Page 26 of Best Memory Care in Tennessee

Waverly Hills Post Acute is a 100-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation community in Waverly, Tennessee, providing both short-term and long-term care, including skilled nursing, memory care, hospice services, and respite care for residents in Humphreys County. The facility is operated by Tennessee Health Management LLC.

CMS rates the facility at 2 stars overall. Quality Measures score 34% above the Tennessee average — a meaningful signal for residents whose care involves managing chronic conditions, hospital readmissions, or mobility outcomes. Staffing runs the other direction: nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 0 minutes per resident per day, 18% below the Tennessee average of 3 hours and 40 minutes, placing the facility 142nd out of 172 Tennessee SNFs on that measure. The facility’s occupancy rate is well below the state average of 73%, which typically indicates current availability.

The program list is broad for a community this size. Services include short-term rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, complex wound care, palliative care, diabetes care, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. An expansive rehab gym supports the post-acute side; a dedicated memory care program and a hospice partnership extend the continuum of care for longer-stay residents. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

Waverly Hills Post Acute serves residents seeking short-term post-acute rehabilitation or longer-term skilled nursing care in Humphreys County, particularly those managing complex chronic conditions where quality measure performance is a meaningful input alongside below-average staffing levels.

Overview of Emory Mills Senior Living

Emory Mills Senior Living, located at 1503 East Emory Road in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a family-owned assisted living and memory care community with capacity for up to 107 residents. Operatively managed by Emory Properties, LLC, and directed by administrator Paul Sorey, the community features chef-prepared meals, daily housekeeping, laundry assistance, structured fitness classes, and specialized therapy rooms for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Dementia and memory care services are designed around the Hearthstone Institute’s “I’m Still Here” philosophy, focusing on retaining cognitive abilities and highlighting personal histories. The organization also coordinates flexible, non-residential assistance through an integrated program called Emory Care at Home.

The local Knoxville neighborhood is car-dependent, meaning visiting families and residents rely on vehicles for standard medical appointments, local travel, and everyday errands.

Families and prospective representatives exploring local care solutions in Knox County can reach the administrative office to check on current room openings.

Overview of Regency Retirement Village of Jackson

Regency Retirement Village of Jackson is a senior living community in Jackson, Tennessee, offering assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. With nearly 30 years of operating history, the community has established a longstanding presence in the local senior living market with a 74-bed capacity.

The community offers three primary care options, including assisted living services, such as medication management, grooming, dressing, mobility assistance, housekeeping, and meal support. Additionally, the memory care program is tailored for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, emphasizing safety, familiarity, structured engagement, and compassionate support. Respite care is also available for short-term stays, offering temporary accommodations and care services for older adults recovering from hospitalization, illness, or other medical events.

Care planning is centered on individual preferences, routines, and goals rather than standardized approaches, while staff members work closely with residents and families to create support plans that reflect each resident’s personal needs and desired level of assistance. This resident-focused philosophy helps create a more personalized living experience and supports ongoing quality of life.

With a broad range of services and a long-standing presence in the Jackson area, Regency Retirement Village of Jackson appeals to older adults and families seeking an established community with experience in assisted living, memory care, and short-term supportive stays.

Autumn Care West Knoxville is an assisted living community in Knoxville, Tennessee, that offers personal care and memory care for older adults throughout Knox County and the greater West Knoxville area. The community has operated since 2013 as part of the locally owned Autumn Care family of senior living communities, a Knoxville-based organization with multiple locations throughout the region. With a 56-bed capacity, the community has studio, deluxe studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts.

24-hour caregiving support, medication management, housekeeping, laundry services, and routine maintenance assistance are offered, along with a specialized memory care program and therapies. The community also collaborates with Mission Mobile Medical Care to provide on-site primary care, behavioral healthcare, wound care, and podiatry services. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are also available onsite, while smaller pets are allowed within resident apartments.

Shared spaces, restaurant-style dining, and recreational spaces are provided, along with regular activities and excursions to destinations throughout the Knoxville area and the nearby Smoky Mountains region. The community’s location in the Farragut corridor also provides convenient access to healthcare and everyday services.

The community has undergone a recent inspection in March 2023, under the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Health Care Facilities, which conducts unannounced inspections and compliance reviews. However, no detailed findings, enforcement actions, fines, or substantiated complaints were identified in the reviewed materials.

With extensive amenities, onsite healthcare partnerships, and a strong emphasis on lifestyle engagement, Autumn Care West Knoxville appeals to older adults seeking a locally owned community that combines independent living, assisted living, and memory care within the West Knoxville and Farragut area.

Operated under Hanalei River Holdings, Northbrooke Post Acute is a skilled nursing home in Jackson, Tennessee. The 120-bed community has been serving the area for nearly three decades. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, so families have several options for covering both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care.

