kylelwade
May 2026
Moved my mom to Novellus a couple of years ago. The staff are lovely and my mom really enjoys the food. It is smaller than other places and she likes the people she has met.
1 / 4Quick Facts
- Year opened
- 1985
- Pricing model
- All-inclusive base rate rather than tiered fees
- Short-term care
- Respite stays available for post-surgical recovery
- Pet policy
- Dogs and cats specifically welcomed on-site
- Location
- Close to major hospitals and medical practices
What Families Think
Novellus Clairemont (formerly operating as Brookdale Clairemont) draws largely positive feedback for its caring staff, activities, and dining, with many families praising individual leaders and caregivers by name. A smaller but recurring set of reviews raises concerns about cleanliness, staff responsiveness, and management turnover, suggesting an experience that can vary depending on timing and personnel.
The Good
- Staff frequently described as warm and attentive
- Food and dining consistently praised by residents and families
- Active social calendar with music, outings, and crafts
- Clean, comfortable rooms noted by many visitors
- Respite and short-term stays available for post-surgical care
- Pet-friendly, allowing dogs and cats to visit or reside
The Bad
- Multiple reports of cleanliness lapses, including odors and a cockroach sighting
- Several reports of poor responsiveness from front desk or management
- One report of a possibly unsafe elevator malfunction
- One report described staff as rude and unaccommodating to residents
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
About Novellus Clairemont
Novellus Clairemont offers attentive and personalized assisted living in the Clairemont Mesa area of San Diego, California. The community is designed for older adults who want personalized care while maintaining their independence, with a focus on cost-effective daily living without sacrificing quality of life.
Residents live in spacious senior apartments and have access to resort-style amenities and services intended to support an active social lifestyle. The community emphasizes an all-inclusive base rate, aiming to provide options and amenities typically associated with higher-cost assisted living facilities.
The community is located close to renowned hospitals and medical practices, providing accessible support for senior care needs. Its Clairemont neighborhood setting offers year-round sunshine and nearby cultural and dining options.
Nearby attractions include North Cove Beach, Marian Bear Memorial Park, and Balboa Park, which residents enjoy visiting and using for hiking and outdoor activity. The surrounding San Diego County area was chosen specifically because it makes it easy for older adults to stay active.
Overall, Novellus Clairemont positions itself as a retirement community where seniors can enjoy freedom, personalized assistance, and a socially engaged lifestyle while receiving the support they need.
Types of Care
Assisted LivingAt-Home CareHome Health and HospiceIndependent LivingMemory CareSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Private Rooms
Meals & Dining
- Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
- Professional Chef
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Fitness Center
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medication Management
- On-Site Medical Staff
- Outdoor Patio
- Pet Friendly
- Salon / Barber
- Security
- Transportation Services
- Walking Paths
Activities
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews
4.4overall · 60 ratings combined
4.5★ on Google (51) · 4.1★ on Yelp (9) · Yelp page ↗
Ellen Martin
May 2026
Novellus Clairemont has been a valuable option for our family for assisted living. The staff is kind and helpful, the atmosphere is pleasant, there are lots of activities, and the food is very good. We are pleased to be a part of this community.
Rickey Cox
May 2026
This is a great community. The Executive Director, is one of the most respectful and nicest people I’ve met. He has always been kind, professional, and very attentive to me and my family’s needs. The staff and environment are welcoming, and you can truly tell they care about their residents and families.
Grace Zhang
May 2026
I moved back to the lovely Novellus Clairemont under the new management Executive Director EJ Lewis. I noticed so many impressive positive changes : the attention to issues are immediate, staff are welcoming, nice, caring and helpful, the food is great and varied, hours of serving are plentiful, laundry lady is courteous, informative and folded my piles into hangers and beautiful clean folds. Another example is when I said my twin bed was uncomfortable, EJ and staff personally moved a more comfortable full size mattress and boxspring. My trash are taken away outside of my door as well as by Elizabeth. Medical attentions establishment is amazingly fast and detailed even though I don't need any. There is no reason but because of the exceptional new leader EJ Lewis. I am waiting for the TV setup and shower cleaner which I am sure both will be fast again. The community however charged excessive fees that Elizabeth last time did not charge which I just removed in my previous review. Good job overall.
Carlos Sanchez
May 2026
The staff here is friendly and communicative. When we visit here, Perry and EJ are a lending hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does Novellus Clairemont offer?
Novellus Clairemont offers Assisted Living, At-Home Care, Independent Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Is Novellus Clairemont pet friendly?
Yes — Novellus Clairemont lists pet-friendly accommodations among its amenities. Ask about any size or breed policies when you visit.
Where is Novellus Clairemont located?
Novellus Clairemont is located at 5219 Clairemont Mesa Blvd in San Diego, California.
What do families say about Novellus Clairemont?
Novellus Clairemont (formerly operating as Brookdale Clairemont) draws largely positive feedback for its caring staff, activities, and dining, with many families praising individual leaders and caregivers by name. A smaller but recurring set of reviews raises concerns about cleanliness, staff responsiveness, and management turnover, suggesting an experience that can vary depending on timing and personnel.
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