Cost of Senior Care in Tennessee (2026)
Average monthly costs for nursing home, assisted living, memory care, home health, and adult day programs in Tennessee — plus what Tennessee Medicaid covers and your likely out-of-pocket spend.
All senior care costs in Tennessee for 2026
| Care Type | Median / month | Range | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health Care | $5,229 | $3,735 – $7,304 | $62,748 |
| Adult Day Program | $1,743 | $1,245 – $2,656 | $20,916 |
| Assisted Living | $4,565 | $3,320 – $7,055 | $54,780 |
| Memory Care | $5,810 | $4,233 – $8,964 | $69,720 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $7,885 | $5,395 – $13,280 | $94,620 |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $8,881 | $6,142 – $15,355 | $106,572 |
Tennessee costs run 17% below the national median. Costs vary by city, facility tier, and level of care required.
See your exact out-of-pocket cost
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What Tennessee Medicaid covers
If you qualify for Tennessee Medicaid, the program covers most or all of the cost of long-term care in Tennessee:
Nursing home
Medicaid covers the full $7,885/month cost in a Medicaid-certified facility. The resident contributes monthly income (Social Security, pension) toward the cost, keeping a small personal-needs allowance ($30–$80/month). Medicaid pays the rest.
Assisted living
Through HCBS waiver, Medicaid covers the care services portion (~$2,739/month) but not the room and board portion (~$1,826/month). Room and board is the resident's responsibility, often capped at the SSI federal benefit amount.
In-home care
Medicaid covers up to 40+ hours per week of personal care services in your home through HCBS waivers. Skilled home health (nursing visits) is covered for both short-term and long-term needs. Some states allow family members to be paid caregivers.
Adult day program
Fully covered for those who qualify through HCBS waivers. Provides daytime supervision, meals, social activities, and basic health monitoring — often used as respite for family caregivers.
If you don't qualify for Medicaid
Other ways to pay for care in Tennessee:
- Medicare: Covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay, plus short-term skilled home health. Does NOT cover long-term custodial care.
- Long-term care insurance: If purchased before need, typical policies pay $150–$250/day.
- VA Aid & Attendance: Up to $2,358/month (2026, single veteran) toward care for wartime veterans meeting income/asset rules.
- Reverse mortgage: Tap home equity while staying in the home.
- Life insurance acceleration: Some policies allow early benefit payout for terminal or chronic illness.
- Medicaid spend-down: A planned drawdown of assets, often with an elder-law attorney's help, to qualify for Medicaid before private funds run out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nursing home cost in Tennessee?
The 2026 median monthly cost of a semi-private nursing home room in Tennessee is approximately $7,885. A private room is closer to $8,881 per month. Medicaid covers the full cost for those who qualify.
How much does assisted living cost in Tennessee?
The 2026 median monthly cost of assisted living in Tennessee is approximately $4,565. Memory care typically adds 20-30% on top. Medicaid covers the care portion through HCBS waiver; room and board is your responsibility.
Does Medicaid pay for senior care in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee Medicaid fully covers nursing home costs for those who qualify. Through HCBS waiver, it also covers personal care at home, adult day programs, and the care services portion of assisted living.
How much is home care in Tennessee?
In-home care averages about $29 per hour in Tennessee. At 44 hours per week, that's approximately $5,229 per month. Medicaid HCBS waivers cover most of this for those who qualify.
Does Medicare pay for long-term care in Tennessee?
No. Medicare covers short-term skilled care — up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay, plus skilled home health for limited periods. Medicare does NOT cover long-term custodial care at home, assisted living, or extended nursing home stays. That's Medicaid's role.