Assisted Living in Oklahoma
Many seniors choose to spend their retirement years in Oklahoma, a developing state where approximately 15.7% of residents are aged 65 or over according to recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. With a median fee of just $3,518 per month, the cost of assisted living in Oklahoma is fairly low compared to other parts of the United States. There are 295 assisted living facilities statewide in addition to several hundred other senior living providers, so there are plenty of options for seniors who are considering moving into a home or residential care community.
Read about assisted living in Oklahoma and learn about financial assistance programs that are available to seniors wishing to move into an assisted living residence.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's SeniorScore is 75%. This is better than the national average of 72% and means that the state is considered to be a good option for seniors looking for a retirement destination. Oklahoma scores highly on a number of important metrics.
SeniorScore™ for Oklahoma
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Oklahoma's SeniorScore™ of 75 is higher than the national average of 72.
- Oklahoma has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Oklahoma has a high number of hospitals within the state.
- Oklahoma has an average number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Oklahoma has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Oklahoma is 75.9, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Oklahoma has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Oklahoma has an average overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
- 29% of the population in Oklahoma are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Oklahoma has 195 golf courses in the state.
- Oklahoma has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Oklahoma has 1,684 churches in the state.
- The property taxes average 1.56% of total income in Oklahoma, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.80% of property value in Oklahoma, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Oklahoma is 7.75%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Oklahoma is 4.10%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Oklahoma is $59,920, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
- Oklahoma's median household income is $46,389, which is lower than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Oklahoma is $23,768, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Oklahoma average $38,662 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Oklahoma average $58,863 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Oklahoma average $15,501 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Oklahoma average $44,968 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 6.59% in Oklahoma, which is significantly lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Oklahoma is very low compared to national averages.
- 1.16% of the senior population in Oklahoma are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Oklahoma receives an average of 37.1 inches of rain per year.
- Oklahoma has an average annual temperature of 60.3 degrees fahrenheit.
- Oklahoma has an average low temperature of 47.6 degrees fahrenheit.
- Oklahoma has an average high temperature of 71.9 degrees fahrenheit.
- Oklahoma has an average population density of 282 people per square mile.
- Oklahoma has a low public school quality ranking.
- Oklahoma has a very high public school safety ranking.
- Oklahoma has an average graduation rate of 85.85%.
While the cost of living in Oklahoma is slightly higher for young adults than the cost of living in other parts of the United States, senior care fees tend to be lower. There's a relatively high number of hospitals in the state and a good number of senior living facilities. Access to Medicare-registered health care institutions is good. The average life expectancy for Oklahoma is 75.9, which is slightly lower than the national average of 78.6.
Seniors who choose to retire in Oklahoma will find that they have access to a wide variety of churches, parks and golf courses as well as other leisure opportunities. The climate is generally warm with only a small amount of rainfall throughout the year. The state is generally quite affluent with fairly low unemployment and good school ratings, which makes it a pleasant place for families as well as seniors.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Oklahoma
Located within the South Creekside area of Tulsa, Oklahoma, The Villages at Southern Hills is a 100 unit senior housing community. With an average family income of $51,242, the community is in a predominantly middle income area. It ...
Tulsa Nursing Center is a 204 room nursing facility situated within the Oakbrook Village area of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The community is in a primarily middle class area, with an average per-family income of $36,440. With about 14,000 residents ...
Parcway Post Acute Recovery Center is located at 6312 North Portland in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It is a 148 room nursing care facility. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with an average family income of ...
Adams Parc Post Acute Recovery Center is a 92 room nursing home facility. It is located at 6006 SE Adams Blvd in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with around 27,000 people residing in the 74006 ...
Villagio of Oklahoma City is a 133 unit senior care facility situated in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With approximately 5,000 individuals living in the 73134 zip code, the neighboring area is sparsely populated. It is a predominantly middle income ...
Situated within the Hampton South neighborhood of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Forest Hills Care and Rehabilitation Center is a 159 bed nursing facility. With an average per-family income of $64,511, the facility is in a generally middle class area. ...
Spiro Nursing Home is located at 401 South Main in Spiro, Oklahoma. It is a 95 bed nursing home facility. The encompassing area is sparsely populated, with around 8,000 poeple living in the zip code of 74959. ...
Montevista Rehabilitation and Skilled Care is a 105 room skilled nursing facility situated in Lawton, Oklahoma. With an average per-household income of $46,836, the community is in a mostly middle class area. It is heavily populated, with roughly ...
Montereau is a 74 bed senior housing facility. It is located within the Hidden Valley neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average per-family income of $48,471. It has ...
Drumright Nursing Home is a 133 unit nursing home facility situated in Drumright, Oklahoma. With about 5,000 residents in the zip code of 74030, the surrounding area is sparsely populated. It is a primarily working class area, with ...
Heartsworth Senior Living is a 146 room senior community. It is located at 1200 West Canadian Ave in Vinita, Oklahoma. The neighboring area has an average population density, with about 13,000 individuals living in the zip code of ...
Inverness Village is a 15 unit senior community. It is situated within the West Highlands area of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average per-family income of $61,051. It has ...
