Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Chattanooga, is home to 182,113 residents, of which 16.8% are aged 65 and older. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia begins to present in 1 in 9 seniors, causing neurological changes characterized by memory loss and a shift in behavior. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s contributes to the death of 1 in every 3 seniors. These figures, combined with the 11.16% increase in Alzheimer’s related deaths in Chattanooga between 2016 and 2020, illustrate the importance of residential dementia care.
Memory care communities are a safe and supervised place designed with the needs of people with Alzheimer’s in mind. They’re secure and fenced-in, allowing residents to wander and explore without putting themselves in danger. Further, they’re staffed around the clock in case of a fall, an episode of confusion or another type of accident. To help seniors find a memory care community that meets their needs, this guide discusses the cost of this kind of care in Chattanooga and some pros and cons of retirement in the city.
Directory of Memory Care Facilities in Chattanooga, TN
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
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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 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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7127 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN, 37421
American House Shallowford is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Residents enjoy the wide range of activities offered, which include regular group outings. The dining experience at the facility receiv
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American House Shallowford is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Residents enjoy the wide range of activities offered, which include regular group outings. The dining experience at the facility receives high praise from visitors. Residents and their loved ones appreciate the knowledgeable staff, who regularly go above and beyond to meet residents’ needs and even take the time to learn the names of family members who visit the facility. All of the facility’s amenities are on the same floor for convenient access for residents, and thanks to the facility’s small size, residents feel at home.
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American House Shallowford is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Residents enjoy the wide range of activities offered, which include regular group outings. The dining experience at the facility receiv
… (read more)
American House Shallowford is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Residents enjoy the wide range of activities offered, which include regular group outings. The dining experience at the facility receives high praise from visitors. Residents and their loved ones appreciate the knowledgeable staff, who regularly go above and beyond to meet residents’ needs and even take the time to learn the names of family members who visit the facility. All of the facility’s amenities are on the same floor for convenient access for residents, and thanks to the facility’s small size, residents feel at home.
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1502 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37421
American House Hamilton Place is located in historic Chattanooga, Tennessee, it’s close to various Civil War sites, Rock City Park, Ruby Falls and the Tennessee Aquarium. This facility is an assisted
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American House Hamilton Place is located in historic Chattanooga, Tennessee, it’s close to various Civil War sites, Rock City Park, Ruby Falls and the Tennessee Aquarium. This facility is an assisted living and Alzheimer’s care community, and according to relatives, offers five-star memory and body care. It is described as being one of the cleanest facilities in the area, and residents also like that it provides shuttle services to various places in town. Relatives love the secure, secluded location of this community and enjoy the individualized care shown their loved ones with 24-hour on-site health care personnel.
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American House Hamilton Place is located in historic Chattanooga, Tennessee, it’s close to various Civil War sites, Rock City Park, Ruby Falls and the Tennessee Aquarium. This facility is an assisted
… (read more)
American House Hamilton Place is located in historic Chattanooga, Tennessee, it’s close to various Civil War sites, Rock City Park, Ruby Falls and the Tennessee Aquarium. This facility is an assisted living and Alzheimer’s care community, and according to relatives, offers five-star memory and body care. It is described as being one of the cleanest facilities in the area, and residents also like that it provides shuttle services to various places in town. Relatives love the secure, secluded location of this community and enjoy the individualized care shown their loved ones with 24-hour on-site health care personnel.
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1005 Mountain Creek Rd, Chattanooga, TN, 37405
The are a good size. The problem is they never clean them. I’ve reported, to the director of nursing, dirty and sticky floors, total with black mold, siper webs in windows (in side) poop on toilet…
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The are a good size. The problem is they never clean them. I’ve reported, to the director of nursing, dirty and sticky floors, total with black mold, siper webs in windows (in side) poop on toilet…
RAs are, for the most part, are nice bit management is not. They could care less for the residents.
There are no activities, nothing to keep the residents moving and happy.
No Amenitites that I saw.
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The are a good size. The problem is they never clean them. I’ve reported, to the director of nursing, dirty and sticky floors, total with black mold, siper webs in windows (in side) poop on toilet…
… (read more)
The are a good size. The problem is they never clean them. I’ve reported, to the director of nursing, dirty and sticky floors, total with black mold, siper webs in windows (in side) poop on toilet…
RAs are, for the most part, are nice bit management is not. They could care less for the residents.
There are no activities, nothing to keep the residents moving and happy.
No Amenitites that I saw.
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7620 Shallowford Rd, Chattanooga, TN, 37421
My mother moved into The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga. The biggest reason we went there is it was just more convenient for me and my brother to see her. It’s between us, and it’s on our wa
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My mother moved into The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga. The biggest reason we went there is it was just more convenient for me and my brother to see her. It’s between us, and it’s on our way to places, so it’s easy for us to stop in and see her. It didn’t have a nursing home feel to it, had more of an apartment or nice hotel feel. The staff members were all good. From what I’ve seen with interacting with my mom and interacting with me, they’ve been great. I’ve talked to them almost every day since she’s moved in, calling me with: "She’s got this going on. Can we do this?", and just keeping in touch with me of what’s going on.
