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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 attractive place for senior living. The mix of climate, community, and healthcare infrastructure draws older adults from across the country — you'll find both dense urban options and plenty of quieter, small-town choices.

On average, residents in Tennessee pay $5,845 per month for assisted living.

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.

  • Private pay

    Option 1

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

  • Selling your home

    Option 2

    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.

  • Reverse mortgage

    Option 3

    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.

  • Long-term care insurance

    Option 4

    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.

  • Veteran's programs

    Option 5

    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.

  • Medicaid in Tennessee

    State program

    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

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
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  • 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

+What are the criteria for assisted living?
assisted living fits seniors who need daily help with activities like bathing, dressing, medications, or meals, but who do not need round-the-clock skilled nursing. Communities complete a health and needs assessment before move-in to confirm they can provide the right level of care.
+Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare does not cover room, board, or help with daily activities in assisted living. Residents can still use Medicare benefits for approved medical care they receive while living in a community, such as doctor visits and eligible therapies.
+How much does assisted living cost per month in Tennessee?
assisted living rates in Tennessee vary by suite size, level of daily care, community type, and current move-in specials. A BoomersHub advisor can confirm current pricing for free.
+Does long-term care insurance cover assisted living?
Most long-term care policies pay toward assisted living once benefit triggers are met, typically needing help with two or more daily activities or having a cognitive impairment. Check your policy's elimination period, daily benefit amount, and lifetime maximum before comparing communities.
+Are assisted living expenses tax deductible?
The portion of assisted living fees attributable to medical care may qualify as an itemized medical expense when a licensed practitioner has certified the resident as chronically ill and care follows a written plan. Keep itemized statements and confirm your situation with a tax professional.
+Do you bring your own furniture to assisted living?
Usually, yes. Most assisted living communities encourage residents to furnish their suite with their own furniture, photos, and keepsakes so the new home feels familiar from day one. Ask each community what is included and what fits the floor plan.
+How do I move a parent with dementia to assisted living?
Start with their physician, then tour communities that offer memory care or dementia-capable staffing. Keep routines and familiar belongings, plan the move for their best time of day, and coordinate the first weeks closely with staff. A local advisor can shortlist secure, well-suited communities for free.
+How does assisted living work with Social Security?
Social Security income can be applied toward assisted living, but on its own it rarely covers the full monthly cost. Most families combine it with savings, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, or home equity to bridge the difference.
+How do I choose the right assisted living community in Tennessee?
Tour at least three communities, check state inspection records, meet current residents and staff, and compare pricing on the same care level. A local advisor can shortlist matches based on your care needs and budget.
+Does Tennessee Medicaid help pay for assisted living?
Partially. Tennessee Medicaid covers care in participating communities through HCBS waivers for eligible seniors. Waivers do not pay for room and board, and not every community accepts them, so confirm participation before touring.

Explore assisted living in nearby states

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