Senior Living FAQs in San Diego, CA

A Life Plan Community, sometimes called a continuing care retirement community or CCRC, is a senior living community that offers independent living along with access to higher levels of care. Residents can enjoy the comfort, convenience and connection of community life while knowing additional support is available if they need it later.

At Casa de las Campanas, this includes access to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. This model helps residents plan for the future without giving up the lifestyle they want today.

A Type A Life Plan Community is based on a contract structure that helps residents plan more predictably for future care. At Casa, residents have the benefit of their independent living monthly fee carrying over with them to higher levels of care. They simply pay for additional meals and ancillary services as needed. Casa de las Campanas is the only not-for-profit Type A Life Plan Community in San Diego County.

This is different from modified or fee-for-service contracts, where costs may increase more significantly when a resident moves to assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing care.

An entrance fee is a one-time payment that helps provide access to the Life Plan Community model and continuing care services. The entrance fee amount is based on factors such as the residence selected and the number of occupants.

Many residents use proceeds from the sale of a home toward the entrance fee. For families comparing senior living costs in San Diego, it is helpful to look at the entrance fee, monthly fee and potential future care costs together.

Monthly fees may include access to community amenities and services such as meals, flat linen service, housekeeping, utilities, cable and internet. These services are designed to make daily life simpler and more enjoyable.

For many residents, the monthly fee replaces common costs of homeownership, including utilities, maintenance, landscaping and other household responsibilities.

Residents should plan for personal expenses that may not be included in the monthly fee. These may include telephone service, medications, outside medical bills, therapies and other personal purchases.

During the decision process, it is helpful to ask for a clear overview of what expenses are included, what are optional and what may vary based on personal needs.

Yes. Residents may keep a car. Each resident is designated an uncovered parking space at no charge, and apartment residents may rent garage parking for a modest monthly fee. Casa also offers electric vehicle charging stations and scheduled transportation when residents prefer not to drive.

Casa de las Campanas is pet-friendly. Pets are permitted in all living residences, and the campus includes two dog parks. Casa is also located across from a larger dog park in Rancho Bernardo Community Park.

Because pet guidelines may vary by residence and situation, residents should speak with a sales representative for complete policy details.

Casa is a not-for-profit corporation formed under California law. The community is governed by a Board of Directors made up of local businesspeople who serve without pay. Casa also retains an Executive Director and Administrator as part of its management partnership with LCS^®.

Applicants must be at least 60 years old or have a spouse who is at least 60. Residents must also be able to live independently with reasonable accommodations and demonstrate the financial ability to meet the terms of the residency agreement. There is no maximum age limit as long as these criteria are met.

Yes, depending on availability. Residents may move from one residence to another at a later date. Moving costs or renovating expenses are the resident’s responsibility.

Independent living is designed for older adults who want freedom from many responsibilities of homeownership while staying active, engaged and independent. It offers private residences, community amenities, dining, wellness opportunities, social programming and services that make daily life easier.

At Casa de las Campanas, independent living gives residents the flexibility to enjoy their own routines while staying connected to neighbors, activities and the broader San Diego lifestyle.

Staying in your home may feel familiar, but it can also become isolating, expensive or physically demanding over time. Independent living can reduce the stress of home maintenance while adding more opportunities for friendship, activity and convenience.

Residents can enjoy chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, social opportunities and 24-hour staff presence while continuing to live life on their own terms.

A Type A Life Plan Community offers both lifestyle and long-term planning value. Residents can enjoy independent living now while knowing that assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation are available on campus if they are ever needed.

For many families, this creates peace of mind because future care decisions are not left to chance during an emergency.

As a not-for-profit organization, Casa is guided by its mission, values and long-term responsibility to residents. Surplus revenues are reinvested into the community rather than distributed to owners or shareholders.

This focus helps support stability, improvement and a resident-centered approach to senior living in San Diego.

For seniors tired of living alone, an independent living community offers social connection and meaningful activities. For people who don’t want to cook every day, communities like Casa offer delicious chef-prepared meals in restaurant-style settings. And for people whose families worry about their safety, independent living has staff on-site 24 hours a day. Read our blog to learn more about why independent living may be the best option for you or what the differences are between independent living and assisted living.

