If you're looking for senior care for an elderly loved one in San Diego, CA, nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are great options. These terms are somewhat...
Nursing Home in San Diego, California
If you're looking for senior care for an elderly loved one in San Diego, CA, nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are great options. These terms are somewhat interchangeable and refer to residential facilities that provide 24-hour care by licensed medical professionals. In addition to nursing homes, San Diego also offers independent living and assisted living facilities. Independent living is ideal for seniors who are largely self-sufficient but want access to amenities and social opportunities. Assisted living provides additional support with daily activities like bathing and dressing. The costs of nursing homes in San Diego can be higher than the state average, but the city's average income is also higher than the state average. San Diego consistently ranks as one of the top cities in California for senior living. Some of the top nursing homes in San Diego include The Springs at Pacific Regent, St. Paul's Villa, and Mount Miguel Covenant Village.
Say You're Home is a small, residential care home for seniors—think of it as a cozy house, not a big facility. They have room for just six residents, each with their own private bedroom, so everyone gets a lot of personal attention. The administrator, Lisa Sayre, is listed as the person in charge, and families often mention that the staff is experienced and genuinely attentive.
Parkway Gardens Retirement Care Home is a smaller, home-like assisted living spot where residents get help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. The staff are often described as kind and attentive, and families say their loved ones are treated with respect. Rooms are shared or private, usually with a shared bathroom, and the place is kept clean—no strong odors, which is a good sign.
Lemon Grove Care & Rehabilitation Center isn’t flashy, but it’s a familiar name for many local families facing tough decisions. The building itself is older, but it’s kept up reasonably well—residents mention clean rooms and a couple of sunny patios where folks can sit outside. The center focuses on short-term rehab and long-term nursing care, with a memory care wing for elders with dementia.
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.
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.
Friendship Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center isn’t flashy, but it’s a place where a lot of long-term staff stick around and know the residents by name. Most of the reviews from families and people who’ve stayed there mention that the staff—everyone from housekeeping to the nurses—treat folks with respect and patience. There’s a special shout-out to Shayne in social services and several PT staff (Ron, Jessica, Lisa, Angie, Alex) for going above and beyond.
Avocado Post Acute is a nursing home that’s been around a long time in El Cajon, and honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Some residents and staff say it feels like family—one long-term resident called it her home and said the staff treat her like a queen. You’ll find a lot of the caregivers are from diverse backgrounds, and the ones working directly with residents are often described as patient and kind. But there are also some pretty serious concerns.
California Home For Seniors feels more like a small, local residence than a big institution. Families say the staff here actually get to know each resident, not just by name but by their routines and preferences. The facility covers a wide range of needs—some residents are mostly independent, while others need help with memory issues or daily care. Meals are home-cooked and served in a communal dining room, and there’s a focus on keeping things comfortable and familiar rather than flashy.
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.
Jacob Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing facility that mainly serves older adults who need short-term rehab or long-term care. The building itself is older, and while some visitors have described it as clean and lively, others have found it dated and in need of updates. Staff friendliness gets mixed reviews—some families feel like the team is welcoming and treat residents like family, while others have complained about lost belongings and inattentive care.
Victoria Post Acute Care is a nursing facility in El Cajon that’s been around for years, and locals have plenty to say about it—good and bad. Families who visit often mention the staff being friendly and attentive, with a few nurses like Jojo getting special shout-outs for their warmth and energy. Residents seem to get help with basics like bathing, meals, and managing health issues, and the place is known for being clean (which isn’t always a given in this field).
Grossmont Post Acute Care stands out in La Mesa for offering a mix of short-term rehab, long-term nursing, and memory care under one roof. They have 90 certified beds and are both Medicare and Medicaid certified, which can be a relief for families navigating insurance. Residents here get about 4.5 hours of nurse attention per day, including time with registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and aides—a bit more than you’ll find at some other local facilities.
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.
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.
