Assisted Living San Diego

Assisted Living Facility with Stellar Care in San Diego

Philanthropic Partner

Licensed through

LICENSE #374603625

Local Owned
Family Facility

Assisted Living in San Diego with Stellar Care

Stellar Care offers Assisted Living services with a specialty in Memory Care. We are a secure premise that your loved one will be monitored and safe from wandering out unescorted.

Our Floor Plans

The Sunset Drive Room

Northern Exposure Suites

Spacious Bathrooms

Impressions from our Assisted Living Activities

A Typical Week at Stellar Care

SCHEDULE A TOUR

While we continue to follow all CDC guidelines, we have resumed and are welcoming in-person tours during regular business hours.

SHOW ME AROUND

or call us at (619) 287-2920

Assisted Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego

The cost of any assisted living or memory and dementia care services in San Diego varies depending on the amenities of the community and the services needed. Stellar Care is a secure community that provides a variety of activities that are best suited for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Pricing at Stellar Care is based on the current level of the prospective resident and the level of care that they would need, based on an assessment by our Assisted Living Services team, prior to moving in.

Once they are a resident, Care Plan meetings with Stellar Care management take place as needed, to check in on and assess the level of care the resident is receiving and if any changes need to take place. Please call or email our team to discuss Stellar Care’s pricing.

How Does the Assisted Living Waiver Program San Diego Work?

According to the California Department of Health Care Services, Assisted Living Waiver eligible individuals are those who are enrolled in Medi-Cal and meet the level of care provided in a nursing facility due to their medical needs. Individuals with Medi-Cal benefits that include a share of cost may not enroll in the ALW.

Stellar Care accepts:

Assisted Living Waivers
private payment plans
long term care insurance payments

How Do We Accommodate Those With Alzheimer's Looking for Assisted Living in San Diego?

As a community specializing in memory care and care for those living with Alzheimer’s in San Diego, our staff is specially trained to care for and attend to our residents. We use various redirection methods to assist and ease stress and use compassionate truths to comfort confusion, especially during sundowning.

Sundowning is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Many people will experience an urgency to complete their “normal routine” in the evening, even when that hasn’t been their “normal routine” for many years or even decades. These routines may include the urgency to make their commute going home from work, check out of a hotel, cook dinner, or go home and see their family as they would have during their pre-retired life. These are extremely common and normal feelings and our caregivers use redirection and reassurance methods to help soothe the stress & urgency the residents may feel. Getting our residents involved in movie & documentary discussions, puzzles, and other activities can help in these areas as well.

What Exactly Does Assisted Living Mean?

Elderly individuals fear losing independence and their home, which is very understandable. However, the reality remains that seniors need more help as they age, and assisted living allows them to feel independent for longer by offering help without being overbearing. Medication management, as well as aid with using the restroom, dressing, and grooming, are among the most typical assisted living services.

What is the Difference Between a Nursing Home and Assisted Living?

Assisted living is not the same as a nursing home or skilled nursing care. Residents at a skilled nursing facility are cared for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by a carefully trained medical team. Assisted living is for persons who require assistance with daily duties. Nursing homes are for patients who require a higher, more continuous level of care, which is often available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Is Assisted Living Covered by Medicare?

No, assisted living facilities or any other long-term residential care, such as nursing homes or memory care, are not covered by Medicare. However, assisted living residents are covered for Medicare-covered health services, just like any other Medicare beneficiary in whatever living circumstance.

What is the Difference Between Type A and Type B Assisted Living?

The types are used to determine costs and coverage. Type A usually consists of life care with an entry fee, predictable monthly fee, and guaranteed coverage for assisted living, memory care, and long-term skilled nursing care. With Type B coverage elderly get continuing care, an entry fee, increased costs for monthly care, and access to assisted living, memory care, and long-term nursing homes.

How Does Medicare Work with Assisted Living?

When Medicare does pay for assisted living, it only does so in extremely limited circumstances. Traditional Medicare does not provide long-term care, but it does provide short-term benefits to seniors with recoverable diseases.

Is Assisted Living Cheaper Than a Nursing Home?

Assisted living costs roughly half the amount of a nursing home because the seniors still take care of most of their own needs. In a nursing home, patients are dependent on trained professionals for all of their care needs. Essentially, the more care needed, the higher the cost.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in an Assisted Living Home?

