A music-lovers paradise, Memphis is a dream for anyone who loves pleasant climate and plenty of time outside. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about our eight independent living partner facilities, all within a 10-mile radius of downtown Memphis.
Independent living is a more relaxed way of living. Offering the logistic and social benefits of living in a long-term care facility while still being able to live as you choose, exploring your interests, connecting with friends and family, and spending time in the wider community.
This guide, broken up into sections, will highlight the costs associated with independent living, ways you can pay for independent living, regulations that guide independent living communities, healthcare options available, and activities to enjoy in Memphis.
A music-lovers paradise, Memphis is a dream for anyone who loves pleasant climate and plenty of time outside. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about our eight independent living partner facilities, all within a 10-mile radius of downtown Memphis.Read more
Independent living is a more relaxed way of living. Offering the logistic and social benefits of living in a long-term care facility while still being able to live as you choose, exploring your interests, connecting with friends and family, and spending time in the wider community.
This guide, broken up into sections, will highlight the costs associated with independent living, ways you can pay for independent living, regulations that guide independent living communities, healthcare options available, and activities to enjoy in Memphis.
I love it here. It is more than perfect for me. They don't provide meals, but all else is superb. The staff is all friendly. It's just great here.
The staff is really friendly. They just recently remodeled the lobby and several of the floors were updated as well. They have several different layouts for apartments and price points. We picked a 1...
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...
All of the categories that are listed receives 5 stars. What our family likes the most about Town Village Audubon Park is the people. Everyone there is so caring, attentive, friendly and welcoming. It truly...
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'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...
Happy with my choice. Great location, friendly neighbors, cooperative office staff. The space is right sized for me, it has all the amenities I needed. Management is making changes to the building I wasn't...
I really need to give [Name removed] at hats off because , this is the best apartment complex in my life, I have live in and I been here going on 6 years and don't have any plans on moving period. I have...
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...
We have been pleased with The Parkview studio apartment. Perfect size for my brother, and because he lives there a free membership to the zoo is included (within walking distance). Two daily meals and...
My mother has settled into this community very well, she loves it here ! It is a nice clean community, they do a good job with keeping the grounds, and community well maintained. The staff is very nice, they...
I don't have a lot of hands on experience with the place, but from what I have seen and what I have heard from my loved one they do a fine job here! It's a nice looking place, and the people all seem very...
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.
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...
Independent living communities in Memphis offer competitive pricing; according to proprietary data from A Place for Mom, the average monthly cost is $2,656, more than $500 less per month than the national average.[01] This cost includes associated fees and add-ons.
Independent living offers a relaxed lifestyle choice for people who want to live independently without worrying about the inconveniences of home ownership. In most independent living communities, dining services, recreation areas, social activities, and complimentary transportation are all par for the course. In addition, maintenance and repairs are available whenever needed.
The following costs are just average baseline costs for independent living in Memphis without any add-on fees.
Average monthly costs
Memphis, TN
Unlike assisted living, independent living is not classified as a senior care community by insurance providers, so programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance won’t cover rent costs associated with independent living. These programs can, however, help with medically necessary in-home care costs.
In this section, you will learn about some of the ways people typically pay for independent living, including private pay options, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicaid and Medicare resources.
Private pay options are a great way to supplement independent living costs where possible. Private pay can include things like social security benefits, investment returns, pensions, and savings, as well as the following:
Several VA benefits, alongside a few local resources, are available to support the medical and home costs of veterans in Memphis. And while these benefits mostly won’t cover housing costs, they can be used to improve quality of life.
One of the most common benefits is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be used for costs associated with home health care and is added to the VA Pension. The VA’s disability compensation is a benefit that can be used for housing or health care costs. To be eligible, a veteran must have a service-related disability. This can encompass a lot of things, so it is worth checking into even if you’re not sure if your disability is related.
Memphis also has local organizations on hand to provide practical support through the claims process. Shelby County Veteran Services and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 684 both offer advocacy and support for veterans in the area. In addition, they can help determine eligibility for VA benefits.
Because the process is long and sometimes complicated, we recommend getting in touch with one of the following resources before applying for VA benefits.
Number of veterans who live in Memphis
Percentage of Memphis veterans that are 65+
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
VFW Post #684
3709 E. Raines Road
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: 901-794-0696
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-2345
Neither Medicaid (known as TennCare in Tennessee) nor Medicare can be used to pay for independent living housing costs. Though they can be used for some in-home healthcare services if they improve quality of life.
Through TennCare, medically necessary in-home care services can be accessed via the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program called CHOICES. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s Commission on Aging and Disability is a valuable resource for identifying eligibility and guiding applicants through the application process.
On the Medicare side, Part A and Part B provide for short-term care needs for people over the age of 65. Medicare coverage will differ based on the extent of your coverage but typically includes services like:
Tennessee’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) can provide financial counseling for support with Medicare. For financial assistance, the Medicare Savings Program can help fund Medicare deductibles, prescription drugs, and coinsurance.
Tennessee also has a Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which provides people over the age of 55 with in-home care services, durable medical equipment, and hospital and dental care.
Support and advocacy are also on hand through the Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which safeguards people with complaints, grievances, and appeals. Be sure to contact any of the listed resources with questions or for help.
Memphis resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
TennCare
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Social Security Administration
3602 Austin Peay Highway
Memphis, TN, 38128
Phone: 800-772-1213
Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP)
1104 England Drive
Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: 877-801-0044
Tennessee Medicare Savings Program
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
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 866-836-6678
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
160 N. Main St., 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, independent living communities don’t need to be licensed or require regular inspections. Despite a lack of licensing, independent living communities do need to comply with federal, state, and city housing laws.
