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The 10 Best Nursing Homes in San Diego, CA for 2024

Situated along the Pacific coast just 15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, San Diego is a thriving city of over 1.4 million people. The weather in San Diego is mild and sunny year-round, ideal for older adults seeking a snow-free retirement destination. The city is home to numerous top-ranked health care facilities, including UC San Diego Health and Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Seniors with complex medical needs that cannot be safely managed in a non-institutional setting may require nursing home care. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost for semiprivate nursing home care in San Diego is $10,722, which is well above the national average of $7,756. Seniors who don’t require 24/7 medical care may find that other long-term care services such as assisted living or in-home care provide the level of support they need at a cost that’s lower than skilled nursing care.

This guide provides an overview of nursing home costs in San Diego, and how those costs compare to other cities within California. There’s also information on Medicaid, Medicare and VA benefits for seniors who need long-term care and a list of free community resources geared towards older adults.

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Nursing Home Facilities in San Diego, California

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Nursing Home Costs in San Diego, CA

Average monthly nursing home rates in San Diego run $10,722 for a semiprivate room, and $14,433 for a private room. 

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nearby Cities

At an average of $10,722 per month, nursing home rates in San Diego are significantly higher than the national average, $7,756, and the statewide average of $9,247. Costs in nearby cities are notably lower, with rates averaging $7,396 east of San Diego in El Centro. To the north, semiprivate nursing home care costs an average of $8,060 per month in Los Angeles, $8,365 in Oxnard, and $9,962 in Santa Maria. 

San Diego

$10,722

California

$9,247

El Centro

$7,396

Los Angeles

$8,060

Santa Maria

$9,962

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Nursing home care is the costliest type of senior care because it includes 24/7 medical care in a specialized institutional setting. Seniors who are considering nursing home placement may find that less-restrictive long-term care services such as adult day health care, in-home care or assisted living meets their needs. Average monthly rates for adult day programming in San Diego runs $1,733, while in-home care costs an average of $5,716 per month based on 44 hours of care weekly. 

Adult day health care

$1,733

Assisted living

$4,525

Home care

$5,716

Home health care

$5,716

Nursing home (semiprivate room)

$10,722

Nursing home (private room)

$14,433

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in San Diego, CA

Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.

  • Medicare: Medicare will typically cover all skilled nursing costs for the first 20 days of one’s stay in a nursing home and a portion of the costs until day 100. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will not cover any part of the cost of the stay. While this is adequate when short-term care is needed, those in need of long-term care will need to either pay out-of-pocket or use another source of financial assistance.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid covers most of the costs of living in a skilled nursing facility for those who qualify. Care, room, and board are covered with no time limit, but residents may be charged for extras like specially prepared food or cosmetic services. Medicaid eligibility standards are strict and complex, so not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans receiving a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit administered by the VA. Aid and Attendance is a monthly allowance that beneficiaries may use to pay for their long-term care, including skilled nursing care.

If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.

Free Resources for Seniors in San Diego, CA

Navigating long-term senior care can be challenging for seniors, their family members and caregivers. In San Diego, a number of government and nonprofit organizations offer free and low-cost services designed to help seniors navigate the complex issues around Medicaid coverage, guardianship and estate planning. 

ResourceContactService
Senior Legal Services(858) 565-1392Senior Legal Services offers free legal information and advice to seniors aged 60 and older. SLS attorneys can assist with elder law issues such as financial abuse, guardianship, Medicaid benefits and estate planning. 
Alzheimer’s Association — San Diego Chapter(800) 272-3900The San Diego chapter of the national Alzheimer’s Association provides free information, resources and support to people living with memory loss. Services include caregiver and patient support groups, assistance with long-term care benefits and help with finding appropriate community-based and residential care services. 
San Diego County — Adult Protective Services(800) 339-4661Adult Protective Services works to prevent elder abuse among those aged 65 and older, as well as dependent adults. APS workers investigate complaints about elder neglect, abandonment and self-neglect and take steps to connect vulnerable adults with the appropriate support services. 
Senior Options, Advocacy and Referrals(800) 339-4661SOAR is a county-run care management program for frail seniors aged 60 and older who are at risk of nursing home placement, and who are ineligible for other programs. SOAR case managers work with seniors and their caregivers to develop a care plan, source long-term care resources and coordinate services with community resources. 
Long-Term Care Ombudsman(800) 640-4661The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program works to address concerns related to long-term care services. The ombudsman provides free information to seniors and their families on their rights within a long-term care facility and can work to resolve complaints related to these rights. Ombudsmen can also witness advanced care directives in nursing homes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Nursing Homes

Smarie

Other

Review of Reo Vista Healthcare Center

I am only giving two stars because the PT was amazing and the receptionists were amazing. The admin-zero stars! Nursing-for the majority zero stars! There were 1 or 2 nice nurses, however my...

Provider response

Smarie, we're disappointed to hear of the negative experience you had at our location. Thank you for leaving feedback. Please reach out to us so we may identify ways to improve your experience.

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Nursing Homes

Marilyn C.

I visited this facility

Review of Villa Rancho Bernardo

My mother in law was placed here for about 8 months. We are happy that she was in a private room and close to the nurses station because she can get very agitated and confused at night. We loved...

Read more

Nursing Homes

Sister Vickii

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Kearny Mesa Convalescent and Nursing Home

Rooms always clean.Staff was caring, polite and understanding.My sister enjoyed the birthday celebration on the patio.

Read more

Helpful Articles

Nursing Homes near San Diego, CA

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Other Options in San Diego, CA

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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