The facility has an occupancy rate of 66%. Residents stay an average of 119 days, which is a mix of people recovering after illness, surgery, or hospitalization and those needing ongoing skilled nursing care. Rehabilitation services, short-term rehabilitation programs, and respite care are available. The home also offers activity programs and hospice services for residents who need additional support.

Daily nurse staffing averages about 2 hours and 57 minutes per resident each day. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides provide care and supervision around the clock. The staffing structure supports residents’ medical needs and provides hands-on assistance throughout the day and night.

State inspections reviewed areas such as staffing levels, medication handling, food safety, infection control, and wound and pressure sore care. These are important parts of daily care in a nursing home. Families considering the facility should ask how these areas are managed as part of the evaluation.

The home is located on Physicians Drive in an area with low walkability. Family visits and errands require driving. With nursing care services and supportive programming, the home is best suited for residents requiring rehabilitation with ongoing medical oversight.

Overview of Magnolia Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation

Magnolia Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation is a 156-bed nursing home in Covington, Tennessee, offering long-term care, rehabilitation services, and daily nursing support. Operating since 1992, the community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, making services accessible across a wide range of financial situations. Occupancy remains below the state average at a 56.4% occupancy rate, suggesting bed availability is often easier to secure than at many comparable communities in the region.

CMS currently assigns the community a 1-star overall rating, reflecting performance that falls below Tennessee benchmarks in several key areas. Inspection records over the past seven years show 29 deficiencies across five inspections, including multiple serious and critical-level citations. The most common findings involved quality of care, resident rights, pharmacy services, abuse and neglect prevention, and environmental concerns. Several deficiencies also stemmed from complaint investigations rather than routine annual surveys. All cited issues have reportedly been corrected, and the most recent inspection was completed in September 2025.

Licensed practical nurse coverage exceeds Tennessee averages and may support stronger day-to-day hands-on care for residents. However, registered nurse coverage, certified nursing assistant hours, and overall weekend staffing levels all fall below state benchmarks. Total nursing hours per resident also trail the Tennessee average. Lower staffing levels do not necessarily determine care quality on their own, but they are an important factor for families to discuss directly with leadership, particularly for residents requiring more intensive medical oversight or assistance with daily living activities.

The community provides 24-hour nursing support along with rehabilitation therapies and licensed CNA care. The average length of stay is approximately 108 days, reflecting a blend of transitional recovery and ongoing care needs. Private-pay residents account for a notable share of new admissions, though the community continues to maintain broad access through Medicare and Medicaid participation. Its location along U.S. 51 South also offers relatively convenient access for families and visitors.

Magnolia Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation is ideal for families seeking a larger skilled nursing community in the Covington area with flexible payment options and ongoing bed availability. Its higher LPN staffing levels and broad admissions structure are meaningful advantages, particularly in markets where choices may be limited. At the same time, the community’s inspection history, staffing shortfalls in several categories, and below-average CMS rating make it important for interested families to review state inspection reports carefully and speak directly with administration about quality-improvement efforts, staffing stability, and resident care oversight.

Overview of Huntsville Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center

Owned by Huntsville TN Holdco LLC, Huntsville Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility on Baker Street in Huntsville, Tennessee. For over three decades, it has provided specialized post-acute care and rehabilitation services to individuals healing from illness, injury, or surgery. The facility offers 96 beds and typically operates at around 77 percent occupancy. Residents can choose between private and semi-private accommodations. Accepted are Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents.

The facility’s key strength is its comprehensive rehabilitation program. Patients recuperating from cardiac events, strokes, orthopedic procedures, or other major medical conditions receive individualized therapy and recovery plans tailored to help them regain independence. Specialized services exist for people requiring pulmonary care, tracheostomy support, bariatric management, diabetic care, oncology-related services, and post-surgical pain management. More clinical offerings include IV therapy, wound care, and dialysis services provided on-site or through transportation arrangements. For occupants needing mental health support, telepsychiatry services connect them with behavioral health professionals without leaving the facility. The average resident stay is around 123 days, reflecting a focus on rehabilitation and extended recovery. Nursing care is delivered through a mix of registered nurses, licensed practical/vocational nurses, and nursing aides. On average, residents receive about four hours of nursing care daily, including support with medical needs, personal care, and rehabilitation goals. A vital part of the recovery process is nutrition. Residents eat three chef-prepared meals daily, with therapeutic diet options and consultations from a registered dietitian available when needed. In-room dining can also be arranged for those with specific medical or personal preferences. Beyond medical care, Huntsville Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center emphasizes comfort, wellness, and life quality. Residents benefit from weekly housekeeping and laundry services, on-site beauty salon access, and various recreational and therapeutic programs. Activities comprise art and music therapy, social gatherings, community outings, and wellness-focused events. Outdoor courtyards and landscaped gardens offer pleasant spaces for relaxation, while religious services exist for those wanting them. Found in an area with limited walkability, the facility is best accessed by car, making advance travel planning helpful for visiting family and friends.

