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Assisted Living in Tennessee

Tennessee is known for its beautiful landscapes, dynamic metro areas and low cost of living. The latter is a benefit for seniors since the state offers a more affordable lifestyle than other parts of the United States. With an average cost of $3,900 versus $4,051 nationally, seniors can expect to save on assisted living in Tennessee.

Tennessee's affordable cost of care is valuable in light of its evolving demographics; as with many areas of the country, the senior population in Tennessee is expected to increase over the next decade. Currently, those over age 65 comprise 16.4% of the population or around 1.1 million residents. However, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the population of those 60 and older will make up 24% of the population by 2030, a 27% increase from 2012.

This guide serves as an overview to assisted living in Tennessee. It details the average costs of care, available financial resources for seniors, rules and regulations related to senior living and other valuable information for seniors.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Tennessee



Tennessee is an above-average location for seniors. The state has a SeniorAdvice Senior Score of 71%, which is just slightly under the national average of 72%. This takes into account four primary criteria that can affect life in retirement based on over 100 points of data from a wide array of sources, including health and safety, recreation and leisure, finances and general quality of life. As a state with a relatively affordable cost of living, a moderate climate, low taxes and access to many highly ranked health care providers and hospitals, Tennessee is a comfortable place for many seniors to call home.



SeniorScore™ for Tennessee



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

71

SeniorScore™ Overview

  • Tennessee's SeniorScore™ of 71 is lower than the national average of 72.
58

Health & Safety

  • Tennessee has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • Tennessee has a high number of hospitals within the state.
  • Tennessee has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • Tennessee has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in Tennessee is 76.3, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • Tennessee has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • Tennessee has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
61

Recreation & Leisure

  • 29% of the population in Tennessee are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • Tennessee has 278 golf courses in the state.
  • Tennessee has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • Tennessee has 2,768 churches in the state.
69

Finances

  • The property taxes average 1.89% of total income in Tennessee, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 0.79% of property value in Tennessee, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in Tennessee is 9.13%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in Tennessee is 0.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in Tennessee is $60,753, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
  • Tennessee's median household income is $46,676, which is lower than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in Tennessee is $24,242, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in Tennessee average $40,150 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in Tennessee average $76,250 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in Tennessee average $14,244 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in Tennessee average $41,791 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 9.39% in Tennessee, which is significantly higher than then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in Tennessee is very low compared to national averages.
  • 1.15% of the senior population in Tennessee are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
65

General Quality of Life

  • Tennessee receives an average of 51.6 inches of rain per year.
  • Tennessee has an average annual temperature of 57.5 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Tennessee has an average low temperature of 45.3 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Tennessee has an average high temperature of 68.7 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Tennessee has an average population density of 472 people per square mile.
  • Tennessee has an average public school quality ranking.
  • Tennessee has an average public school safety ranking.
  • Tennessee has an average graduation rate of 83.29%.

From a health care perspective, Tennessee rates a 58 out of 100. While hospitals and senior living facilities are plentiful in the state, as are Medicare-registered health care providers, there are some notable downsides that seniors should consider. The average life expectancy for seniors is 76.3 years, which is slightly lower than the national average of 78.6, and both property and violent crime rates are higher than the national average.

Financial criteria rate higher for seniors at 61 out of 100. The cost of living is lower than average as are property taxes. Further, Tennessee does not have state income tax, which can be a significant source of savings. Assisted living, nursing home, adult day care and home health care costs are lower than average as well. However, sales taxes are far higher at 9.13% compared to the national average of 6.97%. In addition, mean, median and per capita household income are also lower than average. For seniors who plan on working, unemployment rates are also higher in Tennessee than the rest of the country.

General quality of life in Tennessee is around average with a rating of 65. The Volunteer State has an average annual temperature of 57.5 degrees Fahrenheit with average lows around 45.3 and highs of 68.7. This provides a comfortable temperature year round without some of the dramatic periods of heat or cold that can be found in other areas of the country. A population density of just 472 people per square mile provides space to spread out without sacrificing amenities. The state is also home to a large number of municipal parks and golf courses that offer plenty of room for outdoor recreation.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in Tennessee



NHC Farragut - Knoxville, TN

NHC Farragut

120 Cavett Hill Ln

Knoxville, TN 37922

1-855-224-5130

14 Reviews  

Located at 120 Cavett Hill Ln in Knoxville, Tennessee, NHC Farragut is a 100 bed senior housing facility. The facility is in a mostly wealthier area, with an average per-family income of $98,617. With about 34,000 individuals living ...

