Good Samaritan Retirement Home is an assisted living and memory care community in El Cajon, CA.
Information last verified:
1515 Jamacha Way, El Cajon, CA 92019
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Good Samaritan Retirement Home offers competitive pricing for its residents, especially when compared to the broader San Diego County and California averages. The cost for a semi-private room at Good Samaritan is $3,200 per month, significantly lower than the county's average of $3,518 and the statewide average of $3,333. For those seeking a studio accommodation, Good Samaritan's monthly fee of $3,500 remains more affordable than both the county's average of $4,217 and California's average of $4,145. These pricing structures not only reflect the home's commitment to providing quality care but also highlight its value in relation to regional costs, making it an appealing choice for families considering retirement living options.
| Floor plans | Good Samaritan Retirement Home | San Diego County | California |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | $3,200 | $3,518 | $3,333 |
| Studio | $3,500 | $4,217 | $4,145 |
The staff regularly visit residents, greet them warmly, and ask how they are doing, showing a strong sense of community. The care is excellent and prevents issues like rashes, with a clean facility and a wide variety of tasty, nutritious meals. The staff meet individual needs and are very caring and attentive, helping residents thrive. The facility is beautiful inside and out, with attentive staff who get to know the residents well and provide nutritious meals. A diverse range of daily activities and events keeps residents engaged in a safe, home-like environment. The living spaces are comfortable and well-maintained, with options such as private baths and in-unit amenities that feel like home.
One reviewer called it the worst retirement center they had ever visited. Another reviewer felt that management had no idea what was going on and treated care as nothing more than a paycheck. They described a lack of staff, with only a few caregivers present and some residents left without assistance. They claimed there was favoritism among staff, with certain workers clearly favored over others. They criticized wages, noting that employee pay starts at minimum wage and should be higher. They said the price was out of their budget.Good Samaritan Retirement Home in El Cajon is best suited for families seeking a intimate, values-driven senior living option where residents receive steady, personal attention in a smaller, home-like setting. It works well for seniors who need regular care but do not want a sprawling campus, and for households that prize a calm, clean environment with predictable routines. The community’s tone is compassionate and steady, with a clear emphasis on reliable daily care, decent dining, and active engagement through a structured activities calendar. It also appeals to families who value a faith-informed atmosphere and a connected, easy-to-visit neighborhood feel close to home.
Those who may want to consider alternatives include families exploring higher-end amenities or larger campuses with more extensive medical programming, particularly for residents with complex memory needs or advanced specialized care. Budget-sensitive families may find the price point challenging, even as many residents appear to receive solid value from care and housekeeping. For wheelchair-dependent individuals or residents who require extensive mobility adaptations beyond the facility’s ambulatory-focused model, this community may not be the best fit. In such cases, exploring facilities with broader accessibility or memory-care wings can be a prudent move.
The strongest pro package here centers on defensible, person-centered care. Staff members are consistently described as attentive, courteous, and genuinely engaged with residents, with multiple accounts of caregivers who recognize individuals by name and respond promptly to needs. Cleanliness and a calm, well-maintained environment reinforce a sense of safety. Meals, planned by a chef, are repeatedly praised for their quality and nutrition, and residents enjoy a varied menu with daily social dining and themed activities. The small-to-mid-size footprint supports meaningful interaction, and the presence of a chapel and regular faith-based programming adds a reassuring layer for families seeking spiritual continuity. The apartment-style accommodations, private baths, climate control, and the option to furnish a unit, enhance independence within a supportive framework.
Yet, a critical appraisal of the cons cannot be ignored. Price remains a meaningful hurdle for some families, limiting access for otherwise qualified residents. Staffing dynamics occasionally surface as a concern, with one review highlighting perceived lack of attentiveness and management responsiveness. Such reports, while not universal, underscore the importance of firsthand observation during visits and frank conversations with administrators about staffing schedules, turnover, and quality assurance. Another potential friction point is the facility’s model that emphasizes ambulatory residents; non-ambulatory residents or those needing heavy mobility assistance may encounter constraints or require careful screening before admission. Finally, the facility’s modest size and straightforward aesthetic may feel less glamorous than newer or more opulent options, even as they help preserve a focused, homelike atmosphere.
For families evaluating a move, the practical path is to align the decision with care needs, budget, and personal priorities. If a loved one benefits from the close-knit staff-resident relationships, routine-driven days, accessible dining, and a serene, faith-oriented setting, Good Samaritan offers compelling value and peace of mind. Prospective residents should verify current staffing levels, ask to observe caregiver interactions during a meal or activity, and review the care plan process to ensure responsiveness to evolving needs. It is wise to confirm admission criteria, particularly mobility requirements, and to tour with an eye for room layout, noise levels, and the overall vibe of daily life.
