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Tennessee has a longstanding reputation as a retirement destination thanks to its budget-friendly tax policies, pleasant Southern climate and abundant natural beauty. Memphis caters to blues fans, Nashville is known for its deep country music roots and Knoxville stands out for its scenic location on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains. In between these major cities, there are plenty of quaint towns, rolling hills and scenic farmlands, including 56 state parks and 85 natural areas, for residents to explore.
With all of these attractive features, it's not surprising that more than 1.14 million seniors call the Volunteer State home. According to SeniorAdvice, Tennessee is a favorable choice for retirees. It earned a SeniorScore of 71, which is just one point below the national average. The state has a high number of home health providers and Medicare-registered medical professionals, and the cost of living is moderate thanks to low property taxes, a lack of state income tax and below-average long-term care costs. These features make the state a great option for older adults who want to get the best value for their money.
This guide takes an in-depth look at the average cost of in-home care across Tennessee as well as financial assistance programs and nonprofit resources that can help seniors age in place.
Home Care Assistance, a Clarksville elder care agency, is a leading provider of respite and live-in home care for seniors. Home care clarksville offer specialized dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, and post-stroke care as well as non-medical in-home care at clarksville ...
Located at 2416 Hillsboro Road, Suite 208 in Nashville, TN, Dependable Homecare in Nashville is a home health care provider offering personal care in addition to in-home medical services. Since 2011, they have been providing care to customers in the ...
Located in Spring Hill, Tennessee at 3000 Harrah Dr, Home Helpers is an in-home care service provider that offers in-home care and home health care. They offer a variety of medical services like care for wounds, urinary catheter care, First ...
Located at 1700 Liberty St in Knoxville, Tennessee, Camellia Home Health is a senior home healthcare provider offering personal care services in addition to in-home nursing services. For nearly 39 years, they have been providing care to customers throughout the ...
Gateway Home Health & Hospice Clarksville is a senior home health care service provider located in Clarksville, TN at 141 Hatcher Ln. They provide personal care along with in-home health care for senior clients. For nearly 34 years, they ...
Located in Greeneville, Tennessee at 1156 Tusculum Blvd, Home Instead Senior Care is a home health care company offering personal care and also in-home nursing care. They offer a variety of medical services such as wound care, Alzheimer's care, stroke ...
Health at Home is a senior in-home care service provider located in Brentwood, TN at 900 Heritage Way. They provide home healthcare along with personal home care to seniors. For almost 10 years, they have been serving customers throughout ...
Located in Nashville, TN at 393 Wallace Road, Suite 301, Intrepid USA Healthcare Services is a home health care company offering home care as well as in-home nursing services. Since 1984, they have been serving customers in the Nashville area. ...
Located at 107 Forrest Hills Rd in Rogersville, TN, Hometown Home Health Care Inc is a home health care service provider that offers in-home health services along with personal home care. Since 1995, they have been providing care to customers ...
Friendship Home Health, Inc is a home health care service provider based in Mcminnville, TN at 461 North Chancery. They offer in-home personal care services as well as in-home medical care to seniors. They have been in operation in ...
Located at 537 Stonecrest Parkway Suite 109 in Smyrna, TN, Amedisys Home Health Care is a senior home care company offering home care services and also in-home nursing services. For almost 15 years, they have been serving customers in the ...
Located in Cookeville, TN at 225 North Willow Avenue, 3rd Floor, Intrepid USA Healthcare Services Cookeville is a senior home healthcare company offering in-home personal care services as well as home healthcare. They have been operating in Cookeville for nearly ...
Located in Cordova, Tennessee at 856 Willow Tree Cir, Still Waters Home Health Agency is a senior home healthcare service provider that offers home care services and in-home medical services. For almost 12 years, they have been providing care to ...
915 S James Campbell Blvd
Columbia, TN 38401
Located in Columbia, TN at 915 S James Campbell Blvd, NHC HomeCare, Columbia is a senior home health care provider offering home care as well as home health care. They have been serving clients in the area for nearly 41 ...
337 North Cedar St
Cookeville, TN 38501
Located at 337 North Cedar St in Cookeville, TN, CRMC Highland Rim Home Health is a senior home care service provider offering in-home nursing care and also personal care services. Since 1978, they have been providing care to customers throughout ...
9000 Executive Park Dr A205
Knoxville, TN 37923
Located in Knoxville, Tennessee at 9000 Executive Park Dr A205, NHC HomeCare, Knoxville is a senior home health care company offering in-home health care and also in-home care. They have been serving clients in Knoxville for nearly 41 years. They ...
