Whether in the rolling hills of East Tennessee or the bustling city life of downtown Knoxville, assisted living in Knoxville provides a variety of services and amenities designed to make life easier for seniors.
Assisted living communities in Knoxville, Tennessee, offer supportive environments for seniors who need help with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry. Many of these communities hire on-site nursing staff, create personalized care plans for residents, and facilitate social activities and transportation services. All in all, there are plenty of options for seniors looking for both autonomy and care in Knoxville, Tennessee.
This guide you’ll find a list of the 14 assisted living partner communities within a 10-mile radius of Knoxville and a comprehensive guide to assisted living, such as costs, ways to pay, regulations that apply to assisted living communities in the area, and things to do in Knoxville.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Knoxville, TN
Whether in the rolling hills of East Tennessee or the bustling city life of downtown Knoxville, assisted living in Knoxville provides a variety of services and amenities designed to make life easier for seniors.Read more
Assisted living communities in Knoxville, Tennessee, offer supportive environments for seniors who need help with daily activities such as personal care, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry. Many of these communities hire on-site nursing staff, create personalized care plans for residents, and facilitate social activities and transportation services. All in all, there are plenty of options for seniors looking for both autonomy and care in Knoxville, Tennessee.
This guide you’ll find a list of the 14 assisted living partner communities within a 10-mile radius of Knoxville and a comprehensive guide to assisted living, such as costs, ways to pay, regulations that apply to assisted living communities in the area, and things to do in Knoxville.
Knoxville Assisted Living Facilities | 679 Reviews
My aunt lives at The Courtyards in Knoxville. Every time I call and talk with her. She goes on about how amazing the food tastes. She says it's homecooked, always fresh and hot, and how amazing the staff is.
Our mom has lived at Shannondale Assisted Living for about 4 years. While her mind and body have declined during her 90 years, we find peace in the fact that she is so happy everyday. The staff at...
Beautiful facility with a band new exquisite wing adding 20 suites. Staff is wonderful, caring & attentive. I’ve had experience with other properties who look great in appearance and talk it up in the tour,...
We've had a very good experience with Autumn Care, overall! The facility itself looks very nice, they do a great job of keeping it clean, and there's usually some sort of activity going on for the residents....
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- Compare local facilities
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- What families are saying about assisted living in Knoxville
- Costs of assisted living in the Knoxville area
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- Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Knoxville
- What to expect from assisted living in Knoxville
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Knoxville? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about assisted living in Knoxville
Recent reviews for assisted living in Knoxville
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Costs of assisted living in the Knoxville area
The cost of an assisted living facility in Knoxville is determined by the type of accommodation, level of care, and any added features. The average cost of assisted living facilities within our partner network is $4,385 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.{{citation :1}} This figure takes into account room and board, on-site amenities, and any other fees and costs associated with assisted living to give you a full picture of what you can expect to pay.
The following chart represents the average baseline costs for the Knoxville, Tennessee, area without taking into account any additional fees.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Knoxville, TN vs. nearby cities
Knoxville, TN
How people pay for assisted living in Knoxville
There are many ways for seniors and families to pay for assisted living. Some families decide to use only one, while others use a combination of public benefits and personal funds. Check out this section for tips on creating a payment plan to cover assisted living in Knoxville, including private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid resources. You can also refer to our in-depth Guide to Paying for Long-Term Care for further information.
There are numerous sources of funds that you can use to pay for assisted living, such as personal funds, retirement savings, long-term care or life insurance, pensions, or any of the following:
Using VA benefits to pay for assisted living
Local Veterans Affairs offices in Knoxville and their representatives can help you determine how to cover costs associated with assisted living. Veterans who believe they may qualify should reach out to Knoxville veterans service offices.
The VA offers a range of benefits for vets who qualify. U.S. veterans who are eligible for the VA pension or survivors pension may also be able to receive the VA Aid and Attendance benefit to help cover assisted living costs. Veterans may be eligible to receive this benefit if they served during wartime, regardless of whether they served in combat.
