Known for its Southern friendliness and boot-scootin’ country music, Nashville provides a diverse and welcoming community for accommodating residents. Nashville is home to over 89,000 seniors, creating a vibrant community of older residents. The city accommodates these seniors by providing ever-changing support services and expanding care options. This includes nursing homes, which is used as an umbrella term for various senior living scenarios.
Nursing home care is a specific type of care that includes skilled nursing services. This type of care provides the greatest quality of medical care outside of a hospital and is excellent for seniors needing 24-hour medical supervision, hospice, or rehabilitation therapy.
More often than not, people searching for nursing homes in Nashville require care associated with assisted living or memory care communities. While memory care facilities provide 24-hour care and long-term accommodation for those with memory loss, assisted living facilities support seniors who are somewhat active but require assistance with activities of daily living. If you’re looking for this kind of care, A Place for Mom collaborates with 15 senior care facilities, including assisted living and memory care, within a 10-mile radius of downtown Nashville. These establishments offer personal care, supportive services, tailored activities, and social programs to help seniors maintain their health and well-being.
Our comprehensive guide focuses on our partner communities in Nashville. Read on for a thorough overview of what you and your family can anticipate from these communities, how to pay for them, and what rules and regulations are in place. We’ll also discuss all that Nashville has to offer in health care, transportation, and activities.
The staff is very caring and patient. Good communication too. I really have no complaints and I'm very satisfied with the care and concern given to my husband
They have more long-term stability in management than is typical for many competitors. My loved one wouldn't have participated in anything per his nature. But seeing the lobby taken over for bingo instead...
What we like the most about The Rivers is just the atmosphere, plus the care my wife has been receiving. She's treated like a person rather than a number. I've been pleased with the recent improvements and...
What we like the most about the community is the cost, activities, and friendly staff. Now, keep in mind my mother has not been there in a couple of years. Her level of care exceeded what they could provide.
Overall, Our experience at Cloverland Park was good. I feel there was a staff shortage in memory care. Staff was always friendly, caring and helpful. Activities for residents were encouraged, social time...
Overall we are happy . It took awhile for Mom to adjust but she seems happy now at Harmony. If possible, I feel that family members should visit as much as possible right after the move because that seems...
The facility has been upgraded within the last two years is very nice and clean. The staff has been very helpful with a lot of activities for the residents. The pricing at the facility is very reasonable.
We did extensive research on senior living for my parents. The Clarendale at Bellevue Place stood out for our family. The process of touring to moving in has been very positive and smooth. The Clarendale...
Morningside has been great and seems to be a good fit for Scott. He wanted to move there. I feel like he is safe, staff checks on him and he loves the food.
Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland is a lovely facility. I have gotten very comfortable there and I like the style and the layout of my apartment. There are a few area areas of weaknesses that occur...
Overall the Mckendree is okay and my friend is adjusting but I hope that the new owners will put in new carpet and new recliners in the third floor memory ward where my friend lives. The staff is topnotch,...
My parent has been at the Lodge for a few years. Overall, we have had a good experience. There was a short time when things were not as good as they had been. Lodge has a new director and he is making a...
It is a quality place and a large place. My only concern was that my friend would not find their way back to their large, beautiful room. It is far prettier than I thought it would be. It is in a grove of...
I looked at 6 different places for my husband who has Alzheimer’s and chose Barton House because it is non-profit, privately owned, small and specializes in memory care only. the staff is well trained,...
They have been kind and inclusive. The transition was not easy but they were very supportive. It is very clean and well kept. There has been some staff turnover, but I think that is to be expected. Overall,...
My mom was at North Park Village and my family couldn't have asked for a more compassionate, caring atmosphere when she needed to go to assisted living. Mitzi [last name removed], the administrator there,...
Wellington Place is a wonderful assisted facility. My Aunt resided there for almost 4 years. Wellington provided a wonderful living experience for her in the most respectful that we ever imagine. They even...
Our loved one was only there for about a wee but it met all of our expectations. We really liked the community and so did our loved one, she adjusted very well. It was less expensive then other communities...