Yes. Long-term care insurance can be valuable, but policies vary and benefits may be limited. A Life Plan Community offers a more comprehensive future care plan, while long-term care insurance may help offset certain costs depending on the policy.

Residents should review their coverage carefully and speak with their insurance provider to understand how benefits may apply.

Assisted living is for older adults who need help with activities of daily living but still want to maintain as much independence as possible. These daily tasks may include bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, walking, transferring, medication routines, transportation and housekeeping.

At Casa de las Campanas, assisted living is available to independent living residents of the Life Plan Community who need added support. Trained licensed nurses and certified nursing aides are available to provide personalized assistance while helping residents preserve their dignity and independence.

Assisted living focuses on daily support, personal care and independence. It is appropriate for residents who need help with certain routines but do not require ongoing clinical supervision.

A nursing home or skilled nursing setting provides a higher level of medical care. Skilled nursing may be needed after illness, injury, surgery or a health change that requires licensed nursing involvement.

Assisted living at Casa is designed to help residents remain as independent as possible. Residents receive support in the comfort and privacy of their apartment-home while continuing to enjoy familiar surroundings, activities, dining and community connections.

The goal is to provide the right amount of help without taking away personal choice.

A physician’s assessment is a good place to start. Families should also pay attention to daily patterns. Assisted living may be appropriate when a loved one is missing medications, struggling with bathing or dressing, skipping meals, experiencing falls or needing more support than family can safely provide.

If a senior needs regular help with daily tasks, assisted living may provide the right balance of support and independence.

Yes. Residents have the freedom to furnish and decorate their space in a way that feels comfortable and personal. Beloved furniture, artwork, family photos and familiar belongings can help create a homelike feel to their residence.

Yes. Casa offers a full schedule of activities, socials and entertainment. Residents have opportunities to build friendships, enjoy familiar hobbies, and participate in life-enriching services and amenities throughout the community.

Yes. Casa offers transportation for physician visits, along with frequent group outings for shopping, dining, entertainment and local experiences around San Diego.

Casa offers a continuum of care. In addition to assisted living, residents have access to memory care, short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. These levels of care can provide round-the-clock support for individuals recovering from illness or injury, or those needing long-term care or supervision.

Memory care is specialized support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. It provides a secure, structured and compassionate environment where residents receive help with daily routines, personal care, medication support and meaningful engagement.
At Casa de las Campanas, memory care focuses on safety, dignity and quality of life. Each team member is trained in the innovative and proven Heartfelt Connections – A Memory Care Program™. This LCS Signature Experience program based on the latest in memory care research and best practices. Team members work with residents, caregivers and families to create an approach that supports each person’s abilities and preferences.

Assisted living supports residents who need help with daily activities. Memory care provides that support plus specialized services for cognitive changes, wandering risk, confusion, communication challenges and dementia-related behaviors.

Memory care also emphasizes routine, secure spaces and activities designed for people experiencing memory loss.

Yes. Memory care team members are trained in the innovative and proven Heartfelt Connections – A Memory Care Program™, a comprehensive program based on the latest in memory care research and best practices. The program is an LCS Signature Experience, providing an innovative approach that focuses on person-centered care for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Dementia care can be combined with assisted living or skilled nursing care when appropriate. If a resident’s needs change, Casa can adjust the level of care through its on-site continuum.

This flexibility is one of the key benefits of choosing a Life Plan Community.

Yes. Familiar belongings can be especially comforting for people living with memory loss. Photos, favorite furniture, meaningful keepsakes and familiar decorations can help create a sense of identity, comfort and belonging.

Yes. Loved ones are welcome and encouraged to visit. Family presence can be deeply meaningful for residents living with dementia. Visitors may share meals, participate in activities or simply spend quiet time together.

Skilled nursing care is for seniors who need short-term support while recovering from illness, injury or a hospital stay, or long-term care for chronic health conditions. Care is provided around the clock by licensed professionals, including RNs, LVNs and CNAs.