For help in navigating the complex VA benefits system, reach out to veteran service officers (VSOs). Contacting these VA-vetted and -recognized VSOs should be the first stop for any veteran before they start work on any benefits applications, as VSOs are the best experts available in the Knoxville area.
Number of veterans who live in Knoxville, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of veterans over 75 in Knoxville, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Knoxville veterans
Knox County Veterans Services Office
Knox Central Building
1000 N. Central St.
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-215-5645
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
American Legion
5700 Old Rutledge Pike
Knoxville, TN 37924
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
734 N Fourth Ave
Knoxville, TN 37917-6727
Phone: 865-523-7347
Meetings: 1:00 PM, 4th Sunday of the month
Medicaid is a program administered by the states to provide healthcare coverage to low-income adults, children, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Over 84.3 million people in the U.S. get Medicaid.[02]
Tennessee’s Medicaid program is administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services TennCare division. It provides coverage for a variety of health care services, including behavioral health, chiropractic services, dental and vision services, hospital visits, and emergency care. Additionally, the state’s TennCare CHOICES program covers some of the costs associated with living in an assisted living facility through a Home and Community Based Services waiver program.
Under the Medicaid program in Tennessee, seniors who are blind or have a disability may be eligible for assistance with their long-term care needs. Eligibility is based on income and asset levels. In addition to covering the cost of medical services, Medicaid in Tennessee also covers personal care services such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and help with eating if needed.
Assisted living facilities must be enrolled in the Medicaid program in order to accept payments, and all residents must qualify medically for admission into the facility. Coverage under Medicaid for assisted living will vary depending on individual circumstances but could include certain personal care services as noted above.
For more information about Tennessee’s Medicaid Program and how it may assist you or someone you love in receiving quality long-term care services including those offered at an assisted living facility, please use the below resources.
Knoxville resident Medicaid resources
TennCare Connect
Mail paper applications to:
P.O. Box 305240
Nashville, TN 37230
FAX: 855-315-0669
Phone: 855-258-0701
Department of Human Services (DHS)
2700 Middlebrook Pike
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: 865-594-6151
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging & Disability
9111 Cross Park Drive Suite D100
Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: 865-691-2551
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-925-1552
Knoxville-Knox County Office on Aging
2247 Western Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: 865-524-2786
Medicare provides health care coverage to people who are 65 and older and certain disabled Americans regardless of their income. Medicare contains multiple parts that cover various aspects of health care, such as medications, medical supplies, hospital stays, and short-term skilled nursing care.
While Medicare in Tennessee doesn’t cover room and board at assisted living communities, it can cover many of the costs associated with medical treatment, including dementia care. If you want to know what is available in Knoxville, Tennessee, you can dial 2-1-1, visit the federal Medicare website, or contact your local Tennessee Social Security Administration office.
Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs. The Tennessee Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides coordinated care and access to services that can be used by seniors living in an assisted living facility. There are eligibility criteria.
The Office of Aging’s Affordable Medicine Options for Seniors (AMOS) program helps seniors find programs that reduce the cost of their medications. AMOS gives advice, as well as helps with actual application forms. In Tennessee, seniors can also connect with representatives at the Tennessee Department of Health or find assistance through the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program, a Medicare counseling service also known as SHIP, by calling 877-801-0044 or emailing tn.ship@tn.gov.
You can find Medicare resources below including the Social Security Administration office of Knoxville and the long-term care ombudsman, where they will be able to answer any specific questions you may have about Medicare application and benefits. The Area Agency on Aging and Disability also provides advocacy for those who are 60+ or have a disability.
Knoxville resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
9031 Cross Park Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Knoxville’s Office on Aging
2247 Western Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37950
Phone: 865-546-6262
East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability
408 N. Cedar Bluff Road
Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: 865-691-2551
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-925-1552
Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities in Tennessee must be licensed by the State Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Facilities under the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities. In Tennessee, assisted living is called Assisted-Care Living Facilities, which are buildings, complexes, or a part of a community that accepts senior individuals for domiciliary care and services.
Although most assisted living facilities fall under the umbrella of assisted-care living facilities, some facilities are classified as residential homes for the aged. These are smaller home-like facilities that are for seniors who just need a bit of help in addition to room and board.
