Maury Regional Medical Center is a 20 bed senior housing community. It is located at 1224 Trotwood Ave in Columbia, Tennessee. With around 55,000 people residing in the 38401 zip code, the encompassing area is heavily populated. ...
Nursing Homes in Tennessee
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Tennessee
- Nursing Care Directory for Tennessee
- Nursing Care Costs in Tennessee
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Tennessee
- Tennessee Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Tennessee
Tennessee offers warm summer weather, limited snowfall in the winter and many communities that are appealing to older adults. In fact, the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities features 13 Tennessee locales, including Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis. All told, seniors aged 65 and older comprise 16.7% of Tennessee's 6.8 million residents. Tennessee is tax-friendly toward seniors and has a below-average cost of living, making it ideal for those living on a retirement budget. Several types of senior care, including nursing homes, tend to be less expensive in Tennessee compared to the rest of the country. The state is also home to a dozen highly ranked medical facilities, such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center and CHI Memorial Hospital.
Tennessee has over 300 nursing homes, which are suitable for seniors with advanced care needs who don't require hospitalization. In addition to accommodations, meals and personal care, these facilities provide around-the-clock supervision, skilled nursing services and various therapies. Individuals who don't require this high a level of care might have their needs met through in-home care or at an assisted living facility. This guide includes information about Tennessee's long-term care costs, financial assistance options, regulations that govern nursing homes and free resources that support Tennessee's older adults.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Tennessee
Tennessee has a SeniorScore of 71, which is almost on par with the national score of 72. The SeniorScore system uses over 100 data points to rate locations in four areas important to older adults: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life.
Despite the state's high number of hospitals, senior living facilities and Medicare-registered doctors, Health & Safety is Tennessee's weakest category. The state earned a 58 in this category, and contributing factors included the higher-than-average crime rates and a lower life expectancy for its residents. Tennessee had a stronger Recreation & Leisure score of 61. In that category, the presence of over 2,700 churches, nearly 300 golf courses and myriad parks help lift the score. Compared to the rest of the country, the state's percentage of seniors is typical, meaning Tennessee's older adults have a decent number of peers in the population.
In General Quality of Life, Tennessee received a score of 65. Its moderate climate will appeal to seniors who aren't fans of extremes, and the state's average population density means it's neither overcrowded nor lacking in people. Coming in at 69, Finances is Tennessee's highest-scoring category. Though the state has relatively high sales tax rates, they're offset by low property taxes, nonexistent income taxes and Tennessee's overall affordability. The low-to-moderate rates offered by Tennessee's senior care providers help the state's Finances score as well.
Top Nursing Care in Tennessee
Life Care Center of Hickory Woods is located within the Park Place Condos neighborhood of Antioch, Tennessee. It is a 124 bed senior housing community. With an average household income of $51,532, the facility is in a primarily ...
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 ...
Life Care Center of Old Hickory Village is a 124 unit senior care facility. It is located within the Fairway View neighborhood of Old Hickory, Tennessee. With approximately 23,000 residents in the zip code of 37138, the surrounding ...
Diversicare of Oak Ridge is a 120 unit senior care facility situated in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. With an average family income of $52,633, the facility is in a predominantly middle class area. It has a dense population, with ...
Grace Healthcare of Cordova is a 284 unit nursing facility. It is situated in the Cordova-Appling area of Cordova, Tennessee. With a median per-family income of $74,853, the facility is in a mostly middle class area. It ...
Spring Gate Rehab and Healthcare Center is a 233 room nursing home facility. It is situated near by the Raleigh area of Memphis, Tennessee. The community is in a predominantly middle class area, with a median family income ...
Mt. Juliet Health Care Center is located at 2650 North Mt Juliet Rd in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. It is a 106 unit nursing facility. With roughly 47,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 37122, the surrounding area ...
Life Care Center of Hixson is a 108 bed senior care community located in Hixson, Tennessee. With about 41,000 individuals living in the zip code of 37343, the neighboring area is densely populated. It is a primarily middle ...
Quince Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 188 room nursing home facility. It is situated within the Hickory Ridge-South Riverdale neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee. The community is in a primarily middle class area, with a median per-household income ...
Ashton Place Rehab and Health Center is located close to the Midtown neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee. It is a 211 bed nursing care facility. With a median family income of $38,821, the facility is in a predominantly middle ...
Vanco Health Care and Rehabilitation is located within the Alta Loma area of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. It is a 90 unit nursing home facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 31,000 poeple living in the 37072 ...
Huntsville Manor is a 96 room senior care facility. It is located at 287 Baker St in Huntsville, Tennessee. The facility is in a mostly working class area, with a median per-family income of $30,519. With around ...
Signature Healthcare of Putnam County is a 175 room nursing care facility located in Cookeville, Tennessee. The facility is in a predominantly middle class area, with an average family income of $40,371. With about 28,000 residents in the ...
Greenhills Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 150 bed nursing home facility situated within the Abbot Martin Estates area of Nashville, Tennessee. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with approximately 22,000 poeple living in the 37215 zip code. ...
