This is your hub for Tennessee senior-care resources — the state programs, regulators, and benefits that Nashville metro families use most. Tennessee's senior-care system is overseen by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) through the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities for licensing and inspection.
Paying for care in Tennessee
Tennessee's TennCare CHOICES long-term services and supports program — part of TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) administered by the Division of TennCare — is the main public pathway, covering nursing-facility and home- and community-based services for those who qualify by medical need and finances (2026: income ≤ $2,982/mo, assets ≤ $2,000). Veterans may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance or a Tennessee State Veterans Home — the Murfreesboro campus serves the Nashville metro.
Safety and rights
Report concerns through the TDH complaint process, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or Adult Protective Services (APS) for suspected abuse or exploitation.
Local help
Nashville metro services run through the Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) Area Agency on Aging & Disability (615-255-1010 / 866-836-6678), serving 13 Middle Tennessee counties. The statewide entry point is the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD). They connect seniors with meals, in-home support, caregiver respite, and more — a good deal of it free or offered on a sliding scale.
How Tennessee licenses senior care
Two licensed residential care types serve most families. Assisted-Care Living Facilities (ACLFs) are regulated under TCA Title 68, Chapter 11 and TDH Rule 1200-08-25 — larger licensed settings with on-site staff, meals, and activities. Residential Homes for the Aged (RHFAs), licensed under TCA Title 68, Chapter 11 and Rule 1200-08-11, provide room, board, and personal care in a smaller residential setting. Skilled nursing facilities fall under TCA Title 68, Chapter 11 and TDH Rule 1200-08-06. Memory care is not a separate license in Tennessee — it is a specialty within an ACLF license, so always confirm a secured unit's dementia training and staffing. You can verify any provider's license, inspections, and enforcement history on the TDH provider lookup at tn.gov/health.
Free help from a local Nashville advisor
Nashville Senior Advisor connects families across Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Sumner, Maury, Robertson, and Dickson counties with a free local advisor — no fees, ever. We help you understand your options, compare licensed providers, verify TDH and CMS credentials, and coordinate the move. Tell us your situation →
