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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 199 nursing homes in TN using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in TN
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.8/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Tennessee. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating:2.4/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Tennessee. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating:2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Tennessee. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the TN Dept. of Health (TDH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
MC (Memory Care):
Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
HC (Home Care):
Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Tennessee average is: 54.1% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Trezevant is a life care community in Memphis, TN, that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Featuring a modern setting with a touch of traditional Southern style, the community ensures older adults are comfortable and safe. Three healthy meals, personal laundry, and housekeeping are also provided to enrich residents’ daily living. The community also features a higher-than-average caregiver-to-resident ratio, ensuring residents receive the utmost attention and care.
Entertainment options and planned social activities are conducted to keep residents active and socially engaged. Along with a variety of studio to two-bedroom accommodations, spacious communal spaces are also available on-site, ensuring residents can rest comfortably. Public transportation and other local amenities are also available nearby, ensuring residents have convenient access to leisure and necessities. With a wide range of care options, this life care community is ideal for senior living in Tennessee.
Located on Bristol Highway in Johnson City, Tennessee, Nhc HealthCare Johnson City is a small nursing home. It is operated by Howard Nason Jr. and has served the community for 33 years. The home focuses on short-term rehabilitation and respite care for residents recovering after illness, surgery, or a hospital stay. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families different ways to cover care.
The 10-bed facility is often fully occupied, and the small size can support a more intimate and personal care experience. Residents stay for an average of 76 days. Many stay here as they step between hospital care and returning home. Others move to another care setting after their stay.
Nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 16 minutes per resident each day. Care is provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides. Staff is available 24 hours a day. Rehabilitation services and therapy are also available. The home works with NHC HomeCare and Caris Hospice to support families during care transitions.
Meals are approved by dietitians and chefs to meet residents’ nutritional needs. Amenities include Wi-Fi, cable TV, housekeeping, laundry services, and a beauty and barber shop. Residents can enjoy an outdoor area and join daily activities and entertainment. The location is easiest to reach by car, so families can visit conveniently.
West Meade Place is a 120-bed skilled nursing facility in Nashville, Tennessee, providing skilled nursing, rehabilitative therapy, and respiratory care to residents in Davidson County’s West Meade neighborhood. Licensed since 1992, the privately owned community is owned by Barbara Friedbauer and administered by James L. Wright.
The facility holds a 4-star overall CMS rating, landing 30.7% above the Tennessee average — driven largely by a 5-star Quality Measures score. Across three inspections over the past seven years, West Meade recorded 16 citations with zero critical or serious findings, compared with a Tennessee average of 1.7 combined — a clean severity profile. No federal fines or payment penalties have been imposed in the past three years.
Quality outcome data reinforces the facility’s CMS profile. Hospitalization rates are 1.00 per 1,000 resident days, 37% below the Tennessee average, and emergency department visits are 0.39 per 1,000 days — 75% better than its peers’. The 2-star staffing rating reflects total nursing hours of 2 hours and 56 minutes per resident per day, roughly 20% below the state average, while RN hours are 59% above the state average. Weekend RN hours are notably high at 1 hour and 7 minutes per day, nearly three times the Tennessee average of 24 minutes per day.
Clinical services include in-house dialysis, stroke and neurological care, respiratory therapy, podiatry, dental and psychiatric services, and a certified dietitian — a depth of clinical support that extends beyond standard SNF programming. Amenities include an atrium and outdoor garden area. The facility holds a VA contract and serves veterans directly.
At 77% occupancy — slightly above the state average of 73% — and with a 90-day average length of stay, West Meade primarily serves long-term residents, with 63% of admissions coming through private pay.
West Meade Place is best suited for residents requiring continuous skilled nursing care, including those with complex clinical needs such as respiratory conditions, stroke recovery, or dialysis, in an established West Nashville location.
Ivy Hall Nursing Home is an SNF owned by Judy Deloach in Elizabethton, Tennessee, on South Watauga Avenue in a moderately walkable neighborhood. The home has operated for 33 years and serves short-term rehabilitation and longer-term care residents. It maintains a 101-bed census with current occupancy near 76 percent, reflecting a stable mix of rehabilitation and ongoing nursing care. The average stay length runs about 89 days, indicating a population that includes post-acute recovery and residents settling in for extended care.
The home, clinically speaking, spotlights rehabilitation and therapy services. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, and specialized wound care are the on-site offerings, keeping many common needs in-house instead of requiring outside appointments. Short-term rehabilitation and respite care options serve families looking for temporary or transitional placements, while the full continuum of skilled nursing supports occupants at various care tiers. Daily nursing care is structured around meaningful, diligent support. Total nursing care averages 3 hours 55 minutes per resident day, with that time divided among registered nurses (42 minutes), nurse aides (42 minutes), and LPN or LVN staff (1 hour 5 minutes). That staffing level mirrors a dedication to direct resident care as a core component of at-home daily life. Accepted are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several routes to cover momentary rehabilitation stays and longer-term residential care. A registered dietician plans meals and highlights nutrition and balance. The on-site beauty salon and outpatient therapy services complement the daily environment.
Families examining the home will find Elizabethton accessible on foot for some errands. A walkable neighborhood can also make visiting by family members easier on foot.
Nhc HealthCare, Sequatchie is a skilled nursing home in Dunlap, Tennessee. Randy Reynolds owns the facility, which has been serving the community for 48 years. With 47 beds, its current occupancy is 66%. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, offering families several payment options for short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care.
