10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Memphis, TN
Situated at the head of the Mississippi Delta, Memphis, Tennessee, blends urban living with the charm of the rural South. Despite its size as one of Tennessee’s largest metro areas, it retains an endearing small town feel. Seniors will appreciate the rich history cut by the Mississippi River, and tributes to cultural icons such as Elvis Presley and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The city’s famous music scene, rooted in blues and soul, is also evident throughout the city.
Designed intentionally to support seniors with dementia, memory care communities in Memphis provide person-centered care services and dementia-specific programming. Staff have specialized training that focuses on addressing the needs of individuals living with symptoms of memory loss. These facilities also offer secure environments and care services, like assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, and dining plans.
In this guide, you can learn about the A Place for Mom partner communities in Memphis within a 10-mile radius of downtown. Browse through community features such as on-site amenities, care services, activities and more. You can also find information highlighting local memory care facility costs, payment information, Tennessee laws and regulations governing memory facilities, transportation, senior benefit resources, and the local health services available. Along with this information, you’ll learn what enriching activities Memphis has for those with memory care needs.
How do we rank Memphis memory care facilities?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality memory care communities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
- Recent, high-quality reviews. We take into account reviews from the past two years. Then, we look for the memory care facilities people prefer. Communities that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours and how you rate communities based on subcategories like meals and dining, staff, and cleanliness.
- Facility transparency. Memory care communities that have robust information are prioritized over facilities that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
- Location. Community options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Memphis Memory Care Facilities | 503 Reviews
Affordable Senior Care is working really well. We are really pleased with the staff and everything that's going on. The nurse checks her. They are giving her baths. The food looks real good. The staff is...
We decided to relocate my brother here from another community in the area and so far things are going well. The staff is very friendly and attentive. The community and housekeeping is kept up. My brother...
Staff is very attentive to needs of those that live there. The food is wonderful my loved one never complains about it at all! It smells clean every time I am there. Everyone there is caring and...
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- Compare local facilities
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Memphis community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Memphis community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Memphis area
- What families are saying about memory care in Memphis
- How people pay for memory care in Memphis
- Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in Memphis
- Memphis memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Memphis? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Memphis area
The average monthly cost of memory care at our Memphis partner communities is $4,925, which includes additional service fees and amenities, according to proprietary data from A Place for Mom.[01] Memory care is designed to provide specialty care for seniors with dementia, so expect to see more one-on-one care and person-centered care services.
The following list of amenities and services are typically covered by a resident’s monthly baseline rent in Memphis memory care communities:
- Private or companion suite
- Utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer, and trash removal)
- Housekeeping, laundry, and linen services
- Emergency alert and fire safety systems
- Licensed nurse management of each resident’s personal care plan
- Trained staff on-site 24 hours a day
- Routine wellness monitoring
- Assistance ADLs such as dressing, grooming, showering, or bathing
- Personal assistance during meals and activities
- Assistance setting health care appointments
Several of the following services and amenities are also found in Memphis memory care communities, but they may incur additional costs, reflected in the $4,925 average above:
- Advanced care services, such as management of behavior, medication, and chronic diseases
- Room service dining
- Special meal accommodations
- Roommate fees
- Pet rent, care, and grooming
- Salon, spa, or barbershop services
- Transportation services
The following costs show the average baseline costs across the area and don’t include additional fees as mentioned above.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Memphis, TN vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Memphis, TN vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Memphis vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Memphis, TN by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Memphis over time
What families are saying about memory care in Memphis
Recent reviews for memory care in Memphis
Foxbridge Assisted Living and Memory Care in Memphis, TN
The Gardens of Germantown
Ciel Senior Living of Collierville
Memphis review score based on 117 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 117 reviews of 33 Memphis memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Memphis review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Memphis memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 117 reviews of 33 Memphis memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Memphis resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Memphis
Memory care can be paid for in a number of ways — from private pay options like Social Security benefits and investment returns to public programs like Medicare and Medicaid. While some options may fund memory care through one payment method, the majority of people use a mix of both private and public funding.
In this section, you’ll learn about different payment options and resources to help pay for memory care, such as private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid. Each section provides a resource section with local contacts for senior residents in Memphis.
Private pay methods are income sources that seniors can use in conjunction with other resources to fund memory care. These sources usually consist of personal savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Seniors and their families may also turn to additional options to free up cash for long-term care, such as the following:
Number of veterans who live in Memphis
Approximately 31% of Memphis veterans have a disability.
