There are 319 nursing homes in Tennessee to choose from. The decision to move to a nursing home is sometimes difficult for both the prospective resident and the family. It might seem overwhelming trying to choose the right facility for your loved one. Take your time selecting the most appropriate facility. Choose a facility that you can afford. Ask current residents about their opinions on the facility.
About Nursing Homes
Nursing home facilities typically provide 24-hour care to those who are injured, chronically ill or are otherwise unable to function independently.Many facilities also provide residents with social functions, field trips and counseling. Nursing homes provide more intensive care than assisted living facilities or retirement communities. Determine the needs of your loved one. If he or she will need the most basic of survival needs met -- such as food, medication and sleep -- you may select a different nursing home than if your loved one is able to care for herself as far as the basics, but just needs monitoring and help with cooking and medications. Those who are living more independently may have a better quality of life if you select a nursing home that provides more physical activities, social opportunities and interaction.
Western Tennessee
Shelby County has 31 nursing home facilities. Ave Maria Home and Bright Glade Health and Rehabilitation Center, Inc. are both in Memphis. The Ave Maria Home has 75 beds and in addition to 24-hour care, the facility offers beauty and barber shop services, daily therapy, laundry services and chapel services. Ave Maria is a religious-based facility, but it accepts patients of all denominations.
Middle Tennessee
Davidson County has 20 nursing homes to choose from including Bordeaux Long Term Care and Belcourt Terrace Nursing Home, both in Nashville. Bordeaux Long Term Care has 419 beds, making it the largest long-term care facility in middle Tennessee.
Eastern Tennessee
Hamilton County features 11 nursing home facilities including Consulate Healthcare of Chattanooga in Chattanooga and Life Care Center of East Ridge in East Ridge. Consulate Healthcare has 127 beds. Life Care Center of East Ridge, located on the Georgia-Tennessee border off Interstate 75, includes an ice cream parlor, courtyards and facility chef among its services, and also has VitalStim (electrical stimulation for swallowing) certification.
Selecting a Nursing Home
Some patients may prefer a facility located close to family members. In addition, if the patient is eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, consider selecting a nursing home that accepts these programs. Almost 90 percent of Tennessee nursing facilities participate in the Medicaid program, according to the Tennessee Health Care Association (THCA). Some nursing homes may offer special services and are able to better treat specific conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease or certain injuries. Make a checklist of what is a deal breaker and what qualities are preferred. Visit the nursing homes you are considering. Ask to see more than just the public areas. The nursing home you choose should have a current license from Tennessee. THCA has a list of questions you should ask yourself as you tour the facility. The list will help you determine if the nursing home is right for the patient.
