The heart of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis is an excellent location for anyone who loves music, a pleasant climate, and delicious barbecue. In this guide, you’ll learn all there is to know about assisted living in the area, with 13 listings located within a 10-mile radius of downtown Memphis.
Assisted living is a great option for people who want a balance of support and independence. The Memphis assisted living facilities listed here offer a number of services to achieve that balance, including:
For people who need more assistance when it comes to dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related issues, many of our listings are combination of assisted living and memory care facilities.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about paying for assisted living, the laws and regulations that keep residents safe, and the activities and amenities on offer in Memphis.
The heart of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis is an excellent location for anyone who loves music, a pleasant climate, and delicious barbecue. In this guide, you’ll learn all there is to know about assisted living in the area, with 13 listings located within a 10-mile radius of downtown Memphis.Read more
Assisted living is a great option for people who want a balance of support and independence. The Memphis assisted living facilities listed here offer a number of services to achieve that balance, including:
For people who need more assistance when it comes to dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related issues, many of our listings are combination of assisted living and memory care facilities.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about paying for assisted living, the laws and regulations that keep residents safe, and the activities and amenities on offer in Memphis.
The heat got repaired at Heritage yesterday around noon. I’m so glad of that too. The employees there are very nice the food there is very good from what I understand. After 2 1/2 days of no heat I’m...
Very nice community of staff and residents. My father is very happy and is thriving.It was the right fit for my father's needs. I would recommend to others.
The facility is always well kept. No funny smells and the director is outstanding. The negative side is the aids are sometimes not as helpful as they should be. For us the main reason we chose this place...
Sometimes hard to get any answers. They won't allow to have hearing devices plugged up to charge. It helps patient anxiety if they can hear and communicate with staff. They should know that being a memory...
Our loved one was only there for a month and during his stay the staff were very very nice. The community was always clean, the staff were helpful, genuinely caring, compassionate and such. It was a...
I would put mom there again if I had the chance. Mom passed after a bout with pneumonia. Day care flexibility and access to staff were excellent. I refer them to everyone.
I've been extremely satisfied.I am so pleased with our selection of the pointe at Kirby Gate. Management went above and beyond to help me get my husband moved as we were under a time crunch. He's so much...
The in house therapy is a must to hopefully enable her to get stronger and more independent. Very organized with plenty of staff per resident. The stuff is friendly, communicates well, and is willing to...
I think it was a good place. The staff seemed to sincerely care about my mom. I would recommend. I picked it because it wasn't huge, it was clean and we had a very positive feeling as we spoke to people that...
Everything was great. The staff was always pleasant & always answered any questions right away or found out the answers to the questions that they did not know. What stood out about Pinnacle was their...
I like the care that my father is getting at this community from the excellent staff. The menu is very good and he seems to be happy with the variety of meals. I am happy that the community is clean and he...
They're great. I love the staff. I love the way they take care of my mother. The nurses are just the best. My mother is on the second floor in the Terrace assisted living section. And they are so...
Laurel Glen at Memphis was head and shoulders above other places we toured. It is very updated and nice. With any facility like this, there is a period of time where you really have to follow up and make...
No one greeted us when we moved in.They weren't even expecting us to move in.She's supposed to wear a watch but they don't check if She loves the food there. They emphasis they have a lot of activities but...
My loved one was very ill, and they assisited with everything she needed in every way. And they made her last days as good as they could possibly be.
If there is an issue it is addressed very quickly and this is great. They also have really good meals. For what I am paying I am receiving very good services. I would highly recommend this community. There...
Our dear mother bought in/ moved into the Village 5+ years ago, and has enjoyed it very much. The staff, service, friends, activities, and food, etc. have been excellent and we've had no problems. She is...
According to proprietary data from A Place for Mom, the average cost of assisted living at our partner communities in Memphis is $3,985 including fees for amenities and services.[01] Factors such as location, amenities, choice of floor plan, and additional services play into the cost of assisted living facilities in the area.
Amenities and services will differ between assisted living facilities in Memphis, but you can typically expect the following:
The following costs represent the area’s average baseline costs without additional fees.
Average monthly costs
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.
Private pay is often used in conjunction with other means to fund a move to assisted living. Typically, this will include income sources like Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Additional options include:
There are several benefits on hand to support veterans moving into assisted living. Eligible veterans can use the VA Pension for housing or health-related needs. To qualify for the VA Pension, veterans must be disabled or over the age of 65, have been honorably discharged, and have served at least 90 days on active duty with one day served during wartime.
Similarly, the VA’s disability compensation may be an option. This benefit is for those whose disability is due to service and can be used for housing and health-related costs. It is always worth checking to see if your ailment is service-related even if you’re not sure.