The food is good. I ate dinner with her the other night, and it was good. The facilities are wonderful. They just opened back up after a tornado went through and tore it up. So it’s pretty much brand new, but it’s nice. The upkeep was nice. The maintenance guy was great, I’ve met him. The rooms, even the small rooms, were just nice. The bathrooms are big. It has stuff like benches and showers. There were no steps or anything that they could trip on. It was a nice facility. They have the halls color-coded for them and little shadow boxes outside of the room, and we can put pictures of them in there.
There was a physical therapy area, hair salon, ice cream parlor, and dining room. There was like a sensory room. If they get agitated, they can take them to this room and kind of calm down. There was a block of old-timey kitchen set up where they can go and play. There’s an activities area and what I call the great room, kind of where they all gather and watch TV or do activities and stuff.
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My mother moved into The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga. The biggest reason we went there is it was just more convenient for me and my brother to see her. It’s between us, and it’s on our wa
… (read more)
My mother moved into The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga. The biggest reason we went there is it was just more convenient for me and my brother to see her. It’s between us, and it’s on our way to places, so it’s easy for us to stop in and see her. It didn’t have a nursing home feel to it, had more of an apartment or nice hotel feel. The staff members were all good. From what I’ve seen with interacting with my mom and interacting with me, they’ve been great. I’ve talked to them almost every day since she’s moved in, calling me with: "She’s got this going on. Can we do this?", and just keeping in touch with me of what’s going on.
The food is good. I ate dinner with her the other night, and it was good. The facilities are wonderful. They just opened back up after a tornado went through and tore it up. So it’s pretty much brand new, but it’s nice. The upkeep was nice. The maintenance guy was great, I’ve met him. The rooms, even the small rooms, were just nice. The bathrooms are big. It has stuff like benches and showers. There were no steps or anything that they could trip on. It was a nice facility. They have the halls color-coded for them and little shadow boxes outside of the room, and we can put pictures of them in there.
There was a physical therapy area, hair salon, ice cream parlor, and dining room. There was like a sensory room. If they get agitated, they can take them to this room and kind of calm down. There was a block of old-timey kitchen set up where they can go and play. There’s an activities area and what I call the great room, kind of where they all gather and watch TV or do activities and stuff.
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6845 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37421
81 Battlefield Crossing Court, Fort Oglethorpe, GA, 30736
The Canopy at Boynton Ridge was a brand-new place and it was beautiful. It had a lot of nice details and a lot of nice amenities. I felt like the staff was a little pushy, but they were nice. They had
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The Canopy at Boynton Ridge was a brand-new place and it was beautiful. It had a lot of nice details and a lot of nice amenities. I felt like the staff was a little pushy, but they were nice. They had a salon, a theater, a family dining room, a pool table, a beautiful outdoor space, and a little putting green. They had areas to do puzzles and things. They had their own PT and OT room where the residents could go to them, or the PT would go to the residents.
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The Canopy at Boynton Ridge was a brand-new place and it was beautiful. It had a lot of nice details and a lot of nice amenities. I felt like the staff was a little pushy, but they were nice. They had
… (read more)
The Canopy at Boynton Ridge was a brand-new place and it was beautiful. It had a lot of nice details and a lot of nice amenities. I felt like the staff was a little pushy, but they were nice. They had a salon, a theater, a family dining room, a pool table, a beautiful outdoor space, and a little putting green. They had areas to do puzzles and things. They had their own PT and OT room where the residents could go to them, or the PT would go to the residents.
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5501 Old Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN, 37343
6007 Hwy 153, Hixson, TN, 37343
My father moved into Bailey Manor – Chattanooga/Hixson. I’ve been very pleased with it. The staff has been good to my father, and they’ve been good to my mother and to the extended family, as well. My
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My father moved into Bailey Manor – Chattanooga/Hixson. I’ve been very pleased with it. The staff has been good to my father, and they’ve been good to my mother and to the extended family, as well. My father is always clean. His room is always very neat and tidy. Every time I go there, the bed is made even though my father is laying in it. If he is not in his recliner, he is in the living room. The blanket we have for him is always folded. He loves the food there. They have activities every Wednesday and Friday. He may not participate in all of them, but they have bingo and wine and cheese.