5959 Shallowford Road, Suite 539
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Located in Chattanooga, TN at 5959 Shallowford Road, Suite 539, NHC HomeCare, Chattanooga is a senior home care company that offers home healthcare and also personal home care. For almost 41 years, they have been providing care to customers in ...
6223 Highland Place Way
Knoxville, TN 37919
Located in Knoxville, Tennessee at 6223 Highland Place Way, Gentiva Health Service Knoxville is a home health care company that offers personal care services and also home health care. They have been serving customers in the area for nearly 41 ...
2068 Cowan Hwy
Winchester, TN 37398
Caresouth Homecare Professionals is a home healthcare provider based in Winchester, TN at 2068 Cowan Hwy. They offer home care as well as in-home nursing for senior clients. For almost 43 years, they have been providing care to seniors ...
2000 Glen Echo Road, Suite 115
Nashville, TN 37215
Amedisys Home Health is a senior in-home care service provider based in Nashville, TN at 2000 Glen Echo Road, Suite 115. They offer personal care and in-home medical services to senior clientele. For almost 42 years, they have been ...
According to pricing data collected by Genworth Financial, the average cost of in-home care in Tennessee is $3,813 per month for 44 hours of weekly care, which is just below the national average. Home health care costs slightly more at $3,892 per month since this option includes additional medical services, such as skilled nursing and pain management.
Home care prices are consistent across the Mid-South. At $3,813 per month, average rates are even in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and North Carolina and about $420 lower in Alabama. Home health care prices are subject to more variation. In the Volunteer State, seniors pay $3,892 per month for home care. This is just $80 higher than Kentucky and North Carolina and $460 higher than Alabama. It's also slightly more affordable than Georgia and 11%, lower than the national average.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Tennessee | $3,813 | $3,892 |
United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Kentucky | $3,813 | $3,813 |
North Carolina | $3,813 | $3,813 |
Georgia | $3,813 | $3,909 |
Alabama | $3,394 | $3,432 |
In Tennessee, long-term care costs are lower than average across the board. Seniors who participate in adult day care programs pay approximately $1,500 per month, while those who receive skilled or semiskilled services at home generally spend between $3,813 and $3,892. Both options are slightly lower than the national average. Other alternatives include residential care in an assisted living facility, which costs $3,900 per month, or nursing home care. With average rates topping $6,800 per month, skilled nursing facilities are almost twice as expensive as in-home care.
While home health care tends to be slightly more expensive than nonmedical homemaker services, this isn't the case in Tennessee's largest cities. Average rates are highest in the capital city of Nashville, where seniors pay $4,195 per month for home care, but they still beat the national average by a small margin. Rates are slightly lower in Knoxville at $3,935 and Chattanooga at $3,916. With average home care costs of $3,861 per month, rates in Clarksville are very close to the state median. In Memphis, where seniors pay approximately $3,768 per month, they're about 12-14% lower than the national average. This makes it the most affordable major city for in-home care in the Volunteer State.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Tennessee | $3,813 | $3,892 |
Nashville | $4,195 | $4,195 |
Memphis | $3,768 | $3,768 |
Knoxville | $3,935 | $3,935 |
Chattanooga | $3,916 | $3,916 |
Clarksville | $3,861 | $3,861 |
CHOICES is a Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports program available to disabled adults and seniors who are aged 65 or older. Services are available to individuals who reside in a nursing home or require a nursing home level of care. An additional tier is available to qualifying adults who may benefit from moderate in-home care, although there's an annual coverage limit for these services. Applicants must meet strict income and asset limits or have a qualifying trust. CHOICES will pay for personal assistance, attendant care, adult day health care and in-home respite care as well as delivered meals, assistive technology and home modifications.
Contact Information
Seniors and disabled adults can learn more about CHOICES by contacting their regional Area Agency on Aging and Disability at (866) 836-6678.
Veterans and military spouses who receive a pension and have substantial medical needs may qualify for a supplemental Aid & Attendance or Housebound allowance. This enhanced benefit is intended to help with the cost of in-home care and other supportive services. To qualify, veterans or survivors must be bedridden or rely on others for assistance with activities of daily living. It's also available to certain nursing home residents and individuals who have severe vision impairments. The value of the supplement depends on the applicant's monthly income, out-of-pocket medical expenses and marital status. Monthly benefits can be used to pay for in-home care, accessibility modifications and other supports at the recipients' discretion.
Contact Information
Military pensioners can apply for Aid & Attendance by contacting the VA Regional Office in Nashville or by mailing a completed application to the Milwaukee pension management center.
