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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego, CA for 2023

San Diego is a large city on the coast of California. It sits 120 miles south of Los Angeles, close to the Mexican border. The city has a population of almost 1.4 million, and 12.6% of its residents are seniors. The coastal location and California climate make San Diego an appealing choice for older adults looking for a retirement spot that offers a good balance between city amenities and scenic views.

Assisted living communities provide support for seniors who struggle with the activities of daily living but are otherwise healthy. They offer an option for older adults who don’t require nursing home levels of care but could benefit from help with household chores or tasks such as bathing or dressing. The average cost of assisted living in San Diego is $5,475 per month. This is slightly above average for California as a whole, with the state average being $5,250 per month.

This guide covers the cost of assisted living and other types of senior care in San Diego. It also discusses the benefits and downsides of living in the city as a senior and lists some free support and resources available to local older adults.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego, California

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What To Consider About Assisted Living in San Diego

Assisted living facilities in San Diego are regulated by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. This division oversees senior care services and sets out the rules and regulations facilities must abide by. These rules cover staffing, health and safety, medication administration and other issues to ensure the well-being of all residents.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in San Diego

  • The cost of living in San Diego is much higher than in other parts of California, which is itself more expensive than the U.S. average. However, many seniors feel the convenience of living in a scenic coastal area with a wealth of amenities makes the extra cost worthwhile.
  • The air quality in San Diego is rated as good. This may be important to seniors who have chronic respiratory conditions and want to retire somewhere that has lower pollution levels than many U.S. cities.
  • San Diego’s tap water is soft, and the safety of the drinking water is monitored regularly to ensure it meets EPA standards. Seniors who have skin conditions irritated by hard water may find the tap water in San Diego gentle on their skin when bathing or showering.
  • Both violent and property crime rates in the city are lower than the national average. Assisted living communities are usually monitored and staffed 24 hours a day for added peace of mind, and the low crime rates in the city mean seniors can feel safe and confident when out socializing or running errands.
  • The coastal location of the city means residents can take advantage of a generally pleasant climate and a variety of outdoor activities. San Diego attracts a lot of tourists, so entertainment options are abundant.
  • Social Security retirement benefits in California are untaxed, but other forms of retirement income are subject to taxation, and the state has some of the country’s highest sales tax rates. This mixed tax policy means seniors need to plan their finances carefully if they’re considering retiring to San Diego.

Paying for Assisted Living in San Diego

Assisted living communities in San Diego charge an average of $5,475 per month. This is slightly higher than the California average of $5,250. Nationwide, assisted living communities charge an average of just $4,500 per month.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

San Diego’s assisted living communities charge fees that are slightly higher than the state average of $5,250, but they’re far from the most expensive. In nearby Los Angeles, assisted living costs are in line with the average. Further north, fees are much more expensive, with seniors in Salinas paying $6,000 per month and those in Napa paying $6,300. Redding, being located further inland, is one of the cheapest cities in the state, with average fees of just $4,450.

San Diego

$5,475

California

$5,250

The United States

$4,500

Los Angeles

$5,250

Salinas

$6,000

Napa

$6,300

Redding

$4,450

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors have a variety of long-term care options in San Diego. Those who’d prefer to remain in their own homes can opt for homemaker services, costing $6,387 for personal care and housekeeping support, or $6,473 for that support plus some basic health services. Active seniors can attend an adult day health care center for day-to-day assistance, with fees of just $2,058.  A semiprivate room in a nursing home typically costs $9,384, while private rooms cost $12,167.

Homemaker Services

$6,387

Home Health Aide

$6,473

Adult Day Health Care

$2,058

Assisted Living Facility

$5,475

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$9,384

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

$12,167

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Diego

Eligible seniors may receive help paying for assisted living through California’s Assisted Living Waiver Program. Financial aid is also available to those with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through California’s Optional State Supplement (OSS) program. 

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in California

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in California page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in San Diego

Seniors who live in San Diego can take advantage of support from a variety of local government and nonprofit organizations. These organizations run social and recreational activities, offer benefits counseling and other financial advice and also provide wellness services and other support for older adults.

ResourceContactService
Aging and Independent Services(800) 339-4661The Aging and Independent Services agency is San Diego's designated Area Agency on Aging. Run by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, the agency runs programs for seniors and caregivers, offers transportation and meal services and provides wellness programs.
211 San Diego211The 211 San Diego program is a local helpline that provides free advice to older adults. The line helps seniors access Medicare information, get assistance with the activities of daily living, find social connections and get urgent advice in the event of an emergency. 211 is a signposting service that connects seniors to programs run by numerous other organizations.
Riverside CVSO(844) 737-8838The Riverside County Veterans Service Office supports veterans and their immediate relatives. It helps them navigate the VA benefits system and access the support they're entitled to. The CVSO can assist with completing claim forms or appeals in the event a claim has been denied. It also connects seniors with third-party organizations for other forms of support.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in San Diego

San Diego Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in California are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in California page for more information about these laws.


Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in California

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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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