Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Nashville beckons retirees with its unique blend of Southern charm, vibrant culture, and a relaxed pace of life. Boasting a temperate climate with mild winters and approximately 220 sunny days a year, Nashville offers an appealing environment for retirees seeking an enjoyable and comfortable lifestyle. The city has numerous top-notch medical facilities and hospitals, including the top-ranked Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Additionally, Nashville’s vibrant music and arts scene provides seniors with opportunities for social interaction and cultural enrichment.
A variety of memory care facility options are available for your loved one in Nashville — from standalone communities to other facilities with combined types of care. Within a 10-mile radius of downtown Nashville, A Place For Mom has partnered with 11 memory care facilities. Many of these facilities tailor their care specifically to accommodate memory loss and include staff training in redirection, cueing, and disorientation care.
In this guide, we will introduce you to more than just memory care institutions in Nashville for your loved one. You will learn more about how people pay for memory care costs, what health care systems are highly ranked in the city, how to get around when visiting your loved one, and appropriate activities for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease who are accompanied by a caretaker.
Belmont Village Green Hills is a very friendly place! The staff are very interesting in making everything pleasant for all of the residents. The food is great! A broader variety on the menu would be...
They have more long-term stability in management than is typical for many competitors. My loved one wouldn't have participated in anything per his nature. But seeing the lobby taken over for bingo instead...
What we like the most about The Rivers is just the atmosphere, plus the care my wife has been receiving. She's treated like a person rather than a number. I've been pleased with the recent improvements and...
Overall, Our experience at Cloverland Park was good. I feel there was a staff shortage in memory care. Staff was always friendly, caring and helpful. Activities for residents were encouraged, social time...
Overall we are happy . It took awhile for Mom to adjust but she seems happy now at Harmony. If possible, I feel that family members should visit as much as possible right after the move because that seems...
The facility has been upgraded within the last two years is very nice and clean. The staff has been very helpful with a lot of activities for the residents. The pricing at the facility is very reasonable.
Morningside has been great and seems to be a good fit for Scott. He wanted to move there. I feel like he is safe, staff checks on him and he loves the food.
5's for all. No place is perfect, but I've been very satisfied with everything so far and we would absolutely recommend Mary, Queen of Angels to other families.
Overall the Mckendree is okay and my friend is adjusting but I hope that the new owners will put in new carpet and new recliners in the third floor memory ward where my friend lives. The staff is topnotch,...
Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland is a lovely facility. I have gotten very comfortable there and I like the style and the layout of my apartment. There are a few area areas of weaknesses that occur...
My parent has been at the Lodge for a few years. Overall, we have had a good experience. There was a short time when things were not as good as they had been. Lodge has a new director and he is making a...
I looked at 6 different places for my husband who has Alzheimer’s and chose Barton House because it is non-profit, privately owned, small and specializes in memory care only. the staff is well trained,...
They have been kind and inclusive. The transition was not easy but they were very supportive. It is very clean and well kept. There has been some staff turnover, but I think that is to be expected. Overall,...
My father is well here at this community. They taking good care him, and his needs. The have a lovely staff, and they have been great to work with. All is well so far, and I would recommend it.
My loved one doesn't like the food the community provides. The little I know about the community it is fine. The communication with the staff has been fine as well. All the residents have had their...
My loved one is now at The Sapphire at music city and the staff is much friendlier and so much more compassionate. Night and day difference from his last facility. He loves it. The staff is very...
My loved one was only here for a brief stay while he recovered from a fall. Overall I thought they did a good job with his care.The facility was clean, and the seemed friendly and caring.
Our loved one was only there for about a wee but it met all of our expectations. We really liked the community and so did our loved one, she adjusted very well. It was less expensive then other communities...
My mom was at North Park Village and my family couldn't have asked for a more compassionate, caring atmosphere when she needed to go to assisted living. Mitzi [last name removed], the administrator there,...
Wellington Place is a wonderful assisted facility. My Aunt resided there for almost 4 years. Wellington provided a wonderful living experience for her in the most respectful that we ever imagine. They even...
My mom was there for an 8 day stay while I went on vacation. I toured the Kemptons and interacted with the staff for 2 weeks before mom began her stay. I couldn't ask for more better care from the staff....
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Nashville community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average monthly cost of our partner memory care facilities in the Nashville area is $4,521.[01] The costs include accommodation, meals, associated fees, and add-on service expenses, such as specialized therapies, 24-hour monitoring, and other ancillary services.