The most common benefit added on to the VA Pension is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be used to cover the cost of anything that helps improve a veteran’s quality of life, including care at an assisted living facility. Aid and Attendance supports veterans who need help performing daily activities, live in long-term care facilities, are bedridden due to illness, or have limited eyesight.
There are some local Memphis organizations on hand to support through the claims and benefits process for veterans. The Shelby County Veteran Services and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 684 can serve as a resource for claims support. It’s important to get in touch with Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs) before submitting any claims to set yourself up for success and ensure eligibility.
Number of veterans who live in Memphis, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of Memphis veterans that are 75+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Memphis veterans
Shelby County Veteran Services
1060 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-222-4237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment only
VFW Post #684
3709 E. Raines Road
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: 901-794-0696
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-2345
Known as TennCare in Tennessee, Medicaid is a health care program for people who meet specific income requirements, such as those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Seniors can use Medicaid toward assisted living costs as long as the facility accepts Medicaid payments.
Medically necessary home care services can also be accessed through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program, which is known as Tennessee’s OPTIONS Program. This can help with medical needs and related services at a senior’s assisted living home.
For any questions about Medicaid eligibility, Tennessee’s Commission on Aging and Disability, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and the Aging Commission of the Mid-South are helpful resources that guide people through the eligibility and application processes.
Memphis resident Medicaid resources
TennCare
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 866-836-6678
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
160 N. Main Street, 3rd Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-222-4111
Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Memphis Delta
Zev Samuels
Phone: 901-529-4565
Email: zsamuels@mifa.org
Carlos Royston
Phone: 901-529-4562
Email: croyston@mifa.org
Because assisted living housing is considered custodial care, Medicare will not cover the costs of room and board. However, people over the age of 65 can use it to help with medical expenses incurred in daily life.
There are three parts to Medicare: A, B, and D. All cover different costs related to healthcare and will determine what a senior is eligible for. Part A is hospital insurance and will cover some home health care, skilled nursing facility care, and inpatient hospital care. Part B is medical insurance covering health care providers and outpatient care services, otherwise known as medically necessary services and preventative services. Finally, Part D is drug coverage and covers the cost of prescriptions, vaccines, and other shots.
For people over the age of 65 with Part A and Part B, coverage can include the following:
For financial counseling and support with Medicare, Tennessee’s State Health Insurance Program (TN SHIP) can help, while the Medicare Savings Program can help with financial assistance for medical premiums, deductibles, prescription drugs, and coinsurance. Additionally, the Program for All-Inclusive Care (PACE) offers support with care services and medical equipment.
To safeguard people with grievances, complaints, or appeals, the Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the other listed resources are available for support and advocacy. There are three Social Security Administration offices in Memphis where you can go to apply for Medicare.
Memphis resident Medicare resources
Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP)
1104 England Drive
Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: 1-877-801-0044
Tennessee Medicare Savings Program
Contact the 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.
Tennessee Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Contact TennCare
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 1-800-342-3145
SSA Location 1
3602 Austin Peay Highway
Memphis, TN 38128
Phone: (800) 772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SSA Location 2
1330 Monroe Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (800) 772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SSA Location 3
3461 S 3rd St.
Memphis, TN 38109
Phone: (800) 772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 1-866-836-6678
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
160 N. Main Street., 3rd Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-222-4111
Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Memphis Delta
Zev Samuels
Phone: 901-529-4565
Email: zsamuels@mifa.org
Carlos Royston
Phone: 901-529-4562
Email: croyston@mifa.org
In Tennessee, assisted living communities must be licensed. The Office of Health Care Facilities within the Tennessee Department of Health oversees this. Tennessee licenses assisted living facilities as either assisted-care living facilities (ACLF) or residential homes for the aged. Both help seniors with personal care, while assisted-care living facilities take it a step further and are also licensed to provide medical services such as nursing care or medication administration.
To be licensed, facilities must meet several requirements (such as passing regular inspections and hiring an administrator certified by the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities) and share facility policies, resident care plans, and staff qualifications with the Department of Health. Licenses are reviewed annually.
Facilities are also regularly inspected by the Department of Health to ensure regulatory requirements are maintained and residents receive high-quality care. Inspections cover things like:
Families or residents can access all license information and inspection reports on the Department of Health’s website. The website also has information pertinent to residents and families who want to know more about their rights under state law.
Additional helpful regulations and resources to be aware of before choosing an assisted living facility include:
Tennessee Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Hours: Weekdays, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Tennessee doesn’t follow any state mandates around COVID-19; however, healthcare 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)[03]. The following are some of the most pertinent guidelines:
Vaccinations. Staff and residents are encouraged to get fully vaccinated and boosted.
Masking. Staff are encouraged to wear a well-fitted face mask, and when transmission rates are high, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask. Though also not required, masks are also recommended among residents and visitors in communal spaces.
