Explore your memory care options in San Diego, CA. Adjacent to the border of Mexico, San Diego is on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. San Diego is the eighth largest populated state in the United States and the second most populated city in California. 

San Diego is a beautiful coastal city known for its mild climate, stunning beaches, and diverse attractions. San Diego is home to a variety of different cultures and lifestyles, making it a truly unique place to live. There are numerous things to do in San Diego, from exploring the city's many museums and art galleries to enjoying the great outdoors in one of the city's many parks. Whatever your interests, you're sure to find something to enjoy in San Diego.

San Diego is a popular destination for seniors. The city has a mild climate, which makes it a great place for seniors to live year-round. San Diego is home to a number of major attractions, including Balboa Park, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and Legoland California. Other major attractions include the USS Midway Museum and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Additionally, seniors can take advantage of the many senior discounts available in San Diego, such as discounted admission to museums and attractions.

Whether you're a long-time San Diego resident or searching on behalf of a loved one, San Diego memory care communities offer security and peace of mind to the families of older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Memory care residents can receive the specialized care they need and still lead full lives and enjoy all that San Diego has to offer. 

The cost of memory care in San Diego, CA.

Memory care is specialized care and environment provided to seniors with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Memory care nurses and aides receive training to help them understand their patients, and memory care communities (or memory care wings within other types of facilities) are designed to minimize confusion and wandering. Memory care community programming will include activities that might help slow cognitive decline as well as soothe residents who might be prone to agitation common to their conditions.

According to Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Study, the average monthly cost of assisted living care in San Diego is $5,475, which is higher than the national average of $4,500. Residential memory care programs tend to cost about 25% more than assisted living because they require a higher level of caregiver and management expertise, as well as the 24/7 security and caregiving teams required for adequate care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

At 25% more than the average for assisted living, the average monthly cost of memory care in San Diego is $6,844. This is much higher than the national average of $5,625. Costs can differ depending on the size of the facility, the facility’s monitoring systems, 24/7 protective supervision, as well as personal care, and recreational programs geared toward the needs of those living with memory loss.

If you’re not sure what kind of care your loved one needs, speak with their doctor. And keep in mind that senior living communities will perform their own evaluations, to ensure that potential residents will receive the care they need. Generally, assisted living communities can care for mild cognitive impairment, while memory care is reserved for residents who’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Skilled nursing facilities can often accommodate memory care patients, and typically provide 24/7 nursing care like help with catheters, injections, and intravenous medication.

Overall cost of living in San Diego, CA.

Compared to other cities, San Diego’s overall cost of living is much higher than the average. The cost of living in San Diego is 160, whereas the US national average is 100. This is likely due in part to the high median home costs in San Diego. Here is a comparison of the cost of living in nearby cities.

Free resources for San Diego, CA residents

San Diego, CA residents can explore these state and local resources for information about eligibility for certain types of benefits and how they might apply to memory care.

City- and county-based assistance programs

• Aging & Independence Services (AIS) Call Center
• Coast Care Partners (Respite Well Program)
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

City and county resources

• San Diego Agency on Aging
• San Diego’s Department of Veterans’ Services

We hope that this information helps you in your search for memory care in San Diego. You can browse memory care facilities by amenities, price, and other features in order to find the ones that best suit your loved one’s needs. Once you have a short list of options, one of our local advisors can help you schedule tours, accompany you on them, and help you navigate the move-in process.