Hixson is a former unincorporated community east of the Tennessee River that’s now blended into the city of Chattanooga. The combined population is 181,099, of which 16.6% are aged 65 and older, mirroring the U.S. average. Hixson’s draw for seniors includes its much lower crime rates, easy access to excellent medical facilities, general affordability and low-cost public transportation. Life in Hixson tends to be centered around Northgate Mall, the second-largest mall in Chattanooga. Fanning out from this vibrant area are rows and rows of family homes linked by charming tree-lined streets.
Seniors who find daily tasks more challenging, such as cleaning and cooking, should consider assisted living. These facilities offer comfortable homes, friendly environments, rooms cleaned by housekeepers and meals prepared by chefs, while otherwise not infringing on the independence of their residents. Many also include 24-hour security. Every facility has its own pricing structure, but the average a senior can expect to pay is $4,515 per month, which is around 11% above the state average.
This guide discusses the advantages and disadvantages of living in Hixson and the costs of senior care in the area. It also lists some helpful resources for seniors.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Hixson, TN
4515 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN, 37343
I had an in-person tour of Brookdale Hixson. Mainly the staff and Shannon, who was the director there, she was great. The amenities were nice, and what we saw was nice. It was just mom needed more tha
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I had an in-person tour of Brookdale Hixson. Mainly the staff and Shannon, who was the director there, she was great. The amenities were nice, and what we saw was nice. It was just mom needed more than just assisted living. She needed a memory care facility. The rooms were nice. It didn’t have that nursing home feel to it. And the little outdoor area was nice. They have a courtyard with a little patio. There were grass, trees, and plants out there.
The dining area was nice and clean. It was kind of all one big/huge room with a little gathering/great room. And in the dining room, there was a little, I think, a fireplace was dividing it. So that kind of one big room, which was fine. It was kind of like a hotel lobby feel.
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I had an in-person tour of Brookdale Hixson. Mainly the staff and Shannon, who was the director there, she was great. The amenities were nice, and what we saw was nice. It was just mom needed more tha
… (read more)
I had an in-person tour of Brookdale Hixson. Mainly the staff and Shannon, who was the director there, she was great. The amenities were nice, and what we saw was nice. It was just mom needed more than just assisted living. She needed a memory care facility. The rooms were nice. It didn’t have that nursing home feel to it. And the little outdoor area was nice. They have a courtyard with a little patio. There were grass, trees, and plants out there.
The dining area was nice and clean. It was kind of all one big/huge room with a little gathering/great room. And in the dining room, there was a little, I think, a fireplace was dividing it. So that kind of one big room, which was fine. It was kind of like a hotel lobby feel.
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2062 Hamill Road, Hixson, TN, 37343
We toured Regency House and it was the first time I’ve ever been in one. It was nice. It was a very nice tour, and we really liked it. The only thing is it is so little, but I got to get used to that.
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We toured Regency House and it was the first time I’ve ever been in one. It was nice. It was a very nice tour, and we really liked it. The only thing is it is so little, but I got to get used to that.
The people were very nice and were extremely informative. There was a lady named Kelly and then there was a nurse, I think, I forgot her position and name, but they were very, very helpful, and very nice as far as finding out things.
The place was good and clean. They were remodeling, so there were a lot of boxes. They had just received the dining room chairs; they were waiting on the tables. It was already nice and clean, but it would be very nice. I had visited people in homes, but I guess it was a nursing home because I was just thinking I couldn’t stand the smell. That’s why I keep saying it was very, very clean. I hadn’t thought of it until right now, but you didn’t even have to think about smell. I liked it. I was just kind of drawn back with the size of the rooms.
The staff was very, very helpful for me in offering good advice that we did not know. She knew that this was our first tour and that we were just getting into this for the first time, and she was very, very helpful.
Food was on their list, and I had planned to ask them for one, but I didn’t notice it until I got home. My daughter passed the coffee pot and she said she’d like to have a cup of coffee, and the staff said she didn’t know how fresh it was, so we didn’t go there. We’ll call and I would like for us to sit down and just see how the meal is.
They gave me a brochure, but we did not tour the outside. We went in the front door on one side, but they do have something. I saw a bench or something out there. I asked one of the staff that helped me out to the car. I had a walker and she walked me out to the car, and I asked her where the flowers are or where they are supposed to be because I like a nice courtyard. She just said, "Well, it’s wintertime right now," and some other things. But it’s just that I didn’t see one.
