Tennessee Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Tennessee

In Tennessee, there are over 100 continuing care retirement communities. These can be found in the following counties: Cumberland, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville. Among the towns in which you will find one or several CCRCs, there are: Fairfield, Pleasant Hill, Signal Mountain, Maryville, Knoxville, Sweetwater, Germantown, and Memphis.

When looking at retirement options, you might want to consider continuing care retirement communities. These offer high-quality senior lifestyle solutions, with a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. Within such communities, residents can live their golden years in peace, enjoying the independence and privacy offered.

To apply for a spot in a CCRC, you have to be over a certain age, most often 62. However, some communities accept senior adults from the age of 55. Prospective residents must present an adequate state of health, and offer proof of financial eligibility. Depending on the type of contract, they might have to cover a substantial entrance fee, followed by monthly fees. The latter are usually necessary to facilitate the access to healthcare, services, and amenities.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Tennessee - financing and costs

If you are planning on moving into a continuing care retirement community, one of the first things you need to do is consider your finances. Residents may use retirement funds, savings, or various assets to cover the required fees. In some cases, they might decide to sell their property, relying on the respective funds to cover their admittance.

The entrance fees for Tennessee-based CCRCs vary between $160,000 and $600,000. It is worth mentioning that these fees are associated to extensive contracts, which guarantee lifetime care and housing. The monthly fees for the same contract vary between $2,500 and $4,500; compared to the national average of $2,500, it is safe to assume that Tennessee is a bit more expensive.

However, should you choose another type of contract, you can expect to pay different fees. Modified contracts, in which the services are covered for a limited period of time, have entrance fees that vary between $80,000 and $750,000. Each month, you will have to cover fees between $1,500 and $2,500. The lowest fees are associated with fee-for-service contracts and rental agreements. Some retirement communities offer equity agreements as well.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Tennessee - care levels and services

A CCRC offers several levels of care on the same campus. Main levels include, as mentioned above: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. Additional levels might be provided, such as respite care, day care, physical and occupational rehabilitation.

All residents begin with independent living, maintaining an independent lifestyle for as long as their health allows it. When the situation changes, they can transition toward assisted living, where they will benefit from both healthcare and personal assistance. In case of complex health needs, residents move into skilled nursing. Those who are diagnosed with dementia have a specific level of care available, which is called memory care.

The possibility to transition to a higher level of care offers peace of mind. When a resident has complex healthcare needs, requiring personal assistance with daily living activities as well, it makes sense to change the care level. In this situation, a thorough assessment is performed, with the staff taking into account these factors, as well as the potential risk of injury. In many cases, residents require constant supervision, especially when they suffer from balance issues or cognitive decline.

All residents benefit from a wide range of services, such as: general maintenance, housekeeping, linen and laundry service, Internet, cable, telephone, 24/7 security, emergency call system, meal plans with dietary adjustments, guest admissions, transportation to/from appointments. Each community might offer additional services, so it might be a good idea to sign up for a virtual tour.

CCRC in Tennessee - amenities and options

Prospective residents can choose to live in a senior apartment, alone or together with their spouse. Pets are also allowed on some campuses, but you have to check first. All the apartments are functional and elegant, standard features including fully-equipped kitchens, spacious closets, temperature control, washer and dryer, patio or balcony, etc. If you are looking for something bigger, you can opt for townhouses or cottages. These garden homes have more expensive fees, so you have to plan ahead.

Continuing care retirement communities are all about offering a high-quality lifestyle, and this is the reason why the amenities offered are impressive. From indoor heated swimming pools to tennis courts and golf courses, you have a lot of options to stay physically active. Residents can take part in fitness classes and practice yoga. They can enjoy fine dining, take part in one of the many activity groups, or try a new hobby, such as painting, woodworking, or gardening.

Additional amenities might include: billiard room, game room, weekly religious services, walking trails, outdoor recreation, board game events. On some campuses, residents can learn how to dance or play a musical instrument. To avoid isolation, some of the amenities are targeted at social wellness, including happy hours, various celebrations and dinners. Beauty salons and spas might be available as well.

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in Tennessee?

Thriving and living peacefully is every retiree's plan. By choosing one of the Tennessee-based CCRCs, you will be able to benefit from exceptional services and amenities. You can choose the living unit that suits your needs and preferences, with immediate access to healthcare and the possibility to transition to a higher level. Here are some more pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in TN

An enriching lifestyle, where you are surrounded by like-minded people

Reduced risk of depression or anxiety

Physical and mental health as priorities

No similarity to nursing homes or other retirement solutions

Freedom to pursue personal interests and passions

Cons of moving to a CCRC in TN

The waiting period can be long, sometimes it can take years before your application is approved (early application encouraged)

You have to go through an adjustment period, which might be difficult to handle

Paid fees might not be refunded in case you change your mind (check contract before signing)

The predictable routine might cause you to feel bored

The fees to be paid are quite expensive and thus difficult to cover (make sure you are able to make the move without getting into debt)