Page 13 of Best Nursing Homes in Tennessee

Overview of Life Care Center of Hixson

Life Care Center of Hixson is a 108-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Hixson, Tennessee. It’s owned by North River Valley Operations, LLC, administered by Johnny Cerino, operating in Hamilton County since 1976, and recognized with a Best Nursing Home award. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. The facility is primarily a short-stay destination, with an average stay of 46 days and 77 percent occupancy above Tennessee’s average.
CMS grades Life Care Center of Hixson 4 stars, 31 percent above Tennessee’s average, with above-average scores across all four sub-categories. Health inspection performance runs 37 percent above the state average; 12 total health citations recorded across two inspections since 2018 compare favorably to Tennessee’s 15.4 average, with zero critical or serious findings. All citations were moderate and resulted from standard inspections. The per-inspection average of 6 citations sits higher than the 4.39 state mean, reflecting concentration in the two inspections on record rather than chronic noncompliance. No penalties imposed in the past three years. Meanwhile, staffing is a particular strength for short-stay residents. Physical therapist hours reach 13 minutes per resident daily, 160 percent above Tennessee’s 5 minutes average. RN hours at 52 minutes daily are 41 percent above the state average, and weekend RN coverage at 36 minutes daily is 50 percent above Tennessee’s 24 minutes benchmark. Short-stay quality measures are rated significantly above average: zero short-stay falls with major injury, a 66.9 percent community return rate (32 percent better than the state), and 5.1 percent ED visit rate (54 percent better than Tennessee’s 11.2 percent). Long-stay measures are rated below average, with notably elevated pressure ulcer rates at 11.3 percent against Tennessee’s 5.4 percent average, and hospitalization rates 56 percent above the state benchmark.
Amenities highlight an Alzheimer’s and dementia care program, a Community Re-Entry Program, a fine dining program, and landscaped grounds and courtyards.
Life Care Center of Hixson is a strong fit for Hamilton County families seeking post-acute rehabilitation, with standout therapy staffing and short-stay outcomes ranking among the better performers in the region. Families considering long-stay placement should ask about wound care protocols and clinical monitoring practices.

At Beverly Park Place Health and Rehab in Knoxville, Tennessee, their top-notch skilled nursing rehabilitation services and memory care come with a unique emphasis on providing emotional and social support to their residents. They offer a wide range of rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as outpatient rehabilitation. Additionally, they provide specialized care, such as bariatric care, wound care, IV therapy, and respiratory care.

Residents at Beverly Park Place Health and Rehab can enjoy the convenience of laboratory services, beauty and barber services, and a registered dietitian who ensures that every meal is well-balanced and delicious. To keep residents engaged and entertained, the facility offers a variety of activities that foster interaction and healing as well, such as spending time in the beautiful outdoor areas, attending special lectures, and interacting with volunteer groups.

Overview of Bethany Center for Rehabilitation and Healing

Bethany Center for Rehabilitation and Healing is a community that proudly elevates the recovery experience of its residents. A premier nursing home that has been awarded a list of accolades, some of which are from the U.S. News and World Report ranking them as the Best Nursing Home; they have exceeded expectations for its short-term care. Bethany Center is a tightly-knit community where residents are able to relax and renew themselves.
A member of the CareRite healthcare, Bethany Center offers an array of recovery services that help a fast healing journey– orthopedic rehabilitation, short-term and long-term rehabilitation, amputee care, and wound care. Other luxurious services include its chef-prepared meals in a restaurant-style dining service. 

Holston Rehabilitation and Care Center is a 204-bed skilled nursing facility in Kingsport, Tennessee, offering short-term rehabilitation, memory support care, and long-term skilled nursing to residents in Sullivan County. Licensed since 1992, the center is operated by Holston Manor SNF Operations, LLC, under the administration of Johnathan Blaine Kelly.

CMS rates the facility 1 star overall, with 1-star sub-ratings across Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures — the Health Inspection component carrying the most weight in that overall score. No civil money penalties or payment denials appear in CMS records for the past three years. Total nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 46 minutes per resident per day, slightly above Tennessee’s average of 3 hours and 40 minutes; however, registered nurse staffing averages 29 minutes per day — 22% below the state benchmark — which is the staffing figure most relevant to clinical oversight.

The facility’s occupancy rate is 51.2%, well below Tennessee’s average of 73%, placing the facility 261st out of 302 state SNFs by that measure. Admissions run 71% private pay and 20% Medicare, with an average length of stay of 89 days — a profile consistent with post-acute and short-term recovery stays.

