Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is known as the secret city, a nickname that refers to the area’s role in the development of nuclear weapons during World War II. The community is located to the west of Knoxville, nestled in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. Seniors in Oak Ridge can benefit from the amenities of nearby Knoxville while still enjoying the smaller town feel of Oak Ridge. Closer to home, Oak Ridge offers plenty to keep seniors busy, from exploring local wineries to taking a self-guided tour of the Top Secret Trail, a 200-mile tour that highlights local attractions, including the World’s Fair Park, the University of Tennessee, and the Devil’s Triangle.
Seniors should access assisted living to improve their life quality as they age. Oak Ridge in Tennessee will cost about $3,823, according to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey. Although the costs for Oak Ridge were unavailable, we accessed data for Knoxville, the nearest city. This price is approximately $300 less than the average for Tennessee of $4,105 and almost $700 lower than the national average of $4,500.
Read further for more information regarding assisted living facilities in Tennessee.
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 >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Tennessee. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Seniors in Oak Ridge or Knoxville pay around $3,823 monthly for assisted living.
As a senior citizen, you will pay approximately $3,823 for assisted living fees in Oak Ridge or Knoxville. This figure is less than the Tennessee average rate of $4,105 and less than the national average rate of $4,500.
Assisted living facilities are the most cost-effective in Oak Ridge and Knoxville. From $3,823 in these towns, costs tend to rise. At the lower end is Nashville-Davidson ($4,100) and Morristown ($4,109). Chattanooga and Jackson charge slightly more at $4,220 and $4,240, respectively. Towns like Church Hill tend to price their assisted living fees closer to the national average at $4,445, while Dayton is more than $300 above the national rate at $4,835.
Note: Data for Oak Ridge was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Knoxville, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Tennessee.
Contact | Description | |
Tennessee Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman | (615) 741-2056 | The office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman investigates complaints filed by residents in long-term care facilities and their families. The organization also answers questions about long-term care communities and advocates for stronger regulations. |
Anderson County Veterans Office | (865) 463-6803 | The mission of the Veteran’s Office is to support local military veterans and their families, offering assistance accessing VA benefits and medical care. Its services include providing counseling for topics, such as grief and PTSD, and helping military veterans find accommodations in long-term care homes. |
Oak Ridge Senior Center | (865) 425-3999 | From bingo and card games to fitness classes and hobby groups, the Senior Center has an activity to suit almost any member. The Center is open to seniors aged 50 and older and hosts many different programs, including group trips and holiday celebrations. Lunches are served during the week. |
Anderson County Office on Aging Services | The Office on Aging Services administers a variety of services to help seniors in the community. Representatives help seniors find and apply for benefits they may be eligible for, including health care and Social Security. Other services include health screenings and nutritional assistance, both with meal planning and food distribution. It also helps seniors with glasses, cell phones, hearing aids and housing. | |
Oak Ridge Transit | ETHRA Public Transit | (865) 482-2785 | Oak Ridge Transit provides door-to-door services for anyone who requires assistance. Shuttles run from Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a shuttle service, and handicapped transportation is available. Reservations for transportation are provided. |
Spark Durable Medical Equipment of Knoxville | (865) 219-0130 | Spark is an agency supporting the elderly and those with disabilities. Services include operating a loan closet of durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers, blood pressure cuffs and shower or toileting chairs. |
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands | (865) 483-8454 | The Legal Aid Society offers free legal assistance to those in the area who meet certain income guidelines. This assistance covers most civil matters and drafting legal documents, such as wills and power of attorney. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Oak Ridge area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.