Jefferson Park at Dandridge, formerly Jefferson County Nursing Home, has a rich history dating back to at least 1933. The origin of our tradition of taking care of the sick and elderly began with a 283-acre farm and a building constructed as an accommodation for the poor. This county farm became known as the “Poor Farm.” The Poor Farm was run by a caretaker and their family with residents contributing in any way they could from cooking, farming, cleaning, and more. This farm was the beginning of the legacy that would become Jefferson Park at Dandridge.
In 1968, Jefferson County applied for the Hill-Burton grant which would allow for the county to build its first nursing home. In January 1969, this nursing home would replace the Poor Farm and open its doors to the first 9 residents of Jefferson County Nursing Home. By 1987, our facility had 103 beds for residents. Our current administrator, Mr. Roger Mynatt, began in 1992, and after 3 short years had expanded our facility to have another 32 beds. Holding true to our commitment to compassionate care of our elders and residents, Jefferson Park at Dandridge continued to expand its services and practices to ensure we provided a valued service to our community.
In 2006, the concept of the Green House homes came to life. Three homes, each with 10 private rooms and bathrooms, opened on May 6, 2010 with the first elders moving in June 2010. The Green Houses were the first of their kind in the state of Tennessee. They provide a home-like environment that significantly improves the quality of life for our elders. A year after the Green Houses’ grand opening, we focused on renovating our legacy building to give it a more modern look. There was a complete kitchen renovation, the addition of laminate wood floors in resident rooms and throughout the facility, and shower rooms with frosted glass windows to allow for more light. We also added a fireplace which added the warm touch of home that we strive to provide our community. With the expansion of services provided, renovated facilities, innovated technology, and new equipment and programs, it was time to evaluate if the name Jefferson County Nursing Home was portraying us in the way we both wanted and should be portrayed.
In 2017, after several meetings of the minds, Jefferson County Nursing Home decided to change their name to Jefferson Park at Dandridge. We’re still located at 914 Industrial Park Road in Dandridge and continue to remain under the same local county government ownership. Jefferson Park at Dandridge is proud to continue to serve our community with compassionate care while offering expanded services, such as respite care and rehabilitation and therapy.
To learn more about Jefferson Park at Dandridge and our services, feel free to call us at 865-397-3163, fill out our online form, or visit us at 914 Industrial Park Road Dandridge, TN 37725