Nicknamed “The Secret City” because of its role in the Allied victory in World War II, Oak Ridge, TN, is home to 32,614 residents, and 17.8% of them are 65 or older. The city has 218 physicians per 1,000 residents, slightly higher than the national average of 2010, and high-quality health care is minutes away at Methodist Medical Center with stroke care, a joint replacement center and cancer support services. The nearby city of Knoxville has several additional options.
Oak Ridge is an affordable city for nursing home care. The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey places the city’s average cost at $7,148, equal to the state average and nearly $800 lower than the national average. Nursing homes are the right choice for seniors who need the highest level of care, including round-the-clock monitoring. Seniors who don’t require extensive services might choose assisted living or home care instead, as these options tend to be much lower in price.
This guide compares the cost of nursing homes and other senior care options in Oak Ridge and nearby cities. It also provides a list of resources to help seniors choose the best care option and find help paying for it.