Cleveland, Tennessee, is located about half an hour’s drive from Chattanooga, near the Georgia border. It’s a smaller community nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, an area known for scenic hiking trails, offering opportunities for outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing. Seniors living in Cleveland benefit from the slower pace of a smaller town while remaining close enough to a larger city to take advantage of specialized health care and a wider selection of shopping and dining options. The weather in Cleveland is generally pleasant, with warm summers and mild winters.
Seniors in Cleveland, about 16% of the city population of 46,000, may choose to move into assisted living as their needs change. Cleveland has four assisted living homes, at an average monthly cost of $4,264 per month. Cleveland’s cost of living is about 18 points lower than the national average, and this, plus the lack of state income tax in Tennessee, may give seniors more options when budgeting for long-term care.
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 >
Cleveland seniors can expect to pay an average of $4,264 per month for assisted living, according to the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey 2020. This is a little over $200 more than the Tennessee state average of $4,039 and just under the national average of $4,300. Tennessee’s costs are higher than those of its neighboring states. North Carolina ($3,800), Kentucky ($3,699), Georgia ($3,500) and Arkansas ($3,500) all have lower average monthly assisted living fees.
Comparing Cleveland to other Tennessee cities, its monthly fees for assisted living are about in the middle. Nearby Chattanooga is about $250 more, at $4,515. Clarksville ($4,190), Kingsport ($4,200) and Memphis ($4,391) are close in monthly fees to Cleveland, while Knoxville ($3,900), Nashville ($3,720) and Morristown ($3,435) are all notably less than Cleveland.
Tennessee Medicaid, called TennCare, administers a waiver to help pay for accommodations in an assisted living community, instead of residents taking residence in a nursing home. The program is called TennCare CHOICES in Long-Term Care Program (CHOICES) and replaced the former program, the Elderly and Disabled Home and Community Based Services Waiver (E & D HCBS).
Learn more about these programs and the eligibility requirements on our Assisted Living in Tennessee page.
Contact | Description | |
Tennessee Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman | (615) 741-2056 | Long-term care ombudsmen provide oversight for long-term care communities, including assisted living and memory care. Representatives investigate claims made by residents or their families to ensure that individuals are being cared for. Other services include helping families determine the right fit for long-term care for an elderly loved one and advocating for stronger regulations of these communities. |
Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability | (423) 424-4256 | The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) improves the lives of area seniors through programs that address their physical, emotional and mental needs. It offers help with financial planning for long-term care, health screenings at community centers and programs that increase the opportunities for seniors to socialize, as well as referrals and help applying for state-sponsored disability benefits. |
Bradley County Veteran’s Services | (423) 728-7100 | The county veterans services center helps local military veterans apply for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and it also helps surviving spouses secure death benefits. Representatives of this agency help veterans find health care, including mental health counseling, and they can help with long-term care placement. |
Bradley-Cleveland Senior Activity Center | (423) 559-2171 | The Senior Activity Center hosts a variety of programs for community seniors. Activities are free, although people may choose to join for a fee of $10 per year. Activities designed to appeal to just about everybody include singing, exercise, bingo, bridge, line dancing, billiards, oil painting, congregate nutrition, holiday celebrations and birthday parties. Volunteer opportunities are also available. |
Cleveland Urban Area Transit | (423) 478-1396 | The City of Cleveland operates a public transportation shuttle, with discounted rates available for seniors. Routes and operation times are limited, and ADA paratransit services are available for those who qualify. |
Assisted living communities in Cleveland, as in all of Tennessee, are licensed and regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health Board For Licensing Health Care Facilities. Regulations ensure the proper certification and training of all staff. Visit our Assisted Living in Tennessee page for more information about these laws.