Assisted Living in Chattanooga, TN

Assisted Living Costs in Chattanooga

Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study indicates that Chattanooga’s average monthly assisted living cost is well below the national average of $4,000 and state average of $3,920. In fact, the Chattanooga area ($3,018) is the least expensive in the entire state, with Jackson ($3,469) a close second. The most expensive city in Tennessee is Nashville ($4,500), with Knoxville ($4,033) and Cleveland ($4,021) coming in just above the national average.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Chattanooga: $3,018
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,920
• Cleveland: $4,021
• Nashville: $4,500
• Knoxville: $4,033
• Memphis: $3,585
• Johnson City: $3,875
• Jackson: $3,469

Care Cost Comparison

When considering medical service costs for seniors, the biggest factor is the level of care needed to ensure comfort. If seniors need part-time care, then adult day care ($1,733) is the least expensive route. Home health care is useful for seniors who need help with daily necessities, including bathing, dressing, meal prep and light housekeeping, but the costs on average are $700 to $800 over the expense of assisted living ($3,018), and unlike assisted living, home health care doesn’t include the costs of financially maintaining a home, such as rent, utilities, transportation, groceries and landscaping.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,018
• Homemaker services: $3,718
• Home health aide: $3,813
• Adult day health: $1,733
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,646

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Chattanooga

Medicaid in Tennessee

TennCare Medicaid provides free or low-cost health care to low-income seniors. Eligible participants receive medical screenings, physician services, emergency services and transportation, medical equipment, labs and X-rays, home health care and physical and occupational therapy. 

To be eligible for TennCare Medicaid, applicants must:

• Be an individual who is elderly, disabled or uninsurable
• Be a resident of Tennessee
• Be a U.S. citizen, or a satisfactory legal immigration status
• Receive SSI (supplemental security income)
• Have a monthly income of $750 or less and an asset limit of no more than $2000 (for individuals)
• Have a monthly income combined of less than $1125 and an asset limit of $3,000 or less (for couples)
• Have an income of less than $2,250 per month (for nursing home residents)

Apply for TennCare Medicaid online, call (800) 318-2596 or visit your local DHS office.

TennCare Medicaid offers assistance with long-term care services through its CHOICES waiver program. This program offers support and care to those in an assisted living residence, a nursing home, an adult foster home or the home of a caregiver or family member as well as those receiving in-home services. CHOICES helps cover services that enhance the quality of life, including meal preparation, grooming, medication management, home modifications (ramp, walk-in tub, etc.) and personal emergency response services. 

Eligibility guidelines:

• An individual must be at risk of entering a nursing home facility (unless receiving home care)
• An individual’s gross monthly income may not exceed $2,313 and asset limit is $2,000 or less
• Receive SSI payments

If a senior is at risk for nursing home level of care, but doesn’t meet the requirements of nursing home care, the cost of home care can’t exceed $15,000 annually (this doesn’t include home modifications).

To apply for CHOICES with established TennCare, call the TennCare health plan phone number on the back of the member card.  If a senior doesn’t have TennCare and is interested in CHOICES, call (800) 654-4839.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

PACE

Alexian Brothers PACE is a Christian-based health and service program that serves the elderly of Hamilton County, providing alternatives to nursing home care facilities. It’s a managed care system that offers high-quality health care to seniors at the PACE center, in medical facilities or in the individuals home. Geriatrician experts at PACE help coordinate the numerous medical needs and appointments that can easily overwhelm people,  including medication management, specialist care, hospitalizations, primary care and therapy. 

While the PACE program doesn’t contribute toward the cost of assisted living, it can reduce the overall expense of services seniors would otherwise have to pay for. Seniors can receive all-inclusive care from a well-rounded team of physicians, nurses, case managers and dietitians, who tailor plans suited to each individuals special needs. Services vary and include non-emergency transportation, prescription medications, medical equipment and supplies, preventative health services, outpatient surgery and dentistry. 

There is no fee required if you are eligible for TennCare long-term care services. If you are Medicare eligible only, a fee may be involved and determined by the enrollment coordinator. To be eligible for the PACE program, individuals must be age 55 and up, live in Hamilton County, Tennessee, be assessed by the PACE interdisciplinary team and be certified by TennCare as being eligible for nursing home level of care. 

To learn more about the Alexian Brothers PACE program, please fill out this form or call (423) 495-9114 or (800) 441-8883.

Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Pension Program

Tennessee veterans and their surviving spouses can benefit from the Aid and Attendance pension program, which helps pay for services associated with assisted living, home care and skilled nursing homes. It was designed to aid veterans and their spouses with activities for daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, errands, transportation and meal prep. The Aid and Attendance program pays up to $2,837 monthly for senior living expenses, and it’s not dependant on service related injuries. 

To qualify, Veterans must:

• Have served 90 days or more of active military, with at least one day during a period of war
• Be age 65 or older
• Be eligible for basic pension benefits
• Be a surviving spouse whose marriage ended due to death of veteran 
• Reside in a nursing home
• Have been discharged from service
• Need the assistance of another person to perform ADLs

There are numerous forms and paperwork to fill out and gather, so be sure to prepare ahead of time before filing. Some of the required paperwork includes discharge or separation papers, marriage certificate, death certificate and copies of all income statements. 

For more information concerning the Aid and Attendance program, please call (800) 827-1000

Assisted Living Resources in Chattanooga

Senior Centers of Chattanooga

Senior centers offer aging adults independence, educational opportunities, socialization (which wards off depression), meal and nutrition programs, recreational activities and transportation. 

Eastgate Senior Center
5600 Brainerd Road, Suite C-10-11, Chattanooga, TN 37411
(423) 855-9444 

North River Civic Center
1009 Executive Drive, Suite 102, Hixson, TN 37343
(423) 870-8924

Heritage House
1428 Jenkins Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 855-9474

Tennessee Veterans Services

The Veterans Administration helps veterans and their families obtain and understand VA benefits that are available to them. For more information on eligibility and the numerous programs available, such as pensions, disability compensation or long-term care benefits, please call or visit one of the offices below. 

Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
5726 Marlin Rd #513, Chattanooga, TN 37411
(423) 634-6488

Chattanooga Vet Center
951 Eastgate Loop # 300, Chattanooga, TN 37411
(423) 855-6570

Veterans Affairs
2208 Pointe Centre Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 893-6500

Area Agency on Aging and Disability

Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability offers various programs to the elderly and disabled concerning congregate meal programs, state health insurance programs, caregiver support and an abundance of information that advocates for the welfare of seniors. 

Area Agency On Aging & Disability
1000 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 424-4256