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My father moved into Bailey Manor – Chattanooga/Hixson. I’ve been very pleased with it. The staff has been good to my father, and they’ve been good to my mother and to the extended family, as well. My
… (read more)
My father moved into Bailey Manor – Chattanooga/Hixson. I’ve been very pleased with it. The staff has been good to my father, and they’ve been good to my mother and to the extended family, as well. My father is always clean. His room is always very neat and tidy. Every time I go there, the bed is made even though my father is laying in it. If he is not in his recliner, he is in the living room. The blanket we have for him is always folded. He loves the food there. They have activities every Wednesday and Friday. He may not participate in all of them, but they have bingo and wine and cheese.
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14 Fort Town Drive, Fort Oglethorpe, GA, 30742
2143 Northpoint Blvd, Hixson, TN, 37343
We’re hoping to get into Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. They had a higher staff ratio to patients and they’re better qualified; they don’t call hospice much at all there. They need the least amount
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We’re hoping to get into Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. They had a higher staff ratio to patients and they’re better qualified; they don’t call hospice much at all there. They need the least amount of assistance so that shows us that the staff is well-equipped to deal with the patients. I just like the staffing and the facility, they just seemed well-equipped and it was nice.
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We’re hoping to get into Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. They had a higher staff ratio to patients and they’re better qualified; they don’t call hospice much at all there. They need the least amount
… (read more)
We’re hoping to get into Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. They had a higher staff ratio to patients and they’re better qualified; they don’t call hospice much at all there. They need the least amount of assistance so that shows us that the staff is well-equipped to deal with the patients. I just like the staffing and the facility, they just seemed well-equipped and it was nice.
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COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Chattanooga
Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Memory Care in Tennessee. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Memory Care in Chattanooga
The Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Facilities oversees memory care facilities throughout the state, including those in Chattanooga. This office establishes rules and regulations for these facilities and issues licenses to ensure facilities comply with all state-established regulations for licensure.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Chattanooga
- Chattanooga has several medical facilities throughout the area that give seniors access to medical care when needed. While none of the hospitals have nationally ranked specialties, they’re well regarded locally for delivering proper care.
- The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, or CARTA, runs buses on a fixed-route schedule throughout the city. CARTA’s Care-a-Van service provides additional transportation options for seniors who may not be physically capable of riding a bus. This van-sharing service is available seven days a week.
- The cost of living in Chattanooga is 3% lower than the national average, which can save seniors money when they choose a memory care facility in the community. Most notably, utilities are 6% lower and groceries are 7% lower than average, resulting in monthly savings for seniors.
- Because the state of Tennessee doesn’t have income taxes, seniors’ retirement benefits and distributions aren’t taxed either, making Chattanooga a tax-friendly city for seniors.
- According to the American Lung Association, the Chattanooga metro area is ranked first in the nation for having the cleanest air based on 24-hour particulate pollution. This clean air can be a welcome benefit for seniors living with respiratory issues.
- Chattanooga is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. This designation indicates the city is inclusive and considerate of people of all ages, including seniors.
Paying for Memory Care in Chattanooga
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
Memory care costs around $5,275 per month, on average, in Chattanooga according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey. This figure was calculated by adding 25% onto the average cost of assisted living since memory care averages 20-30% more per month. Memory care costs more since it requires specialized programming, staff training and more personalized care.
Chattanooga’s memory care costs are slightly higher than the Tennessee average of $5,131. Monthly costs are also higher in Chattanooga than they are in nearby cities, including Knoxville where it costs $4,779 a month, Nashville where it costs $5,125 a month and Atlanta where it costs $4,806 a month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Other types of senior care are available in Chattanooga at different price points, depending on the type of care you need. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, in-home care, such as homemaker services or a home health aide, costs around $4,700 a month. An adult day health care center costs $1,733 per month, and living in an assisted living facility costs $4,220. Other services like semiprivate or private rooms in a nursing home can cost more than $7,000 and $8,000 a month respectively.
Nursing home semiprivate room
Nursing home private room
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in Tennessee page.
More Ways to Pay for Memory Care
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Tennessee page.
Free Memory Care Resources in Chattanooga
Discovering memory care support services in Chattanooga can help seniors and their families adjust to a new diagnosis or living situation. Consider these options to find resources on living with Alzheimer’s disease, caring for family members with dementia or finding appropriate memory care facilities in Chattanooga.
The Southeast Tennessee Alzheimer's Association provides information, support and education to seniors living with Alzheimer's and families in the Chattanooga area. Seniors can tap into resources to guide them through their Alzheimer's journey. Caregivers can learn about care options, including how to choose providers and memory care facilities.
The Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability strives to help seniors and those living with disabilities find appropriate care and living options so they can continue to live with dignity. Resources include exploring options for community living and overseeing a family caregiver support program.
Ascension Living's Alexian PACE program provides comprehensive care, including medical care, long-term care and social services, to area seniors in need. Eligible applicants can learn more by visiting the Tennessee Division of TennCare website.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in Tennessee are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Tennessee page for more information about these laws.
