Best Nursing Homes in Tennessee

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.

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.

Overview of Spring Meadows Health & Rehabilitation

Spring Meadows Health & Rehabilitation is a 121-bed nursing home in Clarksville, Tennessee, that offers skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, long-term support, and specialized memory care. Licensed since July 1992 and managing care for 33 years, this community is currently owned by Spring Meadows SNF Operations, LLC, and accommodates those utilizing Medicare. This community also maintains an active membership in the Tennessee Health Care Association and has received recognition from U.S. News & World Report within its Best Nursing Homes rankings, while carrying an overall 2-star quality performance rating from CMS.

Federal data awards the highest possible tier to its long-term resident quality measures, while short-term recovery outcomes are ranked as above average. Long-term residents require hospital transfers at a rate of just 0.76 per 1,000 resident days, which outpaces the Tennessee average of 1.58 by 52%, and emergency department visits trend at 1.07 per 1,000 days, marking a 32% positive variance from the state benchmark. For short-term rehabilitation individuals, the rate of falls resulting in major trauma stands at an exemplary 0.0%, entirely outperforming the state baseline of 0.8%. Furthermore, 56.1% of short-stay residents achieve or surpass their anticipated self-care capabilities at the time of discharge, a 5% improvement over state metrics, while readmission rates mirror the Tennessee norm at 21.6%. These metrics collectively indicate that those finishing their restorative programs experience strong physical recovery.

Conversely, personnel hours consistently track below state medians across nearly every department. Registered nurse contact averages 25 minutes per resident daily, which sits 32% lower than the Tennessee benchmark of 37 minutes, while licensed practical nurse hours at 57 minutes and certified nursing assistant contact at 2 hours and 1 minute fall 12% and 6% below their corresponding state baselines. Additionally, combined weekend nursing care tracks at 3 hours and 12 minutes, running 4% below the state standard, while registered nurse coverage on weekends averages 23 minutes, matching the statewide norm of 24 minutes. Physical therapist contact is documented at 3 minutes per resident daily, a 40% reduction from the Tennessee average of 5 minutes, which stands as a noteworthy detail for families investigating post-acute therapeutic care. The community also supports a daily occupancy of 111.8 residents within its 121 certified beds.

Regulatory records show that the most recent evaluation by the Tennessee Department of Health took place on July 11, 2024. According to ProPublica’s CMS deficiency database, findings from recent review periods involved quality assurance programming, general property administration, dietary procurement, infection control and prevention measures, resident rights protections, and medication error minimization. This spectrum spans daily clinical operations, sanitary practices, and corporate oversight, contributing to a 1-star health inspection sub-rating, the lowest federal tier. However, no financial penalties or payment suspensions are cited.

Spring Meadows Health & Rehabilitation provides a localized Montgomery County choice for older adults whose primary focus is securing an environment with proven success in preventing long-term hospitalizations and short-term accidental falls. However, families are encouraged to discuss the 1-star health inspection sub-rating with the management.

Overview of Signature Healthcare of South Pittsburg Rehab and Wellness Cente

Signature HealthCARE of South Pittsburg Rehab & Wellness Center is a 165-bed nursing home in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, offering nursing, short-term rehabilitation, long-term support, memory care, and temporary respite stays. Licensed since July 1992 and maintaining federal certifications for Medicare and Medicaid since March 1995, this community is owned by LP South Pittsburgh LLC and operates within the broader Signature HealthCARE corporate network. It stands as the only skilled nursing choice located directly inside South Pittsburg.

Annual nursing turnover sits at just 20.4%, which is better than the Tennessee statewide average of 48.7%, representing a massive variance that translates to excellent consistency of care for permanent residents. Regarding overall nursing availability, registered nurse contact averages 44 minutes per resident daily, exceeding the Tennessee state benchmark of 37 minutes by 19% and also outperforming the national median of 41 minutes. Conversely, hours for licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants are below state benchmarks at 52 minutes and 1 hour 36 minutes, respectively. Additionally, weekend nursing attention stands at 2 hours and 42 minutes per resident daily, trailing the Tennessee state baseline of 3 hours and 21 minutes by 19%. Currently, the community is operating at a 51.1% occupancy rate, which is below the Tennessee average, suggesting open availability for immediate placement.

A review of the state regulatory ledger shows that the Tennessee Department of Health conducted 4 evaluations over the tracking period, documenting 14 total deficiencies across three routine annual reviews and a complaint investigation. The latest comprehensive annual inspection on October 16, 2024, uncovered 5 deficiencies related to actual resident harm without immediate jeopardy for failing to prevent abuse. The review also listed concerns regarding the failure to safeguard personal belongings, alongside environmental upkeep, resident assessments, and basic infection control protocols, leading to an active civil monetary penalty.

