What assisted living is called in Tennessee, what it costs, how Medicaid can help, how to check a community’s license and inspections, and who to call if something goes wrong. Every fact links to the official source.
An assisted care living facility may run a secured (locked) unit, where residents are kept from leaving. Before a resident moves onto the unit, a team with at least a doctor, a registered nurse, and a family member or patient advocate must evaluate them, and the team reviews the placement every three months. At least one awake staff member must be on the unit at all times, and all unit staff get yearly training that includes Alzheimer's disease.4
Questions to ask memory care about nights.
The median cost of assisted living in Tennessee is $5,845 a month, below the national median of $6,200 (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, collected July to November 2025). Prices vary with the apartment, the level of care and the community, so ask each one for its current rate sheet, including care-level fees.
Plan with our free tools: how long will the money last? and home care or assisted living?
Medicare does not pay for assisted living. Families pay from savings and income, long-term care insurance, or benefits such as VA Aid and Attendance (estimate it). Who actually pays for long-term care.
Medicaid. Yes, for people who qualify. TennCare CHOICES can pay for care in an Assisted Care Living Facility for members in CHOICES Groups 2 and 3. The member still pays for room and board. Group 3 has an enrollment target of 1,750 people who do not get SSI. Program: CHOICES (TennCare).2 Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living in any state, and not every community accepts it, so ask each one.
Look up a license. The state's facility search lets you look up licensed Assisted Care Living Facilities and Homes for the Aged by county and see their license status. Search Tennessee’s records.6
Always visit in person, at a mealtime or in the evening if you can. Bring the tour scorecard and the 8 tour questions.
Complaints about care or conditions. The Health Facilities Commission takes complaints about licensed, certified, and unlicensed healthcare facilities through its online portal, by phone on weekdays, or by mail. Call 1-877-287-0010 or file online.1
Abuse, neglect or exploitation. Call 1-888-277-8366. How to report.7 If someone is in danger, call 911.
The long-term care ombudsman is a free advocate for residents of assisted living and nursing homes: they help resolve problems with a community, including move-out notices. Call 877-236-0013 or find your local ombudsman.3
Assisted living by city
Every community and county in Tennessee · 8 with verified resident reviews
Yes, for people who qualify. TennCare CHOICES can pay for care in an Assisted Care Living Facility for members in CHOICES Groups 2 and 3. The member still pays for room and board. Group 3 has an enrollment target of 1,750 people who do not get SSI. Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living.
The median is $5,845 a month (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025), compared with $6,200 nationally.
Tennessee Health Facilities Commission (HFC), Division of Licensure and Regulation.
The Health Facilities Commission takes complaints about licensed, certified, and unlicensed healthcare facilities through its online portal, by phone on weekdays, or by mail. Phone: 1-877-287-0010.
The state's facility search lets you look up licensed Assisted Care Living Facilities and Homes for the Aged by county and see their license status.
Facts checked against these official sources on September 28, 2026. Rules and programs change; confirm with the agency before making a decision. General information, not legal or financial advice.
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