Annually the cost of assisting living care is in the high thousands but depends on location and level of care. Furthermore, rent and services are frequently separated in pricing. Rent covers the cost of your residence, which varies depending on its size and location. Three meals a day, housekeeping, transportation, activities, and some level of personal support are typical services.

What are the 5 Levels of Care in Assisted Living?

Lower levels allow minimal care for those who only need a little assistance. Elderly who can take care of their own personal hygiene and medication fit the requirements for this level. Higher levels help seniors who need additional care with personal hygiene, dressing, and grooming with more one-on-one support from staff, increasing the costs of care. Additionally, higher levels include care with mobility and incontinence or other hands-on assistance. After the physical care needs are met, the highest levels attend to memory and dementia care.

What are the Different Types of Assisted Living?

You may be surprised to learn there are several types of assisted living, including those who are not elderly. Beyond senior care, you can find assisted living for disabled individuals, veterans, young seniors such as those who are 55 plus, and older seniors. All of these options are for seniors who can care for most of their needs themselves and only require assistance.

What Should I Expect from an Assisted Living Facility?

Assisted living homes provide a safe living space in a community of peers with additional support. As such, the residents can expect assistance with daily living, three meals a day, educational activities, emergency systems, exercise, health services, medication administration, housekeeping, and laundry. Above all, residents should be treated with respect and dignity along with autonomy and freedom. They should also retain their privacy and access to advocacy.

What is it Like Living in Assisted Living?

In an assisted living complex, life is not structured. Aside from meal times and specified activities, residents have complete control over their time. There is 24-hour supervision, which ensures that assistance is always accessible if needed. Additionally, residents can go to bed and wake up whenever they choose and schedule a day around the community’s planned events or other interests.

Is Assisted Living a Good Idea?

Assisted living offers a lot of benefits, despite the high cost, making it a wonderful option for the elderly. Seniors will have company, meals, help with hygiene, and activities. At home the elderly can be overwhelmed by chores and daily tasks that an assisted living facility can care for instead.

What are the Pros and Cons of Assisted Living?

The three main conflicts for families when moving to an assisted living space are finances, closeness to family, and to their familiar neighborhood and routine. Assisted living has many benefits outway the cons, such as a thriving community of peers, help with every aspect of living they require, meals they do not have to prepare or clean up, and tons of activities on the premises. The benefits are vast and well worth it to know your parents are well cared for when you cannot be their caregiver.

What is the Difference Between Long-Term Care and Assisted Living?

Assisted living facilities become permanent residences, while long-term care provides a short stay of one month or longer to help a person recover from illness or injury. Long-term can also mean any form of senior living where they receive additional care. Sometimes, the elderly only need care for a few months to get back on their feet, but others will need services on an ongoing basis.

Our Amenities

Secure
Studios & Community

Dementia Care Professionals
On-Site 24/7

Freshly Prepared Meals Three Times Daily

Nutritious & Delicious Snacks Throughout the Day

Housekeeping, Laundry, and Linen Service

Emergency Response System in Studios and Bathrooms

Beauty Salon and Barbershop On-Site

Television + Cable Package Included

Impressions from Our Facility

Our Services

Memory Care

Our experienced staff provides a structured environment where residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can thrive with set routines.

Club Stellar

Residents who are early on in the progression of their dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may be eligible for our Club Stellar program and special rate.

Dining

Our staff prepares nutritious meals three times a day, featuring in-season fruits and vegetables, homemade soups, and diabetic options.

Activities

The Stellar Care activities staff curates tailored activities, field trips, and programs for all residents at various levels in the progression of their dementia.

Latest Blog Posts

Caregiver supporting dementia patient with dysphagia and swallowing

Dysphagia in Dementia: Causes & Symptoms

Learn about dysphagia in dementia, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Discover strategies for safe swallowing and caregiving.

Read Article

Laxatives for Dementia: Risks, Benefits, Alternatives

Learn about safe laxative use in dementia patients, the risks, and natural methods to manage constipation with compassionate care.

Read Article

Top Gift Ideas for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients

Discover thoughtful gifts for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to support cognitive health and well-being.

Read Article

Can Diabetes Type 3 Cause Dementia?

Do people with diabetes have a higher risk of dementia due to factors like insulin resistance, blood vessel damage, and inflammation?