The values below indicate the typical baseline prices for the Nashville area and do not include any additional fees for services.
In Nashville, several financing alternatives for memory care exist, including private funds, state funds, and veterans benefits. Seniors and their families can choose from many payment alternatives to meet their needs. Learn about private pay, Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits for memory care in this section.
Many seniors and their families can pay for memory care centers with personal funding. Personal savings accounts, pensions, Social Security benefits, distributions from retirement accounts, investment income, inheritances, and any of the following resources may be considered.
Number of veterans who live in Nashville
About 22% of Nashville veterans are 75+
Certain veteran benefits in Nashville may help reduce living costs in a memory care facility. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA Pension can assist Nashville veterans with assisted living expenditures like memory care.
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is perhaps the most commonly used benefit (apart from the VA Pension) for memory care, as these funds are designated for wartime veterans who require assistance with washing, getting dressed, eating, and other activities.
Those injured while serving in the military and those whose conditions were worsened by military service are also eligible for VA Disability Compensation. This can pay the costs of housing and medical treatment based on a disability evaluation.
Nashville seniors and their families can seek assistance from various veterans services organizations (VSOs) like American Legion posts, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) clubs. The veterans services officers at these organizations can help veterans access their entitled benefits and provide valuable information and connections to services that can benefit individuals dealing with memory deficits associated with aging.
Resources for Nashville veterans
110 Ninth Ave. S
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
Nashville Field Office
1310 24th Ave. S, Rooms G116, G117, G118
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-741-2345
Contact: Jacquline Bumpas, veterans services officer
Phone: 615-982-5181
Contact: Ben Welch, veterans services officer
Phone: 615-981-9956
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1291
1907 Lebanon Pike Pass
Nashville, TN 37210
Phone: 615-889-9755
Email: vfwnashville@outlook.com
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1970
7220 Charlotte Pike
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: 615-352-9933
Disabled American Veterans Nashville Chapter
110 Ninth Ave. S, Suite C166B
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-695-6384
The American Legion Department of Tennessee
318 Donelson Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 615-391-5088
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
223 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Suite 301
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-782-7226
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The local Medicaid program for Nashville, TennCare, offers health insurance to those who qualify for Medicaid and do not have insurance. It doesn’t cover assisted living or memory care facility lodging, but it can help pay for medical appointments, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. You can sign up for it through TennCare Connect, an online tool for Tennesseeans to monitor their application and access additional resources.
Home and community based services (HCBS) waivers also allow states to use Medicaid funds to provide senior care (not only health care) at home or in assisted living-type facilities, such as memory care units. Seniors on Medicaid will require this waiver to receive care in their memory care facility.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman or your local Area Agency on Aging can assist you in navigating Medicaid and its protocols. Ombudsmen are dedicated volunteers who possess extensive knowledge and can assist you with any inquiries pertaining to Medicaid. To obtain further guidance and support, you can contact Mid-Cumberland for their ombudsman services or reach out to the Greater Nashville Regional Council Area Agency on Aging and Disability.
Nashville resident Medicaid resources
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greater Nashville Regional Council Area Agency on Aging and Disability
501 Union St., Sixth Floor
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone: 615-862-8828
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greater Nashville Regional Council
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615-862-8828
Fax: 615-862-8840
Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency
1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37217
Phone: 615-850-3918
Email: mlunday@mchra.com
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick St., Ninth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-253-5412
Fax: 615-741-3309
Email: teresa.teeple@tn.gov
If your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia has Medicare, it’ll cover some, but not all, care costs. Though Medicare doesn’t directly cover the cost of a Nashville memory care facility, this benefit can be applied to qualified memory care services and/or programs. Signing up for Medicare is easily done online or by contacting a Social Security office near you.
Medicare pays in-patient hospital care, some doctors’ fees, and other medical goods for adults 65 and older with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Other dementia-related services, such as inpatient hospital care, physician costs, some medically essential products, and short-term skilling nursing care, may be covered by Medicare. Many prescription medicines are also covered by Medicare Part D.
To bridge the gap left by Medicare’s limitations, consider examining the following programs that can provide financial assistance:
You and your loved one can also seek free counseling from the Tennessee State Health Insurance Help Program (TN SHIP) to obtain comprehensive information about Medicare. TN SHIP provides free assistance to individuals, families, and caregivers who are eligible for Medicare. You can locate certified SHIP counselors to address your queries by referring to the interactive map of Medicare counseling sites in Tennessee.
