Tennessee continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Discover CCRCs in Tennessee

Depending on your location and specific needs your options may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often imbue their philosophies and ideals within the communities. Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay. Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Recreation and Attractions in Tennessee

As the heart of the country music, Tennessee’s capital, Nashville, boasts a flourishing music scene, plenty of top-quality bars and restaurants, and the Grand Ole Opry Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Music-lovers can also check out Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis or the blues clubs of Beale Street. Other attractions include the Shiloh National Military Park, a historic American Civil War memorial site, and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. No matter your level of mobility, there’s a new experience just outside your door in Tennessee.

Tennessee's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Tennessee boasts some fantastic weather during the summer and winter. Fun in the sun and skiing in the snow showcases a variety of activities to do when taking advantage of the climate. Although it is an important part of the culture of Tennessee, the history, arts, and cuisine of Memphis are more closely associated with the culture of the Deep South (particularly the Mississippi Delta) than the rest of the state.

Tennessee's CCRC Regulations and Laws

The department of Regulation and Law for Tennessee is a great way to ensure that the CCRC you are joining is up to par. These regulations include routine maintenance checks and strict health codes to ensure that CCRCs are providing an optimal living arrangement for all seniors. Thes regulations can be viewed at the Tennessee Government website.

Crime and Safety in Tennessee

Based on recent reports, Tennessee’s crime rates, in terms of both violent and property crime, are higher than the national average. However, crimes per square mile are lower than many other states. While seeking a long-term care option for you or your senior, it can be best to look for the safer locations available. Below are listed some of the safest cities in Tennessee based on population and crime score:

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Loudon	1.05	12.6
Signal Mountain	.12	6.93
Brentwood	1.97	18.77

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Tennessee

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a “buy-in” option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. These include monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extend to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is borne by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior and Elderly Rights For Continued Care in Tennessee

State and Federal rights are in place to make sure all you or your senior's rights are still in place upon entering a CCRC. These laws ensure that your or your loved one will be taken care of in a dignified and caring way. Although Tennessee CCRCs are the most expensive senior care option available, they are ideal for people who would like to maintain an independent lifestyle and age in place. Coupled with Tennessee’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

TN CCRCs: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Since the goal of CCRCs is to aid residents in living independently, most communities will require a health screening in order for individuals to be admitted. Residents receiving CCRC or any other type of medical attention in Tennessee are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.