Read Article

ADHD and Dementia Symptoms and Risk Factors

Understand the symptoms and risk factors of ADHD and dementia. Explore the differences, and common misconceptions.

Read Article

Hospice or Hospital? Understand the Key Differences

Confused about hospice or hospital care? Learn the essential differences and choose the best option for your needs.

Read Article

Assisted Living Articles

Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living

Fun Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living Assisted Living Activity Ideas Everyone who comes to Stellar Care has unique skills, interests, and talents. We aim

How to Make Assisted Living Feel Like Home

How to Make Assisted Living Feel Like Home How to Make Assisted Living Feel Like Home Transitioning to an assisted living facility is a big

Elderly Parent Refuses Assisted Living

Elderly Parent Refuses Assisted Living Elderly Parent Refuses Assisted Living: What Can You Do? When you realize your elderly parent is not keeping up with

How many seniors live in San Diego?

As of 2022, San Diego holds just shy of 370,000 seniors from the age of 55 and up, making up about 25 percent of the population. Seniors 55 to 64 include about 160,000 people, ages 65 to 74 around 120,000, 75 to 84 around 62,000, and 85 plus at about 27,000 people.

Best Cafes in San Diego for Elderly

San Diego knows coffee and provides tons of places to get a little caffeine. However, the best places for seniors include the right ambiance and options for a light snack. Here are the best to try:

The Living Room Coffeehouse offers a European style with Californian flair. Try a variety of fruit-topped treats or a soup and sandwich along with your favorite coffee brew, all at reasonable prices.

Gem Coffee provides an oasis from the hustle and bustle with modern decor and greenery. With low prices and unique flavors like a Lavender latte, seniors can sit down and relax.

Older adults will enjoy the blend of food and coffee with tons of variety at the Chiefy Cafe. The place offers comfort, too, and an outdoor eating area. However, they are known for their waffles and for being a dog-friendly place. If your elderly parent loves pets and cannot have them at their care facility, take them here!

Death Cafe gives people a relaxing place to talk about death, something everyone will experience at some point. Do not worry; it’s not a morbid place, just open to alternative conversation.

Senior-Friendly Parks and Walking Paths in San Diego

Taking the elderly person in your life on a few walks every week is a great way to ensure their continued happiness and good health. Your legs, heart, and brain may all reap the rewards of regular walking. In addition, the elderly may benefit from gentle encouragement to begin a walking routine.

Live Oak County Park in Fallbrook

Awe-inspiring old oak trees at this park offer tranquility for the elderly. They can walk on concrete paths throughout the park too. An amphitheater at the park might offer some fun too.

Lake Murray

Lake Murray is a wonderful place to spend time in both natures for seniors, the 6.4-mile round-trip path that almost completely encircles the lake is a great way to take in the beauty of San Diego.

Presidio Park Trail

Presidio Park’s walk boasts beautiful vistas and a grove of eucalyptus trees, among many other species of flora. There are public restrooms, as well as benches and picnic tables, available for seniors to sit and enjoy nature.

Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

Views of the coast from this marsh are spectacular. Along the two-mile loop around the lagoon, you may see the marsh, native vegetation, prickly pear cactuses, prehistoric shells, and a plethora of fish, birds, and insects.

Otay Valley Regional Park

Visit the expansive Otay Valley Regional Park in Chula Vista for a serene stroll along a beautiful river valley. An abundance of local wildlife, including gray foxes, raccoons, desert cottontails, American badgers, and birds, can be seen along the 8.3 miles of hiking paths.

Best Hair Salons in San Diego for Elderly in Assisted Living

Twig Hair Lounge offers affordable haircuts as they are a learning salon. With vintage furniture dotting the landscape and friendly stylists, seniors will feel right at home. Also, they focus on using the best ingredients and giving their customers an inviting experience.

Wild Honey Salon provides many different services to make hair gorgeous. While their prices are a little high, customers love the ambiance and comfort of the location. They sell several lines of hair care products too.

Kensington Park Salon is an ageless salon catering to all with a relaxed environment in a hip part of town. Seniors will feel pampered and comfortable with their hair in the hands of someone they can trust.

Senior Discounts in San Diego

The elderly want to enjoy their retirement and explore! Here are some fun places to take seniors with discounts for those over the age of 60 to 65 plus.