With its solid rehabilitation programs, specialized medical services, and integrated behavioral health support, Huntsville Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center is well-suited for individuals seeking focused recovery care in a supportive environment.

Rocky Top Care Center is a nursing home in Rocky Top, Tennessee, that offers memory care, long-term support, complex medical treatment, respite options, and hospice care. Serving Anderson County, the community has been licensed since July 1992 with 117 beds. Everyday management is overseen by Core LTC Services LLC, under the ownership of Jetty Operations Holdings LLC, which took control of the property in May 2024.

The community operates at a 75% occupancy rate, which is slightly above the Tennessee state average of 71.6%. While it accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private financing, the current occupant base is predominantly composed of Medicaid beneficiaries, which is 83.3%.

Federal records show significant regulatory challenges, resulting in a 1-star overall CMS rating. Additionally, 37 total deficiencies were cited across four separate inspections, and it is currently designated as a Special Focus Facility Candidate, indicating a recurring history of major quality issues that place it under close government scrutiny.

The most severe evaluation took place on August 22, 2024, uncovering 15 deficiencies. Notably, four of these citations reached the highest tier of severity on the federal scale, representing immediate jeopardy to the health and safety of multiple residents. These critical findings involved failures in resource management, administrative governance, quality assurance frameworks, and infection control protocols. This review also flagged issues regarding food storage safety, direct caregiver staffing, resident dignity, and medication organization.

Direct nursing care totals 3.49 hours per resident daily, falling below the Tennessee benchmark of 3.9 hours. Registered Nurse (RN) availability is a relative highlight, with daily hours 30% above the state average at 48 minutes, and weekend coverage tracking 54% above the state standard. Conversely, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) hours are a point of concern, running 27% below the state average at 1 hour and 34 minutes per day. Staff turnover stands at 44.4%, which is slightly more favorable than the Tennessee statewide average of 48.7%.

On a positive note, hospital readmission frequencies are 30% better than the state average. Antipsychotic drug utilization is also elevated at 21.3%. For temporary rehabilitation guests, metrics show zero major fall injuries, though seasonal vaccination rates remain well below state benchmarks.

Rocky Top Care Center primarily caters to those requiring long-term Medicaid assistance and localized clinical care. Given the severe regulatory findings from late 2024, families evaluating this option are strongly encouraged to request updated documentation regarding corrective actions implemented under the new management and to conduct an in-person visit before finalizing any care arrangements.

Overview of Oasis Assisted Living

Oasis Assisted Living, located on John M Reed Road in Limestone, Tennessee, is a 90-bed assisted living and memory care community operated by Oasis Assist Living, LLC. Situated in a quiet, rural portion of Washington County, the 90-bed capacity positions the facility as one of the larger senior housing options in the surrounding area. The larger scale allows the community to offer multiple shared common areas and a broad range of structured group activities.

The clinical care structure focuses on routine personal care support rather than skilled nursing. Residents have access to daily living assistance, professional medication management, mobility support, and a specialized memory care program designed for individuals experiencing cognitive changes.

Limestone’s neighborhood has a walkability score of 1 out of 100, indicating an entirely car-dependent layout where visits, off-campus medical appointments, and standard errands require a vehicle.

Prospective families exploring senior care options in Washington County can contact the Limestone business office to inquire about current room vacancies.

Overview of South High Senior Living

South High Senior Living is a 74-bed senior living community in Knoxville, Tennessee, offering assisted living and memory care. Operated by South High LLC, the community occupies the thoughtfully restored former South High School building, blending historic architecture with updated amenities and modern residential features. The community has also earned recognition from Knoxville News Sentinel readers as a Top Assisted/Senior Living Community, reflecting positive local visibility and resident satisfaction.

The community offers three primary care options: assisted living, memory care, and short-term respite stays, supported by staff members who are available around the clock to provide support and oversight. Healthcare support extends beyond standard assisted living services through partnerships with HouseCall Primary Care, which provides on-site primary care, podiatry, and mental health services. This arrangement can reduce the need for residents to travel for routine appointments and ongoing healthcare management.

A broad selection of amenities and wellness-focused services is provided, including restaurant-style dining, studio accommodations, enclosed outdoor courtyards, pet-friendly living options, outpatient therapy services, wellness classes, emergency response systems, scheduled transportation, and an active calendar of events and activities.

South High Senior Living appeals to older adults seeking a locally owned community that combines assisted living and memory care services within one campus environment. Its range of care options, community-oriented atmosphere, and historically distinctive setting are especially attractive for couples or older adults whose care needs could evolve.