In Memphis, qualified veterans and their surviving spouses can access a number of benefits offered by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For example, veterans can use their VA pension benefits to pay for housing or health care-related needs.
The Aid and Attendance benefit is one of the most common benefits for disabled veterans and can be added to an existing VA Pension. This benefit can be used to finance anything that enhances the quality of life of a veteran, including rent at a memory care community.
Eligibility for these benefits requires a veteran to have a service-related disability. The definition of this term is broad and might apply to a wide range of conditions and service histories. Even if you’re uncertain about whether your condition is applicable, it’s still worth investigating.
The application and approval process for these benefits can be lengthy and complex, so veterans are encouraged to seek help from local veterans service organizations (VSOs). The majority of VSOs serving the Memphis region are based at the Shelby County Veteran Services office. This office is an excellent resource for linking senior veterans to local, regional, and national VSOs, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.
Resources for Memphis veterans
Shelby County Veteran Services
1060 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-222-4237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment only
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
Memphis Field Office
VA Medical Center
1030 Jefferson Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 615-741-2345
Medicaid provides health care coverage for people with lower incomes and disabilities. Medicaid is co-funded by the federal government and individual states. States are able to create and administer their own programs while abiding by federal standards and rules.
Tennessee’s Medicaid program is called TennCare and provides benefit packages for eligible individuals. It can’t be used to pay for rent, but benefits may cover some long-term care services for individuals living in a memory care community, including:
- Home health care
- Doctor’s visits
- Mental health services
- Occupational and physical therapy[03]
The TennCare CHOICES program is designed for qualified seniors and adults with disabilities to provide long-term care supports to help them remain in their private residence or community. Services can be provided where a senior lives, which includes senior living communities like memory care. These services may include assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and grooming, transportation to appointments, and even companion care.[04]
To qualify for CHOICES, seniors 65+ must not exceed the monthly income of $2,742.[05]
For questions on Medicaid eligibility and the application process, the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability and the Aging Commission of the Mid-South are helpful resources. Your local long-term care ombudsman volunteer can also assist with navigating resources.
Memphis resident Medicaid resources
TennCare
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 866-836-6678
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
160 N. Main St., 3rd Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-222-4111
Long-term care ombudsman — Memphis Delta
Zev Samuels
Phone: 901-529-4565
Email: zsamuels@mifa.org
Carlos Royston
Phone: 901-529-4562
Email: croyston@mifa.org
Provided by the federal government, Medicare is a health insurance program for seniors 65 and older and individuals with disabilities. It can’t be used to cover room and board costs in a Memphis memory care community, but it can help cover some medical care costs. There are three parts to Medicare, sometimes referred to as Original Medicare, that cover specific services:
- Part A is hospital insurance and will cover some home health care, skilled nursing facility care, and inpatient hospital care.
- Part B is medical insurance covering health care providers and outpatient care services, otherwise known as medically necessary services and preventative services.
- Part D is drug coverage and covers the cost of prescriptions, vaccines, and other shots.[06]
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage is offered through Medicare-approved private insurance companies and is required to provide the same services as Original Medicare.[07]
Locally, there are several resources that can support you in the claims process and, in some cases, provide funding for Medicare deductibles:
- The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability provides counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals and their families through its State Health Insurance Assistance Program (also called SHIP).
- For financial aid, Tennessee’s Medicare Savings Program can help fund Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and prescription drugs.
The state of Tennessee also offers programs to support the long-term care needs of seniors through Tennessee’s Long-Term Services and Supports initiative. For instance, some seniors may qualify for the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE provides access to certain care benefits that allows them to continue living in their community as long as possible.[07] Discover more about the PACE program in the resources section below.
Support and advocacy are also available through the Tennessee long-term care ombudsman, which aims to safeguard seniors. Be sure to contact any of the listed resources below with questions or for help.
Memphis resident Medicare resources
Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP)
1104 England Drive
Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: 877-801-0044
Tennessee Medicare Savings Programs
Contact the 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.
Tennessee Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Contact TennCare
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
SSA Location 1
3602 Austin Peay Highway
Memphis, TN 38128
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SSA Location 2
1330 Monroe Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SSA Location 3
3461 S 3rd St.
Memphis, TN 38109
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick St.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 866-836-6678
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
160 N. Main St.
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-222-4111
Long-term care ombudsman — Memphis Delta
Zev Samuels
Phone: 901-529-4565
Email: zsamuels@mifa.org
Carlos Royston
Phone: 901-529-4562
Email: croyston@mifa.org
Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for memory care facilities
Memory care facilities in Tennessee are licensed as assisted-care living facilities and are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health.
