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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Chattanooga, TN for 2024

With close to 31,000 seniors ages 65 and older, Chattanooga is a popular place for seniors to retire in the area. The city lies close to the Georgia border in the south-central part of the state of Tennessee. Seniors can enjoy beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains and a quiet family-friendly atmosphere with big-city amenities and plenty of things to see and do. Chattanooga has excellent weather, a low cost of living and excellent healthcare.

To accommodate these seniors, Chattanooga has 19 assisted living communities within the city limits and 12 nearby. These residential communities create a custom-level of care dependent on individuals needs. The average monthly cost is around $4,220, but the exact cost can vary depending on the size of the community and the exact types of care that are provided. This guide includes the cost of care in other cities as well as a comparison of state and national facilities. There’s also a list of resources to help seniors address a variety of needs.

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Assisted Living Facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Chattanooga

In Chattanooga, the Office of Health Care Facilities oversees the quality of care in assisted living communities. Items covered by the laws and regulations of this agency include room and board, non-medical living assistance services, skilled nursing and staffing.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Chattanooga

  • Chattanooga has on average pleasant year-round weather with average summer highs around 89 degrees and winter lows around 29. The city only gets around 2 inches of snow per year, which can be ideal for seniors trying to escape the snowy northern states. With 207 sunny days per year, Chattanooga provides plenty of days for hiking, exercise and sightseeing.
  • Seniors on a fixed income may have an easier time budgeting expenses while living in Chattanooga, which has a cost of living that’s much lower than the national average and lower than the state average. Housing costs are 40% lower than the national average, but healthcare is just slightly more than the national average.
  • Crime rates are higher than the national average, but seniors living in the city can still feel safe with enhanced security measures that assisted living communities take.
  • CHI Memorial is listed as one of the top-rated hospitals in Chattanooga, according to U.S. News and World Reports. The hospital provides treatment for many conditions, including hearing loss, dementia, heart problems, cancer and diabetes.
  • Air quality health risk is slightly lower in Chattanooga than the national average. Seniors may find different times of the year better than others for exploring.

Paying for Assisted Living in Chattanooga, TN

When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of assisted living in Chattanooga and 32 other cities in Tennessee.

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Chattanooga, TN

Because of inflation, assisted living costs have gradually risen in Chattanooga. Rates are predicted to rise about 18% from $3,559 in 2022 to $4,199 in 2024. However, costs in Chattanooga are expected to remain lower than national and state averages, which are predicted to run $4,802 and $4,543 in 2024, respectively. Nashville is expected to also see an 18% increase by 2024, from $4,495 to $5,304. Inflation is likely to cause assisted living rates to increase by approximately 18% in Memphis and Knoxville, too.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Chattanooga$3,559$3,899$4,199
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459$4,802
Tennessee$3,383$4,201$4,543
Nashville$4,495$4,925$5,304
Memphis$3,756$4,115$4,432
Knoxville$3,937$4,313$4,645

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

The average cost of assisted living in Chattanooga is $4,220 per month, which is more affordable than the national average of $4,500, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. The cost is slightly more than the state average of $4,105. In other areas of the state, the cost of an assisted living community varies from $3,215 in Clarksville to $4,200 in Memphis. Seniors in Knoxville pay $397 less than those in Chattanooga, and those in Johnson City pay $120 less.

Chattanooga

$4,220

Tennessee

$4,105

The United States

$4,500

Memphis

$4,200

Clarksville

$3,215

Knoxville

$3,823

Johnson City

$4,100

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

Costs differ depending on the care type. Seniors should consider their support needs, budget and preferred living environment when choosing the most appropriate care type. The median cost of assisted living is $3,899 per month in Chattanooga, which includes assistance with everyday activities and social programming. Memory care is more expensive, around $4,652 for specialized dementia care and around-the-clock monitoring. Independent living is the least restrictive and most affordable option at $2,358.