They wash for you once a week. So, they do all of the washing. In the room, there’s a microwave, a refrigerator, and a nice little counter set up. There were nice closets, too. It’s a nice little deal. I looked at a one-bedroom and a studio. I don’t think a two-bedroom was not mentioned. I guess they are like middle range as far as price is concerned.
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We toured Regency House and it was the first time I’ve ever been in one. It was nice. It was a very nice tour, and we really liked it. The only thing is it is so little, but I got to get used to that.
… (read more)
We toured Regency House and it was the first time I’ve ever been in one. It was nice. It was a very nice tour, and we really liked it. The only thing is it is so little, but I got to get used to that.
The people were very nice and were extremely informative. There was a lady named Kelly and then there was a nurse, I think, I forgot her position and name, but they were very, very helpful, and very nice as far as finding out things.
The place was good and clean. They were remodeling, so there were a lot of boxes. They had just received the dining room chairs; they were waiting on the tables. It was already nice and clean, but it would be very nice. I had visited people in homes, but I guess it was a nursing home because I was just thinking I couldn’t stand the smell. That’s why I keep saying it was very, very clean. I hadn’t thought of it until right now, but you didn’t even have to think about smell. I liked it. I was just kind of drawn back with the size of the rooms.
The staff was very, very helpful for me in offering good advice that we did not know. She knew that this was our first tour and that we were just getting into this for the first time, and she was very, very helpful.
Food was on their list, and I had planned to ask them for one, but I didn’t notice it until I got home. My daughter passed the coffee pot and she said she’d like to have a cup of coffee, and the staff said she didn’t know how fresh it was, so we didn’t go there. We’ll call and I would like for us to sit down and just see how the meal is.
They gave me a brochure, but we did not tour the outside. We went in the front door on one side, but they do have something. I saw a bench or something out there. I asked one of the staff that helped me out to the car. I had a walker and she walked me out to the car, and I asked her where the flowers are or where they are supposed to be because I like a nice courtyard. She just said, "Well, it’s wintertime right now," and some other things. But it’s just that I didn’t see one.
They wash for you once a week. So, they do all of the washing. In the room, there’s a microwave, a refrigerator, and a nice little counter set up. There were nice closets, too. It’s a nice little deal. I looked at a one-bedroom and a studio. I don’t think a two-bedroom was not mentioned. I guess they are like middle range as far as price is concerned.
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5501 Old Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN, 37343
Morning Pointe of Hixson was very nice. I don’t know if it fits my mother’s price range, but everything was very nice, and the people were very pleasant. We were there while they were playing bingo in
… (read more)
Morning Pointe of Hixson was very nice. I don’t know if it fits my mother’s price range, but everything was very nice, and the people were very pleasant. We were there while they were playing bingo in the common area. They have exercise classes, Bible study, and a little bit of everything.
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Morning Pointe of Hixson was very nice. I don’t know if it fits my mother’s price range, but everything was very nice, and the people were very pleasant. We were there while they were playing bingo in
… (read more)
Morning Pointe of Hixson was very nice. I don’t know if it fits my mother’s price range, but everything was very nice, and the people were very pleasant. We were there while they were playing bingo in the common area. They have exercise classes, Bible study, and a little bit of everything.
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4301 Forest Plaza Dr, Hixson, TN, 37343
I chose Memory Lane at Forest Plaza as it is a small residential home, and my father does better in smaller settings. The staff is very compassionate and caring, and they worked very well with whateve
… (read more)
I chose Memory Lane at Forest Plaza as it is a small residential home, and my father does better in smaller settings. The staff is very compassionate and caring, and they worked very well with whatever the resident wants to do so if anybody wants to go for a walk, they go for a walk with them.
The rooms are well-maintained and are adequate size for twin beds. The food is excellent, and my father loves it; he has put on 8lbs since he has been there. The dining area is setup as a regular dining room table, and they all sit around the same table. They do and they have done outings, they have family picnics, pumpkin carving with the families, and they go to the park to walk; he keeps pretty active. What really stood out to me was it has a home feeling instead of an institutional feeling.
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I chose Memory Lane at Forest Plaza as it is a small residential home, and my father does better in smaller settings. The staff is very compassionate and caring, and they worked very well with whateve
… (read more)
I chose Memory Lane at Forest Plaza as it is a small residential home, and my father does better in smaller settings. The staff is very compassionate and caring, and they worked very well with whatever the resident wants to do so if anybody wants to go for a walk, they go for a walk with them.
The rooms are well-maintained and are adequate size for twin beds. The food is excellent, and my father loves it; he has put on 8lbs since he has been there. The dining area is setup as a regular dining room table, and they all sit around the same table. They do and they have done outings, they have family picnics, pumpkin carving with the families, and they go to the park to walk; he keeps pretty active. What really stood out to me was it has a home feeling instead of an institutional feeling.
