Senior Living Apartments in Memphis, TN

Here we will discuss the different ways you can pay for a senior apartment which include private pay, public housing assistance programs, and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

Senior apartments don’t provide health care, so residents aren’t able to use Medicaid, Medicare, and other forms of long-term care insurance to cover rent. However, qualified seniors may be able to use these types of insurance options to pay for in-home care services.

In the state of Tennessee, senior apartments aren’t required to be licensed or regulated by the Health Department because they’re seen as rental accommodations as opposed to care facilities, like assisted living or skilled nursing homes. There are, however, federal laws with which landlords of senior apartments must comply with in order to maintain safe and equitable housing.

• The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires that senior apartments don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality, sex, disability, and familial status.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations in the houses they rent.
• Tennessee’s Landlord Tenant Act ensures that accommodation is up-to-date on building and housing codes and that landlords make repairs when needed in order to provide a safe, habitable environment.
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) laws apply to people offering senior apartments living under the Housing Choice Vouchers Program. Landlords must meet these regulations to receive funding.

Like any house or apartment offered for rent, senior apartments must comply with local housing codes to ensure minimum standards are being met. The Tennessee Department of Health promotes and enforces the rules for maintaining minimum health standards in rental housing. Tenants who have concerns about whether their landlords are meeting these standards may file complaints with their local building inspectors or county public health departments.

Requirements for people wanting to move into senior apartments will depend on the community itself, but in Tennessee, individuals typically must be at least 55 years old.

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 Memphis senior apartments

People living in senior apartments are not required to follow any specific COVID-19 mandates. In fact, Tennessee doesn’t have any state requirements but rather suggests that people follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for prevention.

With its mild climate and low cost of living, roughly 11.5% below the national average, Memphis is an attractive place to settle into a new phase of life.^[08] Senior apartments are ideal for people who want the freedom of living independently while enjoying a variety of amenities, on-site maintenance, and secure property standards.

Amenities

From unique apartment layouts to community-oriented building features, senior apartments in Memphis have amenities to fit any type of lifestyle. Amenities you may find include the following:

• Off-street parking
• On-site laundry
• Fitness room
• Pet-friendly
• Library
• Patio or balcony
• On-site movie theater
• Game room

Accessibility and security features

Senior apartments in Memphis are designed with a variety of accessibility and security features to help make daily life more convenient, like:

• Wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs
• Elevators
• Controlled access
• Zero-step apartments
• Complimentary transportation

A community hub

Finding something to do in Memphis senior apartment communities is easy. Many feature on-site community areas where you can enjoy your favorite hobbies while getting to know your neighbors. Often you’ll find unique classes and fun community events. For example, join friends for a glass of wine while learning to paint or dance to live music. Some communities also celebrate holidays together with special dinners or watching fireworks from the community courtyard.

Health care for seniors in Memphis

Memphis has a great selection of health care options to accommodate seniors’ unique needs as they age. The following hospitals are all great options for emergencies or care needs that a specialist or general practitioner can’t provide:

Transportation for seniors in Memphis

Like many cities in the U.S., Memphis is a location where many rely on cars to get them around. However, neighborhoods like East Midtown, Idlewild-East End Historic, and Barry F. Homes are a great fit for those who don’t want to use a car and would prefer to walk or bike.

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates 26 bus lines and several additional services, including fixed-route, express buses, and trolleys. Trolleys are only available downtown but are a unique way to see the city and all that Memphis has to offer.

While Memphis doesn’t have a substantial number of public transportation options, additional services are available to seniors or people who can’t use fixed-route buses due to disability.

• MATAplus is offered through Memphis Area Transit Authority and is a door-to-door service for anyone who’s unable to use MATA buses independently. MATAplus has the same hours of operation as MATA, and its service area extends three-quarters of a mile beyond the fixed-route bus system. An application is required to prove eligibility; after that, all you need to do is call the reservation line to book a trip.
• Coming soon to Memphis is the Shelby County Senior Volunteer Transportation Network. This program will pair volunteer drivers with seniors who need accessible and affordable rides.
• The Independent Transportation Network is available throughout Tennessee, including Memphis, and is a 24/7 door-to-door service, much like a taxi. ITNMemphis is open to anyone over the age of 60 who lives within the I-240 loop, but they will drive anywhere in greater Memphis.

Memphis’ walk score is low compared to other cities. Walkscore.com is a site that rates the walkability of areas on a scale of 0-100 by considering public transport, availability of walk and bike lanes, and population density. While some neighborhoods are easy to navigate, Memphis is largely spread out, meaning that, more often than not, a car is required for travel beyond the downtown area.

Senior activities in Memphis

Memphis is a vibrant city with various activities for people to participate in day or night. Music lovers will know Memphis as a haven for fans of soul, rhythm and blues, rock ‘n roll, and, of course, the King of Rock and Roll himself. Elvis Presley fans can take in Graceland, an expansive estate that offers guided tours of Elvis’ home, planes, vintage cars, and music memorabilia.

If live music is what you’re looking for, a stroll down Beale Street is a must. Located in downtown Memphis, bustling Beale Street has a lively music scene and plenty of bars and restaurants. You don’t want to miss out on the famous BBQ, like Rendezvous, that Memphis has to offer!

Sports fans have plenty to do here, too. Memphis is home to the NBA’s Grizzlies, who can be seen regularly at the FedExForum in downtown Memphis, where senior discounts are offered on select games. For those who’d rather be playing sports than watching it, consider visiting Shelby Farms Park, which provides several outdoor activities — from hiking to fishing — and is wheelchair accessible.

The Mississippi River, which serves as the border between Tennessee and Arkansas, is home to several attractions. A dinner cruise in an authentic riverboat is a great way to entertain friends and family. Or, head over to Memphis River Parks with beautiful views of the Mississippi and outdoor concerts, walking tours, and other activities specifically for seniors. Just across the river in West Memphis, you’ll find Southland Casino Hotel for anyone who loves to try their luck on the gaming floor.

If you want to connect with others in the area, socialize, and make new friends, there are also a number of senior centers, all offering senior-specific activities and programs, including:

• Low-impact exercise classes
• Field trips to local attractions
• Guest speakers and seminars
• Senior Olympics
• Arts and Crafts
• Senior friendly sports
• Academic and recreational classes

Many of these locations can accommodate seniors who require accessibility assistance. If you have questions regarding your needs, call or email the specific business prior to your visit.