Arbor Village is located at 310 West Taft in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. It is a 142 room senior housing community. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average per-family income of $44,574. With approximately ...
Located at 1811 9th Street NW in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Elmbrook Home is a 126 bed senior care facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with approximately 36,000 individuals residing in the 73401 zip code. With a median per-family ...
Westbrook Healthcare is an 83 unit nursing care facility. It is located at 1100 North Ash St in Waurika, Oklahoma. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, with around 4,000 people residing in the 73573 zip code. It ...
Wilson Nursing Center is located at 867 US Highway 70a in Wilson, Oklahoma. It is a 70 bed nursing facility. The neighboring area is sparsely populated, with about 5,000 individuals living in the 73463 zip code. It ...
Midwest City Healthcare Residence is a 106 bed skilled nursing facility. It is located at 8200 National Ave in Midwest City, Oklahoma. The surrounding area has a dense population, with roughly 34,000 people residing in the zip code ...
Plantation Village Nursing Center is a 49 bed nursing care facility located in Altus, Oklahoma. With roughly 23,000 people residing in the zip code of 73521, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is a predominantly middle class ...
Heritage Community is located at 1401 North Lelia in Guymon, Oklahoma. It is a 77 unit senior care community. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with a median per-household income of $45,151. With about ...
Located at 5600 South Walker in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Manorcare Health Services - Southwest is a 112 unit nursing care facility. With an average household income of $28,435, the community is in a mostly working class area. It ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in Oklahoma
Assisted living facilities in Oklahoma cost far less when compared to the U.S. as a whole. The median monthly rate is just $3,518. Neighboring Arkansas is also quite affordable with a median fee of $3,175. Other nearby states charge fees that are closer to the national average or even higher in some cases. For example, Kansas has the highest median monthly fee in the region.
- Oklahoma: $3,518
- National Average: $4,051
- Texas: $3,750
- Kansas: $4,473
- New Mexico: $4,100
- Arkansas: $3,175
The Cost of Assisted Living in Oklahoma's Top Cities
The cost of assisted living facilities in Oklahoma is generally very low even in metropolitan areas, such as Oklahoma City. One exception is Broken Arrow where the median fee is $4,370 per month, which is above the national average. Assisted living fees in Enid are also notable since the median monthly fee there is just $2,860. This makes it one of the most affordable parts of the state and significantly less expensive than most cities in the United States. The dramatic variation in fees across the state makes it worth exploring different locations when considering assisted living facilities.
- Oklahoma City: $3,324
- Tulsa: $4,370
- Norman: $3,324
- Broken Arrow: $4,370
- Enid: $2,860
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Oklahoma
Senior care comes in many different forms, and the living arrangements that are best for one senior may not be suitable for others. Assisted living is a popular option for seniors who are generally mobile but require some help and support with day-to-day activities. Another option for such seniors is adult day care facilities, which offer support in a small group setting during the day. Seniors who choose day care live in their own homes but have assistance available to them at a drop-in facility. Day care services tend to be the most affordable type of senior care since there is no accommodation included and one caregiver can look after several seniors simultaneously.
In-home care services are popular with seniors who wish to remain in their own homes and to stay connected to their local communities. The fees for in-home care can be higher than those for assisted living because of the requirement for a dedicated caregiver or nurse to provide one-on-one assistance.
Nursing home services are available to seniors who need more intensive care, which may include some medical assistance, catheter management, continence care, medication administration or feeding tube management. Due to skilled staffing requirements, the monthly fees for nursing homes are typically higher than those for assisted living.
Average monthly fees for assisted living and other types of care in Oklahoma are as follows:
- Assisted Living: $3,518
- In-Home Care: $4,195
- Home Health Care: $4,242
- Adult Day Care: $1,387
- Nursing Home Care: $4,867
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Oklahoma
SoonerCare
Phone Number: (800) 987-7767
Website: https://www.okhca.org/individuals.aspx?id=124
SoonerCare is a Medicaid program that is run by Oklahoma and the federal government. The program is aimed at seniors who are on a low income. To qualify for SoonerCare, an individual should earn less than $1,063 per month, while a married couple has an income allowance of $1,437 per month. Individuals who live in a nursing home or are eligible for Medicaid waivers can earn up to $2,349 per month, per applicant. Asset limits also apply. The SoonerCare program is intended to support disabled or elderly individuals and can be used to pay for nursing homes or personal care services. It is open to those who are disabled, blind and or aged 65 or older. There is no cap to the number of seniors who can be admitted to the program. Admission is based on entitlement only. Interested seniors can apply by visiting their nearest DHS office or calling the number listed above.
ADvantage Waiver
Phone Number: (800) 987-7767
Website: https://www.okhca.org/individuals.aspx?id=8137
The ADvantage waiver is one of two Home- and Community-Based Services waivers that are available in Oklahoma. The waiver is designed to help seniors avoid being moved into a nursing home by supporting their medical and financial needs.
ADvantage can be used to pay for certain services, such as therapy, personal care, hospice care and respite services. The waiver is open to frail seniors who are aged 65 or over, and it is intended to help those seniors avoid nursing home placement.