Every private space features satellite television, property-wide wireless internet, and bedside telephone access. A signature Select Dining program is also offered, along with concierge care, continuous 24-hour pharmacy coordination, and on-site professional services covering podiatry, dental care, and optometry. Additional lifestyle perks include a beauty salon, a transit van, unrestricted round-the-clock visitation, a full-time chaplain delivering multi-denominational weekly services, a specialized multi-sensory environment room, an active volunteer program, and private bereavement spaces. Life enrichment schedules are thoroughly detailed, featuring group excursions, localized hobby clubs, and public neighborhood gatherings.

Signature HealthCARE of South Pittsburg Rehab & Wellness Center represents a highly compatible fit for older adults seeking long-term clinical care within a well-appointed, stable setting defined by low employee turnover and excellent long-stay medical outcomes.

Selmer Post Acute is a 126-bed nursing home in Selmer, Tennessee, offering skilled nursing, long-term care, and rehabilitation. Managed by Selmer SNF Healthcare, LLC, and partnered with the PACS Group in McNairy County since July 1992. Welcoming Medicare beneficiaries, it also offers 24-hour licensed nursing coverage alongside physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapies within a dedicated therapy space. Highlighting its exceptional care standards, CMS has awarded the community its top five-star overall rating.

A total of 11 deficiencies were identified across three standard reviews, with no financial penalties or payment freezes issued over the last three years. The most recent routine review from July 23, 2025, identified 3 minor deficiencies, which involved care plan compliance, accidental hazard prevention, and urinary tract infection protocols. An earlier March 2022 review also noted 6 deficiencies, which involved resident autonomy in treatment and transfer notices, daily living support, nutritional oversight, pharmaceutical storage, and meal planning. However, no severe safety threats were found, though families may want to note that the three-year and four-month gap between the 2022 and 2025 reviews lasted longer than the customary 9-to-15-month schedule.

Daily direct nursing care averages 3.78 hours per individual, staying within a close margin to the Tennessee benchmark of 3.9 hours. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) availability is a particular asset, tracking 22% higher than the state baseline at 1 hour and 19 minutes daily, while Registered Nurse and Certified Nursing Assistant hours trail slightly behind state trends. Notably, the employee turnover rate is low at 27.5%, staying far below the Tennessee average of 48.7% and indicating reliable workforce stability.

Clinical results represent a major benefit for residents. Long-term individuals experience 57% fewer hospital transfers per 1,000 resident days and 46% fewer emergency room visits than the state average. For short-term rehabilitation guests, the readmission rate back to a hospital stands at 14.3%, outperforming state averages by 36%, while emergency visit frequencies are 63% better than state benchmarks at 4.2%. Major injury-causing falls were non-existent, compared to a state average of 0.8%. Furthermore, the rate of successful discharges back home or into the neighborhood hits 58.7%, exceeding the Tennessee average by 16%, though independent care abilities at discharge trend slightly below the state average.

Selmer Post Acute’s environment is an excellent match for older adults looking for short-term recovery or extended nursing assistance within a tight-knit regional setting, especially for those who value strong hospital prevention records, low staff turnover, and top-tier federal quality scores.

Overview of Savannah Health and Rehabilitation

Savannah Health and Rehabilitation is a 120-bed nursing home in Savannah, Tennessee, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Serving the rural West Tennessee region since March 1997, under the ownership of Lacefield Healthcare, LLC. Medicare and private-pay are also accepted, providing more access to families with various incomes.

Federal records show the community maintains an above-average 4-star overall CMS rating, reflecting solid marks across regulatory compliance, employee numbers, and clinical quality. In relation to its evaluation history, the community recorded 8 total citations across 3 reviews over a seven-year span. Crucially, zero critical or serious deficiencies were found.

Staffing data from the second quarter of 2025 also reveals an entirely permanent workforce of 115 direct employees, showing zero reliance on temporary contract staff. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) coverage stands out at 2 hours and 21 minutes per resident daily, outperforming the Tennessee state baseline by 9%. Additionally, weekend nursing averages 3 hours and 26 minutes, matching national trends, while weekend Registered Nurse coverage tracks 4% above the state average. Conversely, daily Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse hours trend slightly below state averages, and physical therapy availability is lower than typical regional benchmarks. At present, occupancy rests at 84.9%, with an average stay of 180 days, suggesting a well-established long-term care presence alongside temporary recovery guests.

Confirmed offerings include 24-hour professional medical oversight, dedicated rehabilitation, on-site therapy, and an engaging programming model designed to keep residents involved. The entirely permanent employee roster also serves as a key advantage for everyday care consistency, allowing familiar faces to build meaningful relationships with those they support.

Savannah Health and Rehabilitation stands out as a strong choice for older adults in the local region who are searching for a dependable, highly rated nursing environment with a stable workforce and a stable safety record.

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.