In the end, Good Samaritan Retirement Home stands out as a strong choice for the right resident: a smaller, well-kept community where compassionate staff, solid meals, and meaningful activities combine with a respectful, home-like framework. For families prioritizing intimate, personalized care within a Catholic-nuns-led or faith-informed environment, and who can accommodate the price and the ambulatory-oriented model, this facility delivers tangible value and genuine reassurance. For those who require expansive medical services, broad accessibility, or budget flexibility beyond what this setting typically offers, exploring alternatives remains a prudent step.
70 resident community capacity
Studio apartments
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Respite Care
Skilled Nursing Facility
Activities off-site Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Beautician on-site Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Devotional services off-site Devotional services on-site
Dining room
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Laundry
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas Outdoor space
Party space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Swimming pool / hot tub
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
San Diego International-Lindbergh (15 miles away)
Community operated transportation Transportation & parking Transportation arrangement Transportation arrangement (non-medical) Transportation to doctors appointments
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system 24-hour supervision Activities of daily living assistance
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
Hospice care Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions Diabetes diet Meals provided Room service Special dietary restrictions Activities off-site Activities on-site Community-sponsored activities
Concierge services Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities on-site Fitness programs
Planned day trips Religious services Resident-run activities Scheduled daily activities
EnglishGood Samaritan Retirement Home is an exceptional assisted living community located in El Cajon, CA. We offer a wide range of care services including Memory Care, Respite Care, and Skilled Nursing Facility care to meet the diverse needs of our residents.
At Good Samaritan Retirement Home, our residents enjoy a variety of amenities designed to enhance their quality of life. Our community offers numerous on-site activities to engage and entertain residents, ensuring they have an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Our air-conditioned facility provides a comfortable environment for residents to relax and enjoy themselves. With a beautician on-site and a fully equipped beauty salon, residents can conveniently tend to their grooming needs. Cable or satellite TV is available for entertainment purposes, and we provide community-operated transportation to help residents reach their desired destinations. Our computer center allows residents to stay connected with loved ones through email and social media platforms. Devotional services are offered both on-site and off-site to cater to the spiritual needs of our residents.
When it comes to dining at Good Samaritan Retirement Home, we pride ourselves on providing nutritious meals that cater to individual dietary requirements. Our dining room offers restaurant-style dining where residents can savor delicious meals prepared by our skilled chefs. For those who prefer privacy, room service is also available.
Our assisted living community ensures the well-being of our residents by offering 24-hour call systems and around-the-clock supervision for peace of mind. We provide assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management is handled by trained professionals to ensure accurate administration. Additionally, specialized care such as diabetic care and hospice care are provided based on individual needs.
Residents at our community have access to various recreational opportunities both within the facility and in the surrounding area. Activities such as fitness programs, planned day trips, religious services, resident-run activities, and scheduled daily activities are available for all interests.
Conveniently located near cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, places of worship, and hospitals, our residents have easy access to essential amenities and services.
At Good Samaritan Retirement Home, we are committed to providing exceptional care in a warm and welcoming environment. With a wide range of care services and amenities available, our residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle while receiving the support they need.
Good Samaritan Retirement Home offers competitive pricing for its residents, especially when compared to the broader San Diego County and California averages. The cost for a semi-private room at Good Samaritan is $3,200 per month, significantly lower than the county's average of $3,518 and the statewide average of $3,333. For those seeking a studio accommodation, Good Samaritan's monthly fee of $3,500 remains more affordable than both the county's average of $4,217 and California's average of $4,145. These pricing structures not only reflect the home's commitment to providing quality care but also highlight its value in relation to regional costs, making it an appealing choice for families considering retirement living options.
Good Samaritan Retirement Home offers Studio apartments.
Good Samaritan Retirement Home is located at 1515 Jamacha Way, El Cajon, CA 92019 in San Diego County, California
Good Samaritan Retirement Home enhances the quality of life for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease through a comprehensive set of features that address both their physical and emotional needs. The availability of 24-hour supervision ensures residents are safe and supported at all times, while assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and transfers, promotes dignity and independence despite cognitive challenges. Meal preparation and service cater to nutritional requirements, which are vital for overall health. Medication management helps prevent errors that could lead to serious health issues, ensuring compliance with prescribed treatments. Additionally, a mental wellness program engages residents in stimulating activities tailored to their cognitive abilities, fostering social interaction and emotional well-being. Collectively, these features create an environment that nurtures both safety and meaningful engagement for individuals facing memory-related disorders.
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