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Asbury Place - Kingsport, TN

Asbury Place

100 Netherland Ln

Kingsport, TN 37660

1-855-229-7494

7 Reviews  

Asbury Place is a 67 room senior care community situated in Kingsport, Tennessee. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with a median family income of $37,552. It is heavily populated, with roughly 41,000 poeple ...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in Tennessee



With a median cost of $3,900 per month for assisted living, seniors in Tennessee can expect to spend less than the national average of $4,051. Despite its low cost of living, Tennessee is still more expensive than some of its neighbors, including Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. However, it is more affordable than North Carolina, its bordering state to the east.

  • Tennessee: $3,900
  • North Carolina: $4,000
  • Kentucky: $3,497
  • Georgia: $3,335
  • Alabama: $3,250
  • Mississippi: $3,524

The Cost of Assisted Living in Tennessee's Top Cities

As a large state with several major metro areas and large swaths of rural land, the cost of living across Tennessee varies greatly. Nashville and Memphis, two of the state's largest cities, are more expensive than average, while smaller cities like Chattanooga, Knoxville and Clarksville are more affordable than the mean cost of $3,900 per month.

  • Nashville: $4,150
  • Memphis: $4,113
  • Jackson: $3,975
  • Johnson City: $3,985
  • Knoxville: $3,625
  • Chattanooga: $3,225
  • Clarksville: $3,323

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Tennessee

Assisted living is a great option for seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living but don't want to live at home with a health aide. However, it's not the right choice for everyone. For seniors with varying needs or budgets, there are alternatives to assisted living care to consider. From lower cost adult day care to more expensive nursing homes, seniors in Tennessee have many options at a variety of price points.

  • Assisted Living: $3,900
  • In-Home Care: $3,813
  • Home Health Care: $3,892
  • Adult Day Care: $1,495
  • Nursing Home Care: $6,836

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Tennessee



TennCare


Address: 310 Great Circle Road., Nashville, TN 3724
Phone Number: (800) 342-3145
Website: https://www.tn.gov/tenncare.html

TennCare, Tennessee's state Medicaid plan, is an option for low-income seniors and disabled individuals seeking financial support for assisted living. Medicaid provides access to numerous waiver options for varying types of care, but currently, Tennessee only utilizes one. The TennCare CHOICES waiver program provides assistance for seniors who are either in a nursing home or who are at risk of requiring nursing home care. As the name of the waiver implies, seniors have the opportunity to self-select the course of care that's right for them, from in-home care delivered by a provider of their choice to residence in an assisted living facility. This program is specifically intended to offer resources that assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating and shopping for groceries.

Seniors who would like to use the TennCare CHOICES program must be at least 65 years of age and must require a level of care generally provided by nursing homes. Further, they must have a gross monthly income of less than $2,349 and countable assets under $2,000 per spouse. If only one spouse is applying for Medicaid coverage and the nonapplicant spouse does not have an income, the applicant spouse may be able to allocate as much as $3,216 to the nonapplicant as a minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance.


Tennessee Department of Veterans Services - VA Aid and Attendance Benefits


Address: 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone Number: (615) 741-2345
Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

VA Aid and Attendance is a national program that helps qualified veterans and surviving spouses pay for long-term care. As a supplemental benefit provided in addition to standard monthly pensions, this opportunity can be an excellent way to support the costs of residing in an assisted living facility. As of 2020, seniors who qualify for VA Aid and Attendance can receive up to $1,912 per month individually, $1,230 for a surviving spouse of a veteran or up to $2,266 for married veterans.

Eligibility for the VA Aid and Attendance is based on an applicant's medical needs. This benefit is available to those who meet at least one of the below criteria:

  • Require assistance performing activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing or dressing
  • Have an illness or disability that requires staying in bed most or all of the day
  • Are a current or recent resident of a nursing home due to physical or mental abilities
  • Have extremely limited eyesight of 5/200 or less in both eyes even with correction or a visual field contraction of 5 degrees or less

Interested veterans can submit VA Form 21-2680 in addition to a doctor's report reflecting the specific reason for requiring aid.