As a post-acute rehabilitation facility, it offers short-term rehab, respite care, and 24-hour staffing. Total nurse staffing averages approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes per resident per day. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides are all part of the team. This staffing level makes it suitable for residents recovering from surgery, an illness, or a hospital stay. Residents stay an average of 89 days, with most in short-term recovery and ongoing skilled nursing support.
Residents are cared for by a range of on-site amenities and services. A dietitian and chef prepare meals to meet individual nutritional needs. There’s a beauty and barber shop for personal care, high-speed wireless internet and cable television in all rooms, and housekeeping and laundry services.
The facility also has a dining room and an outdoor relaxation area, including daily activities and entertainment programming. Plus, it offers home care and hospice services for residents who need broader support beyond nursing care.
The location in Dunlap scored 40 for walkability. Some nearby services may be reached on foot, but most trips still require transportation. This location is best for families who a medical facility over a busy city setting.
Owned by Jeremy Stoner, Nhc HealthCare, Cookeville, is a skilled nursing home in the residential area of Cookeville, Tennessee. The 104-bed home accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families multiple ways to cover short-term rehabilitation and ongoing skilled care.
The facility has been operating for 50 years, with a current occupancy rate of 95%. Residents stay an average of 75 days. The population includes post-acute rehab residents and those requiring longer-term nursing support.
The home focuses on rehabilitation and transitional care. Residents have access to services including short-term rehab, respite care, and 24-hour nurse staffing. Nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 18 minutes per resident per day. The care team comprises registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. The staffing model provides consistent daily attention to residents’ clinical and personal care needs. Home care and hospice services are also available for families managing the end-of-life continuum.
Residents’ daily lives are centered on comfort and family connection. A dietitian and chef prepare meals to meet individual nutritional needs. Each room has cable television and high-speed internet, which helps residents and families stay connected. The home provides housekeeping and laundry services to reduce the daily burden on families and caregivers.
Those who want to maintain appearance and wellness routines can access the on-site beauty and barber shop. Residents can enjoy an outdoor relaxation area and join in daily activities and entertainment programming all week.
Overview of Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center
Experience care and assistance like no other with the extraordinary senior living community of Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center in Boyd’s Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, offering a wide range of care options including continuing care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, respite care, and hospice. The community takes pride in a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals attending to seniors’ unique needs and aspirations around the clock. Featuring physical, occupational, and speech therapy, Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center works hard to enhance seniors’ well-being day by day.
Alongside specialized programs such as IV therapy, wound care, podiatry care, pain management, diabetes management, and psychological services, the community fosters a lively and inviting environment to ensure seniors are comfortable and well-cared for. Meals are meticulously prepared and approved by dietitians to meet dietary needs and preferences. Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center is a good place to find all the care you need with its exceptional services and extensive amenities.
Set in the neighborhood of Brentwood, Tennessee, The Heritage at Brentwood is a welcoming senior living community that offers independent living. Sprawled on 48 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, the community provides residents with a peaceful living environment with their stunning accommodations and inviting common spaces. Offering LifeCare®, the community ensures residents have access to other levels of care, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation.
Various activities like fitness classes, lectures, and events are available to make sure residents are able to enjoy a fulfilling and purposeful retirement experience. Residents also benefit from having access to a variety of amenities, such as a fitness center, pool, and refreshing walking and biking paths. Delicious and nutritious meals are also offered to elevate residents’ quality of life even more.
Overview of Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans‘ Home
Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans’ Home is a cozy country retreat nestled in the scenic West Knoxville. The 140-bed facility is dedicated to providing award-winning care for veterans and their families. The home boasts multiple outdoor patios with breathtaking views of the countryside, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The community takes pride in upholding honor and quality in rural West Knoxville. Living areas and recreation rooms are available for residents to enjoy. The home is also conveniently located near several Knoxville hospitals, ensuring prompt medical attention when needed.
One of the most striking features of the facility is its spotless cleanliness. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and they organize daily events to keep residents entertained. The outdoor walking and sitting areas are lovely, and the facility’s design is both practical and functional. With field trips and scenic views, Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans’ Home is the perfect place for veterans to enjoy their retirement years.
Signature HealthCARE of Primacy is a nursing home in Memphis, TN, offering rehabilitation and clinical services. Through result-driven programs and cutting-edge technologies, the community strives to help older adults recover and improve their quality of life. 24-hour nursing support, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and wound care are just some of the services provided to meet residents’ needs and preferences. The community also features a care navigation program to ensure families are updated about their loved one’s conditions.
Regular outings, hobby clubs, and a variety of life enrichment programs are conducted to maintain residents’ holistic well-being. Multi-denominational weekly religious services, a beauty salon, and on-site podiatry, dental, and optometry services are also available. The community is also located near St. Francis Hospital-Memphis and other local amenities in Memphis, providing convenient access to medical needs. Providing a wide range of care services, this nursing home is a good choice for senior living in Tennessee.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
How we're paid:If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Tennessee
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Tennessee?
Assisted living in Tennessee is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does Tennessee Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Tennessee Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.
What is nursing home care?
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.
How many nursing homes are listed on this page?
This page features 199 nursing homes in Tennessee. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Tennessee?
Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Tennessee, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.
What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in Tennessee?
Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
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