Rooms are typically available. The center’s amenities and services include a therapy gym, an interior courtyard, an atrium for private gatherings, an activities department, and 24-hour on-site staffing.

Holston Rehabilitation and Care Center is best suited for residents seeking short-term rehabilitation or transitional care in the Kingsport area, where current availability is high

Shelby Oaks Post Acute is a compassionate nursing home in Memphis, TN, that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Promoting a nurturing environment, the community features cozy communal spaces and peaceful outdoors. 24-hour care, wound care, and social services are also offered to ensure residents’ holistic wellness. Through personalized care options, the community strives to meet older adults’ complex healthcare needs.

Musical performances, a variety of games, and field trips are among the lifestyle calendar curated to keep residents active and socially connected. A barber, courtyards, and an activity room are also available, providing residents with places for leisure and wellness. With its ideal location in the lively neighborhood of Memphis, the community ensures residents have easy access to their leisure and necessities. This senior living community is a great choice for retirement in Tennessee, especially with its comprehensive services and extensive amenities.

Overview of Quality Center for Rehabilitation & Healing

Quality Center for Rehabilitation & Healing, LLC is a licensed 280-bed nursing home in Lebanon, Tennessee, that focuses on post-surgical orthopedic recovery, amputee care, and short-term rehabilitation. Owned by Quality TN Ventures LLC in Wilson County, this community has served the region since 1992 and is one of the more extensive clinical options in the Nashville area. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are also accepted. While it currently holds a 1-star overall rating from CMS due to historical health inspection results, its clinical data reveals exceptionally strong health outcomes for residents.

The community truly excels in its long-term care quality metrics, consistently outpacing Tennessee state benchmarks. High-risk clinical events score 35% better than the state average, matching a 35% advantage in preventing functional decline. Additional data highlights superior care, with high-risk pressure ulcer rates 52% better than state norms, urinary tract infections are 78% lower, and resident depressive symptoms are 94% better. Furthermore, emergency room visits are 67% below the state average, and 56.7% of individuals successfully return home, outperforming the state benchmark by 12%. These figures demonstrate a high standard of daily medical attention that protects the well-being of older adults.

This clinical success is driven by a comprehensive care team of 349 professionals, with a daily workforce including 210 certified nursing assistants, 54 licensed practical nurses, and 21 registered nurses, supported by clinical nurse specialists, therapists, mental health workers, and a registered dietitian. Daily nursing care totals 3 hours and 5 minutes per resident, with assistant and practical nurse hours aligning with state averages. However, registered nurse hours fall 43% below the state average, which warrants review from families with complex medical needs. Notably, the community runs an on-site nurse aide training program to develop its workforce, and an active resident council meets routinely.

Regarding regulatory compliance, a total of 20 citations were recorded across four reviews over an eight-year period, averaging five per visit. These minor citations fell under nursing services, infection control, and resident rights, and all were resolved. No critical violations were issued. Two financial penalties were linked to the 2023 review, which is lower than the state average penalty. Notably, a temporary 54-day suspension on new admissions occurred in 2023 but has expired, with no new penalties reported as of January 2026.

Quality Center for Rehabilitation & Healing provides a reliable choice for families in Wilson County looking for comprehensive long-term care and specialized physical rehabilitation. A strong local demand is also reflected in its 92.1% occupancy rate, offering peace of mind to families who prioritize proven medical outcomes for older adults.

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 The McKendree Post Acute and Rehabilitation

The McKendree Post Acute and Rehabilitation is an 180-bed nursing home in Hermitage, TN, offering a full continuum of support, including assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and skilled nursing. Licensed in July 1992 under McKendree SNF Operations, LLC, which is affiliated with Hill Valley Healthcare, the community currently holds a 1-star CMS overall performance rating. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance payments are also accepted.

Therapeutic rehabilitation stands out as a verified highlight of the community, with daily physical therapist contact averaging 7 minutes per resident, marking a 40% increase over the Tennessee state average of 5 minutes, which delivers a substantial advantage to individuals recovering from acute medical events. Weekend registered nurse coverage reaches 30 minutes per resident each day, outperforming the state average of 24 minutes and ensuring comprehensive clinical monitoring throughout Saturdays and Sundays. Staffing documentation from the second quarter of 2025 also confirms the presence of a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialists, respiratory therapy technicians, speech-language pathologists, and mental health professionals. Overall nursing care averages 3 hours and 3 minutes per resident daily, falling short of the Tennessee average of approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, while individual hours for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing assistants track between 4% and 11% below state benchmarks.

