10 Best Independent Living Communities in Knoxville, TN

Independent living costs are generally not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term healthcare insurance. This means that most, if not all, costs must be paid by the resident entering the independent living community.

Medical costs, however, may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance. For instance, medically necessary in-home health care services performed at the resident’s independent living home may be entirely or partially covered. Nevertheless, most independent living community expenses will be paid for via private pay methods.

In Knoxville and throughout the state of Tennessee, independent living communities typically do not need to be inspected or licensed routinely, because these communities do not provide personal care or medical services, per se. Independent living communities may be subject to governing health and safety standard regulations if they have assisted living services also on the premises. Facilities that offer a combination of services also allow for continuity of care. If a senior begins in independent living but requires additional care later on, the resident can continue care with the same facility easily.

Some independent living facilities choose to receive accreditations and certifications from entities like the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). In that case, those independent living accommodations and facilities would need to be inspected.

When looking at independent living facilities, here are a few regulations to keep in mind:

• Fair Housing Act (FHA) compliance: Under the FHA, discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability is strictly prohibited. Independent living facilities must comply with these regulations, including providing reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance: The ADA requires reasonable accommodations be made for individuals with disabilities whether in public or provide housing. This includes, but is not limited to, modifications such as wheelchair ramps or grab bars in the bathroom.
• Local service/emotional support/therapy animal laws: All of the Knoxville independent living facilities in A Place For Mom’s network are pet-friendly, and in Tennessee, landlords are required to allow service animals and emotional support animals.

To understand the full range of licensing and inspection requirements of any independent living facility in Knoxville, always ask the facility’s administrative team. Or, contact Knoxville-specific or state-based agencies governing senior housing such as the Tennessee Department of Health or the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Additional requirements for residing in independent living communities in Tennessee

Like other states, Tennessee sets an age minimum and other requirements for residents. Many facilities have a minimum age requirement of 55 years old. A Place For Mom can help find the best facility that fits your needs and your age.

Tennessee Department of Health contact information

TN Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111

COVID-19 regulations for Knoxville, TN, independent living communities

While every independent living community can make its own decisions regarding COVID-19 regulations, there are no local and state mandates that the community is expected to follow.

Some COVID-19 considerations based primarily on Tennessee Department of Health mandates and expectations may include:

Independent living means something a little different to each person. Fortunately, Knoxville, TN, independent living facilities offer variety. This makes it simpler to find the right independent living community to fit any senior’s preferred housing arrangements and lifestyle.

Services and amenities

Some of the major amenities found throughout the stress-free independent care living accommodations available in Knoxville can include:

• Onsite laundry and housekeeping services
• Nutritious meals and snacks
• All-inclusive home maintenance and access to outside repair personnel
• Social activities including regular outings
• Patios and other private outdoor spaces
• Roomy and luxurious apartments, homes, and townhouse-style arrangements

What you know you can expect from all facilities in A Place for Mom’s network is pet-friendly services, on-site activities at the facility, and community amenities. If you’re looking for an on-site physician, 33% of the facilities in A Place For Mom’s network offer a physician on site for resident care.

More than anything else, independent living communities give residents freedom.

Location of facilities

Though some may be located near other assisted living or nursing care facilities, independent living communities are meant to give residents peace of mind in a peaceful setting. Within a 10-mile radius of Knoxville, there are three standalone independent living facilities, but within a 25-mile radius of Knoxville, there is one standalone independent living facility and two combination independent living and assisted living facilities.

Standalone independent living facilities are often designed to look like beautiful apartment buildings with common areas inside and outside. They offer more energetic activities that can take even residents around the town for fun events. Standalone independent living facilities do not offer care, so if a resident needs care for the short or longer-term, the senior or their family would need to hire a caretaker from outside of the facility to assist. Facilities that offer independent living and assisted living cover the gap between independent and assisted living needs. If a resident in independent living needs short-term or long-term care, the facility can step in and offer additional care services or help with the transition into assisted living if the resident will need long-term care with daily activities and/or monitoring. If you’re looking for the possibility of continuity of care for yourself or your loved one, a facility that offers a combination of care services could be the right fit.

Common areas to relax

If you’re looking to relax on your own, with friends, or guests, all of A Place For Mom’s in-network facilities offer indoor and outdoor commons rooms, libraries, and outside patios. Enjoy the beautiful weather outside or stay warm and cozy inside in common areas just for residents and their guests.

Pets welcomed with open arms

For residents who are already pet parents or are thinking about bringing a dog or cat into their lives, pet friendliness matters. When deciding between independent living centers in Knoxville, TN, individuals and their families can know that all independent living centers within A Place For Mom’s network allow pets. In general, Knoxville is a dog-friendly city with many walking trails and even some eateries where furry friends are received with smiles.

Health care for seniors in Knoxville, TN

Staying on top of medical care and having access to top healthcare facilities is important for all people, and especially those in their senior years. Knoxville has a number of world-class hospitals and other facilities to choose from.

Transportation for seniors in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville has fewer public transportation resources than some other cities. Nonetheless, It’s important to remember that approximately 93% of all the independent living accommodations that are affiliated with A Place for Mom offered some type of schedule-based transportation . This may be an important trait to consider when choosing between different options.

Getting around Knoxville, TN, doesn’t require a car, although having access to a private vehicle is preferred by most residents. However, there are other ways that seniors living in Knoxville, TN, get from place to place.

For instance, walking may be an option depending on where an individual lives and wants to go. The walkability score for Knoxville is 31 out of 100 . This means it’s less walkable than many other cities but can certainly be walkable for some destinations that are more local. Downtown, the University of Tennessee, and Fort Sanders are the most walkable neighborhoods.

The biking score, which is also out of 100, is set at 30. Again, this puts Knoxville in the lower category of bike-ability because it has a smattering of bike lanes. Nevertheless, experienced cyclists may find it easier than recreational cyclists to bike from location to location.

Public transportation in Knoxville receives a transit score of 27 out of 100. This score comes from comparing Knoxville’s public transit with the public transit offered in other cities of similar size. The public transportation offered in Knoxville is:

• Knoxville Area Transit (KAT): The KAT features 20+ bus lines. Each line operates daily including on weekends. Plus, the KAT provides free trolley rides in select neighborhoods as well as a LIFT reservation-only service for those unable to use the regular route schedule. Residents must apply for LIFT certification.

In addition to KAT, the state of Tennessee makes transit possible for seniors in several ways.

• Knox County Customized Transit: The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee Office on Aging has a robust office serving the seniors living within Knox County. Seniors can contact the Office on Aging to find out if they qualify for alternative Knox County transportation outside of KAT or LIFT. This may include volunteer assisted transportation (VAT).
• TennCare Transportation: TennCare Transportation offers what it calls a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Benefit (NEMT) to its TennCare Members without transportation. All NEMT rides are by prior schedule only.
• MyRide Tennessee: This transportation service is run by volunteers and is especially useful for seniors in need of rides to healthcare appointments.

Knoxville has fewer public transportation resources than some other cities. Nonetheless, It’s important to remember that approximately 93% of all the independent living accommodations that are affiliated with A Place for Mom offered some type of schedule-based transportation . This may be an important trait to consider when choosing between different options.