10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Memphis, TN

There are several ways to pay for assisted living in the Memphis area through private pay and public means. While some families choose one payment method, most people use a mix of private and public funding methods to pay for assisted living. In this section, you will learn about the kinds of resources used to pay for costs related to assisted living, including private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.

In Tennessee, assisted living communities must be licensed by the Office of Health Care Facilities within the Tennessee Department of Health. Tennessee licenses assisted living facilities as either assisted-care living facilities (ACLF) or residential homes for the aged. Residential homes for the aged are smaller communities that provide room and board and personal care services. Assisted-care living facilities take it a step further by having the ability to provide medical services, such as part-time intermittent nursing care and medication administration by licensed medical professionals.

To be licensed, facilities must meet several requirements, including passing regular inspections, 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. Licenses are reviewed annually.

Facilities are regularly inspected by the Department of Health to ensure regulatory requirements are maintained and residents receive high-quality care. Inspections cover things like the following:

• Medication management
• Resident rights
• Staffing protocols
• Safety protocols
• Cleanliness
• Infection control

Families or residents can access health care facilities’ licensing information and inspection reports by searching for prospective communities on the Tennessee Department of Health website. The report provides information about current licensure status, expiration date, most recent inspection date, and the date of the original license. If a community has been cited for a violation, that information will be highlighted in red with the number of disciplinary actions, a description of the violation, and the actions that were taken.

Tennessee Department of Health contact information

Tennessee Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Memphis assisted living facilities

Tennessee doesn’t follow any state mandates around COVID-19. However, health care facilities like assisted living communities are recommended to follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), including:

Assisted living in Memphis combines the need for supportive care with the desire for an active, engaging lifestyle.Communities offer a variety of social and recreational activities that encourage social interaction and strengthen bonds between residents. Book clubs, cooking classes, movie nights, and group outings are just some examples of activities hosted at these communities that enrich the environment and promote mental and emotional well-being.

Aging in Memphis can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re engaging with the vibrant local culture, enjoying one of the many activities, or experiencing the camaraderie and care in an assisted living community, Memphis provides a stimulating environment wherever you are.

Levels of care

People choose assisted living because it can provide additional support and care to the senior living experience. However, some assisted living communities combine additional levels of care and living options. Three partner communities of the 13 in the Memphis area are standalone facilities, while the remaining communities also offer memory care and independent living options.

The benefit of having additional levels of care available at one facility allows residents to age in place while accessing care as their needs change. For example, a senior may move to an independent living apartment in a community that offers assisted living and memory care. If their needs change as they age, they can transition to higher levels of care without having to move to a completely new community. They’re able to remain in a familiar place surrounded by neighbors and friends.

Assisted living communities in Memphis help residents stay active and healthy

While all assisted living facilities are different, certain features, services, and amenities are common in Memphis assisted living communities. You should expect to find on-site fitness classes, support with medication, and mobility assistance, among other services. Some communities provide specialized health and wellness services and additional care programs all in the same facility. The following information provides an overview of the different types of services and amenities you can find in our partner Memphis assisted living communities:

• 77% offer stretching classes
• 15% offer water aerobics
• 85% provide medication management and non-ambulatory care
• Nearly 50% offer the services of a nutritionist or dietitian
• 15% offer psychiatric care services
• 8% have a skilled nursing facility on-site

The social scene

For those who prefer to be socially active, there are a number of different social activities and outings planned regularly in assisted living. Common activities offered at our Memphis assisted living partner communities include:

• Day trips and cultural outings
• On-site picnics and birthday celebrations
• Live music performances
• Pet-focused events for residents who live with their furry friends
• Devotional activities

Health care for seniors in Memphis

Memphis offers several robust medical centers. Whether seniors are looking for geriatric care, mental health services, or palliative care, several highly ranked hospitals in Memphis serve the community’s needs. Check out some information on Memphis’ top-rated hospitals below.

Transportation for seniors in Memphis

Nine of our partner communities offer transportation services for residents. Because of the geographic spread of Memphis, most people rely on a car to get around. However, the East Midtown, Idlewood-East End Historic, and Barry F. Homes are neighborhoods where people can easily walk and navigate via bicycle.

Another option is Memphis’ public transportation system, operated by the Memphis Area Transport Authority (MATA), which runs 26 fixed-route and express buses. MATA also operates a trolley service downtown which, while not extensive in coverage, is a fun way to see the city.

In addition to MATA’s bus and trolley service, several public transportation options and services are available to seniors or people who cannot use the fixed-route bus system due to disability.

• Offered through MATA, MATAplus is a door-to-door service for those unable to use MATA buses independently. This service extends three-quarters of a mile beyond the fixed route system and operates within the same service hours. Once an application to ride has been approved, reservations can be made via phone.
• For a service similar to a taxi or rideshare, iTN Memphis (aka the Independent Transportation Network) is available throughout Tennessee. This 24/7 service is open to anyone over the age of 60 who lives within the I-240 loop.
• On its way to Memphis is the Shelby County Senior Volunteer Transportation Network, which pairs vetted volunteer drivers with seniors looking for accessible rides.

Walk Score rates how walkable and easy a city is to get around on a scale of 0-100, based on public transportation, public density, and the availability of walk and bike lanes. Due to its sprawl and lack of consistent walk lanes, Memphis’ walk score is 35. Beyond the downtown area, a car is often needed in Memphis.

Senior activities in Memphis

Steeped in rock ‘n’ roll history, Memphis is alive with activities that will have your heart singing. Clinging to the banks of the mighty Mississippi, this river town also boasts a variety of scenic areas, parks, and activities that make Memphis a great place to live no matter how you get around.

A number of assisted living communities plan accessible outings around arts, history, and culture at one of the many museums in Memphis. The Brooks Museum of Art is one that hosts a wide range of art exhibits, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The Pink Palace (also known as the Museum of Science and History) has a rotation of compelling exhibits, films, and even a planetarium. Another popular attraction is the National Civil Rights Museum which explores the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.

The Mississippi breathes life into Memphis, providing a stage for several events and activities. Memphis River Parks hosts outdoor concerts, walking tours, and different kinds of festivals. The river parks also provides wide, paved paths for strolling, grassy areas for picnicking and several areas to just relax while watching the river boats float past.

Just across the river in West Memphis, Arkansas, the Southland Casino Hotel provides a variety of accessible entertainment. Try your luck among the cacophony of ringing slot machines or take in a live show. Treat your favorite person to an intimate dinner or meet friends for a drink in one of the bars.

For outdoor activities visit Shelby Farms Park, where people of all abilities can access trails, restaurants, and many of the park’s lakes. The Memphis Botanic Garden is a great spot to spend the afternoon. With its wide, smooth paths that wind through the gardens, visitors can engage all of their senses while marveling at the incredible vegetation.

The FedExForum sits on the edge of downtown and is easy to navigate, with elevators and wide, smooth walkways. The FedExForum plays host to several events throughout the year. Most notably, it’s home to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies basketball team. Games are a great way to spend time with family or friends. And senior discounts are offered for many games.

You can’t spend time in Memphis without taking a step through the city’s musical history. Visiting Elvis Presley’s famed home in Graceland is a great way to spend the day for seniors and loved ones. Most of the 120-acre estate is wheelchair accessible and features tours of Elvis’ home, plane, and vintage cars. There’s also an on-site museum dedicated to music memorabilia.

Beale Street, is another attraction for music lovers or those interested in Memphis’ storied culinary scene. The sidewalks in some places can be narrow but all have ramps at street crossings. And each evening, portions of the street are closed to auto traffic, allowing the night to come alive with a variety of performers.