Ascension Living Alexian Pace in Chattanooga: Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care
Ascension Living Alexian Pace is a skilled nursing facility offering medical rehabilitation and long-term care in Chattanooga, operated by the Catholic Ascension health system. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance for both short-stay post-acute rehabilitation following surgery or hospitalization and permanent residential placement, serving older adults who require 24-hour nursing support and therapies unavailable in home settings.
What Alexian Pace actually is
Alexian Pace operates as a skilled nursing facility (SNF) licensed by the state of Tennessee. Residents admitted for short-term rehabilitation typically stay 30 to 60 days following hip surgery, knee replacement, stroke, or other acute illness, with the goal of regaining mobility and strength before returning home. Long-term residents remain indefinitely, receiving full-time nursing care, medication management, nutrition support, and social engagement. The facility houses roughly 150 beds and operates within Ascension's regional network, meaning coordination with Ascension hospitals (including CHI Memorial and Erlanger affiliates) is direct, though non-Ascension referrals are accepted.
Services and costs
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are standard components of rehabilitation stays and are reimbursed by Medicare Part A during the covered period (typically up to 100 days if medical necessity and progress criteria are met). A private room costs approximately $150 to $200 per day out-of-pocket, and a semi-private room approximately $100 to $150 per day when not covered by insurance; these amounts fluctuate with inflation and local rate adjustments. Verify current pricing with the facility directly, as these figures shift annually.
Medicaid covers long-term residents who meet financial and medical eligibility, though bed availability in the Medicaid program is limited and wait lists exist. Medicare reimbursement for skilled nursing care is based on the patient's rehabilitation potential and medical acuity, assessed daily; patients deemed to have plateaued or no longer requiring skilled care may be discharged or transitioned to assisted living elsewhere.
Comparison to other Chattanooga skilled nursing facilities
Ascension Living Alexian Pace is one of two Ascension-operated skilled nursing homes in the Chattanooga area, the other being a facility outside the city proper. Compared to independent or hospital-based SNFs such as Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation (which specializes exclusively in post-acute rehab for shorter durations) or Parkside Care (which operates as independent, non-hospital-affiliated skilled nursing), Alexian Pace offers the advantage of direct referral pathways from Ascension hospitals and integrated electronic medical records. The tradeoff is that Ascension patients admitted to an Ascension SNF typically face no referral delays; non-Ascension patients may experience slower information exchange.
Siskin is appropriate for patients with acute neurological injuries or orthopedic trauma who are medically complex; Alexian Pace suits broader populations, including long-term residents for whom rehabilitation is not the primary goal. Parkside Care emphasizes independence and smaller-scale programming; Alexian Pace is larger and operates with more standardized clinical protocols.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Alexian Pace is suited for Medicare beneficiaries with acute rehab needs, Medicaid-eligible long-term residents, and families wanting continuity within the Ascension system. It works well for patients transitioning from CHI Memorial or other Ascension hospitals, as discharge coordination is streamlined and medical information follows the patient immediately.
It is not appropriate for patients who require specialized dementia care in locked units (though memory care is available, it is limited compared to facilities dedicated to cognitive decline) or those seeking a small residential model. Patients with behavioral health crisis needs or acute psychiatric conditions are screened carefully; Ascension's psychiatric partnerships are available but may require transfer rather than in-house management.
What the first visit involves
Admission begins with a nursing assessment, which includes medical history, medication reconciliation, and functional evaluation. A physician conducts a physical exam within 24 hours, and therapists (physical, occupational, speech) evaluate the patient to establish baseline and rehab goals. Family meetings are scheduled within the first week to discuss expected length of stay, progress benchmarks, and discharge planning. Insurance verification occurs before admission; Medicare beneficiaries should bring their card and recent hospital discharge paperwork.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Alexian Pace is located on East Third Street near downtown Chattanooga. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; confirm any exceptions directly. Ample parking is available on the grounds at no charge. Pharmacy, laboratory, and imaging services are in-house; specialists are arranged via Ascension's network, and transport is provided if the patient is medically stable.
Ascension Living Alexian Pace remains a primary post-acute bridge for Chattanooga residents stepping down from hospitalization and a stable long-term placement for older adults whose medical needs exceed assisted living capacity.
