. Mobility Issues: Having a hard time walking, limping or showing pain when they walk. 
2. Memory Problems: Not remembering important appointments or not taking their medication.
3. Help with Hygiene: Not showering, smelly clothes, bad breath, forgetting to shave.
4. Housekeeping Issues: Expired food with mold, laundry not washed or folded, bedroom and/or bathroom unclean.
5. Driving Safety Issues: Scratches and dents on the car, tires under inflated, service light alerts
6. Weight Loss: Noticeable, sudden weight loss, lack of food in the fridge or pantry
7. Old Medication: Expired medicine bottles or unfulfilled prescriptions
8. Inability to Communicate: Difficulty in communicating their feelings or emotions

Read the Full Article Here

How to Choose a Assisted Living in San Diego

1. Understand Your Loved One’s Needs
2. Know Your Senior Living Options
3. Tour Multiple Assisted Living Facilities
4. Ask the Right Questions when Touring
5. Be Thorough When Touring
6. Talk to the Residents
7. Try the Food in the Dining Room
8. Evaluate the Safety and Security Measures

Read the Full Article Here

Touring Checklist for San Diego

So you’re set and ready to tour Assisted Living Communities or Residential Care Homes in San Diego. Here are some important questions to ask when touring:

1. Does the facility in San Diego offer personal care services and amenities that cater to my needs?
2. Is the facility located nearby for family members & loved ones to visit?
3. Is the facility located in a safe neighborhood?
4. Is the facility within my budget?
5. Is the entire facility accessible to walkers and wheelchairs?
6. Are there grab bars & non-skid floors in the bathrooms?
7. Is there a door alarm system if a resident wanders?
8. Are call buttons located throughout the facility?

Read the Full Article Here

How to Talk to a Loved One About Moving

1. Plan Ahead
2. Use Empathy
3. Be Honest
4. Listed Actively
5. Highlight the Benefits
6. Involve them in the Decision
7. Offer Support

Read the Full Article Here

How to Ease the Transition into a Facility in San Diego

1. Involve them in the process
2. Visit the Facility together
3. Personalize their Living Space
4. Encourages isolation
5. Maintain regular contact
6. Be Patient and Understanding
7. Monitor their well-being
8. Visit them as much as possible

Read the Full Article Here

 Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Assisted Living

What types of services do Senior Care Facilities in San Diego provide?

These care facilities provide Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, Hospice Care and Memory Care in San Diego.

How many Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego are there?

There are approximately 200 facilities in San Diego.

How many residents live in an Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego?

In a residential care home, licensing usually allows 6 residents per home (depending on the state). In a large Assisted Living facility, there may be 50 to 100 or even more than 200 residents in a community.

Is a Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing Facility) the same thing as Assisted Living?

A lot of people get confused with so many terms. Usually, Nursing homes in San Diego are for patients who have serious medical conditions that will require 24-hour nursing assistance.

If your loved one needs day to day assistance like bathing, dressing, meds, toileting and grooming, then assisted living in San Diego would be a better fit.

What are the Popular Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego?

The most popular Assisted Living facilities are Brookdale Senior Living, Sunrise Senior Living, Atria Senior Living, Pacifica Senior Living, Enlivant and more. If they are not located in San Diego, they are usually in higher populated cities.

How much does Assisted Living Facilities cost in San Diego?

Cost of care per month can start at $3,000 for Assisted Living, $5,000 for Memory Care and $2,500 for independent living in San Diego.

What determines the cost for Assisted Living in San Diego?

Costs in San Diego will depend on care needs, preferences and location of the resident and assessed by the staff before time to move in. 

What is the Veterans Aid and Attendance for Long Term Care? 

The Veterans Administration (VA) offers a special pension called Aid and Attendance that helps pay for care in an assisted living, memory care or nursing home facility in San Diego. 

This VA benefit is largely unknown and often overlooked by families of veterans or surviving spouses of veterans who need financial assistance to help care for aging loved ones in San Diego. For more information, go to this article here

Are there Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego that accept Medicaid or low income housing programs?

You can go to Medicaid.gov and request them for a list of Assisted Living or Memory Care facilities in San Diego that take Medicaid.

Does Medicare pay for Assisted Living or Memory Care?

