Kearny Mesa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in San Diego, CA

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Pros

• The facility is amazing and the staff are wonderful.
• The staff are kind, helpful, and attentive to residents.
• The facility is clean, well maintained, and immaculate.
• Check-in is easy, and the front desk staff are welcoming.
• The grounds are beautiful and provide a pleasant view for residents.
• The care team is proactive and supportive, with therapists helping residents make steady gains.
• The meals are well-liked and the food quality is good.
• Families and visitors feel welcome and confident in the care provided.
• The staff go the extra mile to ensure comfort, dignity, and safety.

Cons

• The facility is described as under-staffed, overworked, with horrible communication.
• There are reports of neglect, including a patient left unattended for hours after a bowel accident and nurses who treated him with disrespect.
• It is warned strongly: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR LOVED ONE HERE.
• One reviewer calls it the worst place ever and cites delays in care and lack of attention to a father’s needs.
• The place is very crowded and parking is terrible.
• Access and exits should be more secure.
• Critical medications were not administered in a timely manner, and there were delays in essential tests (e.g., UTI test).

Review

Kearny Mesa Convalescent Nursing Center in San Diego is best suited for seniors who need structured rehab-focused care and a reliable, people-centered approach to recovery. This community excels when the objective is short- to mid-term rehabilitation after hip or knee replacements, strokes, or similar events, supported by robust PT/OT and a clear plan for progress. Families prioritizing a clean, welcoming environment, attentive frontline staff, and a campus that supports safety and daily routines will find a strong match here. The overall setting, well-kept grounds, accessible care, and visible investment in resident well-being, tends to translate into meaningful engagement in therapy and daily life, which often accelerates functional gains and cultivates a calmer stay.

Alternatives to consider exist for residents with very high acuity or special medical needs, or for families seeking near-constant, guaranteed oversight. Several reviews flag periods of understaffing and communication gaps that can slow responses to urgent needs or medication administration. Parking can be tight, and some families report inconsistent coordination around meds and discharge planning. For those who cannot rely on a strong advocate on site or who require a more predictable, low-disruption environment, other facilities with different staffing models, tighter med-management protocols, or more spacious layouts may be preferable.

The most compelling pros center on people and process. Staff across roles are repeatedly described as professional, kind, and genuinely patient-focused, with many examples of above-and-beyond care. The facility consistently earns praise for cleanliness, the floors shine, rooms are well maintained, and the overall atmosphere feels orderly and safe. Therapy teams are proactive, with therapists who push for progress and help residents regain function, while transportation to medical appointments is commonly available. Grounds and public spaces contribute to a positive mood, offering pleasant views and outdoor time that support recovery and social engagement.

On the flip side, the notable cons cluster around operational strain rather than a fundamental inability to care. Staffing pressure can translate into slower responses at times and occasional communication hiccups, especially during busy shifts. A few accounts report delays in essential testing or treatment and, in at least one case, concerns about timely medication administration. Convenience factors like parking can complicate visits, and crowded common areas can be challenging for more anxious or sensitive residents. While not universal, these issues underscore the importance of proactive family involvement and clear, ongoing dialogue with the team.

In balancing these dimensions, the positives typically carry more weight for rehab-focused expectations. The care culture, characterized by attentive nurses, compassionate aides, and engaged therapists, creates a solid foundation for meaningful recovery, and the facility’s commitment to safety, cleanliness, and resident dignity reinforces trust. When problems arise, the combination of responsive front-desk service, flexible room management, and a generally cooperative staff helps preserve confidence that the stay remains focused on well-being and improvement. For families willing to stay engaged and advocate for timely updates, many residents experience steady progress and a respectful, welcoming environment.

Bottom-line guidance: this community is a strong fit for families seeking a practical, well-run rehab center with a bright, clean setting and a team that treats residents with warmth and professionalism. It shines for post-surgical recovery, stroke rehabilitation, and short convalescent stays where observable progress is expected within weeks. Those prioritizing absolute certainty in med administration, minimal need for advocacy, or parking and crowding considerations may want to explore alternatives with more rigid med-management protocols or a calmer, more spacious layout. For families prepared to stay involved, communicate clearly about medication timing and discharge plans, and visit to assess the cadence of care and responsiveness, Kearny Mesa offers a credible, capable option with a demonstrated track record of positive outcomes.

Located in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood of San Diego, this area offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing for senior living. With several hospitals and physicians' offices in close proximity, residents have easy access to medical care. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies nearby for convenient medication management. Transportation options include airports and transit centers for travel convenience. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous parks within a short distance, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and relaxation. Dining options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants, catering to different preferences. Overall, this part of San Diego offers a mix of healthcare facilities, transportation services, outdoor recreational spaces, and dining establishments that could make it a comfortable and convenient location for seniors looking to settle in the area.

Hospitals

• Kearny Mesa Convalescent and Nursing Home (0 miles)
• Sharp Memorial Hospital (0.2 miles)
• Rady's Children's Hospital San Diego Large Waiting Room, Frost Street, Entrance 8 (0.3 miles)
• Rady Children's Hospital (0.3 miles)
• Sharp Soc (1.6 miles)
• UC San Diego Medical Center (3.1 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center/Kaiser Foundation Hospital (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego Radiology (0.1 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Viewridge Medical Offices 2 (3 miles)
• San Diego Mental Health Services (3.2 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Vandever Medical Offices (3.5 miles)
• Internal Medicine Associates (4.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)

Transportation

• Montgomery Field Airport (MYF) (1.3 miles)
• Fashion Valley Trolley Station and Transit Center (2.4 miles)
• Balboa Avenue Transit Center (3.3 miles)
• Old Town Trolley Station and Transit Center (3.9 miles)
• Firefly Car Rental (4.5 miles)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN) (5.1 miles)
• Terminal 2 (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Lindbergh Park (1.5 miles)
• Civita Park (1.5 miles)
• Cal's Point (2.6 miles)
• Mission Bay Park (3.1 miles)
• Crown Point (4.3 miles)
• Balboa Park (4.7 miles)
• Kate O Sessions Memorial Park (4.8 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (1.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.9 miles)
• North Italia San Diego (2.1 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (2.1 miles)
• True Food Kitchen (2.1 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2 miles)
• The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (2.8 miles)
• Communal Coffee (3.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Mission Valley 2 (2.2 miles)
• AMC Fashion Valley 18 (2.2 miles)