The Tennessee city of Kingsport is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a population of around 56,150. Roughly 24.7% of these residents are aged 65 or older, which is the demographic considered at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 6.7 million Americans are affected by memory loss and that figure is predicted to increase to 13.8 million by 2050. The CDC reports the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Kingsport rose over 74% from 2016 to 2020, which is significantly higher than the 27% increase of non-Alzheimer’s-related deaths.
Access to quality dementia care is crucial for those with memory loss to maintain a high quality of life. Memory care communities offer long-term care services with 24-hour staff specifically trained to treat cognitive impairments. These communities offer a variety of therapeutic approaches and engaging activities, including music and pet therapy, designed to support cognitive changes and facilitate improvements.
This guide evaluates the pros and cons of living in Kingsport and lists comparative costs of memory care and other long-term care options. It also features a table of helpful resources that may aid seniors with memory loss as well as their caregivers.