My loved one doesn't like the food the community provides. The little I know about the community it is fine. The communication with the staff has been fine as well. All the residents have had their...
My father is well here at this community. They taking good care him, and his needs. The have a lovely staff, and they have been great to work with. All is well so far, and I would recommend it.
My loved one is now at The Sapphire at music city and the staff is much friendlier and so much more compassionate. Night and day difference from his last facility. He loves it. The staff is very...
My loved one was only here for a brief stay while he recovered from a fall. Overall I thought they did a good job with his care.The facility was clean, and the seemed friendly and caring.
The Kempton is a very caring place. Staff is amazing, especially the direct care staff. They love the clients and it shows in the love and care they provide. I think The Kempton goes above and beyond for the...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Nashville community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
A Place for Mom’s proprietary data shows that assisted living costs $4,311, and memory care costs $4,521, including additional fees and add-ons.[01] At a nursing home (a facility that provides 24-hour short- and long-term medical care to patients) in Nashville, a semi-private room costs an average of $7,270, and a private room costs $7,908.[02]
Assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes each provide distinct services and amenities. Assisted living focuses on fostering independence by offering on-site care for seniors who require assistance with their daily activities. Memory care facilities provide personalized care plans and specialized activities designed for seniors with memory loss, delivering round-the-clock supervision and high-level support for conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. On the other hand, nursing homes provide comprehensive skilled medical care throughout the day, catering to long-term residents’ medical needs.
When considering the appropriate level of care, it is important to consider the services and amenities included within the basic cost of each facility. Certain facilities may include services like transportation, chef-prepared meals, or specialized therapies as part of their standard package, while others may offer them as optional add-ons.
For family members looking for accommodations for their loved ones, assisted living or memory care for seniors in Nashville requires a commitment of both time and money. This section contains information about payment choices for senior care, such as private pay, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.
The result of a lifetime of saving for you or a loved one will assist you in using private pay methods for your senior living choice. These funds could come from a personal bank account, stock portfolio, 401(k), or individual retirement account.
Any combination of sources can be used to fund skilled nursing, assisted living, or a memory care stay. Additional funding sources are available below.
Number of veterans who live in Nashville
About 22% of Nashville veterans are 75+
In Nashville, veterans can apply for various VA benefit options to support their senior living expenses. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Pension can help veterans cover housing or costs related to health care. Wartime veterans can also apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit (A&A), which supplements the VA Pension and can be used for anything that improves a Nashville veteran’s quality of life. A&A can help pay for a skilled nursing home, assisted living complex, or memory care facility.
Those with disabilities from military service and those with preexisting conditions worsened by military service are also eligible for VA Disability Compensation. This can cover the costs of housing and medical treatment.
Moreover, if veterans in Nashville are enrolled in VA health care, they may be eligible for assistance with several housing options, including assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and live-in or residential care.
Veterans can consult the VA grant and per diem program for more financial support. The VFW also offers financial grants of up to $1,500 to military families experiencing financial hardship due to their service.
Seniors and their families might consider contacting any of the agencies listed below for benefits advice. A veterans service officer would be glad to help answer any and all questions. These trained volunteers can be found at veterans service organizations (VSOs) such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Resources for Nashville veterans
110 Ninth Ave. S
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
Nashville Field Office
1310 24th Ave. S, Rooms G116, G117, G118
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-741-2345
Contact: Jacquline Bumpas, veterans services officer
Phone: 615-982-5181
Contact: Ben Welch, veterans services officer
Phone: 615-981-9956
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1291
1907 Lebanon Pike Pass
Nashville, TN 37210
Phone: 615-889-9755
Email: vfwnashville@outlook.com
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1970
7220 Charlotte Pike
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: 615-352-9933
Disabled American Veterans Nashville Chapter
110 Ninth Ave. S, Suite C166B
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-695-6384
The American Legion Department of Tennessee
318 Donelson Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 615-391-5088
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
223 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Suite 301
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-782-7226
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, provides health insurance to people in Nashville who qualify for a low income. While it does pay for nursing home custodial costs, it doesn’t cover room and board in an assisted living or memory care facility.
