Kearny Mesa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Pros

• The facility is amazing and the staff are all very wonderful.
• The grounds and outdoor spaces are beautiful, with sunny views from the rooms.
• The staff are friendly, professional, and genuinely caring.
• The janitorial team keeps the floors and rooms spotless and immaculate.
• PT and OT are proactively provided, with attentive care and requested services.
• Transport to doctors' appointments is provided for residents.
• Admissions and social work teams are professional and supportive.
• Tess, the front desk staff, is a sweet and eager helper who welcomes visitors.
• The facility feels clean, safe, well run, and welcoming to families.
• Rooms are moved and adjusted quickly to meet residents' needs.

Cons

• The facility was criticized as being understaffed and overworked, with horrible communication.
• Without a family advocate present most of the day, the care was described as inadequate and critical medications were not administered in a timely manner due to stock issues.
• The director was criticized, with a demand that she do better.
• The center was described as very crowded, with too many people.
• There were delays in care, including a week-long wait for a UTI test and a discharge for "failure to progress" while the patient still had an active infection.
• Access and exits were noted as needing to be more secure.

Review

Kearny Mesa Convalescent Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center comes across in these accounts as a bright, welcoming place where care and comfort are clearly priorities. Across many visits and experiences, families describe a well-kept facility with attractive grounds - sunny views from patient windows, a well-tended patio, a rose garden, and even bridges used as decor - that helps set a positive tone for recovery and visits. The overall impression from numerous reviewers is that the environment is clean, orderly, and purpose-built to feel like a safe, comforting space for loved ones who are recuperating or adjusting to life after surgery.

Ari stands out repeatedly as a cornerstone of daily care and warmth. One family member recalls Ari greeting them upon arrival, helping with the photo process and name printing, and then being relentlessly helpful throughout the day. Ari was described as "running around all day" to assist an uncle who needed extra attention - prepping him, explaining what she was doing, and coordinating with the treatment nurse when bed sore care and potential air mattress orders were needed. The same caregiver also took initiative with practical tasks like delivering lunch, guiding visitors to the vending and soda machines, and providing blankets when the patient was cold after sitting still for days. When a toilet clogged, Ari was quick to intervene, and her positivity extended to interactions with the activity staff, who are praised for their optimism and the staff's teamwork. All told, Ari's dedication appears to be a strong positive thread running through several experiences at the facility.

Closings and daily life at the center also receive high marks for cleanliness and upkeep. Commenters repeatedly describe the halls and rooms as clean and well maintained, with floors polished and free of clutter. Janitorial staff are commended for keeping spaces immaculate, and families remark on the general sense that the facility is well-run and tidy. Several reviewers point to the grounds as a notable feature - well-kept outdoor spaces that residents can enjoy from their rooms and common areas, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for both residents and visiting family members.

The care for specific family members, including those recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic conditions, is another recurring theme. Comments about hip and knee replacement recovery, in particular, mention that the staff are kind, helpful, and attentive, with patients expressing happiness about the level of service. For families, the experience of transporting residents to appointments, coordinating physical and occupational therapy, and arranging showers is described as thoughtful and proactive. One reviewer specifically notes that staff were quick to respond in helping their mother feel safe and cared for, and another mentions that the team provided timely coordination for doctor visits, even when some transports or scheduling hiccups occurred. In several testimonials, families highlight how pleasant the meals are and how the staff's attentiveness makes visits feel welcoming and secure.

Across many testimonials, the human element shines through: individual staff members are cited by name or by role for contributing to a positive experience. Front desk personnel - such as Tess, described as a "sweet young lady" with a ready smile and a genuine eagerness to help - are singled out for setting a welcoming tone. The admissions and social work teams are praised for their professionalism and supportive approach, helping families navigate the process smoothly. The overall impression from these accounts is that the staff - across nursing, therapy, janitorial, admissions, and front desk - forms a cohesive, caring team that strives to make each resident feel at home and each family member feel supported.

Of course, not every experience is without its caveats. A number of reviewers acknowledge challenges that can arise in long-term care settings. One account warns about under staffing, high workloads, and communication gaps, describing a period when a critical medication was not administered in a timely manner due to stock or communication issues, and an unresolved request for a UTI test leading to a delayed diagnosis. The reviewer even references a director by name, Dee, urging improvement, and expressing relief that their loved one ultimately left for hospice at home. Another reviewer notes security concerns around access and exits, suggesting that more secure measures would be preferable. A separate comment mentions crowded conditions at peak times and parking limitations. Taken together, these notes offer a realistic reminder that, while many experiences are very positive, there are areas that the facility would do well to strengthen, particularly around staffing levels, timely medical response, and security of access.

Despite the occasional negative experience, the collective voice in these reviews is overwhelmingly one of gratitude and trust. Families describe a facility that many would be pleased to have their loved ones call home, citing strong care, friendly and attentive staff, and a supportive environment that respects residents' dignity and comfort. Some visitors even say that, in terms of overall experience, Kearny Mesa stands out compared with other facilities they have encountered, and they appreciate the facility's ongoing efforts to maintain a pleasant, safe, and well-run space for healing and recovery. Visitors leave with heartfelt wishes for continued blessings on the staff and their families, underscoring the sense that this is more than just a building - it's a community dedicated to care.

In sum, the center emerges as a place where many families feel their loved ones receive compassionate, attentive care in a clean, inviting setting. The grounds, the culture of teamwork among staff, and the proactive approach to daily needs - from meals and snacks to mobility assistance and therapeutic activities - create a generally comforting and supportive environment. Even as some reviewers call attention to staffing pressures and communication challenges that need addressing, the overarching narrative is one of gratitude for the staff's dedication and for a facility that consistently strives to meet residents' needs with kindness, professionalism, and care.

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)