Medically Fragile Waivers
Phone Number: (888) 287-2443
Website: http://www.okhca.org/individuals.aspx?id=12065&parts=21980_21981
The Medically Fragile waiver is a home- and community-based program that offers a noninstitutional alternative for seniors who are at risk of hospitalization or nursing home placement. The waiver allows seniors to receive Medicaid funds to ensure that their needs are being met while remaining in the community.
Items that can be supported through the Medically Fragile waiver include occupational, speech, respiratory and physical therapy, hospice, case management, environmental modifications, skilled nursing, advanced supportive assistance and a variety of self-directed services. The goal of the program is to give seniors some control over the type of care that they receive and the providers that are used to deliver these services.
Oklahoma Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
The Oklahoma State Department of Health, Health Facility Systems is the organization that oversees the licensing of assisted living facilities in the state. This agency also has regulatory control over the facilities and is responsible for ensuring that managers maintain residents' well-being and dignity.
Scope of Care | Assisted living facilities in Oklahoma are expected to provide meals, support with day-to-day activities, medication reminders, and other basic services that are below nursing institution levels of care. |
Care Plan Requirements | Residents of assisted living facilities in Oklahoma should receive services based on individualized care plans that maintain their dignity and independence and protect their overall well-being. |
Medication Management Requirements | Assisted living facilities can provide assistance with medication administration and management but are not permitted to use medication for restraint purposes unless directed by a physician in emergency situations. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All assisted living facility employees should be subject to the same criminal arrest checks that are required of nurses aides under 63 as per O.S. Supp. 1997, Section 1-1950.1. |
Staff Training Requirements | Facility administrators must have a nationally recognized certificate of training to show that they are qualified to run the facility. All staff, including those who organize activities relating to socialization and exercise, must receive training consistent with their position and the level of contact that they have with residents. |
Medicaid Coverage | Some facilities accept certain Medicaid waivers to cover services delivered within their facilities, but this is not compulsory. |
Reporting Abuse | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman deals with complaints, concerns and issues relating to nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Oklahoma. The ombudsman can be reached at (405) 521-6734, or concerned parties can contact their local Ombudsman Supervisor via the details found here. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State Council on Aging is a 30-member body that was launched by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to champion the needs of seniors across the state. The council communicates regularly with seniors statewide and works to address the challenges, needs and concerns that those seniors are facing. It also works in partnership with government agencies and lawmakers to improve the state's senior support network.
Contact: Call the council at (405) 522-3069 for additional details.
The Oklahoma Aging Services Division administers a range of services to support seniors living in Oklahoma and to improve the delivery of programs that benefit older adults. It also aims to promote citizen involvement at every stage of the consultation and delivery process. It focuses on empowering Oklahoma residents and ensuring that seniors feel that their needs and wishes are being respected when it comes to how, where and by whom their care is delivered.
Contact: Call (405) 521-2281 to learn more.
Oklahoma Agencies
Department of Human Services
Phone Number: (405) 521-2779
Website: http://www.okdhs.org/Pages/default.aspx
The Department of Human Services manages a variety of state and federal welfare programs in Oklahoma, including services relating to children and seniors. Staff can provide information about Medicaid waivers, such as the Home- and Community-Based ADvantage program. The DHS works with a number of partners and providers and may be able to offer advice on the most suitable contacts for individuals who are looking for respite care, adult day services or help with assisted living.
Area Agencies on Aging in Oklahoma
Area Agencies on Aging are a part of a national network of nonprofits that assist seniors and help them access long-term care and other supports. There are 11 Area Agencies on Aging in Oklahoma that are spread out across various cities. The services that each agency provides vary depending on the availability of care, financial support and local programs within the community. Seniors and their loved ones can contact the agency nearest to them to seek advice or to arrange a consultation.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs works with veterans, relatives and surviving spouses and helps them access supports and services as necessary. There are several Veteran Affairs offices across the state, which serve as a point of contact for seniors and their loved ones who are seeking advice about VA benefits, hardship funds, long-term care and medical services that may be available to them.
Many veterans are eligible for VA pensions and disability payments. The most commonly used option for senior care is the Veteran's Aid and Attendance benefit, which is a means-tested pension supplement that can be used to fund assisted living expenses. This benefit has income limitations that vary depending on whether the applicant is applying individually or as a couple. Disability payments are available for veterans who suffered a debilitating injury while in service, and these benefits are tax-free. For more information about these programs, contact a local Veterans Affairs office for a consultation.
Social Security Offices in Oklahoma
The Social Security Administration is a federal organization that's responsible for managing benefits and programs across the United States. The SSA has offices across the country, and there are several field offices in Oklahoma. These branches help to improve access to SSA services for those who may struggle to travel. There are 19 Disability Field Offices which are used to provide aid to those who are applying for disability-related supports.
The Social Security Administration provides information about state and federal programs, disability benefits, Medicare/Medicaid and income supplements that can be used to pay for senior care. Seniors and their families can learn more about their options and inquire about the location of the nearest office on the SSA website.
Other Cities in Oklahoma