Top Memory Care Facilities in San Diego, California

San Diego, CA, is located in southern California, near the Mexican border. The city is known for its excellent weather, stunning beaches, and a variety of attractions that make it a popular tourist destination. As part of San Diego County, which itself has nearly 3.3 million people, the city enjoys a delightful Mediterranean climate year-round. But San Diego is much more than just beaches and sunshine. Its long association with the US Navy has earned it the nickname "America's Finest City," and the historic USS Midway Museum, an aircraft carrier turned museum, is a must-see for any history buff. San Diego has also emerged as a hub for healthcare and biotechnology, attracting top talent and businesses from around the world. So, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a taste of history, or a glimpse into the future of medicine, San Diego has something to offer everyone.

Average Cost of Memory Care in San Diego

The average cost of memory care in San Diego, CA is $8,866 per month. This is way higher than the national average of $6,935 per month. The cost of memory care in San Diego is typically higher than those of other assisted living facilities in California. However, the cost of memory care can vary depending on the facility, the level of care needed, and the amenities offered.

Top Memory Care Facilities in San Diego

Some of the top memory care facilities in San Diego, CA include:

HarborView Senior Assisted Living
Casa de las Campanas
Villa Lorena
Pacifica Senior Living

What to Expect from Memory Care

Memory care is a type of assisted living that is specifically designed for people with dementia. Memory care facilities provide a safe and secure environment where residents can receive the care they need to live with dignity.

Memory care facilities typically offer a variety of activities and programs that are designed to help residents maintain their cognitive and physical abilities. These activities may include:

Music therapy
Art therapy
Gardening
Exercise classes
Social outings

Nursing homes are designed to provide care for people who are unable to live independently due to a physical or mental disability. Memory care facilities are a type of assisted living that is specifically designed for people with dementia.

The main difference between memory care and nursing homes is the level of care that is provided. Nursing homes provide a higher level of care, including medical care, than memory care facilities.

Is Financial Assistance Available for Memory Care

There are a number of financial assistance options available for people who need memory care. These options may include:

Medicaid
Veterans benefits
Long-term care insurance
Private pay

If you are considering memory care for a loved one, it is important to talk to a financial advisor to learn more about your options.

Lo-Har Senior Living

4.1

768 Dorothy St, California 92019

Memory Care

Independent Living

Lo-Har Senior Living is a smaller, home-like community focused on seniors who need extra support, especially those living with dementia or Alzheimer's. The staff here includes registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and medication technicians who are on-site or on-call 24/7. That means residents get help with things like bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility, including Hoyer lift transfers if needed.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

4.1

2567 2nd Ave, California 92103

Memory Care

Independent Living

If you’re looking at Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill for your parent, here’s what stood out to me after digging around. First, it’s not just another senior community—it’s got a real neighborhood vibe, right in the heart of Bankers Hill, with easy walks to shops, Balboa Park, and even harbor views from the rooftop deck[2][3]. The building itself mixes modern touches with cozy, traditional design, so it feels more like a home than an institution[2].

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$8,365 / mth

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Waterford Terrace Retirement Community

4.1

5580 Aztec Dr, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

Waterford Terrace Retirement Community is known around La Mesa for its friendly, low-key atmosphere and practical approach to senior living. The community focuses on independent living, but families should know that assisted living and memory care are handled through outside providers, not by Waterford’s own staff.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

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Gold Canyon Care Home

4.1

6461 Quillan St, California 92111

Memory Care

Nursing Home

Gold Canyon Care Home is one of those places that feels more like an extended family than a facility. It’s a small, board-and-care home—usually around six residents—so everyone gets to know each other, and the staff are always around, not just passing through. Families mention that the owners and caregivers are present daily, which means concerns get addressed quickly and you’re not left wondering who’s in charge.