Lebanon Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 60 bed skilled nursing facility located in Lebanon, Tennessee. The community is in a generally middle class area, with a median per-household income of $52,153. It is densely populated, with about ...
Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab is a 160 room nursing care facility located in Cordova, Tennessee. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with a median per-family income of $74,853. It is heavily populated, with around ...
Harbor View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 120 unit nursing home facility located nearby the Shelby Forest-Frayser neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee. With approximately 19,000 poeple living in the zip code of 38107, the encompassing area has an average ...
Life Care Center of Collegedale is a 124 unit senior care facility located in Collegedale, Tennessee. The encompassing area has a sparse population, with roughly 3,000 residents in the 37315 zip code. With an average household income of ...
Life Care Center of Red Bank is located at 1020 Runyan Dr in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is a 148 unit senior community. The surrounding area has an average population density, with approximately 16,000 poeple living in the zip ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Tennessee
Per the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average charged for nursing home accommodations is $7,072 per month, which is nearly $700 less than the national median of $7,756. The cost of nursing care in Tennessee is competitive with other states in the region. It's $593 less expensive than the rate in Virginia ($7,665) and $258 below the average paid in Kentucky ($7,330). In Arkansas and Alabama, however, nursing home care is less costly than in Tennessee. In Arkansas the average rate is $5,931, while in Alabama it's $6,540.
- Tennessee: $7,072
- United States: $7,756
- Virginia: $7,665
- Kentucky: $7,330
- Arkansas: $5,931
- Alabama: $6,540
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Tennessee's Top Cities
In Tennessee's major cities, nursing home rates are within a few hundred dollars of the state average. Nashville and Memphis have similar average costs of $7,270 and $7,300, respectively. The average rates paid in Knoxville and Chattanooga are identical at $7,148 per month. Prices are a bit lower than the state average in Clarksville, where the medial cost of nursing home care is $6,753.
- Nashville: $7,270
- Memphis: $7,300
- Knoxville: $7,148
- Chattanooga: $7,148
- Clarksville: $6,753
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Tennessee
At $7,072, nursing homes offer the most expensive type of senior care in Tennessee. Memory care costs about $2,000 less at $5,049, while assisted living averages over $3,000 less at $4,039 per month. Seniors pay $3,909 and $4,004 for in-home and home health care services, respectively. The least expensive option is adult day care at $1,679 per month.
- Memory Care: $5,049
- Assisted Living: $4,039
- In-Home Care: $3,909
- Home Health Care: $4,004
- Adult Day Care: $1,679
- Nursing Home Care: $7,072
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Tennessee
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Tennessee.
Medicaid in Tennessee
Tennessee's Medicaid program, TennCare, provides health care coverage for approximately 1.5 million residents, or around 20% of the state's population. The program aids many vulnerable groups, including seniors with limited incomes who need nursing home care. An estimated 26,647 residents live in Tennessee's approximately 314 nursing homes. To qualify for nursing care coverage, Medicaid recipients must be eligible for the CHOICES program. In addition to nursing home care, CHOICES also offers Home and Community Based Services, which aids eligible individuals outside of a nursing home setting.
Medicaid Eligibility in Tennessee
To qualify for nursing home coverage through TennCare, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. For older adults, the most relevant requirements are being blind, disabled or 65 years of age or older. Tennessee residency is also required and applicants must also be a permanent resident, legal alien or a U.S. citizen with a low income and limited assets.
For nursing home care, the income and asset limits are as follows.
- Single applicants can have a income up to $2,382 per month and $2,000 in countable assets.
- Married couples in which both spouses are applying can have a combined income of $4,764 per month and combined assets of $4,000, although the individual limits still apply.
- If only one spouse is applying, the applicant may have up to $2,382 in monthly income and $2,000 in assets. The nonapplicant can have up to $2,382 in income per month, but they can have up to $130,380 in assets.
Financially eligible seniors must be assessed to determine if they need a nursing home level of care. Once a senior is approved for the CHOICES program, all of their income must go toward the cost of their care, except for a personal needs allowance of about $50 per month.
To learn more about CHOICES or to apply for nursing home coverage through the program, seniors can contact their local Area Agency on Aging and Disability or call 866-836-6678. Individuals who already have health care coverage through TennCare should contact their Managed Care Organization.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Tennessee Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
In Tennessee, the Office of Health Care Facilities regulates nursing homes. Its Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities is responsible for licensing, and it can revoke a license or impose other penalties when a nursing home has unacceptable conditions or violates federal or state laws and regulations. Below are some of the rules and guidelines Tennessee's nursing homes must abide by.
