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Listed as one of the five best places to retire in Tennessee, Chattanooga has a low cost of living and no state retirement income tax, which makes it an affordable pick for seniors. The city is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just minutes from Lookout Mountain and Anna Ruby Falls, which provides scenic getaways and day trips. The community has an active cultural scene, with productions by the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and concerts throughout the year by the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera. There are over 180,000 people living in the city, and approximately 16% are aged 65 and older.
Chattanooga offers a choice of 24 assisted living facilities to accommodate those who need help with daily living. The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,225 per month, but this cost varies depending on a facility’s amenities and location.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
The average cost of assisted living in Chattanooga is $3,225 per month, which is $675 less than the state average and about $825 less than the national average, according to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Assisted living in Chattanooga is less expensive than what seniors pay in the adjacent states of Alabama ($3,250), Georgia ($3,335), Kentucky ($3,497) and North Carolina ($4,000).
Other cities in Tennessee have higher month assisted living costs in comparison to Chattanooga. Knoxville and Jackson have monthly averages of $3,625 and $3,975, respectively. The average cost in Johnson City is $3,985 and the median rate in Memphis is $4,113. In Nashville, the average cost is $4,150 per month, while seniors in Cleveland pay $4,420 per month, which is $1,195 more than the monthly average in Chattanooga.
TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, administers the CHOICES waiver for low-income seniors who need assistance covering the cost of long-term care. This waiver helps pay for care and support services in an assisted living setting. Eligibility is limited to seniors 65 and older, and adults age 21 and older with a physical disability, who meet the program’s income guidelines.
To learn more about the CHOICES waiver, how to apply and eligibility requirements check out our Assisted Living in Tennessee page.
| Contact | Information | |
| Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability | (866) 836-6678 | The Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability administers aging-related programs and resources to help seniors improve their quality of life. The agency also serves as an advocate to provide support to those with questions and concerns about long-term care, including assisted living. The AAA also oversees congregate meal and transportation programs and can assist seniors in navigating their health care choices to ensure adequate coverage. |
| Chattanooga Veterans Affairs Office | (423) 855-6570 | The Chattanooga VA office helps veterans obtain disability compensation, pensions and Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits. It also provides education on available services for veterans and their families and offers vocational rehabilitation. |
| Eastgate Senior Center | (423) 855-9444 | The Eastgate senior activity center offers older city residents a place to explore new hobbies and continue old ones and to engage in social and recreational activities with their peers in a caring, safe environment. The center has a swimming pool and a fitness center for daily exercise, billiard tables, table tennis, a walking club and arts and crafts room. There are board games and Wii sports available for friendly competition and a large library for those who enjoy quiet time reading. Group outings are also organized for shopping and to local points of interest. |
| Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services | (888) 277-8366 | The Adult Protective Services Division of the Tennessee Department of Human Services investigates reports of abuse and senior neglect in long-term facilities. The agency also identifies communities that aren’t meeting the state’s rules and regulations. Concerns can be reported directly to the agency by seniors and their family members. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (423) 755-2700 | The long-term care ombudsman program works to improve the quality of life for seniors in Chattanooga assisted living communities and other long-term care facilities. The program’s trained volunteer ombudsmen serve as advocates to help resolve problems that relate to the health, welfare and rights of residents. |
Assisted living communities in Chattanooga and the state of Tennessee must follow the laws and regulations set forth by the Tennessee Department of Health. These regulations pertain to facilities’ day-to-day operations, including the health and safety of residents, staffing and accommodations and medication administration. Check out our Assisted Living in Tennessee page to learn more about the state regulations.