To be licensed, facilities must meet several rules and requirements and pass regular inspections. Requirements include hiring an administrator who is certified by the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities and maintaining staff whose qualifications meet standards determined by the Department of Health. Additionally, caregivers and administrators are required to receive dementia-specific training at designated memory care facilities. Licenses are reviewed annually.
The Department of Health regularly inspects facilities to ensure regulatory requirements are maintained and residents receive high-quality care. Inspections may review the following:
- Medication management
- Resident rights
- Staffing
- Safety
- Cleanliness
- Infection control[08]
Families can review a community’s licensing history and inspection reports using the Tennessee Department of Health’s Health Care Facility search tool. Information provided with this search tool includes current licensure status and expiration date, the most recent inspection date, and the date of the original license. For communities that have been cited for a violation, a highlighted red link will illustrate the number of disciplinary actions, a description of the violation, and the follow-up actions that were taken.
Memory care facilities typically have secured units, and staff are trained to watch for wandering behaviors and how to redirect residents. Facilities must also follow the assisted-care living rules as designed by the state of Tennessee. For example, a facility must develop an individualized care plan for a resident within five days of them moving in. Additionally, a comprehensive medical record must be kept for each resident that includes the following information:
- All medication administered
- Medical history
- Doctor’s orders and consultation notes
- Record of current vaccinations
- All care and services that have been provided
- Notes on progress or observations[08]
Facilities must also meet standards around safety precautions, reporting requirements, and construction.
Tennessee Department of Health contact information
Tennessee Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone Number: 615-741-3111
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Memphis memory care facilities
Tennessee has rescinded state COVID-19 mandates, however, all health care facilities, including memory care communities, are required to update and follow procedures in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).[09]
The state of Tennessee has also updated its vaccination policy for skilled nursing facilities.
What to expect from memory care living in Memphis
Memphis offers numerous benefits for seniors living with dementia and their families. For instance, the West Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is based in Memphis and plays host to the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraising event. Families also have access to local resources, programs, and events that provide information and supportive services to help families learn about and cope with dementia.
Memphis also offers several memory care communities and respite care to support family caregivers. These communities are designed to accommodate the needs of individuals living with dementia. Read on to learn more about how our memory care partners in Memphis provide unique care options.
Specialized programming and amenities help promote a healthy lifestyle
In Memphis, memory care is a form of assisted living that focuses on making the day-to-day experiences of residents as fulfilling as possible, without sacrificing care or security.
Memory care offers services that cater to the interests and abilities of individual residents. These communities provide specialized therapeutic programming to help promote cognitive function, gross motor coordination, and positive sensory stimulation. Activities may include exercise classes, music therapy, puzzles, and planned events with neighbors and family.
Additionally, most communities in Memphis have indoor common areas and secure outdoor spaces where residents can socialize and enjoy fresh air. Many communities also have an activity director to plan entertainment, activities, and outings that residents will enjoy.
Specially trained staff provide support with daily activities
Staff are specially trained to understand and recognize the symptoms of dementia at various stages. They can help divert certain behaviors that are often associated with dementia, such as forgetfulness and wandering, to help residents remain safe.
Residents receive person-centered help with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing, among other daily activities. Memory care communities also employ staff to handle daily chores like housekeeping and laundry. And residents can also expect meal plans and transportation services for off-site appointments and group activities.
Thoughtful design helps promote safety and security
In memory care, thoughtful design is vital. Memory care units are typically located in a secure section or floor. These areas are usually locked and/or monitored with a security system to alert staff when a resident has opened a door or enters an area that’s unsafe.
The design of a memory care community is also important for helping to reduce incidences of confusion or frustration. Many have floorplans that are easy to navigate, with wide hallways painted in calming colors that help guide residents.
Memphis memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Memphis memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Memphis memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Memphis memory care
Availability of select dining options in Memphis memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Memphis memory care
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Unfamiliar with Memphis? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Memphis
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Memphis population
Average annual retirement income for Memphis seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Memphis
There are a handful of highly ranked hospitals in Memphis. They provide a range of services for seniors with various health care needs. Find information on Memphis’ top rated hospitals below.
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis
A teaching hospital and surgical facility, Baptist Memorial is located in East Memphis and is highly rated across 12 adult procedures. Baptist Memorial ranks as the No. 1 regional hospital in Memphis, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s specifically known for its hip and knee replacement surgeries, and treatment for heart conditions
Methodist Hospitals of Memphis
With five campuses in Memphis, Methodist Hospitals have been ranked the second-best regional hospital in Memphis. It’s particularly well known for its excellent cancer care.
