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Assisted Living Communities in San Diego, California

Explore listings in San Diego, California including 1694 authentic reviews covering 361 of San Diego facilities, and find details such as base pricing, room types and more....

Directory of Assisted Living in San Diego, CA

361 Results


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Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Julie

I visited this facility

Review of Ivy Park at La Jolla

I toured Ivy Park at La Jolla. It feels like a home when you walk in. The staff is so friendly and attentive. The community is small, so they give attention to everyone. The rooms were remodeled...

Provider response

Hi Julie, we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit to Ivy Park at La Jolla! We sincerely thank you for the positive review and hope to see you again soon!

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Assisted Living

Mary1

I visited this facility

Review of Gold Canyon Care Home

Gold Canyon Care Home is a board and care. They have like six patients. The man was nice enough, but the facility was not acceptable to me. I just wasn't impressed with it. They had bright-colored...

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Assisted Living

Sandy

I visited this facility

Review of The Villa on Bankers Hill

My mom will be moving into The Villa on Bankers Hill. I chose them because she's going to get more hands-on care there, and the price is reasonable. They had one bedroom, but she's going to go into...

Read more

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The Cost of Assisted Living in San Diego, CA and Nearby Cities

San Diego’s assisted living communities charge fees that are slightly higher than the state average of $5,250, but they’re far from the most expensive. In nearby Los Angeles, assisted living costs are in line with the average. Further north, fees are much more expensive, with seniors in Salinas paying $6,000 per month and those in Napa paying $6,300. Redding, being located further inland, is one of the cheapest cities in the state, with average fees of just $4,450.

San Diego

$5,475

California

$5,250

The United States

$4,500

Los Angeles

$5,250

Salinas

$6,000

Napa

$6,300

Redding

$4,450

How to Pay for Assisted Living in San Diego

Several strategies help seniors and families pay for assisted living services in San Diego, including using private funds, applying for state-funded assistance and enrolling in veterans’ benefits.

  • Medicaid: Participating assisted living facilities in San Diego accept payment from California Medicaid’s Assisted Living Waiver. This home and community-based waiver program covers transitional services, from nursing homes to assisted living communities, as well as meals, homemaker services, care coordination and personal care.
  • Medicare: Because assisted living residents primarily receive nonmedical custodial services, they can’t use their Medicare plan to pay for services. However, their Part B coverage pays for expenses such as durable medical equipment, physical therapy and skilled nursing, which may leave more money in the bank for assisted living.  
  • VA Benefits: Qualified veterans may increase their monthly VA pension through the Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit, giving them more money to put toward assisted living expenses each month. Additionally, the VA provides direct coverage for assisted living services, including personal care and medication management, through the Geriatrics and Extended Care program.
  • Private payments: Private payments cover all assisted living expenses, including housing, personal care services, meals and recreational activities. Seniors have several options for making private payments, including their retirement savings and long-term care insurance.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Diego

Eligible seniors may receive help paying for assisted living through California’s Assisted Living Waiver Program. Financial aid is also available to those with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through California’s Optional State Supplement (OSS) program. 

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in San Diego, CA

Assisted living costs in San Diego have seen a steady increase, largely as a result of inflation. A difference of roughly 9% can be seen from 2022 to 2023 ($4,088 to $4,479), with costs projected to rise even further to $4,824 by 2024. However, rates in San Diego have remained quite consistent with the U.S. national average ($4,070 to $4,459). San Diego remains an affordable option for southern Californians in need of senior care. Rates are nearly $1,000 lower than those in Bakersfield and over $1,600 less expensive than costs in Los Angeles.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
San Diego$4,088$4,479$4,824
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459 $4,802
California$4,625$4,946$5,221
Los Angeles$5,621$6,158$6,632
Riverside$4,814$5,274$5,680
Bakersfield$4,968$5,443$5,862

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living in San Diego, CA

The cost of senior living in San Diego can vary greatly depending on the type of care. Independent living typically sees the lowest costs at $3,679, as it caters to individuals who are largely self-sufficient. Compared to assisted living ($4,479), memory care costs are approximately 43% higher, averaging $6,951 per month. These differences are largely the result of memory care communities providing a wider scope of care and specialized programming.

