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Assisted Living in Tennessee

By BoomersHub EditorialReviewed by BoomersHub Senior Living AdvisorsUpdated

Compare communities across 126 cities and 14 counties. Tennessee averages $5,845 per month for assisted living, and BoomersHub advisors help you shortlist, confirm pricing, and book tours for free.

Why families choose Tennessee

Tennessee is an excellent choice for senior living. A pleasant climate, rich history, and diverse culture make it an attractive retirement destination — plenty of open space, but with real cities and their medical hubs within reach. Assisted Living care is available in and around every metro, from small residential care homes to full-campus communities. This guide walks through what Assisted Living in Tennessee costs, how families pay for it, the state's licensing rules, and how to shortlist communities without doing the legwork alone.

Find the best assisted living facilities in Tennessee

Start with a major metro, or jump straight to your town in the A–Z directory. Every link opens that city's assisted living options.

126 cities · 14 counties

Browse assisted living by county

Tennessee compares to the states around it

The average cost of assisted living in Tennessee is $5,845 per month. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care, which is what our advisors confirm for you before you tour.

Average monthly cost of assisted living

  • Tennessee$5,845
  • Mississippi$4,369
  • Arkansas$4,637
  • Missouri$5,400
  • Alabama$4,425

State averages. Individual community rates vary by city, floor plan, and care level.

How assisted living compares to other senior care

Average monthly cost in Tennessee by care type. Tap any card to explore that care type across the state.

Tennessee state averages. Bars are scaled to the highest cost shown.

How to pay for assisted living in Tennessee

Most Tennessee families combine two or three of these. An advisor walks through which apply to your situation.

  • Option 1

    Private pay

    Many families pay for care with private funds: personal savings, pension payments, retirement accounts, or a combination of these and family contributions.

  • Option 2

    Selling your home

    Selling a parent's home can help finance assisted living, especially once the home is no longer occupied. Proceeds often fund several years of care.

  • Option 3

    Reverse mortgage

    Homeowners aged 62+ can convert part of their home equity into cash while retaining ownership, with no loan payments due while living in the home. A spouse may remain in the home while proceeds help pay for a partner's care.

  • Option 4

    Long-term care insurance

    LTC policies typically begin paying out when the policyholder needs help with two or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Check the policy's elimination period and daily benefit before counting on it.

  • Option 5

    Veteran's programs

    Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty (including one day during wartime) may qualify for VA benefits such as Aid & Attendance, which can add a monthly amount on top of a VA pension.

  • State program

    Medicaid in Tennessee

    Tennessee Medicaid's Veterans Administration (VA) Centers in Tennessee program helps eligible lower-income seniors with assisted living costs in participating communities. Waivers typically do not cover room and board.

Assisted living regulations in Tennessee

Every assisted living community in Tennessee is licensed and inspected by Tennessee's state licensing authority. Communities must meet standards for staffing, caregiver training, medication administration, and building safety, with managers and staff completing continuing in-service training each year.

Verify any Tennessee community

Free assisted living resources in Tennessee

What you should know about Tennessee

The Tennessee median for Assisted Living is set by the 2025 industry cost-of-care survey. Where a state lands depends on labour costs, cost of living, and the mix of urban vs rural communities. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care — an advisor confirms current pricing for any community you're considering, free.

A Tennessee expert in your corner, at no cost

Searching Tennessee alone is overwhelming. Our advisors know the assisted living communities, the real pricing, and the availability across Tennessee, and they do the legwork for you.

  • A shortlist matched to your care needs, budget, and preferred Tennessee cities
  • Confirmed pricing and availability before you ever tour
  • Tours scheduled and move-in arrangements handled with your family
(877) 409-0666
  • 140Tennessee cities and counties covered on BoomersHub
  • 1,000+Families guided to the right community since 2019
  • $0Cost to you. Our service is completely free for families

Important resources about assisted living

Guides written for families starting the search, from first conversations to moving day.

Frequently Asked Questions

+How can I get my parents into Assisted Living in Tennessee?

Start with an honest family conversation and a needs assessment from their physician. Tour two or three Tennessee communities together, ask about care levels and pricing, then complete the community's health assessment and residency agreement. A BoomersHub advisor can shortlist communities, confirm pricing, and schedule tours for free.

+What is pet-friendly Assisted Living?

Pet-friendly Assisted Living communities welcome residents' cats, small dogs, or other companion animals, usually with size limits, a pet deposit, and the expectation that the resident or family can care for the pet. Ask each Tennessee community for its written pet policy before move-in.

+What is the total number of Assisted Living facilities in the US?

Over 30,000 licensed Assisted Living communities across the United States, housing more than 800,000 residents (AHCA / NCAL industry data). Ranges from large resort-style campuses to small residential care homes.

+Which states have the highest number of Assisted Living facilities?

Large states lead the count: California, Florida, and Texas consistently rank among the top states for the number of licensed Assisted Living communities.

+What are the cheapest states to live in as a senior?

Southern and Midwestern states consistently rank among the most affordable for Assisted Living — Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota all sit well below the national median. New England, the West Coast, and Alaska are the expensive end.

+What is the average age of a Assisted Living resident?

The average Assisted Living resident is in their mid-80s. A typical resident needs help with 2 or 3 daily activities — bathing, dressing, medication management. Many move in after living alone became difficult rather than after a single medical event.

+Can you keep pets in Assisted Living facilities?

Many Tennessee communities allow pets — most commonly cats and small dogs, subject to the community's pet policy. Expect size or breed limits, a pet deposit, and a check that the resident or family can handle daily pet care.

+Do the total costs of Assisted Living include medical care?

Usually not. The base monthly rate typically covers housing, meals, housekeeping, activities, and help with daily activities. Medical services (doctor visits, therapy, medications) are billed separately, often through Medicare or private insurance. Ask each community exactly where its rate ends and medical billing begins.

+Do Assisted Living communities allow visitors?

Yes. Family and friends are welcome at Tennessee Assisted Living communities, subject to reasonable visiting hours and sign-in policies. Many communities also host family dinners, holiday events, and overnight guest options.

+Does Tennessee Medicaid pay for Assisted Living?

Partially. Tennessee Medicaid programs (HCBS waivers) can cover personal-care services in participating Assisted Living facilities for eligible lower-income seniors. Waivers do not pay for room and board, and not every community participates, so confirm before touring.

Explore assisted living in nearby states

Find the right Tennessee community, without the guesswork

Tell us what matters to your family. A local advisor sends a matched shortlist with confirmed pricing, free.

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