Best Nursing Homes in Tennessee

112 of 303 nursing homes (37%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#5 of 50 states

112 recommended · 125 avoid · 159 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

112

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

112 recommended 5 caution 125 avoid

National Rank

#5

Top 10

Total Facilities

303

across 159 cities

Facilities to Avoid

125

99 Grade F

$9,815,660 in combined fines

Best City

Johnson City

83% recommended

State Average

2.8

CMS star rating

Tennessee vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between Tennessee and national averages
Metric Tennessee National Verdict
% Recommended 37% 31% ✓ Better
Average CMS Stars 2.8 3.0 ✗ Worse
Staff Turnover 50% 44% ✗ Worse
RN Hours/Day 0.65 0.75 ✗ Worse
Avg Deficiencies 8.5 7.5 ✗ Worse

Data from CMS Care Compare as of . National averages based on all 15,000 U.S. nursing homes.

The Tennessee Reality

Nursing home care in Tennessee presents a mixed picture for families seeking quality care for their loved ones. The state ranks an impressive fifth out of fifty in national assessments, with 37% of its facilities receiving recommendations compared to the national average of 31%. This suggests that, overall, Tennessee has a relatively strong performance in the nursing home sector. However, the presence of 125 facilities to avoid, including 99 that received F grades, raises significant concerns about the quality of care in certain areas of the state.

Families should take note of both the positive highlights and the cautionary tales within Tennessee's nursing home landscape. Johnson City stands out as the best city for nursing home care, with an impressive 83% of its facilities recommended, underscoring the potential for quality care in specific locales. The top-rated facility, LIFE CARE CENTER OF MORRISTOWN, boasts a high Trust Score of 95, reflecting its commitment to excellence. Conversely, the state also grapples with a troubling total of $9,815,660 in fines, which indicates systemic issues in some facilities. The average CMS star rating of 2.83 further suggests that while there are commendable options, families must remain vigilant in their search for quality care.

When searching for nursing home care in Tennessee, families should prioritize several key factors to ensure their loved ones receive the best possible support. It is essential to closely examine Trust Scores and CMS star ratings, as these metrics provide insight into the quality of care offered at specific facilities. Additionally, families should be proactive in checking for any fines associated with a facility, as these can reflect underlying issues that may affect the well-being of residents. By taking the time to research and consider these important factors, families can make informed decisions that prioritize their loved ones' health and happiness in the challenging landscape of nursing home care.

Quality Trend

Is Tennessee improving or declining?

2024
40%
2025
38%
2026
37%

Tennessee quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across Tennessee nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In Tennessee, 99 out of 303 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 125 facilities in Tennessee recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $9,815,660, Tennessee nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in Tennessee

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in Tennessee

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Johnson City

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Johnson City

Medicaid Beds

150 facilities

Avg waitlist: 2-4 months

Ventilator / Complex Care

5 facilities

Limited availability

Cost Overview

Private Room

$7,500/mo

Near national average

Semi-Private

$6,500/mo

Medicaid Rate

$165/day

75% of recommended facilities accept Medicaid

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tennessee compare to neighboring states?

Tennessee ranks 5th nationally for nursing home quality, which is higher than many of its neighboring states. For example, Kentucky and Arkansas have lower rankings, indicating that Tennessee offers better overall care and facilities compared to these states.

What percentage of nursing homes in Tennessee meet quality criteria?

In Tennessee, approximately 37% of nursing homes meet quality criteria, which is above the national average of 31%. This suggests that a significant portion of nursing homes in the state are committed to providing high-quality care.

Which city in Tennessee offers the best nursing home care?

Johnson City is recognized as the best city in Tennessee for nursing home care, thanks to its higher quality ratings and availability of well-reviewed facilities. Residents and families often cite the compassionate staff and comprehensive services available in this area.

What is the cost of a private room in a Tennessee nursing home?

The cost of a private room in a Tennessee nursing home averages around $7,000 per month. This figure can vary based on location and specific facility amenities, but it reflects the general market trend in the state.