Assisted Living

$3,899

Memory Care

$4,652

Independent Living

$2,358

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Chattanooga

Tennessee provides coverage for services at assisted living facilities through its Medicaid CHOICES waiver program. Room and board fees are not covered through this waiver, but they are capped at 80 percent of three times the current federal SSI benefit rate.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Tennessee page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Tennessee

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Tennessee page.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Chattanooga,TN

There are many resources in Chattanooga,TN that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring’s Tennessee state page.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Southeast Tennessee AAAD866-836-6678The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability administers state funding for home- and community-based programs for seniors aged 60 and above. The program is administered by nine area agencies covering all 95 counties. The program aims to improve the quality of life and ensure independence for older Tennesseans through daily living assistance such as household cleaning, shopping, transportation, dressing and home health care. Other facets of the program include cooking, home delivery of meals, home accessibility and home maintenance.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Chattanooga seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Foxwood Food Center423-622-1800Foxwood Food Center is a location of the Chattanooga Food Bank that distributes food to low-income seniors in the central part of the city. Seniors in need can visit the center regularly to obtain fresh produce, dairy and meats as well as shelf-stable products. Vouchers are required to receive items. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Tennessee Aging Nutrition Program866-836-6678The Agency on Aging provides a nutrition program for seniors in the Chattanooga area. Those seniors who are still physically able to leave the house can go to one of the congregate meal sites to enjoy a hot meal and socialize with other seniors. Volunteers deliver meals at around noon each day from Monday to Friday to seniors who are homebound and are no longer able to prepare a meal on their own. The volunteers provide a friendly visit and safety check at the same time as delivering the meal. All of the meals provide a third of the daily nutritional requirements of seniors. There is no charge for the meals but certain requirements need to be met in order to receive meals.
Chattanooga Area Food Bank423-622-1800The Chattanooga Area Food Bank serves as a support system for low-income seniors across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. It partners with local retailers, farmers and agencies to collect and distribute food to individuals facing food insecurity. In addition to its core services, the food bank offers mobile delivery services, emergency food boxes and a Senior Grocery Program. This program provides nutritious meals each month that are thoughtfully designed to meet the dietary needs of older adults.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Chattanooga seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Legal Aid of East Tennessee - Chattanooga800-572-7457Legal Aid of East Tennessee is a nonprofit organization staffed with licensed, experienced legal professionals who help families work through challenges related to dementia, including consumer debt problems, denied health insurance claims and asset management. The organization can also help families address problems related to memory care facilities, including billing errors or issues with intake and discharge procedures.

Senior Centers

Senior centers in Chattanooga bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Eastgate Senior Activity Center423-855-9444The Eastgate Senior Activity Center provides a safe place for older adults to gather during the day for fun and activities. These activities include board games, fitness classes, billiards, arts and crafts, a computer lab, book clubs and dancing. The center also schedules frequent outings into the community and provides meals and special events.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in Chattanooga help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Chattanooga Social Security Office 37421800-772-1213Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Transportation Assistance

Assistance is available for seniors unable to access or use private transportation. These community resources help elderly and disabled residents make journeys in and around Chattanooga, allowing them to run errands and attend appointments in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)423-629-1473CARTA provides reduced fare curb-to-curb services for seniors and those with disabilities. Rides are available for medical appointments, outings, shopping and errands. All rides must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, and all buses are wheelchair accessible.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Chattanooga retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Chattanooga423-643-6434Federally funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP is designed to help senior and disabled residents pay their utility bills. Individuals who meet eligibility guidelines may receive up to $325 for summer cooling and $250 for winter heating costs.

Veteran's Services

Chattanooga retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Chattanooga Vet Center423-855-6570The Chattanooga Vet Center in Chattanooga is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on weekends. Counseling services are available at this Tennessee location, including grief, bereavement and transition services for individuals, couples and families. PTSD care, mental health care and military sexual trauma care are also offered. The center provides referral services for suicide prevention, addiction and substance use and veteran connections. Parking is easily accessible.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Chattanooga

Chattanooga Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Tennessee are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Tennessee page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Tennessee

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Donna, thank you for taking the time to visit our community! We are happy to hear about your experience at American House and appreciate your feedback!

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Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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