Scope of Care | Nursing homes make 24-hour nursing services available. A registered nurse provides or supervises these services. A licensed practical nurse or registered nurse is required to be present on a continuous basis. Additionally, each shift requires the presence of two or more nursing professionals. All residents who enter a nursing home for care or treatment must be under the supervision of a physician. When appropriate, nursing homes need to also assist residents in obtaining dental and emergency care. Nursing homes must provide adequate nutrition for residents. The minimum is three meals per day, and circumstances may call for additional meals and supplements. For qualifying individuals, nursing homes must also provide necessary physical, occupational and speech therapy. |
Care Planning | Nursing homes must put into place a continuous plan to meet the medical needs of each resident, plus a performance improvement program. Facilities must also have plans for pain management and end-of-life care for residents. |
Pharmacy Services | Nursing homes are required to cover the pharmaceutical needs of residents. Error-minimizing plans and procedures must be developed and implemented. Only licensed nursing personnel, licensed medical personnel or qualified health professionals can dispense medication. |
Staff Screening | A criminal background check is required for all prospective employees whose positions involve delivering care. Additionally, anyone providing direct care must consent to reference checks, the release of investigative records, the submission of a fingerprint sample and the release of other information required for the criminal background check. |
Staff Training | Nursing home administrators must be licensed by the state of Tennessee. Each nursing home must retain a physician as its Medical Director, and that person is responsible for reviewing accidents and ensuring emergency care is available. Personnel need to undergo infection-control education. Federally compliant nurse aide training is required for nurse aides, and registered nurses and practical nurses must meet the state's specific licensure requirements. |
Medicaid Coverage | The TennCare CHOICES program covers the cost of care in nursing homes for financially eligible individuals who demonstrate a need for this level of care. Nursing homes are required to inform residents regarding service charges not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. |
Reporting Abuse | Incidents of abuse, neglect or inadequate care in a nursing home can be reported to the Tennessee Department of Health Health Care Facilities, Complaint Intake Unit, either online by calling (877) 287-0010 Another way to raise concerns is by contacting the Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which can be reached at (615) 253-5412. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Tennessee
Tennessee Health Care Association
The THCA's goals are to ensure long-term care facilities meet a high standard and to boost consumers' knowledge of what those facilities do. It also works with government entities regarding long-term care issues. For consumers, the THCA offers a facility finder and a resource center. It also conducts educational events. Additionally, the THCA's Guide to Long-Term Care in Tennessee covers topics such as selecting a facility, long-term planning and emotional issues, and it contains a resource directory.
The TSLA helps Tennessee seniors, defined as 60 years of age or older, with myriad civil legal issues. It works with four regional providers of legal services. Areas of focus include health care access, housing and protection from abuse and exploitation. The organization also assists with estate planning matters, including advance directives and wills. It offers an online resource database as well, plus guides on several senior-relevant topics, including elder and family law, scams, income considerations and health care.
Tennessee Agencies
ennessee Department of Health
Address: 710 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37243
Phone Number: (615) 741-3111
Website: https://www.tn.gov/health.html
The Tennessee Department of Health oversees many important programs for Tennesseans, and it houses the Board of Nursing and Board of Nursing Home Administrators as well as the Office of Health Care Facilities. Additionally, the Department of Health supervises 89 county health departments, which are primarily rural and may offer TennCare information and assistance. The Department of Health also works with six larger, urban health departments in cities such as Nashville.
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
Address: 502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone Number: (615) 532-4543
Website: https://www.tn.gov/aging.html
The TCAD oversees various programs that benefit seniors and disabled adults throughout Tennessee. One is the Information and Assistance Program, through which callers can learn more about aging-related services, program eligibility and support options during crises. Seniors can call (866) 836-6678 to reach an I&A specialist.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Address: 502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone Number: (615) 253-5412
Website: https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/long-term-care-ombudsman.html
Residents of Tennessee nursing homes and their families can turn to the LTC Ombudsman Program for help with facility-related concerns. The program's ombudsmen act as advocates for residents to resolve issues such as quality of care and resident rights.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program for Medicare Participants
Address: 502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone Number: (877) 801-0044
Website: https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/state-health-insurance-assistance-program--ship-.html
SHIP helps current and prospective Medicare enrollees understand their benefits and options. Through SHIP, seniors can learn more about Medicare prescription plans, TennCare, supplemental insurance and long-term care insurance. SHIP's counselors may also be of assistance in matters such as billing and subsidies.
Area Agencies on Aging in Tennessee
There are nine AAADs throughout Tennessee. These offices plan and administer aging-related programs, and seniors and their families can call their AAAD office to learn about local resources and sources of support. AAAD staff can also help seniors determine if they're eligible for certain programs and financial assistance. Alternatively, individuals who need aging-related information and assistance can visit the statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center website or call (866) 836-6678.
Veteran Affairs Office in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services assists the state's military veterans, including those who are seniors. Aid for family members of veterans is also available. Through its network of field offices, the department helps veterans find resources and apply for state and federal benefits. Examples of benefits include VA health care and burial coverage as well as disability compensation, pensions and supplements such as Aid and Attendance. The department is also a liaison for the state's veterans' homes.
Social Security Offices in Tennessee
Supplemental Security Income and Social Security retirement and disability benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration are valuable resources for eligible older residents of Tennessee. The SSA can also assist with Medicare enrollment, and offers an online tool to help seniors learn more about and estimate their benefits. Tennessee seniors can call (800) 772-1213 or visit their local office to learn more the SSA's offerings or for assistance applying for benefits.
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