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.

ActivCare at Mission Bay

4.5
2440 Grand Ave, California 92109
ActivCare at Mission Bay stands out for its focus on memory care, especially for people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. The building is newer, with a bright, clean feel and some thoughtful touches—like murals and themed hallways to help with wayfinding. Families mention the rooms are comfortable and spacious, and the patios are a favorite spot for visits or just watching the birds.
Estimated Pricing
$3,318–$8,365 / mth

Grossmont Gardens Senior Living

4.3
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

Lantern Crest Senior Living

4.3
800 Lantern Crst Wy, California 92071
Lantern Crest Senior Living is the kind of place where families often notice the atmosphere right away—it feels lively, not stuffy. The community offers several levels of care, including independent and assisted living, as well as memory care. Residents have access to a lot of activities, from art classes and exercise groups to movie nights and outings. The rooms are spacious, and many have their own balconies, which families really appreciate.
Estimated Pricing
$3,457–$9,149 / mth

Sun & Sea Manor

4.3
740 7th St, California 91932
Sun & Sea Manor is a smaller, home-like senior care community that specializes in memory care, but also offers assisted living. The first thing families notice is the welcoming staff—people consistently mention how friendly and down-to-earth they are, both during tours and in day-to-day care. The place itself is not fancy or sprawling, but it’s kept very clean and has lots of plants and gardens that residents seem to enjoy.
Estimated Pricing
$2,168–$15,654 / mth

Oakmont of Pacific Beach

4.2
955 Grand Ave, California 92109
Oakmont of Pacific Beach stands out for its upscale, resort-like setting and a focus on both independent and assisted living, as well as memory care. Unlike many senior communities, Oakmont offers genuinely large apartments—studios up to two-bedrooms—that give residents more personal space than most places in San Diego. The dining program is a highlight: meals are made from scratch daily, and the culinary team includes chefs with backgrounds from top culinary schools and restaurants.
Estimated Pricing
$4,494–$6,738 / mth

ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch

4.1
850 Duncan Ranch Rd, California 91914
ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch is focused almost entirely on memory care for seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The staff includes licensed nurses on site every day of the week, and caregivers are trained specifically for dementia support.
Estimated Pricing
$3,050–$14,286 / mth

Plaza Village Senior Living

4.1
950 L Ave, California 91950
Plaza Village Senior Living is a community where residents can get more than just basic care—they can keep a sense of home and independence, even if they need extra support. The setup is different from most places: instead of long hallways and big dining rooms, residents live in smaller 'neighborhoods' with just a few bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a shared living space. This makes it feel more like a real home and less like an institution.
Estimated Pricing
$3,819–$11,716 / mth

Sunrise of La Jolla

4.1
810 Turquoise St, California 92109
Sunrise of La Jolla feels more like a community than an institution. Residents get help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but there's also a strong focus on keeping people active and engaged. The staff includes personal care assistants who help with walking and mobility, and there are nurses on site for health needs. Families mention that the team is friendly and attentive, and the place itself is kept clean and welcoming.
Estimated Pricing
$3,318–$8,365 / mth

The Montera

4.1
5740 Lake Murray Blvd, California 91942
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

Cloisters of the Valley Memory Care

4.0
4171 Camino del Rio S, California 92108
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

St. Paul's Villa

4.0
2340 Fourth Ave, California 92101
St. Paul's Villa stands out in San Diego’s senior care scene for its blend of old-school community roots and modern, flexible care. This place isn’t just about ticking boxes for assisted living or memory care – it’s about creating a real sense of home, especially for folks who want to stay active and social. Residents have their own private rooms, and the staff (including 24/7 licensed nurses) get to know each person, not just their chart.
Estimated Pricing
$3,318–$8,365 / mth

Ivy Park at Bonita

3.9
3302 Bonita Rd, California 91910
Ivy Park at Bonita stands out for its smaller, more intimate memory care setting and the way residents and staff interact. Families often mention how the community feels friendly and welcoming, with several long-term staff members who seem to know residents well. The rooms are a good size, clean, and the layout is easy for seniors to navigate, which is especially important for those with memory issues.
Estimated Pricing
$3,050–$14,286 / mth

Ivy Park at Otay Ranch

3.9
1290 Santa Rosa Dr, California 91913
Ivy Park at Otay Ranch stands out in Chula Vista for offering more than just a place to live – it’s a lively community where seniors can truly stay engaged. Residents here don’t just get help with daily routines; they’re encouraged to keep growing and connecting. The staff includes nurses on site for up to 16 hours a day, plus 24-hour supervision, so families know someone’s always available.
Estimated Pricing
$3,050–$14,286 / mth

MesaView Senior Assisted Living

3.9
7971 Culowee St, California 91942
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

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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...
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