The licensing process for assisted-care living facilities covers health and safety standards, staff qualifications, and building codes. All facilities in Tennessee must also follow a set of federal regulations designed to ensure the health and safety of residents. Licensing information for all assisted living facilities under the category of Assisted Care Living Facilities is available here.
The Office of Healthcare Facilities is responsible for ensuring quality of care in all health care institutions, including assisted living facilities. The department coordinates surveys of facility and complaint investigations from its regional offices, including one in Knoxville. They also conduct inspections at least every 15 months to ensure that health and safety standards continue to be met. These inspections cover a variety of topics including fire safety, staffing levels, medication management, infection control, and resident rights. Inspection reports are available online through the state Department of Health’s website and can be searched here.
In addition to being licensed and inspected, assisted living facilities in Tennessee must also follow procedures pertaining to resident admissions, discharge planning, medication administration, form completion, and food service standards. They must also maintain records on all residents, including medical records and financial documents related to payment.
Assisted care living facilities in Tennessee may not admit or house seniors whose needs the facility cannot safely and effectively meet, according to state regulations. Facilities may also not house seniors with active infectious diseases that require contact isolation.
Facilities also must not admit seniors who require nasopharyngeal or tracheotomy suctioning, gastrostomy feedings, nasogastric feedings, or intravenous therapy or feedings. Assisted living facilities can house existing residents who need these treatments, as long as the treatments are needed only intermittently (for no more than three 21-day periods per year) and the senior’s physician certifies that the facility is able to safely and effectively provide the necessary care.
Assisted care living facilities in Tennessee must hire a sufficient number of staff members to meet residents’ needs, including seniors’ needs for medical services. According to Standards for Assisted-Care Living Facilities, an up-to-date staffing pattern and staff ratios for each unit are recorded on a daily basis ensuring that there is a minimum of one attendant awake, on-duty and physically located on the unit 24/7.
All of these laws and regulations ensure that residents receive quality care while living in an assisted living facility in Tennessee. Review the rules carefully before selecting a facility or signing an agreement so that you can be sure your chosen facility is abiding by these laws and regulations.
Tennessee Department of Health contact information
710 James Robertson Pkwy.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Email: ohcf.health@tn.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Knoxville assisted living facilities
Tennessee state regulations govern the safety protocols of all assisted living facilities in Knoxville, but there are no specific restrictions. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have declared that all visitors, vaccinated or unvaccinated, are welcome in Knoxville’s assisted living communities. In accordance with the CMS guidelines, assisted living communities in Knoxville generally follow these COVID-19 safety measures:
Vaccinations. The state encourages residents of assisted living facilities to remain up-to-date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Masking. If the local region where the facility is located has a high level of community spread of COVID-19, all individuals are encouraged to wear face masks.
Quarantining. As of September 2022, the state no longer follows the CDC’s guidance on using vaccination status to determine contact tracing, screening, testing, or post-exposure guidelines.
Get to know assisted living in Knoxville
What to expect from assisted living in Knoxville
Assisted living in Knoxville offers a variety of different types of facilities and services, ranging from luxury options to more budget-friendly choices. There are 14 facilities in-network that are classified as assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius. Assisted living communities in Knoxville include services tailored to each individual’s daily needs. Services and amenities in assisted living facilities often include housekeeping, help with personal care, social activities and outings, and 24-hour emergency response.[03]
Benefits and amenities
If you opt for residential assisted living in Knoxville, you can expect features like: 24-hour staffing and supervision, on-site medical staff and nurses, and an array of social, recreational, and wellness activities. You’ll also find housekeeping and laundry services, three meals per day served in a communal dining room, transportation to appointments and shopping trips, and assistance with personal care.
Some special features available at some assisted living communities in Knoxville include enrichment through furry friends, faith, and fitness. In Knoxville, 88% of in-network facilities have pet-friendly programs, though they typically welcome only dogs and cats that weigh 30 pounds or less. Seniors who want Christian faith-focused living environments can find multiple assisted living options in Knoxville, as some facilities offer devotional activities on-site, while others transport residents off-site for worship. And many in-network communities (69%) offer enclosed or indoor walking spaces.
