Assisted Living in Jackson, TN

Assisted Living Costs in Jackson

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study shows the monthly cost of assisted living in Jackson is more than $500 below the national average of $4,000. The city is also less expensive than the state average of $3,920 and other Tennessee cities, such as Nashville ($4,500), Cleveland ($4,021) and Knoxville ($4,033).

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Jackson: $3,469
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,920
• Memphis: $3,585
• Clarksville: $3,495
• Nashville: $4,500
• Chattanooga: $3,018
• Cleveland: $4,021
• Knoxville: $4,033

Care Cost Comparison

One factor that impacts the monthly cost of care is the type of service provided. Less comprehensive services, such as adult day health ($2,600) cost significantly less than nursing home care ($6,053). Assisted living care costs slightly more than homemaker and home health aide services, which both average $3,314 per month. Compared to nursing home care, assisted living ($3,469) is more than $1,500 less costly. It’s important to note that services offered in-home don’t cover day-to-day living expenses, such as rent, utilities and meals, which are usually included with assisted living and nursing home care.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,469
• Homemaker services: $3,314
• Home health aide: $3,314
• Adult day health: $2,600
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,053

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Jackson

Medicaid in Tennessee

Medicaid is a national health insurance program funded through federal and state governments. Eligible participants are Americans of any age who meet the low-income and asset limit requirements, demonstrating a financial need in obtaining health care. In Tennessee, the Medicaid program TennCare is regulated through the state’s Division of Healthcare, Finance & Administration (HCFA), a branch of the Department of Human Services.

To qualify for TennCare, an individual’s monthly income must not exceed $2,313 and countable assets must be less than $2,000. For married couples, the income/asset limits are doubled, but the individual limits apply to each spouse. If only one spouse applies, the individual limits count for that person, but the non-applicant spouse can have up to $126,420 in assets.

Only income specific to the applicant is counted, even when married. The program also allows the transfer of some income to the non-applicant spouse to cover living expenses.

Not all assets count. Exclusions include burial trusts, a vehicle, household furnishings, personal belongings and a primary residence valued below $585,000. 

TennCare-qualified seniors who are 65 or older may be eligible for the CHOICES program, a Home and Community Based Services waiver that provides assistance to those who require a nursing home level of care but want to remain in their homes or the community.

Services provided through the CHOICES program may include:

• Personal care visits
• Attendant care
• Meal delivery
• A personal emergency response system
• Adult day care
• In-home respite care
• Inpatient respite care
• Assistive technology
• Minor home modifications
• Pest control
• Community-based residential alternatives, including assisted living facilities

For more information regarding the Tennessee Medicaid program or CHOICES waiver, contact TennCare at (800) 342-3145 or online through the TennCare Connect system.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Moving into an assisted living facility sometimes requires a significant financial investment. Those who are waiting on benefits dispersal or the proceeds from the sale of their home or other assets may need temporary financial help to get settled in. For such a situation, Elderlife offers short-term assisted living bridge loans of up to 12 months. Applications can be done over the phone, and many approvals are funded within 24 hours through either a lump sum payment or a line of credit. For more information on bridge loans, contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Reverse Mortgage

For seniors over the age of 62 who are preparing to enter an assisted living facility, own a home and have a spouse who will remain in the primary residence, a reverse mortgage could free up some cash to cover care expenses. Reverse mortgages make monthly payments to approved applicants from the established equity in their home. Repayment is not due until the spouse vacates the home and it is sold. To learn more or apply, you can contact lenders offering reverse mortgages in Tennessee.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits

Veteran seniors who require assisted living care and are eligible for their pension may be qualified for financial assistance through the Aid and Attendance benefits program. This program tops up an existing pension amount to cover additional care expenses. To be eligible, senior vets must need help with everyday living activities, be bedridden or receive nursing home care due to a mental or physical disability. Veterans already receiving a disability pension are not eligible. To learn more about the Aid and Attendance benefits, call the VA Benefits Hotline at (800) 827-1000.

Assisted Living Resources in Jackson

Community Aid Agencies in Jackson

Senior residents of Jackson can take advantage of community aid agencies for assistance with medical needs, transportation, personal care and leisure activities. The Southwest Tennessee Area Agency on Aging is available to help connect seniors with services they need.

Southwest Tennessee AAA
102 East College Street, Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 668-7112

Southwest Human Resource Agency
1124 White Hall Street, Suite 201-A, Jackson, TN 38301
(800) 372-6013

St John’s Community Services
250 N Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 984-7255

Veteran Resources

Veteran seniors in the Jackson area may be eligible for a range of services offered to those who have served in the armed forces. By visiting the state VA Department, seniors can learn which benefits they qualify for and get help navigating the application process. Local VFW and American Legion posts provide various social opportunities with others who have served.

State Veterans Affairs Department
225 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 423-5614

Veterans of Foreign Wars
285 Airways Blvd, Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 423-9664

American Legion Post No 90
165 Perry Switch Rd, Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 424-9987

Senior Centers

Senior centers in Southwest Tennessee give Jackson residents access to programs and activities focused on wellness, physical fitness, socialization and recreation.

West Madison Senior Center
806 Huntersville Denmark Rd, Denmark TN 38391
(731) 422-4771

Chester County Senior Center
247 E Main St, Henderson, TN 38340
(731) 989-7434

Crockett Senior Citizens Center
736 S Bells St, Alamo, TN 38001
(731) 696-2050