Those who are eligible must confirm regularly that they continue to meet the program’s eligibility criteria. If you don’t have TennCare, you can apply through TennCare Connect, a user-friendly portal that enables you to monitor your application status and access additional features.
There is a way to get some health care delivered where you live if you’re eligible. Home and community based services (HCBS) waivers can also be used to pay for needed in-home care services in memory care or assisted living facilities. Keep in mind that a medical professional must regard the in-home care as medically necessary.
You can seek assistance in understanding and signing up for these programs from your local Area Agency on Aging or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Ombudsmen are knowledgeable volunteers who can address your questions related to Medicaid. For additional guidance and support, reach out to Mid-Cumberland for ombudsman services or contact the Greater Nashville Regional Council Area Agency on Aging and Disability.
Nashville resident Medicaid resources
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greater Nashville Regional Council Area Agency on Aging and Disability
501 Union St., Sixth Floor
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone: 615-862-8828
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greater Nashville Regional Council
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615-862-8828
Fax: 615-862-8840
Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency
1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37217
Phone: 615-850-3918
Email: mlunday@mchra.com
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick St., Ninth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-253-5412
Fax: 615-741-3309
Email: teresa.teeple@tn.gov
Medicare, the federal government’s health care program, pays medical expenses for persons 65 and older. Although Medicare does not cover expenses such as custodial costs for memory care or assisted living, it does provide coverage for medically necessary in-home care during short-term medical situations. Medicare covers specific skilled nursing on a limited, short-term basis but doesn’t cover nursing homes as a long-term care option.
Services covered by Medicare in a skilled nursing facility include semi-private rooms, medication, the facility’s medical supplies and equipment, and meals. The Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care booklet is a great resource for understanding how skilled nursing facility care is covered. The coverage is only for short-term needs.
For those looking for more cost savings, the Tennessee Medicare Savings Programs will help low-income seniors pay their Medicare deductibles and copays. The CoverRx program offers affordable access to more than 200 generic medications. You can contact the Tennessee Department of Health to find out if you are qualified and apply on TennCareConnect to get started.
The Tennessee State Health Insurance Help Program (TN SHIP) provides free support and counseling for Medicare-eligible people, families, and caregivers. You can reach them by phone, email, or through their website for help with the process of getting on Medicare.
You have the option to sign up for Medicare online or reach out to a nearby Social Security office for assistance with the enrollment process. More information on benefits and enrollment can be obtained from your local Social Security office and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman assists seniors and their families understand their health care rights, options, and financial obligations.
Nashville resident Medicare resources
Nashville Social Security Administration Office
120 Athens Way
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 877-808-5461
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nashville Social Security Administration Office
221 Cumberland Bend
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 877-583-4103
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greater Nashville Regional Council (SHIP)
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615-862-8828
Fax: 615-862-8840
Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency
1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37217
Phone: 615-850-3918
Email: mlunday@mchra.com
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick St., Ninth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-253-5412
Fax: 615-741-3309
Email: teresa.teeple@tn.gov
The Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities within the Tennessee Department of Health licenses and regulates all health care facilities, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, homes for the elderly, home care organizations, assisted living facilities, and residential hospices. Senior living facilities have to meet minimum requirements for patient care in health care institutions and establish minimal compliance standards or regulations and specifications for health care facility development plans.
As per the Tennessee Board of Nursing Home Administrators, nursing homes must adhere to several requirements, such as:
All facility administrators must go through a criminal background check and possess at least one of the following certifications:
Each nursing facility must submit to periodic inspections by department surveyors for compliance with these requirements to renew its license. If inadequacies are found, the licensee must submit an acceptable corrective action plan and address the shortcomings. Furthermore, each licensee must submit a renewal form approved by the board and the necessary renewal cost before the license expires.
Tennessee also has laws and regulations in place to protect residents of assisted living facilities, which also includes memory care. These facilities are also licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health’s Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities. These facilities, along with residential homes for the aged, are inspected once every It’s done within 15 months; results are available online.