Your local Social Security office and long-term care ombudsman can provide information on benefits and enrollment as well. They can help seniors and their families understand their health care rights, options, and financial responsibilities.
Nashville resident Medicare resources
Nashville Social Security Administration Office
120 Athens Way
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 877-808-5461
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nashville Social Security Administration Office
221 Cumberland Bend
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 877-583-4103
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greater Nashville Regional Council (SHIP)
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615-862-8828
Fax: 615-862-8840
Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency
1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37217
Phone: 615-850-3918
Email: mlunday@mchra.com
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick St., Ninth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-253-5412
Fax: 615-741-3309
Email: teresa.teeple@tn.gov
Memory care facilities in Nashville must train their personnel in the characteristics and needs of people with dementia, such as mental and emotional changes, behavioral changes, and techniques for satisfying residents’ particular needs.
The Tennessee Department of Health’s Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities oversees the licensing of memory care facilities, ensuring that elderly individuals receive necessary personal care support. A pre-licensure inspection is necessary, and the department conducts an unannounced inspection of every institution within 15 months after its last inspection date and as needed after that.
Residential homes for the aged, which are for now more than four people, are inspected before licensure and regularly as a requirement of re-licensing, as are assisted care living facilities. Both of which can offer memory care in Tennessee. During Department of Health inspections, facilities must comply by permitting admission at any time and providing all relevant paperwork.
Because memory care is a subset of assisted living with added memory care requirements, the regulations of memory care communities encompass all assisted living facilities. Tennessee has many laws and regulations for the protection of assisted living facility residents, including:
The Tennessee Department of Health’s Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities is responsible for inspecting memory care facilities to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations. You can look up Nashville’s inspection reports for senior care facilities online.
Tennessee Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Memory care facilities in Nashville are not required to adhere to any specific COVID-19 regulations. However, the rules could vary from one facility to the next. Here are some general recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to go by to stop COVID-19 from spreading.
Vaccinations. At the Metro Public Health Department health clinics, vaccinations can be scheduled by appointment.
Masking. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, have a positive test result, or have been exposed, wear a high-quality mask indoors.
Staff safety. Surface must be periodically cleaned and disinfected. Regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds should be practiced by staff.
Quarantining. People exposed to COVID-19, test positive for the virus or show symptoms need to be quarantined.
Nashville is a popular retirement destination for many seniors due to its diverse community, rich cultural past, and Southern hospitality. Soft, honeyed lighting and a rural aesthetic give residents of many of the facilities a comforting country feel. Memory care facilities around Nashville offer social and engaging activities for seniors. There are memory care services also available in dedicated communities or specialized wings of assisted living homes for adults with memory difficulties.
All of our partner facilities in Nashville have a designated activity director who schedules coordinated social activities designed to cater to the special needs of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.[01]
Additionally, various interests and pastimes are on offer, allowing seniors to interact with their neighbors, like an arts and crafts center, fitness center, and more. They also offer upscale dining options, lovely gardens, and strolling routes. Eighty-two percent of our partner memory care facilities have enclosed outdoor areas to preserve the residents’ security and comfort.[01]
Within a 10-mile radius of downtown Nashville, our 11 partner memory care facilities provide multiple living options, including:
Within a 25-mile radius of downtown Nashville, there are several additional alternatives, including:
Many Nashville memory care facilities fulfill the needs of dementia patients by offering specialized activities like water aerobics and cognitive exercises. They have competent experts on-site 24 hours daily, providing memory care. Families do not need to be concerned about elders with memory loss because the communities are secure. The staff also manages medication, diabetes, and incontinence care for residents who need it.[01]
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Median annual income for Nashville seniors 65 and older
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a teaching hospital that provides excellent care for patients with complex medical needs. The facility is ranked No. 1 in Tennessee and 19th in the United States. It also ranks first in every procedure and condition graded by U.S. News & World Report.
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital is regarded as one of the best in the world for treating 15 adult diseases and treatments, including stroke transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), joint replacements, cancer therapies, and heart surgery.. The hospital also ranks second in Tennessee and in the top 12% of hospitals in the country.
TriStar Centennial Medical Center exceeds patients’ expectations by providing comprehensive medical and surgical treatments. The health care facility has received good ratings from U.S. News & World Report for its work in various adult treatments and illnesses, including colon cancer, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, hip replacement, and knee replacement.