Assisted living in the surrounding Knoxville suburbs
Knoxville and its suburbs within a 25-mile radius, including Farragut, Clinton, and Rockford, offer 59 different options for assisted living, including six that offer a combination of assisted living and memory care facilities and two that offer a combination of assisted living and independent living. Most facilities offer 24-hour personal care, medication management, and cognitive activities. The cost of assisted living may vary based on region and amenities. On average, assisted living facilities in the Knoxville suburbs start at $3,552 per month, depending on the level of care and features offered.
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Unfamiliar with Knoxville? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Knoxville, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Knoxville population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual income for Knoxville seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Healthcare for seniors in Knoxville
When it comes to healthcare for seniors in Knoxville, there are several hospitals and medical centers available.
University of Tennessee Medical Center
The UT Medical Center offers a full range of services for seniors, including primary care, geriatric specialists, rehabilitation services, home health care, hospice, and palliative care. For those needing inpatient treatment or surgery, the hospital is equipped with a Level 1 trauma center that includes a dedicated emergency department staffed by board-certified trauma surgeons.
Parkwest Medical Center
Located just outside of downtown Knoxville, Parkwest Medical Center offers emergency services 24 hours a day and inpatient and outpatient care. The hospital is also home to the Parkwest Surgery Center. The center provides general surgery procedures such as hernia repair and orthopedic surgeries. Parkwest Medical Center also offers diagnostic imaging, cardiac catheterization, and physical therapy services.
Transportation for seniors in Knoxville
In Knoxville, residents in assisted living can find a few public transportation options for getting around town in addition to the options provided by their own facility.
Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) operates the city’s public transportation system. It includes fixed-route bus services, trolley buses, and paratransit services (KAT LIFT) for those with special needs. Knox County CAC Transit also offers public transportation to Knox County residents who cannot use KAT or KAT LIFT. The service is wheelchair-accessible and can be accessed Monday through Saturday. The fare costs $2 each way.
Senior activities in Knoxville
Knoxville is a prime destination for seniors looking to enjoy some activities and amenities in their golden years. From outdoor attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to local art galleries, there are plenty of fun possibilities for seniors and their families to enjoy in the Knoxville area. The city’s senior centers — South Knoxville Senior Center or West Knox County Senior Center are both great options – are hubs for information on classes, lectures, trips, and special programs available to those living in the area.
Play at the Knoxville Zoo
The Knoxville Zoo is a destination that caters to seniors who need help getting around. It’s a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue that provides wheelchair accessibility all throughout the park, and it offers wheelchairs and scooters for rent. With everything from exotic animals to interactive bird shows, the zoo is a great option for seniors and their families who love being outdoors. There is also a train that runs through the zoo for seniors looking for a scenic escape.
Experience the heart of Tennessee culture
Knoxville is home to a number of cultural destinations that make for enriching outings for seniors in assisted living and their visiting families. The Museum of East Tennessee History, located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, is fully ADA accessible. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits related to East Tennessee’s rich cultural and natural history of the Tennessee Valley, atomic energy facilities, and the origins of Tennessee State University. Tickets are discounted for seniors and AAA members.
Across the street from the museum is the Tennessee Theatre, which is a perfect place for seniors to sit back and enjoy the arts. From theater shows like “Cats” and “Ain’t Too Proud” to classical and rock music concerts, the Tennessee Theatre has a place for all seniors. Contact the box office to reserve accessible seats.
Take the scenic route
The University of Tennessee Arboretum offers seniors and their families a spot for a peaceful walk through this seven-acre forest located on the University of Tennessee campus with blooming plants all year round. Though public access is via walking only, those with disabilities can request permission to navigate closer through access roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
StoryPoint Knoxville West, Dominion Senior Living of Sevierville and The Pointe at Lifespring are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Knoxville, 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 Knoxville is 3871.97 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Medicaid.gov. (2023). Medicaid. Medicaid.gov
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
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