10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Memphis, TN

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.

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

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

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).

The state of Tennessee has also updated its vaccination policy for skilled nursing facilities.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.