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2143 Northpoint Blvd, Hixson, TN, 37343
My mother-in-law is at Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. There people engaged and participating in activities. It made us feel like she would be a part of a community, and not just having a place to s
… (read more)
My mother-in-law is at Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. There people engaged and participating in activities. It made us feel like she would be a part of a community, and not just having a place to stay without the engagement and interaction with people. I can tell you that we did not really have as much of an impression when we were visiting. When we did make the decision, they’ve been really amazing with helping us to get her adjusted and answering questions. They also were great at following up with us throughout the process of getting her integrated and getting her into the assisted living home.
I think the set-up was really nice and very modern. All the amenities are new. She is in a studio so it is not very big, but the layout and everything is nice. My mother-in-law loves the food. She is very happy with it. We liked the fact that they really ask the residents to eat in person and not have the food in their room. They want them to get the experience of eating as a community and not by themselves.
We have seen bingo in a number of occasions. They have a walking club and a movie night. They have a game that they play called The Price is Right. They had a putting green, and I know some of the members will go out and enjoy the putting green. It is very clean, very kept up, and very appealing to the eye.
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My mother-in-law is at Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. There people engaged and participating in activities. It made us feel like she would be a part of a community, and not just having a place to s
… (read more)
My mother-in-law is at Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. There people engaged and participating in activities. It made us feel like she would be a part of a community, and not just having a place to stay without the engagement and interaction with people. I can tell you that we did not really have as much of an impression when we were visiting. When we did make the decision, they’ve been really amazing with helping us to get her adjusted and answering questions. They also were great at following up with us throughout the process of getting her integrated and getting her into the assisted living home.
I think the set-up was really nice and very modern. All the amenities are new. She is in a studio so it is not very big, but the layout and everything is nice. My mother-in-law loves the food. She is very happy with it. We liked the fact that they really ask the residents to eat in person and not have the food in their room. They want them to get the experience of eating as a community and not by themselves.
We have seen bingo in a number of occasions. They have a walking club and a movie night. They have a game that they play called The Price is Right. They had a putting green, and I know some of the members will go out and enjoy the putting green. It is very clean, very kept up, and very appealing to the eye.
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5798 Hixson Homeplace, Hixson, TN, 37343
This place is nothing short of incredible. The people have been caring I will go as far as to say loving And more than I could have possibly ask for for my 92 year old grandmother. I strongly believe
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This place is nothing short of incredible. The people have been caring I will go as far as to say loving And more than I could have possibly ask for for my 92 year old grandmother. I strongly believe that they have saved her life and added time to her life and definitely help extend mine as well by taking the worry away from me that I had about my grandma. They’ve been quick to help they’ve done everything they said they would do and I’ll go as far as to say that they’re all heroes and I love them all very much
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This place is nothing short of incredible. The people have been caring I will go as far as to say loving And more than I could have possibly ask for for my 92 year old grandmother. I strongly believe
… (read more)
This place is nothing short of incredible. The people have been caring I will go as far as to say loving And more than I could have possibly ask for for my 92 year old grandmother. I strongly believe that they have saved her life and added time to her life and definitely help extend mine as well by taking the worry away from me that I had about my grandma. They’ve been quick to help they’ve done everything they said they would do and I’ll go as far as to say that they’re all heroes and I love them all very much
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1148 Mountain Creek Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37405
With its prime location in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Manorhouse Assisted Living offers a myriad of amenities for residents and their loved ones. The staff is both courteous and respectful and does an ex
… (read more)
With its prime location in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Manorhouse Assisted Living offers a myriad of amenities for residents and their loved ones. The staff is both courteous and respectful and does an excellent job maintaining cleanliness and order throughout the facility. Residents talk about the variety of daily activities available, such as games, arts and crafts, cooking and gardening. Group activities include lectures and discussions, reading clubs and movie nights. There are also a number of fitness activities both indoors and outdoors. Along with support for physical health, Manorhouse also provides hospice care, physical therapy and medication management services.
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With its prime location in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Manorhouse Assisted Living offers a myriad of amenities for residents and their loved ones. The staff is both courteous and respectful and does an ex
… (read more)
With its prime location in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Manorhouse Assisted Living offers a myriad of amenities for residents and their loved ones. The staff is both courteous and respectful and does an excellent job maintaining cleanliness and order throughout the facility. Residents talk about the variety of daily activities available, such as games, arts and crafts, cooking and gardening. Group activities include lectures and discussions, reading clubs and movie nights. There are also a number of fitness activities both indoors and outdoors. Along with support for physical health, Manorhouse also provides hospice care, physical therapy and medication management services.