Throughout an eight-year review period, the Tennessee Department of Health executed 4 separate inspections, compiling a total of 47 health citations, representing the largest volume of deficiencies among evaluated local options. 7 of which were deemed critical, 1 was categorized as serious, 38 were labeled moderate, and 1 was judged minor. Specifically, quality of life and clinical care accounted for 11 citations, resident rights made up 8 deficiencies, and issues surrounding abuse, neglect, or exploitation generated 6 citations. Additionally, the most recent formal evaluation on October 3, 2023, yielded critical as well as multiple moderate citations related to abuse and neglect, all of which were documented as resolved.

CMS has designated this community as a Special Focus Facility Candidate, a status reserved for properties possessing a recorded pattern of significant care issues that have not yet entered the official Special Focus Facility program. Independent data indicate the community was subject to active federal monitoring for at least one month between August 2024 and July 2025. However, no monetary fines or payment suspensions were noted in the state records. In September 2025, the management submitted a Certificate of Need request to add 30 dually certified skilled nursing beds, pointing to operational enhancements introduced by the current ownership and a rising regional need for post-acute care.

With an expansive 42-acre campus near Long Hunter State Park and Stones River Bend Park, the community provides structured wellness options and lifestyle events delivered daily through the local EngageLife program.

The McKendree Post Acute and Rehabilitation is a practical option for older adults seeking a broad spectrum of medical and lifestyle support.

Claiborne and Hughes Health Center, a prominent nursing and rehabilitation center in Franklin, offers a diverse range of care options designed to enhance the lives of seniors in the community. Renowned for its high-caliber skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, the center is a credible choice for individuals recovering from conditions like strokes, heart attacks, and other ailments requiring specialized care. With cutting-edge technology and a trusted team, this facility stands as a premier destination for those seeking skilled nursing care.

Beyond the standard nursing care, Claiborne and Hughes Health Center provides on-site dialysis, hospice care, dementia care, and long-term care, ensuring a comprehensive approach to residents’ well-being. Far from being dull, life here is filled with opportunities for recreation and entertainment, catering to individuals with varying physical and cognitive abilities. The commitment to dining excellence further contributes to the exceptional experience residents can expect at this skilled nursing home, where activities are tailored to enhance the senior living journey.

Overview of Life Care Center of Gray

Life Care Center of Gray is a 133-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility administered by Ashley Lee in Gray, Tennessee, owned by Gray Medical Investors, LLC. Situated in Washington County and operating since 1992, the facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.
CMS rates Life Care Center of Gray 1 star, 67 percent below the Tennessee average, driven primarily by a health inspection rating 66 percent below the state benchmark. 4 critical abuse, neglect, and exploitation citations were issued in April 2024, all subsequently corrected, along with a $10,000 civil money penalty. 6 of the facility’s 16 total health citations since 2018 resulted from complaint investigations. The 4 critical citations recorded within eight years are 264 percent above the Tennessee average of 1.1, the most consequential data point in the inspection record. The CMS staffing rating runs 22 percent above the Tennessee average, though CNA hours at 1 hour and 39 minutes per resident per day are 23 percent below the state benchmark, and weekend total nursing at 2 hours and 32 minutes per day is 24 percent below the Tennessee average. Long-stay quality measures are rated above average. Hospitalizations run at 1.40 per 1,000 resident days, 11 percent better than the Tennessee average of 1.58, and ED visits at 1.12 per 1,000 days are 29 percent better than the state figure. Pressure ulcer rates at 3.0 percent are 46 percent below the Tennessee average. Short-stay falls with major injury at 2.6 percent are 242 percent worse than the state average of 0.8 percent, and the community return rate of 35.7 percent is 29 percent below the Tennessee benchmark of 50.6 percent, limiting the facility’s fit for residents aiming for post-acute rehabilitation with discharge home.
Amenities feature an Alzheimer’s and dementia care program, a Community Re-Entry Program, landscaped grounds and courtyards, and a fine dining program.
Life Care Center of Gray may suit families in Washington County seeking long-term skilled nursing care, where the long-stay clinical outcomes are more favorable. The 2024 abuse and neglect findings and the 1-star overall rating warrant discussion with facility leadership before placement. Families should ask specifically about the April 2024 findings, the corrective actions taken, and current oversight practices before deciding.