MyLivingChoice

Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center

4033 Sixth Avenue Ext

3.7(56 ratings)· San Diego average: 4.5

Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Medicare rating
3 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
For profit, Limited Liability company
Certified beds
96
Location
Minutes from Scripps Mercy Hospital
Phone access
No phones in patient rooms
Room occupancy
Reported 4-5 patients sharing a room

What Families Think

Reviews of Hillcrest Heights are sharply split: many families and patients praise specific nurses, CNAs, and the rehab/physical therapy team by name, describing attentive, compassionate care and good recovery outcomes. At the same time, a substantial number of reviewers report serious problems, including unanswered call lights, missed medications, unsanitary conditions, and lost personal belongings.

The Good

  • Staff and CNAs frequently praised by name
  • Physical therapy and rehab outcomes often praised
  • Administrator described as responsive and hands-on
  • Successful wound-care and recovery stories shared
  • Close proximity to Scripps Mercy Hospital

The Bad

  • Multiple reports of unanswered call lights or slow response
  • Several reports of missed or delayed medications
  • Reports of unsanitary conditions, including feces on floors
  • No in-room phones, complicating family communication

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center is a senior living community in San Diego, California offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Housekeeping, Emergency Call System and Wheelchair Accessible. Families rate it 3.7 out of 5 across 56 reviews.

About Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center

Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing facility located in San Diego, California, just minutes from Scripps Mercy Hospital and Interstate 8, offering convenient access for families and medical partners.

The community focuses on providing skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in a setting designed to be safe, comfortable, and therapeutic for residents recovering or receiving ongoing care.

Care at Hillcrest Heights is delivered by a professionally trained team equipped to provide individualized, customized service to each patient, with an emphasis on supporting residents throughout their healing journey.

The facility describes its environment as calm and welcoming, aiming to help patients thrive while also supporting the needs of residents' families and the surrounding community.

Types of Care at Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Emergency Call System
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Housekeeping
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)

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 Choose

Reviews of Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center

3.7overall · 56 ratings combined

3.7★ on Google (56)

Molly Orrell

May 2026

via Google

I would like to bring to your attention one of the CNA‘s at Hillcrest Heights. His name is Hugo and he is the epitome of a blend of old school and new school CNA‘s. He goes above and beyond what is required of his job duties. Hugo listens to his patients wants and needs and fixes any problem that arises. Don’t get me wrong. The majority of your nursing staff are great, but I feel it should always be brought to the attention of the administrator. If someone exceeds expectations Hugo pays attention to every detail and if a problem arises, he addresses it immediately. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you choose a nursing home you should choose this one. There are great staff members, including Hugo‘s amazing work.

Josh Dasilva

May 2026

via Google

My Mom was sent here post hospitalization for additional care and rehabilitation. At around 10:30pm on her first night, I had not yet been to check on her and see where she would be staying. I walked in, looking to be signed in and pointed to her room. A couple employees were lounging in the lobby playing on phones, far too busy to assist. Employees posted around through my journey through the facility with no willingness to assist. I thankfully found her room. They hadn't fed her that evening since they couldn't accommodate her diet. Would not allow her restroom access until her planned eval in 3 days, no routine medications planned through the weekend, etc. I had to help her clean up herself upon arrival as she was refused. Most interesting part in this was the smoke filled halls. When the nurse came in finally, she said I was in fact allowed to smoke in her room if I so wished to do so as it was smoking hour. Two resident/patient men within just a few hours also attempted to enter her room unauthorized. I'm sorry, WHAT?! If you have loved ones you care about, this is not the place i'd even suggest to my worst enemy. Absolutely terrifying, traumatizing, unsanitary and despicable experience from a SNF. If I could give negative stars, I most certainly would do so.

Jorge A

May 2026

via Google

I can’t say enough good things about this nursing home. My uncle stayed here, and from the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel welcomed and genuinely cared for. The nurses and caregivers are attentive, compassionate, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure residents are comfortable and safe.<br><br>I especially want to mention Maricela, who was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. She took the time to answer all of our questions and provided a lot of useful information, which made everything much easier and gave us peace of mind.<br><br>The facility itself is clean, well-maintained, and has a warm, home-like atmosphere. You can tell they take pride in keeping everything organized and sanitary. What really stood out to me is how respectfully they treat the residents—there’s a real sense of dignity and kindness in how they interact with everyone.<br><br>Communication has also been excellent. The staff keeps families informed and is always available to answer questions or address concerns.<br><br>Overall, I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for quality care for their loved ones. It’s clear that the people who work here truly care about what they do.

