William Jones
Jul 2026
I am happy to see my relative often eating his meals in the dining room, rather than in his room. There's great benefit from socializing with other residents. Thank you, Balboa Nursing for that.
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Medicare rating
- 3 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Limited Liability company
- Certified beds
- 194
- Inspections
- View history (72 citations)
- Quality ratings
- Medicare four-star and CMS five-star ratings
- Recognition
- U.S. News recognized for short-term rehab and long-term care
- Payment options
- Accepts private pay, PPOs, Medicare, and HMOs
- Nursing coverage
- 24/7 licensed nurses available around the clock
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviewers frequently praise Balboa's attentive nursing, therapy, and housekeeping staff, describing strong rehabilitation outcomes and a clean, well-run environment. However, a significant minority report serious lapses in care, including understaffing, delayed response to medical emergencies, and missing belongings, suggesting inconsistent experiences depending on unit or shift.
The Good
- Highly attentive, caring nursing and CNA staff
- Strong PT/OT/speech therapy outcomes noted by families
- Clean facility and reliable housekeeping/laundry service
- Good food quality frequently praised by residents
- Engaging activities like Balboa Park outings
- Responsive social services and case management staff
The Bad
- Several reports of understaffing and slow response times
- One serious incident of missed oxygen drop before hospital transfer
- Multiple reports of missing or stolen resident belongings
- Reports of broken AC, elevators, and TVs in rooms
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a senior living community in San Diego, California offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Outdoor Patio and Gathering / Activity Spaces. Families rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 180 reviews.
About Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing facility in San Diego, California, offering short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The facility holds Medicare four-star and CMS five-star quality ratings, and has received U.S. News recognition for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.
The center provides 24/7 personalized healthcare services with licensed nurses available around the clock. Clinical offerings include physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies to help patients build strength and confidence. Compassionate caregiving follows physician-customized care plans for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, with discharge planning and coordination for outside services as needed.
The facility features a state-of-the-art rehabilitation gym where patients work with licensed experts on recovery. Staff provide everyday living support within a modern, clean facility that includes beautiful courtyards and lobby spaces for visiting and rest.
The activities department organizes an engaging daily schedule, including outings such as walks to nearby Balboa Park with supervised activities, music, games, and meals tailored to individual dietary needs. The facility is conveniently located near top-rated hospitals and just off the freeway.
The center accepts private pay, all PPOs, Medicare, and a wide range of HMOs, with insurance experts available to help residents and families understand their coverage benefits.
Types of Care at Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Cable or Satellite TV
- Emergency Call System
- Private Bathroom
- Private Rooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
Meals & Dining
- Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
- Restaurant style Dining Room
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
- Outdoor Patio
- Transportation Services
Activities
- Birthday / Holiday Parties
- Day Trips and Outings
- Games
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
Need help deciding?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you with communities that fit. Free, and you choose who contacts you.
Help Me ChooseReviews of Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
4.1overall · 261 ratings combined
4.3★ on Google (180) · 3.6★ on Yelp (81) · Yelp page ↗
robg187
Jul 2026
Very unfortunate, if seems like they are on all a different page with no real answer, just call this person or ask this nurse or I dont have access, we will call you back its been over a week and noone knows what is going on or no direction other then we're looking into it. Very sad to have my family in there
Sal Dacquisto
Jul 2026
Very nice staff and very nice clean facilities. Lucky to have my sister-in-law be there.
Blanca Moreno
Jul 2026
My brother is there and said the staff is great, clean everything and He is very thankful with this workers TOMMY, ALEXIS AND LUCY, Thanks for everything !!!!!!!!!
Patricia Ramos
Jul 2026
Lo recomiendo ampliamente! Limpio, agradable lugar! Excelente atención, por parte de todo el equipo de trabajo! Nice place!
Government Inspection History
16 inspection visits in the last three years, 72 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Apr 23, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 16, 2026
Mar 5, 2026Health Complaint2 citations
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 3, 2026
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 3, 2026
Jan 27, 2026Health Complaint2 citations
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 24, 2026
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 24, 2026
Dec 12, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Sep 9, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Aug 19, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 18, 2025
Jul 23, 2025Health Complaint3 citations
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 5, 2025
Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
Jun 6, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 3, 2025
May 15, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard17 citations
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jun 15, 2025
Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 25, 2025
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 23, 2025
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 30, 2025
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 30, 2025
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 27, 2025
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 27, 2025
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 23, 2025
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 23, 2025
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 15, 2025
Provide appropriate foot care.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 15, 2025
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 1, 2025
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 22, 2025
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 15, 2025
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 15, 2025
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 15, 2025
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 15, 2025
Mar 20, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 4, 2025
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 4, 2025
Aug 5, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 30, 2024
Jun 27, 2024Health Complaint3 citations
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 26, 2024
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 26, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 26, 2024
Jun 4, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 3, 2024
Jan 4, 2024Infection ControlNo citations
Aug 25, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard22 citations
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 26, 2022
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 26, 2022
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 26, 2022
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 26, 2022
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2022
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2022
Install properly constructed and protected linen or trash chutes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2022
Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2022
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 19, 2022
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2022
Jan 18, 2019Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard14 citations
Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 8, 2019
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 17, 2019
Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 8, 2019
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 17, 2019
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 17, 2019
Ensure therapeutic diets are prescribed by the attending physician and may be delegated to a registered or licensed dietitian, to the extent allowed by State law.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 17, 2019
Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 17, 2019
Have policies on smoking.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 17, 2019
Provide primary/alternate means for communication.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 8, 2019
Have ramps, exits, fire escape ladders, steps, and areas of refuge that meet safety requirements.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 8, 2019
Have a fire alarm with audible and visual signals that transmits the alarm automatically to notify emergency forces in event of fire.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 8, 2019
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 8, 2019
Ensure gas cylinders are properly stored.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 8, 2019
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 8, 2019
Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offer?
Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center located?
Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located at 3520 Fourth Avenue in San Diego, California.
What do families say about Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center?
Reviewers frequently praise Balboa's attentive nursing, therapy, and housekeeping staff, describing strong rehabilitation outcomes and a clean, well-run environment. However, a significant minority report serious lapses in care, including understaffing, delayed response to medical emergencies, and missing belongings, suggesting inconsistent experiences depending on unit or shift.
How did Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center do on recent health and safety inspections?
Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center had 16 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 72 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.
How can families visit Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Balboa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
Nearby Communities
Other senior living options within 25 miles of San Diego.
Mission Hills Post Acute Care
San Diego, California0 mi
3.9(240)
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
St. Paul's Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation
San Diego, California0 mi
3.7(16)
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center
San Diego, California0 mi
3.7(56)
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill
San Diego, California1 mi
4.5(99)
Assisted LivingIndependent Living
St. Paul's Senior Services Corporate Office
San Diego, California1 mi
5(2)
Assisted LivingMemory CareRespite / Short-Term Care+1 more
HarborView Senior Assisted Living
San Diego, California1.2 mi
4.9(46)
Assisted LivingMemory CareRespite / Short-Term Care+1 more
Prefer to stay home?
Home care agencies serving San Diego bring help to the house: daily living, companionship, and respite for family caregivers.
