Worth Considering
3
Facilities graded B or better with zero fines
Best Nursing Homes in Chattanooga, Tennessee
3 of 6 nursing homes in Chattanooga (50%) meet our strict criteria. The Tennessee statewide average is 29%.
3 recommended · 0 caution · 3 avoid · data
City Average
3.3
★
+0.00 vs state
Total Beds
1,135
across 6 facilities
High Risk Facilities
3
2 Grade F
$108,940 in combined fines
Zero Fines
3
/6
passed all inspections
Nurse Availability
0 min
RN time per resident daily
Below CMS recommendation
Why These 3?
The nursing home market in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is adequate but has some concerns, with only 50% of the 6 facilities recommended. Families should be aware that three facilities have a total of $108,940 in fines, highlighting the importance of thorough research before making a decision.
Exceptional (Grade A, Trust Score 90+)
- 1 HEALTH CENTER AT STANDIFER PLACE, THE (90) — The Health Center at Standifer Place shines with an impressive Trust Score of 90/100 and a top-tier CMS 5★ rating. This facility boasts an A grade and has maintained a clean record with $0 fines, offering excellent care in a spacious 444-bed setting. Residents can expect a high standard of service and support in a well-managed environment.
Strong (Grade B+, Trust Score 80-89)
- 2 LIFE CARE CENTER OF EAST RIDGE (83) — Life Care Center of East Ridge stands out with a solid Trust Score of 83/100 and a commendable CMS 4★ rating. With an A- grade and no fines, this 108-bed facility is known for its attentive staff and quality rehabilitation services, making it a reliable choice for families seeking care.
- 3 NHC HEALTHCARE, CHATTANOOGA (80) — NHC Healthcare, Chattanooga, is noted for its consistent quality, reflected in its Trust Score of 80/100 and CMS 4★ rating. This 200-bed facility has an A- grade with a perfect record of $0 fines, ensuring that residents receive attentive care in a welcoming environment.
The other 3 Chattanooga facilities didn't qualify — 3 carry Grade D or F ratings and 3 have fines totaling $108K.
Recommended
The Health Center at Standifer Place shines with an impressive Trust Score of 90/100 and a top-tier CMS 5★ rating. This facility boasts an A grade and has maintained a clean record with $0 fines, offering excellent care in a spacious 444-bed setting. Residents can expect a high standard of service and support in a well-managed environment.
Life Care Center of East Ridge stands out with a solid Trust Score of 83/100 and a commendable CMS 4★ rating. With an A- grade and no fines, this 108-bed facility is known for its attentive staff and quality rehabilitation services, making it a reliable choice for families seeking care.
NHC Healthcare, Chattanooga, is noted for its consistent quality, reflected in its Trust Score of 80/100 and CMS 4★ rating. This 200-bed facility has an A- grade with a perfect record of $0 fines, ensuring that residents receive attentive care in a welcoming environment.
Staffing Comparison
Staffing levels are the strongest predictor of care quality
| Metric | Top Facility | Chattanooga Avg | CMS Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN Hours / Resident / Day | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.75 |
| CMS Star Rating | 5 stars | 3.3 stars | — |
| Deficiencies / Inspection | 0 | 0.0 | — |
Facilities to Avoid
These facilities have significant quality concerns.
What Disqualified the Other 3?
Our criteria: Trust Grade B or better (score 70+) AND zero fines in 3 years
- Grade F facilities
- 2 Grade F — critical inspection failures
- Facilities with fines
- 3 Have fines totaling $108,940
- Low-scoring facilities
- 1 Scored below B — Trust Scores under 70
Questions Chattanooga Families Should Ask
Based on what we found in local inspection data
-
1
"What is your current CMS star rating and Trust Score?"
Chattanooga's city average is 3.3 stars
-
2
"Have you received any fines in the past 3 years?"
3 of 6 Chattanooga facilities have fines
-
3
"How many RN hours per resident do you provide daily?"
CMS recommends 45 min; Chattanooga avg is 0 min
-
4
"What were your most recent inspection findings?"
Chattanooga facilities average 0.0 deficiencies per inspection
Explore Nearby Cities
Houston has strong options, but nearby cities add even more choices
Houston at a Glance
Good News
- 12 facilities meet our strict criteria—20% of the market
- 3 exceptional A-grade facilities with 5-star CMS ratings
- 24 facilities with zero fines in the past 3 years
Be Aware
- 30 facilities carry Grade F—nearly half the market
- $3.2M+ in total fines across 37 facilities
- Worst facility has $448,216 in fines alone
Key Numbers
- Average Trust Score: 48.6 (dragged down by 30 F-grades)
- 82% for-profit, 13% non-profit, 5% government
- 9.4 average deficiencies per facility
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nursing homes in Chattanooga, TN are recommended?
3 of 6 nursing homes in Chattanooga (50%) meet our strict criteria of excellent inspection results and a clean record with no fines.
What makes a nursing home in Chattanooga "recommended"?
A facility earns our recommendation when it achieves a Trust Grade of B or better (score of 70+) AND has zero fines in the past three years. This combination indicates consistent quality care and regulatory compliance.
How should I evaluate nursing homes in Chattanooga?
Look beyond star ratings. Check for recent fines, abuse citations, staffing levels (especially RN hours), and inspection deficiencies. Visit in person during different times of day to observe care quality firsthand.