Memory Care Communities in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Memory care costs around $5,275 per month, on average, in Chattanooga according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey. This figure was calculated by adding 25% onto the average cost of assisted living since memory care averages 20-30% more per month. Memory care costs more since it requires specialized programming, staff training and more personalized care. 

Chattanooga’s memory care costs are slightly higher than the Tennessee average of $5,131. Monthly costs are also higher in Chattanooga than they are in nearby cities, including Knoxville where it costs $4,779 a month, Nashville where it costs $5,125 a month and Atlanta where it costs $4,806 a month.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Tennessee page.

Other types of senior care are available in Chattanooga at different price points, depending on the type of care you need. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, in-home care, such as homemaker services or a home health aide, costs around $4,700 a month. An adult day health care center costs $1,733 per month, and living in an assisted living facility costs $4,220. Other services like semiprivate or private rooms in a nursing home can cost more than $7,000 and $8,000 a month respectively.

The Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Facilities oversees memory care facilities throughout the state, including those in Chattanooga. This office establishes rules and regulations for these facilities and issues licenses to ensure facilities comply with all state-established regulations for licensure.

• Chattanooga has several medical facilities throughout the area that give seniors access to medical care when needed. While none of the hospitals have nationally ranked specialties, they’re well regarded locally for delivering proper care.
• The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, or CARTA, runs buses on a fixed-route schedule throughout the city. CARTA’s Care-a-Van service provides additional transportation options for seniors who may not be physically capable of riding a bus. This van-sharing service is available seven days a week.
• The cost of living in Chattanooga is 3% lower than the national average, which can save seniors money when they choose a memory care facility in the community. Most notably, utilities are 6% lower and groceries are 7% lower than average, resulting in monthly savings for seniors.
• Because the state of Tennessee doesn’t have income taxes, seniors’ retirement benefits and distributions aren’t taxed either, making Chattanooga a tax-friendly city for seniors.
• According to the American Lung Association, the Chattanooga metro area is ranked first in the nation for having the cleanest air based on 24-hour particulate pollution. This clean air can be a welcome benefit for seniors living with respiratory issues.
• Chattanooga is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. This designation indicates the city is inclusive and considerate of people of all ages, including seniors.