Known as the birthplace 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. A Place for Mom partners with 13 assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Memphis, giving seniors and their families plenty of options to choose from.
Assisted living is a great option for people who want a balance of support and independence. In Memphis, Tennessee, senior residents of assisted living communities can receive support with their activities of daily living when needed. They can also enjoy customized meal plans, socializing with neighbors, and entertaining activities. These on-site services and amenities at Memphis’ assisted living communities help seniors of all abilities and interests to thrive.
Browse this guide to find real resident ratings on cleanliness, activities, amenities, services, and other features of our partner Memphis assisted living communities. This guide also reviews local costs, how people usually pay, senior-specific benefit resources, and aging-friendly activities in Memphis.
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.
How do we rank Memphis assisted living?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality assisted living facilities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
I liked that it had a at home feel, clean, I loved the staff, they cared about my dad, made sure his diapers were changed and got his medicine and sometimes fed his meal. My brother and I were lucky they...
It is a very welcoming environment and most of the caregivers are top notch. The only complaint I really have is the weekends are always understaffed. The apartments are all VERY nice and the balcony...
I like that they make my father feel very comfortable. He's a very sociable, active 87 year old. They make sure he's entertained, they make sure he is ready for all outside appointments and engagement. They...
The 3-11 pm shift is very good and do their best to care for my mom. I sense they are short staffed. It is a very difficult job. I don’t know the morning crew, except [name removed], and she is...
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...
My wife and I enjoy living at Brightmore of East Memphis. With the monthly event calendar we have lots to select from. Ie; taking a shuttle to Walmart, to Target, to Walgreens, to Kroger, and etc. There...
The small size makes it more personalized and "home-like" ; the way the staff smiles, speaks, and takes a few minutes for residents. A new director has just been hired and positive changes are being made:...
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 love the excellent care the staff give to my sister, and she loves living at the Belmont Village Memphis community, Based on the experience so far, I would recommend this community to other families
Everyone there is so kind and the care is so individualized to make the needs of the resident. Our experience has been nothing but great and I would recommend this facility to anyone just so glad that we...
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...
They are new so there are a few kinks to work out. But the apartments are lovely, and they plan so many fun activities for the residents. My mom loves the food. And the caregivers are sincere, kind and...
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...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Memphis community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The average cost of assisted living at our partner communities in Memphis is $3,985 including fees for amenities and services, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[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 differ between assisted living facilities in Memphis, but you can typically expect the following to be included in the cost above:
The following costs represent the greater area’s average baseline costs without additional fees.
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 combined with other income sources to finance a move to assisted living. This may include Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns.
Seniors may also be able to use long-term care insurance to pay for assisted living. Policies vary, so it’s recommended that you consult with your loved one’s insurance provider to determine what assisted living costs are covered.
Additional options that seniors often use to cover their assisted living costs can include the following:
Number of veterans, 65+, who live in Memphis
About 47% of Memphis seniors, 65+, earn retirement income.
Senior veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible to receive pensions or disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help with their costs of living and long-term care services.
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is a common benefit for disabled veterans. It’s added to a veteran’s existing monthly VA Pension payments and can be used to help a veteran improve their quality of life, including paying rent at an assisted living community.
A veteran must have a service-related disability to be eligible. This can include many conditions and circumstances, and the requirements can change depending on individual military histories, so it’s useful to work with a veteran service officer for benefit advising to see if your condition qualifies.
The benefit application process is also complicated and time consuming, so it’s highly recommended that you utilize the supportive services of local veterans service organizations (VSO) to help expedite this process. The VSOs that serve Memphis veterans conveniently operate out of the Shelby County Administration Building. From this one location, senior veterans can be connected to local, regional, and national services offered by VSOs, like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion.
Resources for Memphis veterans
Shelby County Veteran Services
1060 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-222-4237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment only
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
Memphis Field Office
VA Medical Center
1030 Jefferson Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Medicaid is a public health insurance program jointly funded by the federal government and states. Individual states create and administer their own programs within federal guidelines. It can’t be used to pay rent at an assisted living community, but it can be used to cover certain long-term medical and personal care services provided in an assisted living community.
Tennessee’s Medicaid program is called TennCare. It’s a managed care program that provides services such as basic health care, inpatient care in a hospital, and dental care. Seniors 65+ who meet income and asset qualifications are eligible to enroll.[03]
The TennCare CHOICES program is for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities who require long-term care. The program can provide supportive services for seniors who live in a nursing home or in a community-based alternative to a nursing home which may include the following environments:
As of 2023, to qualify for the CHOICES program, a senior must meet the following income and functional requirements:
For any questions about Medicaid eligibility, you can contact Tennessee’s Commission on Aging and Disability, long-term care ombudsman, and the Aging Commission of the Mid-South using the contact information provided below. These resources can guide seniors and their families through the Medicaid eligibility and application processes and to the proper Medicaid programs for their needs.
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 doesn’t cover the costs of room and board. However, people over the age of 65 can use it to cover their daily medical expenses.
There are three parts to Medicare: A, B, and D. All cover different costs related to health care and will determine what a senior is eligible for. Here’s a summary of the three parts:
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.
Some seniors may also qualify for specific programs aimed to support long-term care for seniors. One example is the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) which provides access to certain in-home care benefits which allow them to continue living in their community as long as possible.[06]
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: 1-800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SSA Location 2
1330 Monroe Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SSA Location 3
3461 S 3rd St.
Memphis, TN 38109
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
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 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.[07]
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:[08]
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.
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:
Vaccinations. Staff and residents are encouraged to get fully vaccinated and boosted.
Masking. Staff are encouraged to wear a well-fitted face mask. When transmission rates are high, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask. 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.
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.[01]
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:[01]
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:
Know where to start.
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Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Memphis
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Memphis population
Average annual retirement income for Memphis seniors 65 and older
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.
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, according to U.S. News and World Report. This hospital is especially well known for its hip and knee replacement surgeries and treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or 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 treatment of various conditions.
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.
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.[11] Beyond the downtown area, a car is often needed 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.
Great Southern Senior Living, Village at Primacy Place and StoryPoint Germantown 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 $4,347 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). American Community Survey: Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Memphis, Tennessee [Data set].
TennCare. TennCare Medicaid.
TennCare. CHOICES: What services are available to me?
TennCare. To Qualify for CHOICES.
TennCare. The program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE).
US Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). Compendium of residential care and assisted living regulations and policy: Tennessee.
Tennessee Health Facilities Commission. (2022, July). Standards for assisted-care living facilities.
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021). Letter to long term care providers.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Memphis, TN.
Walk Score. (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). American Community Survey: Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Memphis, Tennessee [Data set].
TennCare. TennCare Medicaid.
TennCare. CHOICES: What services are available to me?
TennCare. To Qualify for CHOICES.
US Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). Compendium of residential care and assisted living regulations and policy: Tennessee.
Tennessee Health Facilities Commission. (2022, July). Standards for assisted-care living facilities.
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021). Letter to long term care providers.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Memphis, TN.
Walk Score. (2023). Memphis.