Senior Living & Residential Care
Independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes
When home is no longer safe or practical, residential communities offer varying levels of support while preserving as much independence as possible. There are five main types: Independent Living (self-sufficient seniors who want simplified living), Assisted Living (daily help with 24/7 staff), Memory Care (specialized for Alzheimer's and dementia), Nursing Homes (24-hour medical care), and CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities with multiple care levels on one campus). Choosing the right fit requires understanding both current needs and likely future needs.
What to look for when choosing a provider
Visit in person at different times of day — including evenings and weekends.
Watch how staff interact with residents. Are they warm and unhurried?
Ask about staff ratios specifically on nights and weekends, not just during the day.
Understand the full cost structure: what's included vs. what triggers extra charges.
Check Tennessee state inspection reports at health.tn.gov before deciding.
Talk to other families — ask what they wish they'd known before moving in.
Belmont Village Senior Living – Green Hills
One of Nashville's most respected assisted living and memory care communities. Located in Green Hills with beautiful grounds and a strong activity program. Their Circle of Friends memory care program is particularly well-regarded. Higher price point, but the quality of care and environment reflects it.
Sunrise Senior Living – Nashville
National brand with a strong local presence. Known for their Reminiscence program for memory care and consistent staffing. Multiple Nashville-area locations. Good option for families who want a nationally recognized standard of care with local availability.
Richland Place – Nashville
A locally owned continuing care retirement community in West Nashville. One of the few true CCRCs in the area, meaning residents can move from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing without leaving the campus. Strong sense of community and long-tenured staff.
Arden Courts of Brentwood
Dedicated memory care community in Brentwood. If your loved one has Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, a dedicated memory care community often provides better outcomes than a general assisted living with a memory care unit. Arden Courts specializes exclusively in this population.
The Blakeford at Green Hills
Nonprofit continuing care retirement community with a strong reputation for resident-centered care. Their skilled nursing facility consistently receives high state inspection ratings. Good option for families who want a nonprofit mission-driven community.
Elmcroft of Murfreesboro
Well-regarded assisted living community in Rutherford County. Strong activities program and good staff continuity. A solid choice for families in the Murfreesboro area who want quality assisted living without driving to Nashville.
Vanderbilt Center for Quality Aging
Not a residential community, but an essential resource: Vanderbilt's geriatric specialists can conduct comprehensive assessments and help families understand what level of care is truly appropriate. A geriatric assessment before choosing a community can save significant time and money.
Choosing the Right Senior Living Community in Nashville
What to look for, what questions to ask, and how to evaluate communities before making this important decision.
Read the guide