Assisted Living

$4,479

Memory Care

$6,951

Independent Living

$3,679

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in San Diego,CA

There are many resources in San Diego,CA that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring's California state page.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Aging & Independence Services800-339-4661This nonprofit organization operates a call center where seniors can get information on local home-delivered and congregate meals, financial and legal service providers and home-based care. It houses the local Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which connects those aged 55 and over with exclusive volunteer opportunities.
Casa Pacifica ADHC Center619-424-8181Casa Pacifica supports seniors’ independence by providing skilled daytime care services and activities such as gardening, table games and fitness programs. Additionally, the organization hosts special interest groups and administers mental health counseling and referrals to community-based services.
Loving Care ADHC619-718-9777Loving Care ADHC administers a full range of skilled and custodial services to seniors who need daily assistance, including daily medical evaluations, rehabilitative therapies and help with dressing, toileting and eating. It also has medical social workers who counsel seniors and help them connect with community supports.
San Diego Family Circle ADHC858-244-4555This adult day health facility helps older adults remain independent by helping with daily activities that become challenging with advanced age, including bathing, dressing and toileting. The center has specialists who administer medication and provide diabetes care, and physical therapists offer on-site treatment.
Neighborhood House ADHC Center858-715-2642This center houses two programs for seniors, including the Adult Day Health Care program for those who need daily medical support and the Adult Day Program for those who need basic custodial care. It hosts recreational and social activities and serves nutritious lunches daily. Additionally, the center offers transportation services to local destinations.
In-Home Supportive Services Program800-339-4661The state-funded IHSS program provides in-home custodial support for seniors who meet income and functional criteria. Through this program, older adults obtain services such as help with bathing and grooming, light housecleaning and laundry, shopping assistance and meal preparation.
General Relief Cash Assistance Program866-262-9881The General Relief program promotes seniors’ financial stability through cash assistance, which they can use toward living and care expenses. The maximum grant for a single person is $598, while a two-person household may qualify for up to $819 in aid.
Chollas View United Methodist Church Food Distribution858-663-0471The food pantry at Chollas View United Methodist Church operates every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This location doesn’t require individuals to schedule appointments or submit applications for food. It distributes pantry staples, fresh produce, continence supplies and essential toiletries.
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry619-297-4366Recognized as a Gold Certified Nutrition Pantry, this nonprofit program stocks shelf-stable pantry staples such as peanut butter, beans, coffee, tea and canned meats and produce. It distributes food every Monday, including holidays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Meals on Wheels800-573-6467The local Meals on Wheels operates three programs: the Fresh Lunch Program, which offers 30 meal choices, the Frozen Entree Program and the San Diego County Meal Program, which provides fully subsidized meals to those aged 60 and over. Anyone can receive meals through the Fresh Lunch and Frozen Entree programs for a fee, and the county-funded meal program is available at no cost to those who need help with at least two daily living activities.
San Diego Hunger Coalition619-501-7917The San Diego Hunger Coalition addresses food insecurity in the San Diego region through education and advocacy. This resource enables individuals to find food banks throughout the city and learn about community initiatives that provide meals to housebound seniors.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program800-640-4661The long-term care ombudsman helps assisted living residents understand their rights and navigate issues such as inadequate care and abuse. The ombudsman also advocates for residents in involuntary discharge or transfer orders, the use of restraints and nutrition-related issues.
Aging & Independence Services Volunteer Programs858-505-6399This resource connects older adults with flexible volunteer opportunities in San Diego County. It works with 70 local partners and fills volunteer positions at law enforcement offices, youth mentorship programs, senior centers, museums and performing arts centers.
San Diego Social Security Offices800-772-1213 TTY 800-325-0778 Seniors can visit their local Social Security office for one-on-one help with accessing public benefits, including Medicare, Supplemental Security Income and Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits. San Diego has one Social Security office on Front Street and another nearby in National City.
Energy Assistance Programs760-370-5100The county’s Energy Department operates the Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides one-time cash assistance to pay off past-due energy bills. Additionally, it promotes energy efficiency for homeowners through the Weatherization Program, and it pays for energy-saving improvements through the Energy Savings Assistance Program.
Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center858-552-8585The local VA medical center provides a range of mental health, primary care and pain management services for qualified veterans. It has pharmacy services and three transportation options for veterans who need assistance accessing care.
San Diego Vet Center858-642-1500The vet center helps local veterans register for VA medical benefits, file claims for Aid and Attendance and connect with community-based services such as transportation and financial assistance. It has licensed counselors who provide free mental health care services, including addiction care and suicide prevention.

What To Consider About Assisted Living in San Diego

Assisted living facilities in San Diego are regulated by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. This division oversees senior care services and sets out the rules and regulations facilities must abide by. These rules cover staffing, health and safety, medication administration and other issues to ensure the well-being of all residents.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in San Diego

  • San Diego ranks among the most expensive places to live in the United States, with a cost of living that surpasses the national norm by over 50%. While prospective assisted living residents with restrictive retirement budgets may find this prohibitive, programs such as the Assisted Living Waiver promote access to affordable care.
  • The American Lung Association gives the San Diego region failing scores across all metrics it measures, indicating very poor air quality. While this can exacerbate heart and lung disease, assisted living facilities support healthy living through amenities such as air purification systems.
  • San Diego's seasonal temperatures vary minimally, with daytime highs near 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. This makes the city an attractive option for assisted living residents seeking mild weather.
  • California provides a senior income tax exemption and a full exemption for Social Security benefits, offsetting its high state income tax rate for assisted living residents.
  • As a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, San Diego fosters a welcoming environment for seniors and assisted living residents. It funds accessible housing initiatives, improved walkability and community-based supports that promote aging in place.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in San Diego

San Diego Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living facilities in California are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in California page for more information about these laws.

 

Assisted Living Services and Amenities in San Diego

Prospective assisted living residents often focus on a facility’s services and amenities when determining the best living environment for their needs. The following features create value and support residents’ comfort and independence. They also encourage social interactions.

  • Internet Access: Complimentary wireless internet lets residents keep up with correspondence with family and friends, shop online and manage bills.
  • Devotional Services: On-site religious services build a sense of community while letting residents follow meaningful traditions. The proprietary Caring.com database finds over 50 assisted living communities in the San Diego region with this feature.   
  • On-site Medical Care: Visiting physicians, podiatrists and rehabilitative therapists promote easy access to routine medical services and therapies.
  • Arts and Crafts: Painting classes, ceramics, drawing and coloring provide outlets for creative expression, encourage social interaction and offer mental health benefits.
  • Outdoor Spaces: Private patios, community gardens and walking paths give residents opportunities to enjoy San Diego’s warm weather.
  • Transportation Services: Private town car services, vanpools and community buses reduce residents’ reliance on private vehicles while enabling them to attend errands and appointments.

Talk to a Caring.com family advisor to learn more about common assisted living amenities and services and to get personalized help comparing long-term care options in San Diego.

Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in San Diego

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Other Options in San Diego, CA

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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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