Tennessee Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



Due to the important role assisted living facilities play in senior care, Tennessee requires these providers to adhere to strict rules and regulations. Overseen by the Tennessee Department of Health, these policies are intended to protect the rights of seniors in licensed care facilities.

Assisted Living Admission

Admission to an assisted living facility is limited to those without serious health concerns who require assistance with daily living and who meet the criteria for nursing home care. However, assisted living facilities are not prepared to accommodate chronic conditions. As such, those who meet any of the following criteria will not be permitted admissions:

  • Stage III or IV skin ulcers
  • Necessary chemical or physical restraints
  • Infectious diseases requiring isolation
  • Late-stage dementia
  • Chronic conditions requiring around-the-clock care
  • Anyone incapable of self-administering medication

Care Plans and Scope of Care

All assisted living facilities in Tennessee require new residents to be assessed within three days of admission by a member of the direct care team. This information is used to create a plan of care, which must be available within five days. The plan must address the resident's abilities and needs, including the caliber of care required, who will be providing assistance and how often, stipulations around health care provider visits, rules for recreational and social opportunities and provisions of advanced care directives. These plans must be reviewed at least every six months.All licensed assisted living facilities must offer personal services that provide protective care and safety services. Other available services can include:

  • Minor medical care
  • Medication management
  • Part-time nursing services
  • Physical and speech therapy services
  • Social services
  • Hospice care

Staffing Requirements

There is no required staff-to-resident ratio in Tennessee outside of a general requirement to maintain sufficient staff to appropriately address residents' needs. However, assisted living facilities must have a certified administrator working full time as well as an awake attendant 24 hours a day. To be certified, administrators must take 24 hours of classroom instruction in each of the following areas: state regulations, health care management, diet and nutrition, financial management and the tenets of healthy living. All staff members must be trained in residential care, emergency preparedness and fire safety on an annual basis.

Background Checks

Background checks are required for assisted living facility administrators to ensure they don't have convictions for criminal offenses or abuse. Anyone listed on Tennessee's abuse registry is prohibited from employment in an assisted living facility. There is no background check rule for general staff members but many facilities have internal policies that require criminal and drug screenings.

Reporting Abuse

The Adult Protective Services unit of the Tennessee Department of Human Services oversees concerns regarding elder abuse in assisted living facilities in conjunction with the Tennessee Vulnerable Adult Coalition (TVAC). Any suspicions of abuse can be reported by calling (888) 277-8366).


Free Assisted Living Resources in Tennessee



Tennessee Agencies


Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability

Address: 502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone Number: (615) 741-2056
Website: https://www.tn.gov/aging.html

The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability is a government agency that offers comprehensive, free support to seniors and disabled adults in Tennessee. These resources include food, wellness chat lines for seniors, Medicare counseling and elder abuse reporting. Seniors in assisted living can also find representation via the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. This program offers assistance to Tennessee seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and can address questions, problems and concerns with the caliber of care.

Area Agencies on Aging in Tennessee

Tennessee Area Agencies on Aging are organizations that advocate for older adults and offer valuable information to seniors, their family members and caretakers. Through these programs, seniors can gain access to local nonprofits, apply for benefits, receive information about area amenities and coordinate local services, such as food delivery or financial assistance.

There are nine Area Agencies on Aging in Tennessee. Individual program contact information is available online. Seniors can also call (866) 836-6678 to be automatically directed to their local AAA office.

Veterans Affairs Offices in Tennessee

The Department of Veterans Affairs oversees benefits for military service members and provides monthly pensions to qualifying veterans and their relatives. The VA also administers numerous other programs for eligible seniors, including grants for disabilities or long-term care. Seniors who qualify may be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance benefits.

Interested individuals can reach the national VA helpline at (844) 698-2311 or contact the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services at (615) 741-2345. A full list of Tennessee locations is available here.

Social Security Offices in Tennessee

The Social Security Administration is a valuable resource for those in retirement. It distributes funds in several categories to those who are eligible. Supplemental Security Income, for example, offers additional income after age 65 for those with limited access to assets and other resources as well as those who are blind or have qualifying disabilities.

Eligibility for SSI can be a benchmark used to determine participation in other benefit programs, so seniors who meet income and resource limits may find working with Social Security to be beneficial. Seniors in Tennessee can find their nearest local office using the department's locator tool.

 

Other Cities in Tennessee

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