Tennessee senior home care agencies and services directory

Find Home Care in Tennessee

Home care in Tennessee can be a great option for seniors who want to remain mostly independent in the comfort of their own abode but need assistance on a widely ranging basis. These services can include anything from weekly medication management to 24-hour hospice care. Currently, there are around 562 home health care agencies in Tennessee with an average cost around $3,432 a month.

Home Care in Tennessee - Cost Comparison

When seeking a home health care aide or homemaker for you or your loved one, it’s important to understand one’s individual needs for care. Most of the time, licensed medical professionals work under the direction of a physician, with non-medical paraprofessionals working alongside other professionals.

Home care in Tennessee can provide services such as housekeeping, general shopping, and medication management, to full-on nursing care and medical attention. Depending on what will be required on the job, the cost of this care will vary from each city to the next.

There are a number of cities throughout TN that have senior home care agencies and the median monthly cost ranges from:

Highest Cost: Clarksville $3,956
Lowest Cost: Jackson $2,955

City	Homemaker Services Monthly Costs	Home Health Aide Monthly Costs
Chattanooga	$3,423	$3,527
Clarksville	$3,813	$3,813
Johnson City	$3,480	$3,480
Knoxville	$3,432	$3,432
Memphis	$3,348	$3,396
Nashville-Davidson Area	$3,623	$3,623

Recreation & Attractions in Tennessee

Tennessee features a variety of interesting and unique attractions found throughout the state. It is the home of famous country-folk singer Dolly Parton's very own amusement park called Dollywood. The park features many musical events, thrill rides, hand-made crafts, and something for the whole family. Residents can also enjoy a thriving music and arts scene in either Nashville or Memphis. There are also many natural places for recreation such as Cling Man's Dome, a mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains spanning Tennessee and North Carolina.

There are still many options for less mobile seniors in Tennessee. Senior centers throughout the state provide senior-friendly activities such as movie nights, exercise classes, bingo, and technology seminars. Specialized senior trips are also available to places such as Sun Studio, the Titanic Museum Attraction, or Parrot Mountain & Gardens.

Tennessee's Climate, Geography & Culture

The climate in TN, while relatively mild, still has four seasons. The varying topography throughout the state results in different conditions, but the average summer high temperature is 89 degrees with an average winter low of 28 degrees. Typically, 115 days of the year have precipitation resulting in an average of 52 inches of rain and 6 inches of snow. With 207 days of sunshine annually and moderate to high levels of humidity during the summer, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

Tennessee's culture is a unique mix of a pioneering mountain spirit and the ways of the American South. As one of the original frontiers to the west, Tennessee has seen a fair share of historical conflict during the Civil War and with the forced eviction of thousands of Cherokee natives. Today, the state embodies a laid back and friendly mentality consumed by classic southern cooking and country music. Whether in Memphis or Nashville, you'll be sure to find a warm welcome and plenty of opportunities for an interesting time.

Crime & Safety in Tennessee

When trying to find home care in Tennessee, it can be helpful to know which areas are generally considered safer than others. Not only will a crime-free environment make an individual's home care more effective, but anyone visiting them will be at ease. Here are some of the safest places found throughout Tennessee:

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Loudon	1.05	12.60
Signal Mountain	0.16	6.93
Brentwood	1.97	18.77

(source: valuepenguin.com)

Tennessee's Home Care Regulations & Laws

Each state’s approved programs for training and evaluation are overseen by federal legislation (42 CFR 484.36) to ensure national consistency.

Medicare-certified home health aides in Tennessee are required to have a federal minimum of 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised practical or clinical training and 12 hours of additional education every 12 months following their licensing.

Payment Options for Tennessee Home Care

Paying for home care in Tennessee can be achieved in several ways, each based on what can work the best for your unique situation.

To start, Medicare does not pay for non-medical in-home care services. Mostly, it is used for its Supplemental Insurances to cover Medicare copayments and deductibles. In order to qualify for Medicare coverage for in-home care, it must be deemed medically necessary.

Most of the time, seniors will choose to pay for their home care privately using their own savings, assets, or pensions. Other options include reverse mortgages, opening a home equity line of credit, or converting a life insurance policy to cash.

U.S. veterans can receive assistance for home care by using the Improved Pension or Homebound and Aid & Attendance Pension through the Veterans' Association or by contacting your local Tennessee Area Agency on Aging.

Last but not least, Medicaid is a joint federal and state insurance program for low-income seniors and their families that in most cases can be used to cover the costs of home care if it is deemed medically necessary. Check your state's specific requirements for eligibility and the benefits available.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Home Care in Tennessee

While receiving home care in Tennessee you must be made aware of the rights you retain as a patient. Notably, you are entitled to choose our own home health care agency and which services are to be provided. Your caretaker must respect your personal privacy and property at all times as well.

Remember, you retain your Constitutional rights and those afforded to you by the Bill of Rights. Don't hesitate to contact a lawyer if you believe a violation has been made. If there comes a point where you are unable to make decisions regarding your own care, you may entrust this responsibility to a family member or a legal representative.

Tennessee Home Care: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

It is a common misconception that this information cannot be released to you due to privacy laws. While receiving home care or any other medical service in Tennessee, your rights to obtain written or digital copies of your medical records is possible via written request.

Additionally, healthcare providers must provide you with your information under 30 days, or issue a statement as to why the delay/denial of your request has occurred.