Best Assisted Living in Tennessee

Overview of Regency Retirement Village

Regency Retirement Village is a senior living community in Morristown, Tennessee, offering assisted living, memory care, and respite care. The community has been in operation since 2007 under the Morristown Senior Services, LLC, with 168 licensed beds. With an occupancy rate of 59.3%, which is lower than the state average, the community has availability for immediate placement.

The community stands out from many Tennessee assisted living communities through its 24-hour licensed nursing coverage. While many assisted living settings do not maintain around-the-clock nursing staff, the community’s continuous clinical presence provides additional oversight and faster response capability for residents experiencing changes in health status.

One of the most unique aspects of the campus is its intergenerational design. The community is home to Regency Kids & Co., a licensed on-site daycare program that creates regular interaction between children and older adults. This daily connection between generations is uncommon in senior living settings and contributes to a more active, socially engaging environment through shared activities, informal interactions, and scheduled programs designed to encourage connection, emotional wellness, and cognitive engagement.

Extensive amenities, including both private and shared spaces, are available, along with complimentary transportation, weekly housekeeping, and dining services. Programming includes veterans-focused activities, resident council participation, and community events. The community’s size and broad range of services also create an environment that can support a variety of lifestyles and care needs within one location.

Regency Retirement Village appeals to older adults and families seeking long-term flexibility in care planning, particularly for individuals who may eventually transition from independent living into assisted living or memory care. Its combination of extensive amenities, continuous nursing coverage, intergenerational programming, and large-campus resources positions it as one of the more comprehensive senior living options in the East Tennessee region.

Overview of Oasis Assisted Living

Oasis Assisted Living is an assisted living community in Limestone, Tennessee, providing residential support for older adults who need assistance with daily living activities. Operated by Oasisassistliving, LLC, the community has a capacity of 90 beds, making it one of the larger assisted living settings in the surrounding region.

Care services include support with daily living activities, medication management, mobility assistance, and other routine daily tasks, but do not require the higher level of medical supervision associated with skilled nursing care. The community’s larger capacity also allows for expanded communal programming, shared gathering spaces, and a broader range of resident activities compared with smaller residential settings.

Located on John M. Reed Road in rural Limestone, the community offers a quieter and more secluded environment than many urban or suburban senior living communities. The surrounding area is highly car-dependent, which requires careful planning and consideration regarding transportation.

Oasis Assisted Living is a good option for older adults and families seeking assisted living support in the Limestone and greater Washington County area, particularly those interested in a larger community environment within a quieter rural setting.

Overview of The Waterford in Hermitage

The Waterford in Hermitage is a senior living community located in Hermitage, TN. It offers a range of services including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care. The community is designed to support active seniors who wish to live fulfilling lives while receiving the care they need.

Overview of Orchard View Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center

Orchard View Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center is a 180-bed skilled nursing community in Kingsport, Tennessee, providing post-acute rehabilitation, long-term nursing care, and specialized medical support for older adults with complex healthcare needs. Operating since 1985, the community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Despite its large licensed capacity, current occupancy remains well below the Tennessee average, with approximately 35.1% occupancy rate.

Services extend well beyond traditional nursing care and include wound management, IV therapy, respiratory and tracheostomy care, cardiac and stroke recovery, dialysis coordination, bariatric support, psychiatric and behavioral health services, hospice coordination, telemedicine consultations, and memory care programming.

CMS currently assigns the community a 1-star overall rating, including a 1-star score for health inspections. The most recent standard inspection in January 2025 identified seven deficiencies ranging from low-level concerns to actual-harm findings. The most serious citation involved failure to protect residents from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Additional findings also addressed infection control, food storage practices, abuse-reporting procedures, medication and hospice coordination issues, and notification requirements related to Medicare and Medicaid coverage.

Complaint investigations from 2024 also raised notable concerns, which include a significant number of medication errors alongside abuse-prevention deficiencies, resulting in a substantial fine and a lengthy payment suspension. Another complaint investigation later that year again identified failures related to abuse prevention. Although all cited deficiencies have since been marked corrected, the repeated pattern involving resident protection and reporting procedures is an issue that warrants careful review and discussion with the management.

Staffing performance presents both strengths and limitations, with overall nursing hours remaining below Tennessee averages, particularly during weekdays for RN, LPN, and CNA coverage. However, weekend registered nurse staffing performs notably better than state benchmarks, and total weekend nursing coverage exceeds the Tennessee average. The most significant staffing concern is turnover, which remains substantially higher than statewide norms and may affect continuity of care and staff familiarity with residents’ needs.

