Tennessee is home to a wide variety of assisted living communities designed to meet the evolving needs of seniors. Whether your loved one requires minimal support with daily activities or more advanced care such as memory care or rehabilitation, Tennessee’s assisted living facilities offer high standards of care across urban centers, small towns, and rural communities.
This comprehensive guide will help families navigate Tennessee’s assisted living landscape, from understanding costs and services to exploring payment options and regulations.
The cost of assisted living in Tennessee varies based on facility location, amenities, care level, and accommodation type.
| City/Region | Private Room (Monthly) | Shared Room (Monthly) |
| Nashville Area | $4,300 | $3,500 |
| Memphis Area | $4,000 | $3,200 |
| Knoxville Area | $4,100 | $3,400 |
| Chattanooga Area | $3,900 | $3,100 |
| State Average | $4,100 | $3,300 |
| Category | TN | National Average |
| Average Monthly Cost | $4,100 | $4,000 |
| Number of Facilities | 700+ licensed assisted living sites | 28,900+ |
| Medicaid Coverage | Limited (via TennCare CHOICES) | Limited |
| Licensing Authority | Tennessee Department of Health | Varies by state |
| Availability of Memory Care | Widespread | Widespread |
Tennessee is more affordable than many coastal states but slightly above average compared to other Southern states.
| State | Average Monthly Cost | Total Licensed Facilities | Specialized Care Availability |
| TN | $4,100 | 700+ | Yes (Memory, Skilled Nursing) |
| GA | $3,500 | 1,000+ | Yes |
| FL | $3,700 | 3,000+ | Yes |
| NY | $5,300 | 2,900+ | Yes |
| National Avg | $4,000 | 28,900+ | Yes |
Paying for assisted living can be one of the biggest concerns for families. Tennessee residents have several options to help offset the cost.
| Payment Method | Coverage Details | Availability |
| Private Pay | Full or partial; often from savings or assets | Most common method |
| Long-Term Care Insurance | Varies by policy | Based on individual policy |
| Veterans Benefits (Aid & Attendance) | Partial coverage for eligible veterans and spouses | Application required |
| TennCare CHOICES | Tennessee’s Medicaid program for seniors | Limited availability |
| Reverse Mortgage/Asset Sale | Converts home equity into cash | Depends on ownership status |
TennCare CHOICES is Tennessee’s Medicaid program that provides some financial assistance for long-term care, including assisted living.
Note: CHOICES does not cover room and board at assisted living facilities, but it may help reduce overall care costs.
Tennessee regulates assisted living through the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Health Care Facilities to ensure consistent quality of care across the state.
| Category | TN Standard |
| Licensing Entity | TN Department of Health |
| Inspection Frequency | Annual and unannounced inspections |
| Minimum Staff-to-Resident Ratio | No fixed ratio; staffing must meet residents’ needs |
| Staff Training Requirements | 24 hours within 30 days of employment + ongoing training |
| Resident Rights | Privacy, dignity, participation in care decisions |
| Emergency Preparedness | Required emergency and evacuation plans |
Finding the right assisted living facility in Tennessee can be overwhelming, especially when comparing hundreds of options. That’s where AssistedLivingSeniorCare.com comes in.
| Program | Assisted Living Coverage | Eligibility Requirements |
| Medicare | Does not cover assisted living | Covers skilled nursing or rehab post-hospital |
| Medicaid (TennCare CHOICES) | Partial assistance for eligible seniors | Income and medical need-based |
Tennessee offers a robust and growing network of assisted living options for seniors, combining southern hospitality with comprehensive care services. While the average cost is slightly higher than the national average, Tennessee remains more affordable than many states with comparable care offerings.
AssistedLivingSeniorCare.com helps you navigate the process with confidence, giving your family peace of mind and your loved one the comfort they deserve.
