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.
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.
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.
House of Grace Senior Care feels more like a family home than a big facility. It's a smaller place, so the staff really gets to know each resident—you're not just a number here. They help with things like bathing, getting dressed, and making sure medications are taken on time, but they also encourage folks to stay as independent as possible. The team is there around the clock, and families say their loved ones feel supported and respected.
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.
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.
