Tennessee Skilled Nursing Care

Nursing homes in Tennessee are designed to provide 24-hour care to elderly individuals who require skilled nursing services and room and board. Such services include daily living assistance, rehabilitation, medication management and more. The Volunteer State can be a great candidate in your search for quality senior care options with 319 skilled nursing homes to choose from.

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Nursing Home Care in Tennessee - Cost Comparison

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Chatanooga $4,866 $7,090 $6,085
Clarksville $4,565 $8,975 $5,325
Jackson $5,020 $5,690 $5,630
Knoxville $5,020 $6,725 $5,905
Memphis $3,560 $9,890 $5,660
Nashville $4,260 $7,000 $5,600

Nursing home care is rarely an inexpensive investment for many families. The median annual cost of a private room in Tennessee is $75,555 with semi-private rooms costing about $70,080. These figures are lower than the national average costs of nursing care. There are many nursing homes and skilled nursing communities located in Tennessee, so shopping around can help to find the right price and home for your situation.

If you are in need of more information about skilled nursing home care in Tennessee, check out Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care Survey.

Recreations & Attractions in Tennessee

Tennessee is known for national wonders down mountain trails or river roads along with country music. This state has a little something to keep everyone occupied in his or her free time.  In Memphis and Nashville, you can see the center of the nation’s country music scene visiting places like the Country Music Hall of Fame, or the Grand Ole Opry. Take a walk down Beale Street and see where Elvis got his big break.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see for nature lovers. Pick a trail with over 900-miles of hiking, or sit quietly and appreciate the sun setting over scenic landscapes. The park has many different activities including biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and auto touring. View the various wildlife, waterfalls, and wildflower if you get the chance.

For everyday activities and events, check out senior centers in Tennessee to connect with friends and get involved in the community. Many centers provide transportation to and from homes where you’ll have the opportunity to engage in wellness programs and seminars. There’s always something new to experience no matter how old you are!

Tennessee’s Climate, Geography, & Culture

Residents of Tennessee are warm, welcoming, and friendly, embodying the Southern laid back mentality. Towns like Nashville provide country music and southern cooking, while a trip to Memphis will have you in a more Midwestern atmosphere with blues and rock. The music scene dominates this culture and there aren’t many places you’ll go where you won’t be moved to tap your feet to live music.

Like most of the southern states, Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, but mild winters. In higher elevations, like in the Appalachians, you can expect cooler temperatures no matter the season. Annually, the state receives about 50 inches of rainfall, but only between 5 and 16 inches of snowfall. Due to its location, the state rarely sees extreme weather, but tornadoes and rain from tropical cyclones are possible.

During the summer months, you can expect humid conditions and average high temperatures of 90 degrees. Outside of the mountainous areas, winters are mild with average daily high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 40-degree range.

Tennessee’s Nursing Home Regulations & Laws

Nursing homes in Tennessee are regulated by the state’s Department of Health. They are responsible for conducting inspections and also investigating nursing home complaints. No nursing home in the state can operate without a license. These licenses must be visibly posted in the home and are non-transferable.

The owner and operator of the facility must have the financial resources to sustain operations and also allow the home to be inspected by a department surveyor. When proposing a transfer of ownership, the Department of Health must be notified at least 30 days in advance. Nursing homes are prohibited from admitting more patients than the licensed bed capacity.

Staff members working at these homes are required to have completed a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education.  The homes must have an adequate number of employees to meet the needs of the residents. If any rules or regulations are not followed, the health board has the authority immediately revoke the license.

Crime & 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 is be best to look for the safer locations available. Listed below are some of the safest cities in Tennessee based on population and crime score:

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents Property Crimes Per 1,000 Crimes
Brentwood0.478.71
Germantown0.7811.12
Franklin1.4014.05
Collierville1.5316.29

(Source: areavibes.com)

Payment Options for Tennessee Skilled Nursing Care

Skilled nursing communities and nursing homes in Tennessee can be quite expensive for most families to pay out of pocket. Since Medicare and private insurance policies rarely cover long-term care options, many turn to Medicaid for assistance. In order to qualify in Tennessee, applicants must make no more than $2,163 a month and have less than $2,000 in countable assets. Additionally, nursing home care must be deemed medically necessary in order to retain coverage. Since every state is different it is wise to read up on the specifics .

Senior & Elderly Rights for Nursing Home Care in Tennessee

Entering a Tennessee nursing home doesn’t mean your rights as an American citizen are left behind. The Constitution and Bill of Rights guarantee that your freedoms, privacy, and ability to act autonomously are preserved while receiving care. Residents have the right to manage their personal and financial affairs and air grievances. Residents in Tennessee nursing homes have the right to participate in decisions regarding their care plan. This also includes the right to refuse treatment, medications, or experimental procedures. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar with senior law.

TN Nursing Homes: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Residents receiving nursing home care 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.

With the right information and support, you’ll be sure to find the right long-term care option for you or your elderly loved one!

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.