Quality outcomes are mixed but include several encouraging indicators. Long-stay residents experience lower-than-average rates of falls with major injury, urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers, depressive symptoms, and antipsychotic medication use. Pneumococcal vaccination rates for long-stay residents also exceed the state average. At the same time, unexplained weight loss occurs at a significantly higher rate than Tennessee benchmarks, and declines in walking ability, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits are all elevated. Among short-stay residents, falls with major injury and re-hospitalization rates also exceed state norms.

Amenities include private and semi-private suites, therapeutic dining options, outdoor courtyards, Wi-Fi access, activity spaces, a beauty salon, and organized resident councils.

Orchard View Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center is ideal for those needing extensive medical or rehabilitative support in the Kingsport area, though families should carefully review inspection history, staffing stability, and corrective action plans related to abuse prevention and resident safety before choosing the community.

Overview of Wellpark Health and Rehabilitation

Wellpark Health and Rehabilitation is a nursing home in Knoxville, Tennessee, offering nursing, memory care, and physician-guided therapies, backed by 24-hour staffing and an on-site medical doctor. Operating since October 2015, this 32-bed community is owned by River Bluff Healthcare, Inc., and runs under the nonprofit, church-operated umbrella of Presbyterian Homes of Tennessee, Inc. The community also accommodates individuals utilizing Medicare or private funds and holds an overall 3-star quality rating from CMS.

Regulatory history from the Tennessee Department of Health cited 3 inspections over a seven-year tracking window. The community accumulated 15 total health citations, closely mirroring the state baseline of 15.4. Crucially, every citation was categorized exclusively at a moderate severity level, with zero serious or critical deficiencies on record. The most recent review on January 24, 2025, also cited deficiencies concerning infection control, pharmacy practices, and abuse or neglect prevention, all of which are now documented as fully corrected. No monetary fines have been issued within the past three years.

The community’s nursing staff provides 3 hours and 56 minutes of direct daily care to each resident, outperforming the Tennessee state average by 7%. Weekend coverage remains exceptionally steady at 4 hours and 11 minutes per resident daily, ensuring care levels do not drop outside standard business hours. Second-quarter 2025 records show a total workforce of 92 individuals, consisting of 49 regular employees and 43 contractors. This establishes an excellent staff-to-resident ratio of 3.07 to 1, marking a 71% improvement over the statewide benchmark.

Clinical data show specialized strengths, particularly in short-term preventative medicine. Short-stay individuals receive influenza and pneumococcal immunizations at rates of 95.6% and 93.1%, beating state benchmarks by 20% and 17%, respectively. Furthermore, new antipsychotic drug prescriptions affect just 1.0% of temporary residents, showing a 42% reduction compared to state averages. These metrics support a strong short-term recovery focus, where the average overall stay is 15 days, while Medicare-supported individuals average 18 days.

Wellpark Health and Rehabilitation is a highly suitable option for older adults and families seeking a faith-affiliated environment with excellent staffing ratios and a clean penalty record, especially when transitioning out of a hospital stay for post-acute physical rehabilitation.

Overview of Tri State Health and Rehabilitation Center

Tri-State Health and Rehabilitation Center in Harrogate, TN, is a nursing home that offers long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, memory support, expert nursing, and respite stays. Serving the region since July 1992, this long-standing provider is owned by Raven Lake Healthcare Inc., with Magen Ann Smith acting as administrator under the larger Ensign Services network umbrella. Admitting individuals who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, or private funds, the community currently holds a 1-star quality score from CMS. An active monthly calendar, religious services, a signature “Stay Active” wellness framework, and 24-hour care via on-staff doctors, credentialed nurses, and certified aides are also provided.

A primary differentiator for this neighborhood is its exceptional allocation of registered nurse hours. The data indicate that registered nurses spend an average of 45 minutes of direct attention on each resident daily, beating the Tennessee state norm of 37 minutes by 22% and comfortably passing the national benchmark of 41 minutes. This robust staffing metric leads all other personnel data categories. Certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses all completed their 91-day cycles with unbroken 100% shift coverage. The local workforce additionally includes respiratory therapists, dental practitioners, speech therapists, and nurse practitioners. Total adjusted nursing attention equals 3 hours and 16 minutes per resident every day, though licensed practical nurse and nursing assistant hours track slightly under state medians. Crucially for families prioritizing rehabilitation, physical therapist availability averages 3 minutes per resident daily, a 40% reduction when measured against the state average of 5 minutes.

Regulatory records from the Tennessee Department of Health document 4 total evaluations throughout a seven-year period, resulting in 12 health deficiencies. Significantly, 8 of these 12 citations grew out of specific complaint investigations rather than routine annual reviews, a pattern pointing toward a heavily complaint-driven oversight dynamic. Of the 12 deficiencies, 5 reached a critical tier of severity, with zero serious, 7 moderate, and 0 minor marks. The most recent state overview from September 26, 2024, uncovered 3 critical administrative citations and 1 moderate citation regarding abuse or neglect, all of which are now officially marked as resolved. Broadly sorted, quality of life issues and administrative oversight combined for half the total findings with 3 citations each, while infection control and abuse themes contributed 1 apiece. Third-party channels show 4 verified complaints alongside a single civil monetary penalty in recent cycles.

