Assisted Living in Nashville, TN

Assisted Living Costs in Nashville

At $4,500 per month, Nashville’s assisted living care is much more expensive than the Tennessee average of $3,920. It’s also significantly more expensive than the nationwide average of $4,000, according to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study. While Nashville offers the priciest assisted living care in the state, the Kingsport Area isn’t far behind at $4,179 per month. In some of Tennessee’s major metropolitan areas, such as Clarksville and Jackson, monthly assisted living care costs are over $1,000 lower than in Nashville.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Nashville: $4,500
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,920
• Chattanooga: $3,018
• Clarksville: $3,495
• Jackson: $3,469
• Kingsport Area: $4,179
• Knoxville: $4,033
• Memphis: $3,585

Care Cost Comparison

In Nashville, the biggest factor influencing the cost of senior care is the type of care that a senior needs. Adult day health care, the most affordable type of care in the city, costs about one-third the price of assisted living care. Homemaker services ($3,621) and home health aides ($3,804) are also significantly less expensive than assisted living care. However, seniors who choose these in-home care options should also consider the other costs associated with remaining in their homes, such as utilities. The most expensive type of senior care in Nashville, nursing home care, costs more than $2,000 more per month than assisted living care.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,500
• Homemaker services: $3,621
• Home health aide: $3,804
• Adult day health: $1,408
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,692

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Nashville

Medicaid in Tennessee

Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides health care benefits to eligible people, such as children, pregnant women and senior citizens. Each state operates its own Medicaid program. TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, covers a variety of health care services, such as doctor visits, home health services, medical supplies, hospital visits and physical therapy.

Seniors may qualify for coverage through TennCare if they meet the program’s residency, citizenship and financial requirements. They must be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens who live in Tennessee. In addition, they must have a low or very low income. In Tennessee, the Medicaid income limit for a single senior is $16,040 per year before taxes. For couples, the income limit is $21,599. Seniors accepted into the TennCare program may need to regularly verify eligibility. 

Seniors can apply for TennCare coverage through TennCare Connect, the state’s online portal. Alternately, seniors can complete a paper application and mail it to:

Health Insurance Marketplace
Dept. of Health and Human Services
465 Industrial Blvd, London, KY 40750

For help applying for TennCare, seniors can visit their local Department of Human Services office or speak to a Health Insurance Marketplace representative by calling (800) 318-2596. Seniors who have a disability can receive in-home assistance when applying for TennCare; to make arrangements call the Area Agency on Aging at (866) 836-6678.

CHOICES in Long-Term Services and Supports Program

Seniors may be eligible to receive assistance from the CHOICES in Long-Term Services and Supports program. This Medicaid waiver program provides support to seniors who qualify for nursing home care but would prefer to receive care in their own homes or in an assisted living facility. This support includes personal care visits, adult day care and assistive technology. This program is not an entitlement, and there is a waiting list.

To be eligible for the CHOICES program, seniors must meet the financial requirements for Medicaid long-term services and supports. These requirements are different from the requirements for general Medicaid coverage. Seniors must have a monthly income that is less than $2,313. Their total assets, excluding their primary residence, must be less than $2,000.

For more information on the CHOICES program, call the Long-Term Services and Supports Help Desk at (877) 224-0219.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance Program

Veterans and survivors who need help paying for assisted living care in Nashville may be eligible for the Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance program. This program provides an increased monthly VA pension to eligible seniors.

To receive this additional pension benefit, seniors must be eligible for a basic VA pension. They must also need assistance from another person to perform one or more personal tasks, such as bathing or dressing. Seniors who are legally blind or bedridden due to a disability may also qualify.

Seniors who have questions about this pension can call (800) 827-1000 to speak to a representative at the Nashville Regional Benefit Office. They can also visit this office, located at 110 9th Avenue in Nashville, to apply for benefits. Those who aren’t able to apply in person can submit a written request to the Pension Management Center:

Milwaukee VA Pension Center
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention: Milwaukee Pension Center
P.O. Box 5192 
Janesville, WI 53547
Fax: 1-844-655-1604

Bridge Loans for Assisted Living

Seniors who need short-term funding to pay for assisted living care may want to consider a bridge loan. These loans are ideal for seniors who are waiting for benefit approval, a home sale or another long-term source of funding. Like a line of credit, seniors can withdraw money as they need it. The funds are sent directly to the assisted living community where the senior lives.

Seniors can apply for a bridge loan by filling out an online application with Elderlife Financial. They can also call (888) 228-4500 to apply over the phone. 

Assisted Living Resources in Nashville

Senior Centers

There are 17 senior centers located throughout Nashville. These centers offer a variety of socialization opportunities for seniors, such as exercise classes and walking programs. Educational opportunities, including guest speakers and computer classes, are also available. In addition, seniors can visit a local senior center to receive referrals to community services.

Area Agency on Aging

Seniors can contact the local AAA to learn more about the programs and services they may be eligible for, such as Medicare, Medicaid and CHOICES. They can also receive referrals to community resources.

The Greater Nashville Regional Council 
220 Athens Way, Ste 200, Nashville, TN 37228
(615) 862-8828

Resources for Veterans

Nashville is home to several resources for veterans. Seniors can visit the regional benefit office to learn more about the benefits that may be available to them. Seniors who require medical care can use the Nashville VA hospital or one of the city’s community VA clinics.

Nashville Regional Benefits Office 
110 9th Ave, South Nashville, TN 37203
(800) 827-1000

Tennessee Valley Healthcare System – Nashville Campus 
1310 24th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
(800) 228-4973

Nashville Vet Center 
1420 Donelson Pike Ste A-5, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 366-1220