Estimated Pricing

$5,496–$10,891 / mth

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New dawn senior care home

4.1

789 Skyview St, California 92020

Memory Care

Independent Living

New Dawn Senior Care Home feels more like a family home than an institution. It's a small, residential place where staff get to know each resident personally. People mention that the home is always tidy and that meals are both nutritious and homemade—one reviewer even singled out their bean, bacon, and chorizo soup. The staff are described as genuinely caring and attentive, not just going through the motions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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The Montera

4.1

5740 Lake Murray Blvd, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

The Montera feels more like a lively neighborhood than a traditional senior facility. Residents talk about the koi pond and the outdoor patio lights—little touches that make the place feel welcoming and relaxed. The staff gets a lot of praise for being friendly and attentive, and several families mention that management is easy to reach and genuinely supportive.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

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Shea Family Care Magnolia

4.0

635 S Magnolia Ave, California 92020

Memory Care

Nursing Home

Shea Family Care Magnolia is one of those places in El Cajon that locals have known about for years, partly because it’s been around since the late 1960s. You’ll find it on Magnolia Avenue, not far from the heart of town. The building itself isn’t flashy, but inside, families say the staff is attentive and genuinely friendly. Several reviews mention how nurses and aides go out of their way to check in on residents, especially those coming from hospital stays or with more complex needs.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

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Cloisters of the Valley Memory Care

4.0

4171 Camino del Rio S, California 92108

Memory Care

Cloisters of the Valley Memory Care feels more like a small, close-knit home than a big institution. Families mention that the staff—many of whom have been there for years—know residents by name and treat them like individuals, not just patients. There’s a real emphasis on dignity and making residents feel comfortable, especially for those with memory loss. The building itself is peaceful inside, with a secure garden that’s actually used, not just for show.

Estimated Pricing

$5,496–$8,365 / mth

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Pacifica Senior Living

4.0

1775 Hancock St ste 200, California 92110

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pacifica Senior Living on Hancock Street is one of those places that feels more like a tight-knit neighborhood than a facility. They offer several levels of support, so whether your loved one is still pretty independent or needs more hands-on help, they can usually stay in the same community as their needs change.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$10,891 / mth

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BayView Senior Assisted Living

3.9

3219 Cañon St, California 92106

Memory Care

Independent Living

BayView Senior Assisted Living feels more like a cozy home than a big facility. The building itself used to be a convent, so it has a calm, peaceful atmosphere, and the views of the bay and ocean are something families mention a lot.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$8,365 / mth

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Villa Alegre Senior Care Homes

3.9

1938 Hidden Springs Dr, California 92019

Memory Care

Independent Living

Villa Alegre Senior Care Homes feels more like a family home than a facility. The owners, Donnah and Ricky, are hands-on and often mentioned by name in reviews—families say they go out of their way to make residents comfortable and happy. Staff are described as attentive and genuinely caring, not just clocking in for a shift. Residents get help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication, but there's also a focus on keeping life engaging.

Estimated Pricing

$3,607–$11,456 / mth

Go to provider page

HarborView Senior Assisted Living

3.9

2360 Albatross St, California 92101

Memory Care

Independent Living

HarborView Senior Assisted Living offers a range of services including assisted living, memory care, and support for daily activities like bathing and dressing. The community is known for its family-like atmosphere and personalized care, with staff who are praised for their kindness and professionalism. Residents benefit from a holistic approach to wellness, with specialized care services for conditions like diabetes and cognitive impairment.

Estimated Pricing

$3,318–$10,891 / mth

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Rebecca’s Retreat La Mesa Senior Day Program

3.9

9307 Tropico Dr, California 91941

Memory Care

Assisted Living

Rebecca’s Retreat isn’t your typical senior day program—it’s actually run out of the owner’s own home, which gives it a really cozy, family feel that’s hard to find elsewhere. They only take up to 14 people a day, so it never feels crowded or overwhelming. The staff are all college-educated and CPR trained, but what stands out is how much they seem to genuinely care about the folks who come in.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$8,312 / mth

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MesaView Senior Assisted Living

3.9

7971 Culowee St, California 91942

Memory Care

Independent Living

MesaView Senior Assisted Living feels more like a small, close-knit community than a big facility. Families talk about how the staff here go out of their way to make residents comfortable—one person mentioned a caregiver who rearranged their dad’s room so he could use his walker more easily and even hung his pictures to make it feel like home. The staff seem to know the residents well, and they’re good about keeping families in the loop, especially when someone has special needs, like diabetes.

Estimated Pricing

$2,547–$14,078 / mth

Go to provider page

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Important things to know about Memory Care

Memory Care: A Guide to Costs and Selecting the Ideal Facility

Added: Jun 1, 2023

4 min read

Last modified: Nov 26, 2023

Memory care communities offer specialized support for people living with Alzheimer’s...

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