Memory care patients across Nashville can access transportation options at their facilities. Ninety-one percent of our partner facilities offer complimentary transportation, and 18% offer at-cost transportation.[01] However, when leaving the facility, residents should be accompanied by a family member or caregiver at all times.
The regular public transportation services in Nashville don’t have specific protocols for dementia patients. The WeGo program provides access for those unable to use traditional public transit choices and passengers with disabilities.
The WeGo Access program charges $3.70 per ride and operates during fixed-route bus operation hours. Passengers unable to use these services alone must travel with a personal care assistant. For more details, you can call 615-880-3970.
Another option would be Senior Ride Nashville, which provides transportation to people aged 60 and up. Patients in memory care can use this service to travel to any area within Davidson County while accompanied by a family member or caregiver. However, they must pre-register for the program, which has a waitlist. Once eligible, riders will be notified when they can use the service. Each round trip costs $6, with a $25 yearly membership charge. Drivers have been trained and vetted to ensure that excellent trips arrive on time and are communicated with in advance.
An alternative choice is PrimeCare Transportation Services, a non-emergency medical transportation company. Their expertise lies in offering transportation services tailored to individuals who need support when traveling to and from medical appointments or health care facilities. PrimeCare’s services are especially advantageous for individuals facing mobility challenges, disabilities, or medical conditions that necessitate specialized transportation. With a focus on door-to-door service, they cater to patients’ specific requirements, such as wheelchair accessibility, stretcher transportation, or the use of other specialized medical equipment.
Nashville, the epicenter of country music, is a pilgrimage for music enthusiasts worldwide. Therefore, it’s no surprise that visitors worldwide travel to various attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame. For seniors, learning about the colorful past of country music and getting a glimpse into the lives of some of their favorite musicians is a wonderful experience. The museum exhibits many historically significant artifacts connected to country music. People with disabilities can easily tour the museum, but it’s recommended to go on non-holiday Monday through Thursday when it is less crowded.
Memory care residents will greatly benefit from attending performances at the Grand Ole Opry. This legendary venue has hosted some of the biggest names in country music, and it is a great place to catch live music in Nashville. Assistive listening devices are available for the concerts at the tour desk in the foyer. The location complies with ADA regulations and offers wheelchairs to individuals who need them. Nashville boasts not only the Grand Ole Opry but also the Ryman Auditorium, another iconic venue that provides a comprehensive range of accessibility options for seniors.
The General Jackson Showboat, one of the biggest showboats ever built, offers a unique setting to hear some of Nashville’s best musicians. While floating down the Cumberland River and taking in the beautiful city views in every direction, guests can eat and watch a show. With the help of an elevator on board and an inclining dock ramp, most of the boat is wheelchair accessible apart from the top deck.
Beyond its famous music scene, Nashville caters to sports enthusiasts with a wide range of professional sports teams to rally behind. Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Tennessee Titans NFL game at Nissan Stadium as you passionately cheer on the team during kickoff. For ice hockey lovers, Bridgestone Arena is the place to be, where you can witness exhilarating Nashville Predators games that will leave you on the edge of your seat. And for those who cherish America’s favorite pastime, don’t miss the opportunity to catch a Nashville Sounds minor league baseball game, filled with the spirit of the game and unforgettable moments. In Nashville, sports lovers are spoiled for choice with a variety of thrilling options.
Those residents who require fresh air can visit one of Nashville’s top parks, Centennial Park. It has plenty to offer everyone, such as miles of walking trails, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historic sites like the Nashville Parthenon, a center for the arts, a lovely sunken garden, and more. Seniors are welcome to use this fantastic park whenever they like, but there are a variety of scheduled activities. With the support of a caregiver or family member, patients in memory care can take advantage of the park’s scenic views.
For seniors seeking an adventure in the animal kingdom, the Nashville Zoo is an excellent choice. It features meticulously maintained habitats that house an impressive collection of 3,000 animals from 325 diverse species, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. The zoo goes the extra mile by providing well-shaded seating areas, creating a perfect space for seniors to relax and reconnect with nature in a tranquil environment. Accessibility is a top priority here. All pathways, exhibits, and facilities are designed to accommodate every visitor, ensuring that everyone can fully explore and appreciate the zoo. For individuals in need of a wheelchair but without their own, wheelchair rentals are conveniently available starting at $12.
Belmont Village Green Hills, Vitality Living Hendersonville and Morningside of Springfield are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Nashville, TN. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Nashville is $4,652 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). TriStar Centennial Medical Center.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). TriStar Centennial Medical Center.