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1020 Runyan Drive, Chattanooga, TN, 37405
this place is the worst place I’ve ever seen.my mother went there for a short. Of time they had her on some kind of drugs that kept her sleep.after confronting them several times I never did find out
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this place is the worst place I’ve ever seen.my mother went there for a short. Of time they had her on some kind of drugs that kept her sleep.after confronting them several times I never did find out what it was that I was giving her.I finally got her out of there and three days later she was perfectly fine her senses came back to her and she was my mother once again my mother. if you are considering putting a loved one in this place please reconsider they just leave them in their room unattended for long periods of time.I live right down the street from the place so I was able to go there sometimes three times a day on surprise visits.it never failed that I ask questions again and again and was disappointed every time I went. It stinks very badly like urine.if you just want to throw a parent away that is a place to take them
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this place is the worst place I’ve ever seen.my mother went there for a short. Of time they had her on some kind of drugs that kept her sleep.after confronting them several times I never did find out
… (read more)
this place is the worst place I’ve ever seen.my mother went there for a short. Of time they had her on some kind of drugs that kept her sleep.after confronting them several times I never did find out what it was that I was giving her.I finally got her out of there and three days later she was perfectly fine her senses came back to her and she was my mother once again my mother. if you are considering putting a loved one in this place please reconsider they just leave them in their room unattended for long periods of time.I live right down the street from the place so I was able to go there sometimes three times a day on surprise visits.it never failed that I ask questions again and again and was disappointed every time I went. It stinks very badly like urine.if you just want to throw a parent away that is a place to take them
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1164 Mountain Creek Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37405
Ascension Living Valley Residence (formerly Alexian Brothers Tennessee Memory Care) is for more advanced memory care. You’re not allowed out. All the doors leading to the very front of the premises ca
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Ascension Living Valley Residence (formerly Alexian Brothers Tennessee Memory Care) is for more advanced memory care. You’re not allowed out. All the doors leading to the very front of the premises can only be opened by having a card or hitting a thing with the card because of the condition of the patients there. They would not be able to go in the front of the property or move out onto the road at all. There are much more restrictions there.
The staff we spoke to was extremely aware of everything they were doing. I saw them answer without hesitation. They were very good and made a lot of sense of what was allowed and wasn’t allowed inside.
One thing that impressed me was when you get behind all these closed doors, there were very few patients wandering or getting lost because it was like a circle or a horseshoe that you could only go one way. You just come down a long path and then you have to turn right one way and then turn right to come back up. I thought that must be less confusing for any patient in there who is further advanced with their memory problem. These are the things I noticed, and I thought that was very important because there’s nothing worse than people with dementia getting lost. I just thought that was a very good plan, the way that was laid out.
Inside it was very clean and very nice but they had stacks of stuff that had been delivered and it was sitting on the front porch. We had to kind of maneuver around it.
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Ascension Living Valley Residence (formerly Alexian Brothers Tennessee Memory Care) is for more advanced memory care. You’re not allowed out. All the doors leading to the very front of the premises ca
… (read more)
Ascension Living Valley Residence (formerly Alexian Brothers Tennessee Memory Care) is for more advanced memory care. You’re not allowed out. All the doors leading to the very front of the premises can only be opened by having a card or hitting a thing with the card because of the condition of the patients there. They would not be able to go in the front of the property or move out onto the road at all. There are much more restrictions there.
The staff we spoke to was extremely aware of everything they were doing. I saw them answer without hesitation. They were very good and made a lot of sense of what was allowed and wasn’t allowed inside.
One thing that impressed me was when you get behind all these closed doors, there were very few patients wandering or getting lost because it was like a circle or a horseshoe that you could only go one way. You just come down a long path and then you have to turn right one way and then turn right to come back up. I thought that must be less confusing for any patient in there who is further advanced with their memory problem. These are the things I noticed, and I thought that was very important because there’s nothing worse than people with dementia getting lost. I just thought that was a very good plan, the way that was laid out.
Inside it was very clean and very nice but they had stacks of stuff that had been delivered and it was sitting on the front porch. We had to kind of maneuver around it.
