Best Assisted Living in El Cajon, CA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 12 assisted living communities in El Cajon, CA using CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in CA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in El Cajon, CA our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in El Cajon, CA.
12 homes
Other senior care options in El Cajon:

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Info below is compiled from the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
A complaint visit is an unannounced on-site visit by California's Community Care Licensing Division to investigate a complaint about the community, filed by a resident, a family member, staff or anyone else. A visit means a complaint was looked into, not that it was proven: the state may find it substantiated, inconclusive or unfounded. Fewer visits is better.
Count of California state "Type A" citations — the state's most serious citation category (immediate or serious harm to residents), from California state inspection data.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Villa Alegre Senior Care Homes
AL
RESC
El Cajon
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,133 / 2,023
A+Yes
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 56
Rank #1,395 / 1,409
6
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 1,965
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
16
Facility 16
CA AVG 11
Rank #537 / 1,980
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1 / 1,829
Frederick M/Donnah Rey Locsin-
Good Samaritan Retirement Home
AL
HOS
IL
El Cajon
110
Facility 110
CA AVG 74
Rank #573 / 2,023
A+No
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 56
Rank #1,395 / 1,409
8
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 6
Rank #745 / 1,965
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
26
Facility 26
CA AVG 11
Rank #225 / 1,980
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,622 / 1,829
Daughters Of Mary Immaculate C Chaldean Sisters-
Casa El Cajon
AL
El Cajon
99
Facility 99
CA AVG 74
Rank #649 / 2,023
B+Yes
82
Facility 82
CA AVG 56
Rank #243 / 1,409
32
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 6
Rank #1,666 / 1,965
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
35
Facility 35
CA AVG 11
Rank #53 / 1,980
89.9%
Facility 89.9%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #463 / 1,829
Lillian Franklin-
Lucie’s Cozy Cottage
AL
HOS
MC
RC
El Cajon
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,118 / 2,023
A+Yes
34
Facility 34
CA AVG 56
Rank #1,089 / 1,409
6
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 1,965
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 11
Rank #874 / 1,980
55.6%
Facility 55.6%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,571 / 1,829
Caring Cottage, LLC-
La Vida Real
AL
IL
MC
El Cajon
177
Facility 177
CA AVG 74
Rank #199 / 2,023
B-Yes
69
Facility 69
CA AVG 56
Rank #499 / 1,409
46
31
Facility 31
CA AVG 6
Rank #1,836 / 1,965
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,125 / 2,011
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 11
Rank #716 / 1,980
70.1%
Facility 70.1%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1,153 / 1,829
Lvr Subtenant LLC And Srg Managment LLCAlcove / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Lo-Har Senior Living
AL
MC
El Cajon
68
Facility 68
CA AVG 74
Rank #845 / 2,023
C+Yes
72
Facility 72
CA AVG 56
Rank #445 / 1,409
96
67
Facility 67
CA AVG 6
Rank #1,944 / 1,965
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,605 / 2,011
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 11
Rank #953 / 1,980
89.7%
Facility 89.7%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #464 / 1,829
Granite Hills Senior Living, IncStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Bosworth Garden LLC
AL
El Cajon
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,133 / 2,023
A+No-5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 1,965
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 11
Rank #1,368 / 1,980
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1 / 1,829
Bosworth Garden, LLC-
Blossom Valley Residential Care
AL
MC
El Cajon
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,133 / 2,023
B+No-4
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 6
Rank #1 / 1,965
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #795 / 2,011
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 11
Rank #1,824 / 1,980
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1 / 1,829
Blossom Valley Residential Care Inc-
El Cajon Senior Care Home
AL
HC
MC
NH
El Cajon
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,133 / 2,023
C-No-6
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 6
Rank #536 / 1,965
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #795 / 2,011
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 11
Rank #811 / 1,980
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #1 / 1,829
Terra Lane Residential Care Inc-
Assisted Living at Woodburn
AL
El Cajon
6
Facility 6
CA AVG 74
Rank #1,133 / 2,023
?No-6
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 6
Rank #536 / 1,965
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 2,011
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 11
Rank #1,642 / 1,980
83.3%
Facility 83.3%
CA AVG 76.5%
Rank #583 / 1,829
Richard Essery-

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each assisted living community is ranked against every other CA assisted living community we track that reports that metric, not just the 12 analyzed for El Cajon. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Villa Alegre Senior Care Homes

Villa Alegre Senior Care Homes provides assisted living and Residential Care in El Cajon, California. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication while supporting a resident’s day to day independence.

The home has six beds, creating a small setting where staff and residents can get to know one another. It may suit someone who prefers a smaller community. All six beds are currently occupied, so there is no available opening at present. Frederick Locsin serves as the administrator, and the community is operated by Locsin, Frederick M and Donnah Rey. Pets are allowed, so a resident may bring a pet to live with them.

Contact Villa Alegre Senior Care Homes

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Overview of Good Samaritan Retirement Home

Good Samaritan Retirement Home offers assisted living, hospice care, and independent living in El Cajon, CA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks, while independent living is for residents who want private living with community services and no daily care.

Hospice care supports residents who need care at the end of life. The community has 110 beds, and respite care is available for short stays, which can give a family caregiver time to travel or recover.

Rehabilitation therapy, services provided in the home, and caregiver support are also available. Residents can access therapy, while families can receive support related to caregiving. Good Samaritan Retirement Home is administered by Susan Sorensen and operated by Chaldean Sisters, Daughters Of Mary Immaculate C. The range of care may suit a resident whose support needs change over time, from independent living to assisted living or hospice care.