Skilled nursing requires daily involvement from licensed nursing or rehabilitation team members. It is a higher level of care than assisted living.

Skilled nursing requires daily involvement from licensed nursing and/or rehabilitation team members. Medicare will cover a portion of the cost of care. By contrast, assistance with basic activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, walking, etc.), is deemed custodial care and isn’t covered under Medicare.

killed nursing may be necessary when someone needs 24-hour medical attention but does not require hospitalization. It may also be appropriate for individuals who need rehabilitation services, more attentive assistance with routine activities or long-term care for chronic conditions.

Examples may include recovery after surgery, cardiac conditions, stroke recovery, hip or bone fracture, late-stage Parkinson’s disease or other complex health needs.

Some conditions that require skilled nursing care include (but aren’t limited to) cardiac failure, late-stage Parkinson’s disease, stroke, hip or bone fracture, surgery recovery, etc.

Casa de las Campanas is Medicare-certified. After a qualifying hospital stay, Medicare typically covers days 1 through 20 of skilled nursing care. A daily coinsurance rate set by Medicare may apply for days 21 through 100.

Medicare payment rules are strict and vary based on many factors. Out-of-pocket costs may also depend on additional insurance coverage. Families should review current Medicare rules and speak with the Casa team for guidance.

Skilled nursing involves licensed clinical care or rehabilitation services. Custodial care refers to help with basic daily activities such as dressing, bathing, walking or eating. Medicare coverage rules often treat these types of support differently, which is why it is important to understand what type of care is needed.

Rehabilitation services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Physical therapy helps residents regain strength, balance and mobility. Occupational therapy supports everyday tasks and independence. Speech therapy may help with communication, swallowing and cognitive-linguistic skills.

They are related, but they focus on different goals. Physical therapy often emphasizes strength, movement, walking and balance. Occupational therapy focuses on helping seniors complete daily activities more safely and independently.

This may include adaptive equipment, environmental modifications or new techniques for personal care and everyday routines.

Speech therapy can help residents with communication challenges, language abilities and swallowing concerns. Speech-language pathologists create individualized treatment plans and may also recommend alternate communication strategies or diet modifications when needed.

Therapy frequency depends on your individual treatment plan. Each plan is based on physician certification, medical needs and rehabilitation goals. The care team will explain the schedule and adjust services as progress is made.

Rehabilitation care often includes a physician, nurses, therapists, a social worker and a dietitian. The team works together with the resident and family to guide recovery, set goals and plan next steps.

No. Short-term rehabilitation services at Casa de las Campanas are available to area seniors through direct admission. Casa accepts most major insurance providers, and services are Medicare-certified.

The team can help residents and families understand the admission process and related paperwork.

Before discharge, the care team will help determine equipment needs, home safety considerations and any necessary in-home services. If additional therapy is needed, seniors may be able to return to the Casa campus for outpatient therapy services.

The right option depends on your level of independence, health needs, safety, memory changes, mobility, family support and long-term goals. Independent living supports active seniors who want convenience and community. Assisted living provides help with daily routines. Memory care supports people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation provide more advanced clinical support.

A conversation with the Casa team can help you better understand which option may fit your situation.

Helpful questions include:

• What levels of living and care are available?
• What is included in the monthly fee?
• How does the Type A contract work?
• What services are available if my needs change?
• How are care plans created?
• What dining, wellness and activity options are offered?
• Can I bring my pet and my car?
• How does the community support families?
• What makes Casa different from other senior living communities in San Diego?
• This may include adaptive equipment, environmental modifications or new techniques for personal care and everyday routines.

Casa de las Campanas offers a distinctive senior living experience in San Diego, CA, with independent living and access to a full continuum of care. Residents can enjoy an engaging lifestyle, thoughtful services, beautiful surroundings and peace of mind that future care options are available on campus.

For seniors and families planning ahead, Casa offers more than a place to live. It offers a long-term plan built around independence, connection and support.

The best first step is a conversation. Whether you are exploring independent living, comparing Life Plan Communities or researching care options for a loved one, the Casa de las Campanas team can help answer your questions.

Contact Casa to schedule a tour, request information or learn more about senior living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation in San Diego.