Assisted Living in Tennessee
What It Costs Across Tennessee
If you're looking into assisted living in Tennessee, you've likely seen the statewide median cost of around $4,105 per month. However, like many things, prices have been rising. Recent 2024 data indicates the average monthly cost is closer to $4,900, with 2026 projections showing a median near $5,300 per month, typically ranging between $4,900 and $5,700 statewide. This makes Tennessee somewhat more expensive than some neighboring states.
Costs can vary significantly depending on where you look. Major metropolitan areas and popular suburbs, driven by factors like real estate values and labor costs, tend to be more expensive. For instance, Cleveland has been noted at around $5,950 per month, Nashville at $5,822, and Chattanooga at $5,450. Memphis also sees costs around $5,350 per month. On the more affordable side, you might find lower rates in areas like Knoxville, averaging around $4,825 per month, or Clarksville, with prices as low as $3,450. Generally, rural communities often offer lower rates but might have fewer amenities.
Will TennCare Help Pay?
Yes, TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program, can help through the TennCare CHOICES in Long-Term Services and Supports program. This program aims to help eligible seniors and adults with physical disabilities live in their own homes or in community settings like assisted living facilities, rather than nursing homes.
It’s crucial to understand that while CHOICES covers a range of services within an assisted living facility, such as personal care assistance, medication management, and homemaker services, it does not cover the cost of room and board. This means you'll still be responsible for the housing portion of the cost.
To be eligible, an individual must be age 65 or older, or age 21 or older with a physical disability. Medically, applicants must either need a nursing home level of care or be "at risk" of needing it without these home and community-based services. This is determined by a Pre-Admission Evaluation (PAE), where an applicant needs a score of at least 9 out of 26 based on their ability to perform daily activities. Financially, as of January 1, 2026, a single applicant's gross income generally cannot exceed $2,982 per month, and countable assets must be less than $2,000. If income is over the limit, a Qualified Income Trust might be an option.
It's important to know that CHOICES is a waiver program, not an entitlement, meaning there can be a waitlist, particularly for certain groups, and participant slots may be limited. The waitlist is usually prioritized based on the intensity of care needed.
How to Find a Good Facility
Finding the right assisted living facility in Tennessee involves careful research. The state has hundreds of licensed facilities; a recent search indicated around 289 licensed facilities statewide.
When visiting facilities, pay close attention to cleanliness, the comfort of the rooms, the appeal of the meals, and whether there's a stimulating activities program. Ensure the buildings and grounds are well-maintained.
The primary oversight agency for assisted living facilities in Tennessee is the Tennessee Department of Health's Division of Health Care Facilities and the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities. They conduct unannounced inspections of facilities typically every 15 months to ensure compliance with state regulations.
You can check inspection records and license statuses. While Tennessee offers some transparency, the information isn't always easily searchable online. To verify a facility's license and obtain copies of recent inspection reports, you can contact the Tennessee Department of Health Licensing Agency at 1-877-287-0010. If you have concerns or wish to file a complaint, this same number is your direct line, or you can contact the Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 1-877-236-0013 for assistance.
Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024, state licensing agency.