Tennessee memory care facilities and Alzheimer's care options

Tennessee Alzheimer's Care Communities

Alzheimer’s care units in Tennessee, which can also go by the terms dementia care, memory care, or specialty care units, are facilities that are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with forms of dementia through the use of services and activities. The facilities typically include specially trained staff and systems that constantly monitor residents, ensure their safety, and prevent wandering.

Top City Cost* Comparisons within Tennessee

Location	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum
Knoxville	$2,000	$7,070
Memphis	$2,055	$5,590
Nashville	$1,300	$6,815

*Average monthly cost for single occupancy room in a memory care community

Recreation and Attractions in Tennessee

Nature and music are the two biggest attractions in Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Roaring Fork, and Lookout Mountain are three popular and beautiful choices. Sun Studio, Graceland, and RCA Studio B are important music based attractions. There are also several museums, historical attractions, distilleries, and more throughout TN for entertainment.

Tennessee's Climate, Geography, and Culture

The climate in TN, while relatively mild, still has four seasons. The varying topography throughout the state results in different conditions, but the average summer high temperature is 89 degrees, and the average winter low is 28 degrees. Typically, 115 days of the year have precipitation resulting in an average of 52 inches of rain and 6 inches of snow. With 207 days of sunshine over the year and moderate to high levels of humidity during the summer, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

Music is a substantial part of Tennessee’s culture because it is unofficially labeled the music capital of the world. Country music comes out of Nashville and Blues and Jazz come out of Memphis. The state is also known for its southern hospitality, sweet tea appreciation, and stellar music.

Tennessee's Memory Care Home Rules and Regulations

In Tennessee, facilities are allowed to have secured units with Alzheimer’s patients with all stages of the disease. Staffing patterns and other health related issues over the last 12 months must be provided annually to survey staff. Staff working in a secured memory care community are required to have annual in-service training. The training should cover the following areas: basic facts about causes, progression, and management of Alzheimer’s; dealing with dysfunctional behavior and reactions; identifying and relieving safety risks; providing assistance; and communication with families and other interested individuals.

Crime and Safety in Tennesee

Tennessee is ranked 36^th in financial safety according to 2016’s Safest States to Live In.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Brenthood	.46	8.66
Signal Mountain	.12	6.93
Loudon	1.05	12.6

Payment Options for Memory Care in Tennessee

Medicare, private long-term insurance, and out of pocket payments are the typical payment methods used for dementia care in TN. There are also state-funded and Medicaid funded home and community-based service programs. There are about 106 facilities and the average monthly cost of Senior Memory Care is around $3,547. For all insurance-related questions, please contact the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Senior and Elderly Rights for Dementia Care in Tennessee

In TN, patients have the right to be informed about diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis along with alternatives and side effects in a manner they understand. They may also either refuse or consent treatment. The patient’s privacy and confidentiality should be respected. The patient of a memory care community has the right to appoint a designated representative to make decisions for them if they no longer have the cognitive ability to do so, or direct care through advance directives.

TN Memory Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Patients in Tennessee, or their legal representative, may make a request to get access or obtain a copy of their medical records. A copy should be provided within 30 days, and a reasonable fee may be applied to cover reproduction and mailing costs.