These regulations ensure that all facilities have certified administrators, dietitians, and a sufficient number of staff members to meet residents’ needs. Certain training is also required to be provided, including fire safety and other emergency preparedness procedures.
Assisted living and memory care facilities must assess residents within 72 hours of admission and create a care plan within five days. The individualized plan addresses all the needs of the resident from needed personal care assistance and medical service to dietary needs and recreational opportunities.
All of Nashville’s long-term care facilities have their inspection reports online for public viewing.
Tennessee Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Nashville has no set requirements for nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities to follow regarding COVID-19. It may, however, differ from one facility to the next. Here are some broad guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to follow to keep the disease from spreading.
Vaccinations.
You can schedule a vaccination by appointment at Metro Public Health Department health clinics. Vaccines are highly encouraged by the CDC.
Staff safety.
Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly is strongly advised. Staff should wash their hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Quarantining.
Vaccination status has no bearing on the CDC’s isolation status. Those who test positive for the virus, have come into contact with COVID-19, or develop symptoms should be isolated for five days.
With its warm Southern hospitality and vibrant history, Nashville attracts numerous seniors as a favored retirement destination. Many retirement facilities in this Tennessean capital offer residents a cozy country ambiance with soft, soothing lighting and a charming rural aesthetic, creating a comforting and welcoming atmosphere for retirees to enjoy.
In Nashville, you’ll find a wide range of senior care communities, each dedicated to providing exceptional care tailored to different conditions and needs. When searching for the right option, it’s important to differentiate between nursing homes and other facilities. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, specialize in offering constant and specialized medical care for individuals with significant and chronic health issues, whether they require short-term or long-term assistance. While A Place For Mom doesn’t directly partner with stand-alone skilled nursing facilities, we collaborate with communities that have skilled nursing wings or medical care services available on-site. This section delves into senior care facilities in Nashville, shedding light on the amenities and the overall living experience you can expect in the area.
Within a 10-mile radius of Nashville’s city center, there are 15 partner senior care facilities. Three are independent assisted living facilities; nine provide assisted living and memory care. There are a few other combination facilities, too, such as:
Within a broader 25-mile radius, there are even more possibilities, such as five more stand-alone assisted living facilities, as well as:
Sixty-seven percent of our community partners in Nashville offer on-site nursing, and the same number of facilities have a doctor on-call.[01] Medication management, diabetes care, rehabilitative care, ambulatory care, incontinence care, oxygen care, memory care, and palliative care are some of the services provided by these facilities. Additionally, Nashville boasts some of the best hospitals in the state and country.
Because Nashville’s senior care facilities seek to enrich the lives of their residents, it’s not uncommon for them to provide a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests and lifestyles. Again, this will vary by facility, but it’s common to find:
With 87% of our partners offering complimentary transportation, residents can enjoy group outings to local attractions such as Nashville Zoo, Centennial Park, Country Music Hall of Fame, and more.[01]
Know where to start.
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Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
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Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Median annual income for Nashville seniors 65 and older
Vanderbilt University Medical Center ranks first in Tennessee and 19th in the country. U.S. News & World Report placed it first in all procedures and conditions.{citation:5}}
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital ranks second in the state and among the top 12% of hospitals nationwide. It’s considered one of the finest for treating 15 adult diseases and treatments, including stroke transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), joint replacements, cancer therapies, and heart surgery.
The U.S. News & World Report has given TriStar Centennial Medical Center excellent ratings for its work in various adult procedures and illnesses, including colon cancer, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, hip replacement, and knee replacement. The clinic exceeds patients’ expectations by delivering complete medical and surgical treatments.
Nashville assisted living and memory care residences provide some degree of transportation to its residents. Eighty-seven percent of our partner facilities offer complimentary transportation, and 33% offer at-cost transportation.[01] The staff frequently arranges these transportation services for medical appointments, social outings, and other area events and activities.
If residents prefer public transportation, WeGo Public Transit operates 34 bus lines and one train service from Lebanon to the city. Seniors and disabled people over 65 can pay a fare of 85 cents by presenting a driver’s license, Medicare, or a Seniors-MTA Golden Age card.