PACE is an innovative service model that combines medical and long-term care, including in-home personal assistance. It's available to adults aged 55 or older and need a nursing home level of care but can safely live in the community with supportive services. Although PACE will pay for institutional care, about 90% of program members live at home. Individuals who qualify for TennCare receive services without a share of cost, and seniors enrolled in Medicare continue to pay a monthly premium for medical and prescription drug coverage. However, there are no co-payments or deductibles. Individuals must receive all medical care and long-term supports through their PACE provider. However, they may disenroll at any time. PACE is available in select geographic areas, including Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
Contact Information
Hamilton County residents age 55 or older can contact Ascension Living Alexian PACE at (800) 441-8883 to learn more.
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Home care organizations in Tennessee are regulated by the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities. This division of the Department of Health establishes minimum standards for patient care and conducts annual inspections to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations.
Scope of Care | Home health agencies in Tennessee may offer skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapy and personal care. Complementary services may include assistance with bathing, grooming, errands and household chores. Agencies may also supply medical equipment. |
Care Planning | Agencies must prepare a written plan of care after conducting a Comprehensive Nursing Assessment. The document must detail the patients' diagnoses, mental status, medications, treatments and physical needs. The plan of care must be reviewed by a physician annually or as needed. |
Medication Management | Home health or hospice aides may not administer medications, but they may assist consumers with self-administration. Medications can be administered by a registered nurse or other licensed medical professional. |
Staff Screening | Before hiring any direct-care worker, home care organizations must conduct a comprehensive background check. This includes searching abuse and sex offender registries in any state where the individual has lived in the past seven years. |
Staff Training | To become a certified nurse aide, individuals must complete a 75-hour training program within three month of employment with a home health agency. They must also pass a competency exam within 24 months and attend 12 hours of continuing education annually. |
Medicaid Coverage | Individuals who need in-home care and have limited income and assets may receive coverage through TennCare CHOICES. |
Reporting Abuse | Complaints of abuse, neglect or misconduct should be reported to the Division of Health Care Facilities. The division's Centralized Complaint Intake Unit can be reached by calling (877) 287-0010. |
Seniors in Tennessee have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Tennessee has nine Area Agencies on Aging and Disability that serve senior citizens and disabled adults statewide. These government-sponsored nonprofits provide informational services and administer community-based programs, including Meals on Wheels, senior center activities and door-to-door transportation. They also offer referrals and handle applications for CHOICES and similar programs that can help with the cost of in-home care.
Contact Information
To learn more about resources that are available in their area, seniors, disabled adults and caregivers can call (866) 836-6678.
The Tennessee SHIP provides free, unbiased plan comparisons and consumer guides to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed enrollment decisions. These resources are designed to help seniors understand Original Medicare was well as Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription drug coverage and other supplemental policies that can cover the cost of medical care and in-home services.
Contact Information
Medicare beneficiaries and family members can call (877) 801-0044 to speak with a SHIP counselor.
Homeowners who are disabled or at least 65 years old can qualify for two state-sponsored exemptions. Property Tax Relief offers a credit to pay all or part of the owner's tax bill. This program serves low-income residents. Moderate-income seniors may also qualify for a property tax freeze that can prevent the assessed value from rising as long as further improvements aren't completed. Income limits vary by county, and applications must be submitted every year.
Contact Information
Senior homeowners should contact their county property assessor or call the Division of Property Assessments at (615) 747-8858 to learn more.
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency offers several programs to help low-income seniors and disabled adults with the cost of home repairs, maintenance and accessibility modifications. These include the Tennessee Repair Loan, Emergency Repair and HOME programs. Homeowners may qualify for a loan or a grant depending on eligibility factors. The Weatherization Assistance Program can also help with the cost of storm windows, insulation and other improvements.
Contact Information
Seniors can call the THDA at (615) 815-2030 to find a program in their community.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP provides emergency grants to low-income seniors and disabled adults who are struggling to pay their utilities bills. Funds are distributed by 20 regional nonprofits that serve residents in all 95 counties. The program provides up to $325 during the cooling season and up to $250 in the heating season or in case of emergency. Individuals may receive up to $575 in annual assistance. To qualify, applicants must earn no more than 60% of the state median income. Funds are distributed directly to the consumer's utility provider.
Contact Information
Tennessee residents can call the state Housing Development Agency at 615) 815-2030 to learn how to apply in their area.
The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services functions as a single point of contact for individuals who want to apply for or manage their state or federal benefits. In addition to assisting with education and employment, it can help service members apply for medical and long-term care benefits, such as Aid & Attendance. It also hosts outreach events and offers mental health counseling.
Contact Information
Information and assistance is available by calling the TDVS headquarters at (615) 741-2345 or contacting their local Veterans Services' office.
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