Places

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is $15.50 for people aged 60 and older.

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House for about $8 if they are over 65.

Junipero Serra Museum $5 for people 65 and older who get a discount.

Mingei International Museum for about $7 less.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (La Jolla) costs about $5.

Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA) seniors cost about $7.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center for people 65 and older costs $8.95.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum costs $8 for people 65 and older.

San Diego Natural History Museum costs $17.

San Diego Automotive Museum costs $6 for people aged 64 and up.

San Diego Museum of Art seniors 65 plus cost around $10.

Museum of Us in San Diego seniors 62 and older can get tickets for about $10.

San Diego History Center for people 65 and older costs $8.

San Diego Air & Space Museum costs $16.50.

Firehouse Museum for seniors costs about $2.

Veterans Museum and Memorial Center for people 65 and older tickets cost $4.

Whaley House Museum tickets cost between $6 and $8 USS.

Midway Museum tickets cost $17.

National Parks aged 62 and up can get a $20 annual pass or an $80 lifetime pass.

Restaurants

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card 60+.

Bob’s Big Boy: Discount varies by location 60+

Chili’s: 10% off 55+

Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter 55+

Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off 60+

Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off 62+

Tea Room Cafe: 10% off 50+

Village Inn: 10% off 60+

Waffle House: 10% off every Monday 60+

Senior Transportation Services in San Diego

If you have more time to spend in San Diego, you can also get to many of the attractions in the city’s interior. The public transportation system in the area makes getting around quickly, easily, and cheaply. Seniors can enjoy several trolleys as well for added fun.

Seniors A Go Go is a volunteer driver program that helps seniors get around and stay in touch with their communities by giving them rides. Clients ask for rides in advance, which gives ElderHelp plenty of time to carefully plan pick-up, drop-off, or even door-to-door service.

Happy 2 Help Transportation

Happy2Help is the best non-emergency transportation service in San Diego. It was started by a long-time In-Home Care worker who felt that clients in San Diego County did not get enough of a personal touch when it came to getting good transportation at an affordable price. Their services are made for regular passengers, seniors, and people with limited mobility who need reliable transportation.

Things to Do in San Diego for Seniors

San Diego has plenty of fun places for seniors and their families to visit, no matter their level of activity or interests.

Experience San Diego’s Past in Its Historic Core

Old Town San Diego is within a short distance from Bankers Hill, home to St. Paul’s Villa and St. Paul’s Manor. In addition to real Mexican cuisine, museums, shops, and live music, this historic district is home to various restored and replica structures from the Mexican-American era of the 1800s.

Check out the Coronado Hotel

Browse the unique stores and boutiques of the Hotel Del Coronado. In addition, several of the bars and restaurants at this world-famous historical landmark offer breathtaking views of the sun setting over the ocean.

Stop by Balboa Park

The park is home to the Los Angeles Zoo, in addition to numerous gardens, museums, restaurants, and shops. A Senior Lounge is available at the Casa Del Prado, where visitors can relax with a cup of coffee and chat with other senior citizens. They also have other hobbies available, like needlework, painting, cribbage, and even park strolls.

Home-Delivered Meals Program in San Diego for Homebound Seniors

The Aging and Independence Services of San Diego County offers More on the Menu (MOM) for homebound seniors with regular deliveries of fresh fruits and vegetables thanks to the aid of the team at Serving Seniors.

Community Health Services of the Mountains focuses on nutrition for seniors in San Diego County. Mountain Health, in conjunction with San Diego County, some of which are delivered to seniors who are unable to leave their homes.

Services for Jewish Families partners with Meals on Wheels America to provide senior citizens (those 60 and up) with three different food delivery options: Senior Nutrition, Expanded Senior Nutrition, and Food mobile. Meals are made daily and delivered under the supervision of a trained dietician with options for low-sodium, gluten-free, vegetarian, and medically friendly options.

Food Delivery Service Meals on Wheels is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of San Diego’s senior population and has come a long way from its inception in 1960 when a handful of ladies decided to bring meals to their elderly neighbors.

Martha’s Senior Gourmet comes with a fee but delivers gourmet meals specifically designed for the needs of seniors. Diabetic, renal, low potassium, low sodium, and other special diets are all easily accommodated by their menu options, along with many others. The meals are all balanced and produced with seasonal ingredients.