5 Assisted Living Communities in Loudon County, Tennessee

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,033 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 5 Assisted Living Communities in Loudon County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Loudon County, TN

• Assisted Living: $4,033
• Nursing Home Care: $7,026
• In-home Care: $3,575
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,430

The average cost of assisted living in Loudon County is $4,033 per month, according to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care survey. This is comparable with the state median of $3,920, the U.S. monthly average ($4,000) and prices paid in Cleveland ($4,021).

Assisted living is almost $500 more expensive in Nashville and $150 higher in Kingsport. Seniors pay less in other eastern Tennessee communities, including Johnson City ($3,875), Morristown ($3,250) and Chattanooga, where the rate is just $3,018 per month.

Note: Cost data for senior care in Loudon County wasn’t available, so data for the nearby city of Knoxville was used instead.

The Genworth survey also reveals that senior care costs in Loudon County vary significantly depending on the care setting, service skill level and total hours of service received. Around-the-clock skilled care in a specialized residential nursing home setting is the highest-priced option at $7,026, while services provided on weekdays in a group adult day care setting average only $1,430 per month. Average costs for assisted living ($4,033) are about $450 higher than in-home services ($3,575) from homemakers and home health aides. These savings can quickly disappear when day-to-day living expenses are taken into account. Assisted living facilities typically provide room and board, whereas seniors living at home must pay for food, utilities, property taxes and maintenance over and above the cost of care.

Medicaid is the national health insurance program that gives Americans with limited income access to low-cost or free primary, acute and emergency health care and long-term services and supports. The program is administered by each state according to federally mandated guidelines.

The Tennessee Medicaid program known as TennCare enrolls eligible residents in managed care plans according to their age, health status and other criteria. Covered services are delivered by approved providers and may include:

• Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
• Emergency treatment
• Doctor and specialist visits
• Preventive care services
• X-rays, lab and other diagnostic tests
• Ambulance services
• Nonemergency medical transportation
• In-home care services
• Institutional nursing home care

TennCare long-term care coverage is meant to help permanent state residents who are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants and can’t afford health insurance, so those who apply must meet strict eligibility guidelines.

Applicants must be aged 65 or older or aged 21 through 64 and blind or disabled with limited income and assets. Those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits are automatically eligible for TennCare LTSS coverage. All others must have:

• A monthly income of $2,313 or less and no more than $2,000 in countable assets as a single person
• A maximum income of $4,626 per month and up to $4,000 in countable assets for spouses who apply together

Most income and assets count toward the limits except some specific assets, including a primary, owner-occupied home worth up to $585,000, household furnishings and effects, personal belongings, one car and irrevocable burial trusts.

If only one spouse is applying for TennCare coverage, the non-applicant’s income isn’t counted. They may also receive up to $3,160.50 of the applicant’s income each month and retain up to $126,420 in countable joint assets as living and resource allowances, according to Medicaid’s rules regarding spousal impoverishment. These allowance amounts are disregarded on the spouse’s application and can effectively lower their countable income and assets for eligibility purposes.

Loudon County seniors can complete an online application for TennCare or call (855) 259-0701 to learn more about the program or apply by phone.

CHOICES in Long-Term Services and Supports Waiver

Loudon County seniors and disabled adults at risk of nursing home placement who want to stay in their community can apply for the CHOICES waiver program. Those approved are enrolled in a managed care plan that covers TennCare medical services plus long-term services and supports provided in community settings, such as an applicant’s home, adult care home or assisted living facility.

Applicants must already be enrolled or applying for TennCare and assessed to confirm their need for long-term care. The assessment must show they’re functionally capable of living safely in the community with waiver-provided supports. Once enrolled in the CHOICES program, seniors receive benefits counseling and supportive services that address their specific needs, which may include:

• Personal emergency response systems
• Meals
• Help with personal care
• Medication management
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Assistive technology
• Transportation services

CHOICES isn’t a TennCare entitlement program, and participation is capped statewide, so approved applicants may be placed on a waiting list until a slot becomes available.

To learn more about the CHOICES program or apply, seniors should call the East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability at (866) 836-6678.

Reverse Mortgage

Loudon County homeowners who need extra income to help pay assisted living expenses for one spouse may consider applying for a reverse mortgage. This type of mortgage allows those aged 62 or older to convert part of their home equity into cash without selling the property. Instead of paying a lender every month, the homeowners receive a monthly payment, lump sum or line of credit based on their equity level and ages. When the last borrower moves out or the home is sold, the loan balance must be paid in full.

To learn more about reverse mortgages, seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits

Veterans and their spouses currently receiving a regular VA pension may qualify for a monthly top-up through the Aid and Attendance program that can help pay for assisted living. To qualify, applicants can’t be receiving VA disability benefits and must have an annual income of $22,577 or less, and they must suffer from one of these qualifying conditions:

• Severe vision loss or concentric contraction of the visual field

• Inability to carry out basic daily living activities without help

• Confined to bed due to a disability or chronic illness

Applicants must have served at least 90 days active duty with at least one day during wartime and received an honorable discharge.

To receive assistance applying for A&A benefits, senior veterans can contact the Loudon County Office of Veterans Affairs in Lenoir City at (865) 816-3987.

The Loudon County Office on Aging helps residents aged 60 and over access programs and services to enhance their quality of life. The agency offers information on available local resources and provides or coordinates community outreach, needs assessments, homemaker services, tax preparation, notary services, emergency assistance and transportation services. The Office on Aging also operates the adjacent Loudon County senior center that offers a wide range of social and recreational activities and wellness-focused programs to help area seniors enjoy a healthy, active life. Seniors can play a casual game of cards or billiards with friends, take a computer, painting or craft class or stay fit with yoga or Pilates sessions. The center also offers weekly luncheons, special guest speakers, wellness checks, health fairs, group shopping excursions and day trips to a variety of entertaining events and interesting destinations. Loudon County Office on Aging
901 Main St., Loudon, TN 37774
(865) 458-5445

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.