Since it represents the only skilled nursing choice in Harrogate, the community draws heavily from a short-stay demographic. Private insurance accounts for 64% of arrivals, typically involving stays lasting one to two months, while Medicare admissions for post-acute rehabilitation comprise 26% of the base, holding a similar one-to-two-month duration. Total occupancy hovers around 75.3%, trailing the statewide average.

For those seeking localized medical care along the tri-state borders of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, Tri-State Health and Rehabilitation Center offers families a localized care choice with an entirely permanent, employee-only nursing staff and strong registered nurse availability for older adults.

Overview of Lebanon Center for Rehabilitation and Healing, LLC

Lebanon Center for Rehabilitation and Healing, LLC is a privately owned, 60-bed nursing home in Lebanon, Tennessee, that focuses on short-term recovery and subacute post-acute support. Serving Wilson County and the nearby region, the community maintains a 5-star overall CMS score, the maximum possible achievement, alongside a High Performing honor for short-term recovery from U.S. News & World Report.

This community is part of the Carerite Centers network and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds. Current occupancy is 88.1%, which is higher than the state average, suggesting a balanced demand and availability. Of this, Medicare represents roughly 57% of new entries, and private payments cover 35%.

Federal inspection records show a total of 4 findings across the two most recent standard reviews, with no financial penalties or payment halts documented over the last three years. During the most recent routine check in August 2022, one deficiency regarding food sourcing and service protocols was cited, indicating no actual injury occurred. A previous review in October 2018 also identified three findings, involving the accuracy of resident evaluations, the recording of entry orders, and the execution of infection control programs.

All were judged as causing no physical harm to residents. None of the findings in either report reached the level of immediate danger or substandard care quality. It should be mentioned that the last standard check is now over two years old, meaning a new review cycle is technically past due according to federal timelines.

Caregiver levels serve as a significant highlight for this community, with total nursing time reaching 2 hours and 58 minutes for each resident daily. Licensed Practical Nurse hours are 1 hour and 24 minutes per resident each day, which is 29% higher than the Tennessee state average, while Physical Therapist time is 40% above the state average at 7 minutes daily. Registered Nurse time is 39 minutes per day, 5% above state standards. Additionally, the nurse turnover rate of 45.5% is more stable than the Tennessee average of 48.7% for older adults.

Programs include orthopedic recovery, care for amputees, subacute surgical follow-up, respiratory assistance, IV treatments, and specialized memory support. The location also features a unit for developmental disabilities, hospice and palliative care, diabetes management, bariatric services, and outpatient therapy. Daily physical, occupational, and speech therapy are also available on-site, along with visits from dentists, podiatrists, and eye doctors. The center provides 24-hour admissions and staffing as well as temporary relief stays. On-site features include specialized dining, a concierge program, and high-end services designed to provide a luxury atmosphere for short-term patients.

Lebanon Center for Rehabilitation and Healing is an excellent option for those moving from a hospital to their residence who require focused therapy and medical oversight, as well as for families looking for long-term nursing or memory support in the local area. The regulatory history is among the strongest in the region, and the staffing levels, especially regarding LPN and physical therapy time, reinforce the high-performing status.

Trenton Health and Rehabilitation Center in Trenton, Tennessee, is a nursing home that offers professional skilled nursing, short-term recovery, and temporary respite services. This 50-bed community primarily assists older adults and their families throughout the West Tennessee region. Due to its intentional size, the community is capable of providing more personalized attention. Operating since July 1, 1992, under the ownership of Hampton Worthington Properties, LLC, the community accommodates Medicare, Medicaid, and private payments.

With an impressive overall CMS rating, the community has outperformed the Tennessee baseline by 63.4% in its total composite score. Every evaluation category exceeds state standards. Health inspections are rated 37% higher than the state average, showcasing a history of clean evaluations. Staffing levels score 22.4% above the Tennessee norm, indicating excellent daily care hours.

A deeper look at the 7-year regulatory history reveals only 9 citations across 3 separate cycles, which sits comfortably below the Tennessee average of 15.4. Most importantly, the community has zero critical or serious citations on record. The 9 noted deficiencies were all moderate, primarily involving infection control, pharmacy practices, and general quality of care. The most recent review occurred in December 2024, and every cited deficiency has since been fully resolved.

