San Diego families living with dementia often need a local hospital for an emergency, a planned procedure, or a specialist evaluation. This page lists real CMS-listed hospitals that serve the city, using only the facility type, ownership, emergency-service flag, and overall star rating that CMS publishes. CMS does not say whether any hospital has a dedicated memory or geriatric unit, so confirm those services and dementia-related discharge plans with the hospital itself. Listings are public facility facts, not endorsements of any home-care agency.
What San Diego families should ask a hospital about dementia care
Families should ask each hospital directly whether it has a dedicated memory or geriatric unit and how discharge planning works for a patient with dementia. CMS Hospital General Information covers the hospital name, address, type, ownership, emergency services, and an overall star rating when one is assigned. It does not list memory, dementia, or geriatric programs. Helpful questions include who coordinates care when the patient has memory loss, how staff will reach caregivers, and what home supports are set up before discharge. After a stay, many households add hospital discharge care so medications, meals, and safety are watched at home.
Why hospital planning matters when dementia is in the picture
Hospital planning matters because dementia can change how a person describes symptoms, follows instructions, and manages the trip home. The CDC describes memory and daily-function difficulties in its overview of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. CDC on Alzheimer's and dementia
Bring a short list of usual routines, communication tips, and safety risks. Public hospital listings do not capture those details, and staff still need a caregiver contact who can help interpret changes from baseline.
Acute care hospitals serving San Diego
Several CMS-listed acute care hospitals serve San Diego and report emergency services, along with an overall star rating when CMS has assigned one. Use the contacts below to ask about dementia-capable care, caregiver access, and discharge planning. A 5 out of 5 or 4 out of 5 CMS overall rating is a general quality score, not a dementia-unit rating.
UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH HILLCREST - HILLCREST MED CTR is an acute care hospital at 200 WEST ARBOR DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92103. Ownership is voluntary non-profit - other, and CMS reports emergency services and an overall rating of 5 out of 5. Phone: (619) 543-6222.
VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM is an acute care Veterans Administration hospital at 3350 LA JOLLA VILLAGE DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92161. Ownership is veterans health administration, and CMS reports emergency services and an overall rating of 5 out of 5. Phone: (858) 552-8585. Ask the VA which veterans and family members it can treat.
KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITAL - SAN DIEGO is an acute care hospital at 4647 ZION AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92120. Ownership is voluntary non-profit - private, and CMS reports emergency services and an overall rating of 4 out of 5. Phone: (619) 528-5000.
SCRIPPS MERCY HOSPITAL is an acute care hospital at 4077 5TH AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92103. Ownership is voluntary non-profit - private, and CMS reports emergency services and an overall rating of 4 out of 5. Phone: (619) 294-8111.
SHARP MEMORIAL HOSPITAL is an acute care hospital at 7901 FROST ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92123. Ownership is voluntary non-profit - private, and CMS reports emergency services and an overall rating of 4 out of 5. Phone: (858) 939-3400.
NMC San Diego is an acute care Department of Defense hospital at 34800 Bob Wilson Dr, San Diego, CA 92134. Ownership is department of defense, and CMS reports emergency services. CMS has not assigned an overall star rating. Phone: (619) 532-6400. Ask the facility who is eligible for care there.