10 Best Nursing Homes in Nashville, TN

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 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:

• A certified administrator or a registered nursing home administrator must be on-site.
• A designated attendant must be awake and responsible for delivering personal services to residents, and a licensed nurse must be available as needed.
• A qualified dietitian must be hired on staff or as a consultant.
• All personnel must undergo a criminal background check before working in a nursing home.

All facility administrators must go through a criminal background check and possess at least one of the following certifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from an accredited school
• Completion of a board-certified training program in any subject completed no less than six months from obtaining a college degree
• An associate degree, three years of experience as a manager, and a state training program certification

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.

Assisted living and memory care facilities

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 contact information

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.

COVID-19 regulations for Nashville nursing homes

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.

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.

Various senior living facilities available in and around 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:

• 1 facility offering both assisted living and independent living
• 1 combined assisted living, independent living, and memory care facility
• 1 combined assisted living, senior apartment, independent living, and memory care facility

Within a broader 25-mile radius, there are even more possibilities, such as five more stand-alone assisted living facilities, as well as:

• 3 more assisted living and independent living facilities
• 12 more assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities
• 10 more assisted living and memory care facilities
• 1 adult day care, residential care home, and memory care facility

Comprehensive health care services provided

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.

Engaging activities offered to residents

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:

• On-site devotional activities
• Pet-focused programs
• Live musical performances
• Cooking classes
• Art classes
• Trivia nights
• Movie nights
• Fitness classes
• Yoga
• Holiday parties

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]

Health care for seniors in Nashville

Transportation for seniors in Nashville

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.

Senior activities in Nashville

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.