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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Hixson
The Tennessee Department of Health’s Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities is responsible for ensuring assisted living facilities in the state abide by the conditions of their licenses. Its work includes conducting on-the-spot inspections at all locations and federal certification surveys on facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. The department also has the power to revoke licenses.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Hixson
- One of Hixson’s attractions is its affordability, illustrated by the average score of 83.8 revealed by Sperling’s Best Places (the U.S. average is 100). Although health care costs are slightly above average, groceries and transportation costs are typically lower, more than offsetting the differences in medical care.
- There are several subsidized transportation services for seniors in Hamilton County. The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga provides a free door-to-door service for members during working hours, Mondays to Thursdays. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority manages many fixed-route services, charging seniors 75¢ per one-way trip. The authority also operates the Care-a-Van service for seniors temporarily or permanently unable to use the fixed-route service. It operates every day and charges $2.50 per one-way trip and $5 for there and back again.
- Although Tennessee’s violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average, Hixson’s statistics make much better reading, being below those of the state and the country. An additional source of comfort for seniors in assisted living is that these facilities often have 24-hour surveillance cameras and staff members nearby.
- The southern climate is typically more favorable for seniors, providing comfortable winters, warm summers and a welcome absence of snow and ice. In Hixson, winter temperatures average at 29 degrees, while in summer, the weather dial sits at around 89 degrees. Rainfall is typically 13 inches more than the national average of 38, while it adds to humidity levels, it keeps the beautiful landscape lush and green.
- Several hospitals provide excellent medical care in the area, including the Kindred Hospital-Chattanooga and the highly-rated CHI Memorial Hospital, ranked #2 in Tennessee by U.S. News & World Report. There are also a significant number of Medicare registered physicians, including 126 specializing in family medicine.
- Hixson, as part of Chattanooga, is an AARP Age-Friendly Community, which means the city’s leadership actively promotes and supports senior-friendly policies and services.
Paying for Assisted Living in Hixson
The results of the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reveal the average fee for an assisted living placement in Hixson is $4,515 per month. This is significantly more than the $4,039 paid by the average senior in Tennessee, although, when compared with the U.S. average of $4,300, the difference isn’t as wide.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Hixon’s average fees are at the top end of the scale for Tennessee. Only Cleveland’s typical costs of $4,264 come close, while seniors in Knoxville are more likely to pay $3,900 per month. Comparisons with nearby cities in other states widen the gap further. For example, in Dalton, Georgia, costs are $3,588, while in Huntsville, Alabama, they’re $2,990.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
At $1,733, adult day care centers offer the most affordable type of senior care, followed by home and home health care at $4,195, despite the latter providing some medical support. Assisted living’s costs are the most affordable type of care with accommodation. Nursing homes charge the highest fees, typically $8,267 for a private room, although a semiprivate room can be had for $7,148 per month.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Note: Data for Hixson was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Chattanooga, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Hixson
The TennCare CHOICES program, part of the Tennessee Medicaid program, can help qualified seniors pay for the cost of assisted living in Hixson. Seniors must already be on Medicaid to qualify.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Tennessee page.
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 Assisted Living Resources in Hixson
Seniors in Hixson can call on the help of a range of government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The following resources are samples of what’s available to help seniors in dispute with their care providers, veterans unsure about the benefits they’re entitled to and retirees looking to positively use their free time and help their communities.
Seniors unable to resolve issues with their care providers can contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who will advocate for them and pursue resolutions to their complaints. The families of assisted living residents and third parties can also register complaints. If a complaint alleges criminal actions, such as elder abuse and neglect, the ombudsman immediately refers it to the proper authority. Seniors can also get free access to inspection reports, enabling them to make more informed choices on the best assisted living facilities for their needs.
The VSO (Veterans Service Officer) of Hamilton County helps U.S. military vets and their dependents identify and access the full range of local, state, federal and military benefits they're entitled to. These can include compensation for service-related disabilities and VA Aid and Attendance payments, which specifically help seniors cover some of their assisted living costs.
The North River Civic Center welcomes all age groups. Its appeal for seniors can be found in its wide choice of sports and fitness programs, where they make the most of the facility's exercise room, swimming pool, tennis courts and softball court. The center also holds several educational classes. Art classes focusing on improving drawing skills and developing watercolor techniques are particularly popular. There are many local clubs in the center, such as the Lions Club and the American Legion.
RSVP is a nonprofit organization that connects seniors with government agencies and other nonprofits that rely on the help of volunteers. All participants receive free accident and liability insurance, with many also having their travel costs reimbursed. The range of work varies greatly, from unskilled services, such as helping to clear up litter in public parks, to services that utilize the seniors' existing skills, knowledge and experience.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Hixson
Hixson-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Tennessee are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Tennessee page for more information about these laws.