Medicare does not pay for long-term care in San Diego. They will pay for hospital or nursing homes for stays usually up to 90 days. You can learn more at medicare.gov for more information.

About the City of San Diego

45+ Nearby Hospitals

From check-ups to emergency care, San Diego has some of the top hospitals to meet the needs of your loved one. The hospitals in and surrounding the city are Sharp Grossmont Hospital, UCSD Health - Hillcrest Medical Center, Sharp Memorial Hospital, Scripps Mercy Hospital, and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

Local Transportation

Getting around San Diego and other parts of the County is a snap. The FACT of SD (Facilitating Access to Coordinate Transportation) has a great program for Seniors and those who are disabled. San Diego's “FACT” program is a shared-ride service provided for those who are unable to use the normal bus route. The RideFACT program is a door-to-door service for Seniors and those who are disabled and will take you where you need to go within the city and nearby areas. You can get more information on RideFACT from the RideFACT's website.

If your loved one needs to go to a doctor’s appointment for their regular checkup or wants to attend mass, don’t worry. Please remember that any community or residential care home can usually accommodate your loved one with transportation in San Diego and the surrounding areas. Some facilities include transportation and some facilities require an additional fee. Just remember to ask the facility's staff before you decide to move your loved one.

Senior Community Centers

The George L. Stevens Senior Center is located on 570 S 65th near Alta Vista and Paradise Valley and is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Some featured events include a Community Health Fair, acclaimed vocalist and orchestra concerts, and much more. Some other Senior Community centers are:

Seven Oaks Senior Center (16789 Bernardo Oaks)

Verne Goodwin Mira Mesa Senior Center: (8460 Mira Mesa)

History & Population

San Diego is located in most Southern area of California in the County. The city has the 8th highest US population, fair weather year round, birthplace of California in 1542, and home US Navy and Marine Corps.

Established 1769 and is home to over 14,150,000 residents. Incorporated in 1769, San Diego is just located 1 hour south of Irvine and 2 hours south of Los Angeles.

Safety

With safety always a concern when it comes to your loved one, San Diego is one of the safest cities across America. Compared to the rest of the U.S., the city's crime rate is 12% below the national average. Livability is 71% higher than the national average, making it a very desirable place for Seniors to live (source: Area Vibes).

City Weather

Already being in one of the states in the U.S. with the best weather year round, San Diego is one of the best areas for weather in California. Temperatures average a cool 77 degrees in the winter (51 degrees at night) and a nice 77 degrees in the summer (68 degrees at night). You can’t ask for better weather anywhere in the U.S. (source: Weather.com).

Local Shopping & Dining

San Diego has some of the best shopping and restaurants in the County. You can take your loved one walking in Seaport Village (on the water off the interstate 5 freeway), Fashion Valley Mall (with Nordstrom's, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus), and University Town Center UCT (just off the interstate 5 and Miramar Road). 

Some local restaurants the family will surely enjoy are Ironside Fish & Oyster, The Fish Market, The Crack Shak - Little Italy, and more.

Popular Activities for Seniors

Some of San Diego's great spots for Seniors and families are:

San Diego Zoo - One of the most famous Zoo's in the world that's home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals.

Balboa Park - 1200 acres of an urban cultural park w/ gardens, walking paths, museums, theaters and the Zoo.

SeaWorld - Over 100 acres including rides, animal shoes, exhibits right next to Mission Bay.

USS Midway Museum - The longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. It once had a service crew of 4,500 seamen and was commissioned in 1945.

Torrey Pines State Reserve - A 1750 acre reserve on coastal pacific. home to bobcats, foxes, coyotes, rabbits and views of humpback and gray whales during migration periods.

Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego, CA

Carlsbad (31)

Chula Vista (40)

Coronado (1)

Del Mar (4)

El Cajon (40)

Encinitas (13)

Escondido (84)

Imperial Beach (5)

La Mesa (24)

Lemon Grove (7)

National City (11)

Oceanside (32)

Poway (24)

San Marcos (25)

Santee (5)

Solana Beach (1)

Vista (40)

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Kate Allado | Senior Advocate / Care Advisor  (State Licensed Certified Administrator / Co-Founder at SeniorCareHomes.Com)

Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.