The community has an average of 3 hours and 48 minutes of direct nursing attention daily, outstripping the state average by 4%. Certified nursing assistants drive this performance, providing 7% more daily bedside care than the state benchmark. While registered nurse and licensed practical nurse hours trail state medians slightly, weekend RN presence is 25% lower than the state average. Physical therapy hours are lower as well, signaling that the operations lean more toward long-term support than high-intensity physical rehabilitation.

With an occupancy rate of 69.3% compared to the state’s 73% average, securing placement here is generally straightforward. The typical stay lasts 120 days, and a large portion of incoming individuals utilize Medicare for brief rehabilitative stays.

24-hour skilled nursing coverage, transitional rehabilitation for recovery periods, and short-term respite options are offered. Accepting various payment models like Medicaid, Medicare, and private funds helps ease the financial burden for families organizing long-term arrangements. For those exploring the area, its Walk Score of 46 indicates a car-dependent to somewhat walkable location, where a few local amenities are within walking distance, but driving remains standard.

For households in the local area seeking a trustworthy environment with a flawless serious-deficiency record, Trenton Health and Rehabilitation Center is a highly viable option. Its strong CMS metrics also provide peace of mind to relatives managing the transition process. Since the average stay spans four months and diverse insurance types are welcome, the community successfully bridges the gap between brief post-hospital recovery and extended care for older adults.

Stone River Post Acute is a nursing home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, providing skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, temporary respite stays, and memory care programs. With a valid license through June 2026, this community has been operating since its initial licensure in May 1996, under the ownership of Murfreesboro SNF Healthcare, LLC. Medicare is accepted, while private accommodations can be requested.

The community recently underwent a comprehensive rebranding and ownership transition, having previously operated as AHC Northside under the American Health Communities network. This structural shift is visibly reflected in the public oversight documentation. The most recent official CMS standard health review recorded took place on October 7, 2021, a timeline that falls significantly past the typical 9 to 15-month regulatory schedule.

Daily life within the neighborhood features dietitian-supervised meal planning alongside a diverse activities calendar that includes organized field trips, group social gatherings, and live musical entertainment. For business inquiries and admissions, the main administrative offices remain open from Monday through Friday, from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Furthermore, the surrounding neighborhood is highly car-dependent and carries a Walk Score of 5, meaning the vast majority of personal errands and visits will necessitate a vehicle.

Stone River Post Acute is designed for older adults and families looking for short-term post-acute rehabilitation under Medicare benefits within the Murfreesboro region.

Overview of Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation

Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation is a church-affiliated, voluntary non-profit nursing home in Etowah, TN, that provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. Serving McMinn County and the surrounding East Tennessee area since July 1, 1992, this 88-bed community brings over 33 years of dedicated operational experience under the ownership of Athens Regional Medical Center, LLC.

A commitment to high-quality care is evident in the community’s 4-star overall CMS rating, which highlights above-average composite performance across health inspections, staffing metrics, and quality measures. A review of recent inspections also reveals 10 total citations across two standard evaluations over the past five years. All cited areas were of moderate severity, with absolutely zero critical or serious infractions, and every item under infection control, administration, and pharmacy services has been fully resolved. The most recent inspection was successfully completed in February 2024.

Clinical oversight is a particular area of strength, specifically regarding registered nurse presence. Older adults benefit from 49 minutes of RN coverage per resident each day, which stands 32% above the Tennessee state average of 37 minutes. This strong clinical presence extends into the weekend, where RN hours average 27 minutes, which is 13% higher than the state benchmark. Overall daily nursing coverage also reaches a robust 4 hours and 11 minutes. While LPN/LVN and nurse aide hours sit modestly below state means by 15% each, and physical therapist hours are slightly under the state average, weekend nursing totals remain completely in line with regional benchmarks. As of Q2 2025, operations are supported by 71 total staff members, with 69 employees and 2 contractors, maintaining an average shift length of 9 hours and a staff-to-resident ratio of 1.11:1.

Comprehensive rehabilitation therapies are provided, alongside fully licensed nursing and CNA assistance. Due to its direct relationship with Athens Regional Medical Center, the community also features a hospital-affiliated care model boasting an exceptionally broad roster of medical specialties. Available programs include behavioral health, telehealth services, cardiology, vascular support, diabetes care, cancer care, infusion services, digestive health, urology, orthopedics, and sleep diagnostics. Administrative offices are open to assist families Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Located in an area with a Walk Score of 40, most daily errands will necessitate transportation, though a handful of neighborhood services remain within walking distance.

For older adults in East Tennessee seeking a hospital-aligned skilled nursing environment with superior RN supervision and expansive specialty programs, Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation stands out as an excellent choice in McMinn County. The community’s long-standing history in the Etowah neighborhood, paired with its church-affiliated non-profit foundation, establishes a deeply rooted and stable identity.