Price range $3,100 - $3,450/Month Info Pricing updated on July 28th, 2026

Contact Good Samaritan Retirement Home

Overview of Casa El Cajon

Casa El Cajon is an assisted living home offering family-like treatment offering a warm atmosphere for seniors who seek to find quality support services at an affordable rate.

Residents can feel confident with the lifestyle they’ll be able to enjoy during their stay, and their families can rest easy knowing that their loved ones are in good hands. With its close-knit relationship between staff and fellow residents, seniors can expand their social life. 

Contact Casa El Cajon

Overview of Lucie’s Cozy Cottage

As its name suggests, Lucie’s Cozy Cottage is a welcoming atmosphere that provides endless opportunities awaiting discovery in a tightly-knit residence. The senior living home in El Cajon specializes in assisted living services that strive to reach the holistic needs of its residents. The cozy, homey place creates an environment of compassion and love for each senior. Lucie’s well-trained staff is committed to encouraging and inspiring its residents to pursue a thriving and purposeful life.

Management and staff are dedicated to delivering a comfortable and flexible retirement experience in a close-knit setting. The community’s extensive list of services includes medication management, 24-hour caregiver availability, transportation and housekeeping, and wellness programs.

Price range $5,000 - $7,000/Month Info Pricing updated on July 28th, 2026

Contact Lucie’s Cozy Cottage

La Vida Real

11588 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA 92019
Overview of La Vida Real

La Vida Real offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care in El Cajon, California. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication while a resident keeps a private apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services but no daily care. Memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

The multiple care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving from one level to another can happen without leaving the community. La Vida Real has 177 beds. Housing includes alcove, one bedroom, and two bedroom layouts, with a two bedroom giving a couple the option to move together or allowing someone to have a companion.

Pets are allowed, so residents may be able to bring a pet with them. A Walk Score of 69 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, meaning some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may have nearby errands within walking distance. Kimberly Garcia serves as the administrator, and the community is operated by Lvr Subtenant and Srg Managment.

Starting Price $5,395/Month Info Pricing updated on October 8th, 2026

Contact La Vida Real

Overview of Lo-Har Senior Living

Lo-Har Senior Living is an outstanding senior living community located in the scenic setting of Dorothy Street, El Cajon, CA, offering assisted living and memory care. The community prides itself on a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals helping with daily living activities and personal needs 24/7. Housekeeping and laundry are also handled by the community to ensure residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle.

With a lot of exciting activities and enriching programs, residents do not run out of things to do to spend their days happily. Here, residents eat well and feel their best with delightful and healthy meals served to cater to their dietary needs and tastes. Lo-Har Senior Living is ideal for seniors aiming to optimize their freedom with its top-tier services and an inviting environment.

Price range $3,250 - $3,950/Month Info Pricing updated on July 28th, 2026

Contact Lo-Har Senior Living

Overview of Bosworth Garden

Bosworth Garden provides assisted living in El Cajon, CA. Assisted living offers help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, allowing residents to receive support with everyday needs.

With six beds, Bosworth Garden is a smaller community that may suit someone who prefers a more intimate setting. Residents can take part in movie nights and gardening, offering structured opportunities for entertainment and hands-on activity.

Contact Bosworth Garden LLC

Overview of Blossom Valley Residential Care

Blossom Valley Residential Care offers assisted living and memory care in El Cajon, CA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication while a resident keeps a private living space, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

The home has six beds, creating a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other. Having both assisted living and memory care may suit a resident whose needs could grow over time, since different care levels are available within the same community. Outdoor patios, walking areas and park-like spaces give residents places to spend time outside, and views are available from every room. A walk-in bathtub allows easier entry and exit during bathing.

Contact Blossom Valley Residential Care

Overview of El Cajon Senior Care Home

El Cajon Senior Care Home is a six-bed community in El Cajon, California, offering assisted living, home care, memory care and nursing home care. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks, while memory care provides supervision in a secured setting for someone at risk of wandering. Nursing home care includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock, and home care supports a person in their own home.

Respite care is available for short-term stays, which can help when a family caregiver needs to travel or recover. The six-bed size may suit someone who prefers a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other, though all six beds are currently occupied. Terra Lane Residential Care operates the community, with kosher, vegetarian, diabetic-friendly and low-sodium or heart-healthy dining options, as well as off-site outings that give residents activities beyond the home.

Contact El Cajon Senior Care Home

Overview of Assisted Living at Woodburn

Assisted Living at Woodburn provides assisted living in El Cajon, California, with help available for daily tasks while residents live in private rooms. Staff are available around the clock, so support is there when needed.

The six-bed community may suit someone who prefers a smaller residential setting. Fully furnished rooms can make moving in simpler by reducing the need to arrange furniture, while arts and crafts, games, and outings provide planned activities to join. Richard Essery operates the community.

Contact Assisted Living at Woodburn

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in El Cajon, CA

What is the average cost of assisted living in El Cajon, CA?

The average monthly cost of assisted living in El Cajon, CA is approximately $5,500. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for assisted living in El Cajon, CA?

Assisted living in El Cajon, CA typically ranges from $4,500–$7,500 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is the typical staff-to-resident ratio at assisted living facilities in El Cajon, CA?

Assisted living facilities in El Cajon, CA typically operate with a staff-to-resident ratio in the range of 1:6 to 1:12.

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in California?

Assisted living in California supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in California?

Assisted living in California is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does California Medicaid cover assisted living?

California Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including California) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.

Assisted Living in El Cajon at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 44/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in El Cajon, CA. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 42The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in El Cajon, CA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90