Disabled people use the WeGo Access Program, which costs $3.70 per ride. It travels on predetermined routes, and riders may need the aid of a personal care attendant.
Senior Ride Nashville provides transportation to persons aged 60 and up, which costs $6, with a $25 yearly membership charge. It’s a dependable choice for seniors, although you may need to wait in their queue if no drivers are available. Riders must pre-register for the program, and there is a waitlist. Riders will be notified when they are eligible to participate in the program. These rides are wheelchair accessible and offer the most convenience for senior mobility.
Another option is PrimeCare Transportation Services, a non-emergency medical transportation company specializing in providing transportation services for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments or health care facilities. Their services are particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges, disabilities, or medical conditions that require specialized transportation. They provide door-to-door service and can accommodate patients’ specific needs, including wheelchair accessibility, stretcher transportation, or other specialized medical equipment.
Nashville, known as The Music City, offers a wide range of activities that residents of senior care facilities can safely enjoy. Most facilities in the area are close to various spots that can be great for residents, their families, and friends to enjoy.
It’s home to iconic venues, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, which offers the best of the genre. It’s a fantastic opportunity for seniors to learn about the lives of some of their favorite performers and country music’s rich history. This educational museum displays a diverse collection of historically significant artifacts associated with country music. Those with disabilities can readily tour the museum, but it’s recommended that they visit during non-holiday hours, Monday through Thursday when things are less crowded.
The Grand Ole Opry is another place seniors can enjoy shows highlighting country music’s past, present, and future. The biggest stars in country music have performed at this iconic venue, and it is an excellent way to experience live music in Nashville. Watching and listening to live music is a terrific choice for nursing home patients. For the concerts, assistive listening devices are available at the Tour Desk within the lobby. The venue is ADA-compliant and provides wheelchairs to those who require them. The Ryman Auditorium is an additional iconic music venue to visit, and it also offers a range of accessibility options.
A unique venue to listen to some of Nashville’s top musicians is General Jackson Showboat, one of the largest showboats ever constructed. Guests can dine and see a show while floating down the Cumberland River and seeing breathtaking city views in all directions. Most boats are wheelchair accessible, thanks to an inclined ramp on the dock and an onboard elevator. However, the top deck isn’t wheelchair accessible.
In addition to its renowned music scene, Nashville offers a haven for sports enthusiasts with a variety of professional sports teams to support. Immerse yourself in the excitement of a Tennessee Titans NFL game at Nissan Stadium, where you can cheer on the team at kickoff. Bridgestone Arena is the ultimate destination for those passionate about ice hockey, hosting thrilling Nashville Predators games. And if you’re a fan of America’s favorite pastime, make sure not to miss the chance to attend a Nashville Sounds minor league baseball game. In Nashville, sports lovers have a multitude of exhilarating options.
With the help of a caregiver or family member, nursing home patients can enjoy the fresh air and landscape within Centennial Park. It has miles of walking trails, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical sites like the Nashville Parthenon, an arts activity center, a magnificent sunken garden, and much more. Seniors can enjoy this wonderful park anytime, but you can check out an updated list of planned park events online.
For seniors looking to embark on an adventure through the animal kingdom, the Nashville Zoo is an ideal destination. With meticulously maintained habitats that house an impressive collection of 3,000 animals from 325 diverse species, there’s something for everyone. The zoo goes above and beyond to provide well-shaded seating areas, creating the perfect spot for seniors to unwind and reconnect with nature in a serene environment. Accessibility is a top priority at the Nashville Zoo, ensuring that all pathways, exhibits, and facilities are designed to accommodate every visitor. For those who require a wheelchair but don’t have their own, wheelchair rentals are available starting at $12, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the zoo’s offerings.
Belmont Village Green Hills, Vitality Living Hendersonville and Brookdale Belle Meade are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Nashville, TN. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Nashville is $4,706 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). TriStar Centennial Medical Center.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). TriStar Centennial Medical Center.