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....

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.

Grossmont Gardens Senior Living

4.2
5480 Marengo Ave, California 91942
Grossmont Gardens Senior Living is one of those places locals talk about when someone needs more than just a safe apartment. The staff here actually gets mentioned by name in reviews—Christina, Suzette, and Alice are a few who come up, especially in memory care. Families say the team is attentive, and there’s a real effort to communicate, like using text messaging to keep loved ones in the loop.
Estimated Pricing
$2,547–$8,312 / mth

Julie'S Elderly Care

4.6
9041 Inverness Rd, California 92071
Julie’s Elderly Care is one of those places that feels more like a real home than a facility. It’s a small, private house where only six residents live together, so everyone gets a lot of attention. Families talk about how the staff is always the same familiar faces—just four people, and someone is there around the clock. Each resident has their own bathroom, which is a detail that makes daily life easier and more private.
Estimated Pricing
$3,457–$9,149 / mth

Silver Heart Chateau

4.3
9724 Eucalyptus Ct, California 92071
Silver Heart Chateau is a small, residential care home tucked into a quiet Santee neighborhood, right next to Lilac Chateau. The place feels more like a family home than a big facility—residents have private rooms and can step outside to a rose garden or stroll along walking paths. The staff includes experienced caregivers on-site 24/7, and a Registered Nurse oversees each resident’s care plan, which is a plus for folks with changing health needs.
Estimated Pricing
$3,457–$9,149 / mth

St. Paul's Plaza

1420 E Palomar St, California 91913
St. Paul's Plaza stands out in Chula Vista for how much it feels like a real neighborhood gathering spot, not just a senior residence. You’ll notice right away that families are encouraged to visit and spend time—there’s a playground for grandkids, a dog park, and even a barbecue area where residents and relatives can grill together. The building itself is modern and welcoming, with a sports pub, dance studio, and a salt-water therapy pool that’s popular for both fitness and relaxation.
Estimated Pricing
$3,050–$14,286 / mth

Windsor Gardens Convalescent Center of San Diego

3.5
220 E 24th St, California 91950
Windsor Gardens Convalescent Center of San Diego stands out mainly for its strong focus on skilled nursing and short-term rehab, with a reputation for reliable care. Families often mention specific staff members by name—Bianca, Eddie, and Speedy—who have made a real difference for residents, which isn’t something you see everywhere. The facility offers a wide range of medical services, from physical and occupational therapy to diabetes management, IV antibiotics, and even mental health support.
Estimated Pricing
$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Fredericka Manor Retirement Community in Chula Vista

183 3rd Ave, California 91910
Fredericka Manor stands out in Chula Vista for its genuine sense of community and history. Locals know it as one of the area’s oldest senior living spots, with roots going back over a century. It’s not just a building—it’s a 24-acre campus dotted with garden cottages, walking paths, and even a lily pond that’s become a bit of a landmark. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, all on one property.
Estimated Pricing
$3,050–$14,286 / mth

Gold Canyon Care Home

4.1
6461 Quillan St, California 92111
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

Casa El Cajon

3.3
306 Shady Ln, California 92021
Casa El Cajon is a smaller, locally-run senior community at 306 Shady Lane, known for its hands-on approach and a staff that’s attentive around the clock. The administrator, Amparo M. Munasque, is listed as the facility’s lead, which suggests a family-style management rather than a corporate chain. Residents get help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders.
Estimated Pricing
$3,607–$11,456 / mth

Hilldale Habilitation Center

3.5
7979 La Mesa Blvd, California 91942
Hilldale Habilitation Center is one of those places that’s been around long enough—over 30 years—that you can usually find someone in La Mesa who knows a resident or staff member there. They focus on supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, not just seniors. What stands out is their Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) status, which means they’re licensed for people who need more than basic help but don’t require full nursing home care.
Estimated Pricing
$2,547–$8,312 / mth

Sungarden Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care

3.8
2045 Skyline Dr, California 91945
Sungarden Terrace feels more like a small neighborhood than a typical senior facility. Residents have access to a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a theater lounge, putting green, and gardens where people actually spend time—not just a patch of grass out front. Meals are served restaurant-style, and the kitchen tries to accommodate individual tastes and dietary needs.
Estimated Pricing
$3,831–$8,768 / mth

Caluya's Residential Care

4.3
2835 E Plaza Blvd, California 91950
Caluya's Residential Care in National City offers a warm, home-like environment for seniors. They focus on helping residents maintain a balanced quality of life with assistance in daily activities, medication management, and transportation for medical purposes. The facility is licensed for six residents, providing a personalized and intimate setting. While specific staff details aren't available, the emphasis is on creating a safe and nurturing space where residents can thrive.
Estimated Pricing
$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Care Partners Assisted Living

3.3
902 Euclid Ave, California 91950
Care Partners Assisted Living at 902 Euclid Ave is a smaller, home-like senior care home tucked into a residential part of National City. Unlike the big, resort-style communities you see advertised, this place feels more like a family house than a facility. Residents share common spaces, and meals are usually cooked fresh in the kitchen—no cafeteria lines or set menus.
Estimated Pricing
$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Care Plus Mansion

4.1
2579 Windmill View Rd, California 92020
If you're looking for a place where your parent can get real support without feeling lost in the shuffle, Care Plus Mansion is worth a look. It's a smaller, home-like setting, so the staff really gets to know each resident—you're not just a room number here. From what families say, people appreciate how attentive and kind the caregivers are, especially with memory care. There are nurses on staff and a doctor on call, which is reassuring if your loved one has changing health needs.
Estimated Pricing
$3,607–$11,456 / mth

Carroll's Residential Care

3.1
655 S Mollison Ave, California 92020
Carroll's Residential Care at 655 S Mollison Ave is one of those places in El Cajon that locals talk about, but not always for the right reasons. While the brochures and online listings paint a picture of a lively assisted living community with activities and attentive care, the reality from recent reviews is far less rosy.
Estimated Pricing
$3,607–$11,456 / mth

Talk to an advisor

Avatar

Need help caring for an elder loved one? We've got you covered.

  • Free consultation with a Senior Advisor
  • Compare pricing for senior services
  • Comprehensive planning for you loved one
or call us directly at 1-800-22-OLERA

Important things to know about Memory Care

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

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...
Learn more