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.
Hillcrest Manor Sanitarium has been around for over 70 years, and it’s known locally for working with seniors who need a higher level of support—especially those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other mental health challenges. The place is smaller, with just 60 beds, and it’s a locked facility, which means it’s designed for people who really need a secure environment.
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.
Santee Elderly Care feels more like a family home than a facility, which is something you notice right away. Residents get a lot of personal attention—staff help with everything from meals and medication reminders to bathing and getting around the house. Folks living here seem to enjoy the relaxed, social vibe. There's plenty of conversation, and activities aren't just the usual bingo—think arts and crafts, music, and even watching golfers out on the nearby course.
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.
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.
Angels Guest Home on Bellagio Road is a small, residential care home that feels more like a family house than an institution. The staff-to-resident ratio is low, so residents get a lot of personal attention—things like help with bathing, getting dressed, and reminders for medication. I’ve seen residents who need walkers or wheelchairs move around easily, since the home is all on one level and set up for accessibility.
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.
Lexington House isn’t a huge facility, but that’s part of its charm. It feels more like a real home than an institution—there’s a small group of residents, so people get to know each other and the staff pretty well. The caregivers are around 24/7 and help with things like bathing, dressing, and medication, but they also seem to genuinely care about the folks who live there.
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.
Georgina Board & Care feels less like an institution and more like a real home—just six residents at a time, all living together in a quiet Chula Vista neighborhood. The staff is known for being hands-on and attentive, helping with everything from bathing and grooming to medication reminders and even arranging for a mobile hairdresser. Meals are homemade, and the kitchen is happy to adjust for special diets, whether it’s low-sodium or diabetes-friendly.
Lyn's Home Care at 1365 El Lugar St is a small, residential care home, not a big facility. This place is licensed for just six residents, so it feels more like a family home than an institution. The owner, Lydia Abille, has been running it since 1996, which is a long time in this business. Most folks here are adults under 60 with developmental, mental health, or physical disabilities—not just seniors. Staff help with the basics: bathing, dressing, taking meds, cleaning, laundry, and meals.
