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Independent Living in Tennessee
Tennessee is a diverse state that offers something for every type of retiree. There are small agricultural communities, charming mountain towns and major metropolitan areas. Residents enjoy an abundance of amenities, cultural attractions and museums, and sports and music have an important place in the state, which has been named one of the most tax-friendly areas for retirees. Seniors also enjoy a pleasant climate that’s more comfortable than the typical American city. These are just a few of the reasons why seniors represent 16.7% of the state’s 6.8 million residents. By 2030, nearly one in three of the state’s residents will be aged 60 or older. This means that demand for long-term care, including independent living, is increasing.
Seniors who want to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle and might need personal assistance in the future are ideal candidates for independent living. These age-restricted communities are usually part of larger retirement facilities that offer multiple levels of care. The median cost of independent living in Tennessee is $2,848 per month. Although this is slightly higher than the national average, it is significantly more affordable than other forms of care. This guide features information about regional prices, payment options and government agencies that can help with independent aging.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Tennessee
When trying to decide how to pay for independent 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 over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Tennessee and its 16 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Tennessee's Top Cities
While the statewide independent living average dropped significantly in 2023, some popular cities have higher costs than others. Surprisingly, the state's largest city and capital, Nashville, has one of the lowest monthly independent living costs at $2,078. The state's second-largest city, Memphis, has a significantly higher average of $3,750. Other popular cities fall in between, including Knoxville at $2,756 and Chattanooga at $2,358 per month.
Tennessee
$2,629
Nashville
$2,078
Knoxville
$2,756
Chattanooga
$2,358
Memphis
$3,750
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Tennessee
Inflation can have varying effects on the costs of goods and services, including those provided in independent living communities. The impact may have contributed to an increase in the average cost nationwide, which rose about 5.2% from 2022 to 2023. However, Tennessee saw independent living costs drop by some 15.8% during this period.
Some states closest to Tennessee also had decreases in independent living costs, including Kentucky, where costs dropped about 3.6%, and Alabama, which decreased by 9.7%. However, other states saw prices rise, including North Carolina's increase of about 4.2%. Mississippi had a significant increase of approximately 26.9%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $3,123 | $2,629 | $2,800 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Mississippi | $2,440 | $3,096 | $3,297 |
| Kentucky | $2,898 | $2,794 | $2,830 |
| North Carolina | $2,932 | $3,054 | $3,505 |
| Alabama | $3,050 | $2,754 | $2,735 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Independent living appeals to healthy aging adults who require little to no assistance, so it generally costs less than other senior living options. For example, assisted living in Tennessee averages $4,201 and memory care jumps to $5,115 due to the higher level of care provided. Tennessee's average independent living cost is nearly half as much as memory care at $2,629.
Assisted Living
$4,201
Memory Care
$5,115
Independent Living
$2,629
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Tennessee?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Tennessee.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Tennessee
Payment options for independent living are more limited than other forms of long-term care because the services they provide are social or recreational, rather than medically necessary. Most seniors pay for independent living out-of-pocket using investments or retirement income. Long-term care insurance can pay for some supportive services, such as help with shopping, errands and transportation, but it won’t cover room and board. Those who need extra funds to pay for monthly fees or move-in expenses might consider applying for a reverse mortgage. Our page on independent living options provides more information about what to expect.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Tennessee
There are many resources in Tennessee 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.