Lol yes l do

May 2026

via Google

I liked it here had its ups n downs the staff is really good great cna's .Janessa one of the R.N's there is the best to her her patients are more than just a room number she takes the time to know you and cares about your health,very down to earth and can talk to you about your situation in the most honest way no sugar coating keeping it REAL. The P.T and activities there are also great!

Erin

Feb 2026

via Google

There isn't an actual nurse to save your life around here! It's dirty, complete with feces on the floor and bedside table! 🤬 Housekeeping doesn't do anything, but push a germ infested dirty mop from room to room, and they NEVER actually clean anything! And trust me, you can just forget about anyone answering a call light. Especially the tall "charge nurse!" Who, btw, nobody likes! 😆 I almost forgot about that high sodium, carbohydrate laden, frozen processed disgusting slop they try to pass off as food is just unbearable. But there are some amazing staff members who go above and beyond. And for that I am thankful. Christian is awesome! I miss him. 🥰 It's been a while since I was there, I never received my personal belongings either, so I do hope these concerns have been addressed and rectified. 🥺 No such luck. The horrendous "social worker" hung up on me every single time I called to try and get my belongings. When I finally got through to the administrator, a year later, she told me my stuff was gone. My jewelry; my brand new bipap machine; the only clothes I had left; my cute solar powered garden gnome, probably replaceable, but none of my other personal belongings are! 😡 My driver license, credit cards, social security card, etc. Nothing left. They stole every last bit of belongings I had. 😔

Request information

Ask about availability, pricing, or a tour. Your details go only to Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center, never sold or shared.

Government Inspection History

14 inspection visits in the last three years, 60 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Nov 25, 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 Jan 8, 2026

Jun 6, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
  • Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 6, 2025

May 21, 2025Health Complaint3 citations
  • 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 Jun 21, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 21, 2025

  • Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 21, 2025

Jan 9, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard9 citations
  • Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 28, 2025

  • Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 28, 2025

  • Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 28, 2025

  • Have properly installed hallway dispensers for alcohol-based hand rub.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 14, 2025

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 28, 2025

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 29, 2025

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 28, 2025

  • 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, isolatedCorrected Feb 28, 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 28, 2025

Nov 7, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 7, 2024

Oct 17, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 3, 2024

Oct 4, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 4, 2024

Feb 12, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 29, 2024

Feb 1, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard19 citations
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • 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 Mar 14, 2024

  • 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 Mar 14, 2024

  • Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 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, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2024

  • 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 Mar 14, 2024

Dec 21, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
  • Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services 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 Jan 9, 2024

Dec 6, 2023Infection ControlNo citations
Nov 15, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
  • Prepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge from the nursing home.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 15, 2023

Sep 26, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
  • 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 25, 2023

May 19, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard20 citations
  • Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 23, 2022

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 23, 2022

  • Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 23, 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 Jun 23, 2022

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 18, 2022

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 18, 2022

  • 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 18, 2022

  • 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, patternCorrected Jun 18, 2022

  • 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 Jun 23, 2022

  • Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 23, 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 18, 2022

  • 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, isolatedCorrected Jun 18, 2022

  • Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 18, 2022

  • Keep all essential equipment working safely.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 18, 2022

  • Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 18, 2022

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 23, 2022

  • Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 23, 2022

  • Have power receptacles that are properly grounded.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 23, 2022

  • Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 23, 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 Jun 18, 2022

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 Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center offer?

Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center located?

Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center is located at 4033 Sixth Avenue Ext in San Diego, California.

What do families say about Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center?

Reviews of Hillcrest Heights are sharply split: many families and patients praise specific nurses, CNAs, and the rehab/physical therapy team by name, describing attentive, compassionate care and good recovery outcomes. At the same time, a substantial number of reviewers report serious problems, including unanswered call lights, missed medications, unsanitary conditions, and lost personal belongings.

How did Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center do on recent health and safety inspections?

Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center had 14 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 60 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 Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Hillcrest Heights Healthcare Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

Work at Hillcrest Heights Healthcare 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.

Prefer to stay home?

Home care agencies serving San Diego bring help to the house: daily living, companionship, and respite for family caregivers.