Facility cleanliness. Staff must clean visiting areas after each visit, and high-touch areas should be regularly disinfected.
Staff safety. When necessary, staff should use personal protective equipment (PPE).
Social distancing. During peak visiting hours or during parties, social distancing is encouraged.
Three of the 13 in-network assisted living facilities are standalone communities.[01] The others offer independent living and/or memory care, which make moving to assisted living an excellent way to future-proof care requirements, as it provides a seamless and comfortable transition to another type of care if a resident’s care needs change.
While all assisted living facilities are different, there are some things you should expect to see across the board in Memphis. For example, expect to be able to stay active with physical activities available on-site: 77% of our listings offer stretching classes, and 15% offer water aerobics.[01] People choose assisted living because it can provide additional support and health care when needed. Medication management and non-ambulatory care are standard, with 85% of our partner facilities having both. Many facilities have a doctor on call. A nutritionist or dietitian is available at nearly half. A handful have available psychiatric care (15%) and skilled nursing facilities (8%).[01]
For those who prefer to be socially active, there are a number of different social activities and outings planned regularly in assisted living. In Memphis, you can bet BBQ or music will play a part in the day trips and outings that 85% of our in network facilities offer. Onsite, most offer up picnics and birthday parties residents can participate in, and 69% host live music performances. For those with furry friends, 62% offer pet-focused programs. For more spiritually active residents, 77% of our partner communities offer on-site devotional activities.[01]
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Memphis
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Memphis population
Median annual income for Memphis seniors 65 and older
Whether it’s specialist surgery, mental health services, or palliative care, several highly-ranked hospitals in Memphis serve the community.
Baptist Memorial is a teaching hospital and surgical facility on the east side of Memphis. Highly ranked for a dozen adult procedures, it’s also ranked as the number one regional hospital in Memphis. This hospital is especially well known for its hip and knee replacement surgeries and treatment for COPD and other heart conditions.
Spread over five campuses in Memphis, Methodist Le Bonheur is ranked as the second-best regional hospital in Memphis. This hospital is very well known for its cancer care.
For Memphis veterans, the VA Medical Center offers everything from primary care to addition treatment.
Because of the geographic spread of Memphis, most people rely on a car to get around. However, for those looking for walkable areas, East Midtown, Idlewood-East End Historic, and Barry F. Homes are all neighborhoods where people can walk and bike around easily.
Memphis’ public transport is 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.
Due to Memphis’ spread and lack of consistent walk lanes, the city has a lower walk score of 35, according to Walk Score.[05] Walk Score rates, on a scale of 0-100, how walkable and easy to get around a city is based on factors like public transport, public density, and the availability of walk and bike lanes. Beyond the downtown area, a car is often needed.
As the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, it’s no surprise that music is at the heart of many activities in Memphis, but there are so many other fun sights that make Memphis a great place to live or visit.
With the Mississippi River meandering alongside downtown Memphis, river activities are often at the forefront of things to do. Taking in a dinner and cruising down the Mississippi on an authentic riverboat is a great way for seniors and their loved ones to spend an evening. Or, they can head over to Memphis River Parks for an outdoor concert, walking tours, and senior-specific events and activities. Across the river (which serves as the border of Memphis and Arkansas) is the Southland Casino Hotel.
A number of assisted living communities plan outings around arts, history, and culture at one of the many museums in Memphis, all of which are wheelchair accessible. The Brooks Museum of Art has a range of art, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The Pink Palace (also known as the Museum of Science and History) has a rotation of fun exhibits, films, and a planetarium. Finally, the National Civil Rights Museum explores the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.
More active seniors and communities might visit places like Shelby Farms Park, which has a range of outdoor activities, whether walking through one of the many outdoor trails or fishing in one of the park’s 20 lakes.
For seniors and their loved ones who would rather watch a game together, the NBA’s Grizzlies play in downtown Memphis, where senior discounts are offered for some games.
And, of course, you can’t spend time in Memphis without checking out the music on offer. Visiting the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s home in Graceland is a great way to spend the day for seniors and their visiting loved ones. The 120-acre estate features tours of Elvis’ home, plane, and vintage cars and has a museum dedicated to music memorabilia. There’s also bustling Beale Street, which plays host to many bars, restaurants, and live music.
Great Southern Senior Living, The Gardens of Germantown and Heritage at Irene Woods are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Memphis, TN. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Memphis is 4266.56 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Memphis, Tennessee [Data set].
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021). Letter to Long Term Care Providers.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Memphis, TN.
WalkScore. (2023). Memphis.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Memphis, Tennessee [Data set].
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021). Letter to Long Term Care Providers.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Memphis, TN.
WalkScore. (2023). Memphis.