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 Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Area Agencies on Aging | The 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. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Tennessee provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Families First | 866-311-4287 | Tennessee Families First, administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, is the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. This workforce development and employment program assists interested seniors in securing reliable employment. The program provides temporary cash assistance, transportation, educational support and job training that can help individuals find part-time or full-time jobs. |
| Tennessee Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | Lifeline provides a discount for eligible Tennessee customers who need help with their phone and internet bills. Once you enroll in the program, your discount is automatically applied to your bill. One enrollment is allowed per household, and benefits are not transferable. |
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 Tennessee seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability | 866-836-6678 | The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability offers a range of nutrition programs for seniors aged 60 or over and people with disabilities. Also known as Meals on Wheels, the home-delivered meal service in Tennessee is available for frail, sick or homebound residents who have undergone an assessment by a caseworker. In addition to daily meals, this service provides friendly visits and safety checks performed by the program's volunteer drivers. |
| Tennessee Meals on Wheels | Meals on Wheels operates through a nationwide network of providers to combat hunger and isolation, particularly among seniors with a low income. Program volunteers visit their clients with prepared meals and sometimes food supplies they can prepare for themselves. Volunteers may also perform daily check-ins and some other support services for the public they serve | |
| Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 866-311-4287 | The Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides low-income seniors with funds to help them have reliable access to food. Seniors must meet income guidelines and have no more than $4,250 in resources, such as cash or money in checking or savings accounts. Qualifying seniors receive an electronic benefit transfer card that functions like a debit card, allowing them to purchase food at local grocers and some online retailers. |
| Tennessee The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) | The federally-run Emergency Food Assistance Program offers food at no cost to low-income Tennessee seniors. Eligible individuals must have an income below 150% of the current poverty level or be enrolled in another assistance program, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture distributes food to 17 community agencies and five food banks, and eligible seniors can receive produce and shelf-stable goods from locations closest to them. | |
| Tennessee Aging Nutrition Program | 866-836-6678 | The 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. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Tennessee collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ALS Association Tennessee Chapter | 877-216-5551 | ALS Association has a large inventory of durable medical equipment to lend out to members and a robust financial aid program to help registered members buy new equipment that might not be in stock. Equipment loans are offered at no cost to members. |
| Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) | 800-464-5619 | TTAP operates statewide to provide access to needed assistive technology. The program links together more than 30 local groups to cover the state and maintain the largest possible inventory. TTAP volunteers also demonstrate technology for users and may be able to deliver to members' homes. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Tennessee have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Home Modifications & Ramps Program | 800-228-8432 | The Tennessee Home Modification program provides state-backed home improvement loans seniors can use to upgrade their home's safety and access. Loan amounts can be as high as $25,000 at a 5% interest rate. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Tennessee 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 Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) | 888-395-9297 | The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services works with private legal nonprofits to provide free legal advice and aid to seniors. Lawyers can help seniors with housing, estate planning, long-term care and advance directives. Referrals to local legal help are also available through the hotline. |
| Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman | 615-253-5412 | The statewide long-term care ombudsman program advocates on behalf of seniors who reside in assisted living facilities. Seniors can contact the ombudsman for help with researching local facilities, identifying options for paying for care and resolving issues related to care planning and intake or discharge procedures. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Tennessee help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Support and Educational Programs Tennessee Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association of Tennessee provides support for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Peer and professionally led support groups help older adults and their caregivers navigate an Alzheimer's diagnosis, and these sessions are hosted virtually or in person at several locations across the state. The organization also publishes a resource finder that connects Tennessee's seniors with programs in their local communities. Fundraisers support the organization and bring together residents to fight Alzheimer's and help those coping with the disease. |
| University of Tennessee Knoxville One Stop Student Services | 865-974-1111 | Under Tennessee law, Tennessee adults aged 60 and up are eligible to take non-credit classes at all public colleges in the state without paying tuition. Adults aged 65 and up can take credit classes without paying tuition, although some fees and class-size limitations apply. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Tennessee 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 Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Social Security | Social 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. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Tennessee resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Property Tax Relief | 615-747-8858 | Tennessee's Division of Property Assessments helps senior homeowners with an annual direct payment to help offset the cost of their property taxes. Amounts vary depending on the value of your house and the area of the state where you live. |
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. Tennessee retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 800-228-8432 | The Tennessee Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides financial support that helps seniors pay heating and cooling bills. The program can also provide funds for seniors facing emergencies due to pending utility disconnection notices or malfunctioning equipment. Payments are made directly to the energy providers. To qualify for the program, seniors must prove they fall below maximum income limits, which are set at 60% of the state median income. Seniors already on SSI or SNAP may qualify automatically. |
Veteran's Services
Tennessee 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 Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee VA Benefits and Health Care | Tennessee VA Benefits and Health Care provides support to senior veterans throughout the state to ensure they receive quality health care and the financial support they need for a comfortable retirement. Veterans aged 65 and older can access comprehensive health care services, including specialized geriatric care, at VA medical centers and clinics. Seniors can also benefit from financial assistance through pension programs, Aid and Attendance payments and other government benefits to help cover the costs of long-term care or in-home care services. |
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