Rental properties can also be inspected. You can access those public records by requesting them here. Requirements vary across independent living communities, but the minimum age is usually 55.
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.
Independent living facilities don’t have to adhere to specific COVID-19 regulations. However, around half of the independent living communities in Memphis are combined with assisted living facilities, so you may find COVID-19 guidelines in practice in communal areas.
Tennessee doesn’t have any state mandates and instead follows Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) visitation guidance[04].
Masking. When transmission rates are high, everyone must wear a mask. In addition, staff must wear a well-fitted face mask per CDC guidelines, and while not required, visitors and residents are encouraged to wear masks.
Facility cleanliness. High-touch areas should be disinfected and cleaned regularly, while staff must clean designated visiting areas after each visit.
Staff safety. Staff should use personal protective equipment when needed.
Social distancing. During peak visiting times or parties, social distancing is encouraged.
Independent living is the best of both worlds for active people who enjoy their social life and time in the community but don’t want to worry about the stressors of home ownership. Whether you love spending evenings downtown taking in one of the many bands performing, going for a stroll along the Mississippi, or shopping on your community’s main street, there’s something for everybody.
Residents of independent living communities in Memphis can expect to feel a sense of community through several amenities. All feature a game room, billiards room, and arts and crafts center for people who want to connect through hobbies, while many also have all the amenities you would expect to see in any neighborhood community.
All communities have a beauty salon, and 75% have main street shops, dry cleaning, and barbershops. And if you like visiting the movies or chatting with a friend over coffee, half have a cafe and a theater room.
If you don’t have a car, Memphis can be a tricky place to get around. Luckily all independent communities have complimentary transport and are located close to public transportation. If you do have a car, all offer parking on-site.
If some particular services or amenities are important to you, it’s best to reach out to the communities you’re interested in through A Place for Mom, as all offer slightly different services. And if you’re thinking about a future move to assisted living or are just interested in additional on-site health care options, be sure to look out for independent living options that are part of larger long-term care communities.
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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 CITY seniors 65 and older
Memphis has several hospitals for those who need care, covering a range of needs: from specialist surgery to mental health services and palliative care.
In East Memphis sits Baptist Memorial, a teaching hospital and surgical facility which is highly ranked in a dozen adult procedures and conditions. Currently, this hospital is ranked the number one regional hospital in Memphis by U.S. News and World Report and specializes in heart conditions and hip and knee replacement surgeries.
With five locations across Memphis, this network of hospitals is ranked as the second-best regional hospital in Memphis by U.S. News and World Report. It specializes in several forms of cancer care.
For the veteran community of Memphis, the VA Medical Center provides extensive primary care and hospital services. It also offers treatment for addiction, mental health, women’s health, and palliative care.
Memphis is a sprawling large city with limited walk and bike lanes. For that reason, many people rely on cars to get them around. While all independent living communities in the area offer parking to residents, if you don’t have a car and want to live in a walkable neighborhood, neighborhoods like East Midtown, Idlewild-East End Historic, and Barry F. Homes could be a great fit.
For people who don’t want to drive, there are also fixed-route bus lines and trolleys operated by Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). The trolleys, a unique way to see the city, are only available downtown. MATA’s bus service, however, has 26 lines and operates fairly frequently.
There are also a number of organizations that offer transportation to seniors or people with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-bus routes MATA offers.
While some walkable neighborhoods exist, Memphis’ walk score is only 35, which is relatively low. The walk score is a data point that rates the walkability of cities on a scale of 0-100 based on public density and availability of public transport, walk lanes, and bike lanes.
With its pleasant climate, it’s no wonder Memphians love to spend time out by the Mississippi River. Memphis River Parks offers beautiful views of the river and regularly hosts outdoor concerts, walking tours, and other activities specifically for seniors. If you want to spend time on the water, a dinner cruise on an authentic riverboat is a popular way to spend time with friends and family. Just across the river, in West Memphis, you’ll find the Southland Casino Hotel for anyone who loves to take in the excitement of a casino floor.
Most people know Memphis as the home of the king, and music is a huge part of downtown nightlife. On any given night, you’ll find soul, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n roll playing downtown in the bars and restaurants on lively Beale Street. Of course, you can also spend the day at Elvis Presley’s Graceland. The sprawling estate gives fans of the king a peek into his home, planes, vintage cars, and music memorabilia.
Sports fans should be sure to check out a home game of the Grizzlies NBA team, who play in an accessible stadium, the FedExForum in downtown Memphis, and regularly offer senior discounts for games.
There are also plenty of ways to spend time outside. Set on 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is an accessible park that offers many experiences, including hiking, bike rental, and fishing.
Memphis also has several groups designed to connect seniors in the area, socialize, and participate in activities. Some ones to consider in Memphis include:
StoryPoint Collierville, The Elevation at Autumn Ridge and King's Reserve Memphis are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Memphis, TN. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Memphis is 3678.57 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.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Section 202: Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. HUD. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202
Memphis Housing Authority. (2022). Public Housing. Memphis Housing Authority. https://www.memphisha.org/programs/public_housing.php
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021). Letter to Long Term Care Providers. Letter to Long Term Care Providers. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/datasets/LTCF-Community.pdf
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A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Section 202: Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. HUD. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202
Memphis Housing Authority. (2022). Public Housing. Memphis Housing Authority. https://www.memphisha.org/programs/public_housing.php
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021). Letter to Long Term Care Providers. Letter to Long Term Care Providers. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/datasets/LTCF-Community.pdf