Memphis VA Medical Center
Serving the veteran community, the VA Medical Center provides extensive care for people in the community. Beyond primary care and hospital services, it also offers palliative care, women’s health care, and treatment for mental health disorders and addiction.
Transportation for seniors in Memphis
Memphis is a large city that is fairly spread out which can make the city a challenge to navigate without a car. However, driving or using public transportation is not a safe option for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. That’s why A Place for Mom’s partner communities in Memphis offer on-site transportation services to their residents.[01]
There are also several public transportation options for friends and families who want to take their loved one living with dementia out to explore all Memphis has to offer.
MATAplus is a door-to-door shuttle service that is provided through the Memphis Area Transportation Authority (MATA) specifically for those with physical, cognitive, or visual disabilities. The service extends three-quarters of a mile beyond the bus routes and allows caregivers to accompany a person on their trip. Once a senior has completed the application process and has been approved, trips can be reserved over the phone.
The Independent Transportation Network is similar to a taxi or rideshares like Uber or Lyft and is available throughout Tennessee. The service is available to anyone over the age of 60 within Memphis’ I-240 loop. The membership can be managed online with prepaid rides, and caregivers can also manage personal transportation accounts. If a senior living with dementia must use a transportation option not offered by their memory care community, it’s essential they’re accompanied by a caregiver.
Senior activities in Memphis
As the home of rock and roll, Memphis is famous for its music scene. And listening to music has shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood for individuals living with dementia.[11] The Overton Park Shell is wheelchair accessible and is a great spot to see live music for all ages. This outdoor depression-era band shell hosted Elvis Presley in his first public performance and, to this day, hosts a variety of music events. It even offers a free concert series and several community events over the summer.
Graceland is another great place to be immersed in the musical history of Memphis. The sprawling estate gives fans a peek into Elvis’ home, planes, vintage cars, and music memorabilia. Most of the tour is also wheelchair accessible.
One of the great things about Memphis is the number of accessible outdoor activities the city has to offer. The Memphis Botanic Garden is situated on over 96 acres and is a wonderful place to marvel at the unique, seasonal plant life of the area. Visitors can wind their way through the 30 unique gardens on wheelchair-accessible paths, or sit and relax among the beauty on one of the numerous benches along the path.
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is another sight worth visiting for those who want to combine their love for art and the outdoors. It offers free admission to seniors and is wheelchair accessible. Manicured gardens set the stage for several impressive sculpture galleries. Visitors can also enjoy the rotating exhibits in the indoor galleries.
For an activity that is definitely unique to Memphis, stop by The Peabody Hotel to watch the Peabody duck parade. Starting in the 1930s, visitors have watched as the red carpet is rolled out at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. for the Peabody ducks to waddle their way into the foyer’s central fountain for a dip.
The Mississippi River cuts a historical path through Memphis, providing several opportunities to enjoy activities along the river front. Take a cruise on a classic riverboat, and look back in time when paddle boats steamed up and down the river. Memphis Riverboats offers scenic tours, lunch and dinner cruises, special holiday tours, and blues cruises for those who want the best view of the city while enjoying live music. Because of their age, the riverboats are not required to be accessible, however, the company does attempt to accommodate guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
StoryPoint Germantown, StoryPoint Cordova and The Summit of Germantown are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Memphis, TN. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Memphis is $4,803 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 33 memory care facilities near you in Memphis, Tennessee typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Memphis, Tennessee, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Memphis, Tennessee, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Memphis, Tennessee ranges from $1200 to $10102. The average Memory Care cost in Memphis, Tennessee is $4,803. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Memphis, Tennessee typically starts at $1200. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). American community survey: Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103), Memphis, Tennessee [Data set].
TennCare. (2023, March 30). TennCare benefit packages. tn.gov.
TennCare. CHOICES. tn.gov.
TennCare. To qualify for CHOICES. tn.gov.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2021, December 12). Medicare program: general information. Medicare.gov.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, August 3). What is Medicare part C? HHS.gov.
Tennessee Health Facilities Commission. (2022, July). Standards for assisted-care living facilities.
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021). Letter to long term care providers.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). U.S. News best hospitals.
Lam, H.L., Li, W.T.V., Laher, I., & Wong, R.Y. (2020, September 25). Effects of music therapy on patients with dementia — A systematic review. Geriatrics.
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