Oklahoma City, the most densely populated city and capital of the Sooner State, houses 681,054 residents. Among them, seniors aged 65 and above account for 12.4%. The city, characterized by its low cost of living, mild winters, and a myriad of senior-friendly resources, is an attractive retirement destination for the elderly.
Assisted living facilities in Oklahoma City lend a supporting hand to seniors who require additional help with daily living activities, including personal care, transportation, and housekeeping. These facilities are specifically designed for those who find it challenging to live independently but do not necessitate the advanced level of care provided by nursing homes.
The average cost for assisted living in Oklahoma City is $4,800 per month, around 25% higher than Oklahoma’s statewide average of $3,855 per month. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of assisted living in Oklahoma City, the costs involved, its benefits and drawbacks, and the local resources available to seniors.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Oklahoma City
Assisted living communities, nursing homes, and independent living facilities in Oklahoma come under the purview of the Long Term Care Service, a sub-agency of the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Protective Health Services department. This agency is responsible for ensuring the well-being and safety of seniors living in licensed long-term care facilities.
Pros and Cons of Assisted Living in Oklahoma City
- The overall cost of living in Oklahoma City is low, resting 14.6% below the national average. This factor aids seniors in stretching their savings, especially crucial for those living on fixed incomes from retirement or Social Security.
- The third-best hospital in Oklahoma, Integris Baptist Medical Center, is located in Oklahoma City. The hospital is renowned for its high-performing procedures in six areas. However, the healthcare costs in the city are approximately 17% more than the national average.
- Oklahoma City’s violent crime score is 40.4, almost double the U.S. average of 22.7, where lower is better. Property crime in Oklahoma City also stands high, scoring 60 compared to the national average of 35.4. However, many assisted living facilities offer security measures such as 24-hour video surveillance and key card-required entrances.
- Oklahoma City experiences relatively mild winters, with average lows reaching just 27.1 degrees Fahrenheit in January, 5.4 degrees above the U.S. average. The city also witnesses minimal snowfall, averaging just 6 inches of snow per year, which is significantly less than the national average of 28 inches.
- Oklahoma City frequently features on the list of the best U.S. cities for military retirees. Military.com awarded OKC the No. 2 ranking on its Best Places for Military Retirement list. With its low cost of living and strong senior population, Oklahoma City is a desirable retirement destination for retired military members.
Paying for Assisted Living in Oklahoma City
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors residing in Oklahoma City pay an average of $4,800 per month for assisted living care. This rate is nearly 25% above Oklahoma’s statewide average of $3,855 per month and roughly 7% above the U.S. average of $4,500.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Oklahoma City is the most expensive city for assisted living in Oklahoma. Based on the Cost of Care Survey, seniors residing in other major cities in the Sooner State pay anywhere from $3,561 per month (in Lawton) to $3,980 per month (in Enid). In Tulsa, Oklahoma’s second-largest city, seniors pay an average of $3,855 per month for assisted living care.
| City | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $4,800 |
| Oklahoma | $3,855 |
| The United States | $4,500 |
| Enid | $3,980 |
| Tulsa | $3,855 |
| Lawton | $3,561 |
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Assisted living is one of the most cost-effective types of senior care in Oklahoma City. Adult day care, which only provides weekday care for seniors, is the least expensive option at just $1,593 per month. Assisted living comes next at $4,800 per month. Home care ($4,957) and home health care ($5,005), ideal for seniors who prefer to live at home, cost marginally more. The cost of nursing home care averages $5,551 per month for a semi-private room and $7,391 per month for a private room.
| Type of Care | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Home Care | $4,957 |
| Home Health Care | $5,005 |
| Adult Day Care | $1,593 |
| Assisted Living | $4,800 |
| Nursing Home (semiprivate room) | $5,551 |
| Nursing Home (private room) | $7,391 |
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Oklahoma City
The Medicaid Waiver programs in Oklahoma offer financial assistance for assisted living to senior citizens. For instance, applicants aged 65 and above qualify for the OK Sooner Services program.
You can learn more about these programs, including eligibility criteria, on our Assisted Living in Oklahoma page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their personal assets or funds to pay for assisted living, there are several additional options available to cover these costs. Some of these options include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit Assisted Living in Oklahoma page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is home to numerous resources that are of help to seniors residing in or considering assisted living facilities. Local nonprofit organizations and government agencies provide a range of free services, including free legal assistance and assisted living facility complaint resolution.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Areawide Aging Agency | (405) 942-8500 | This agency represents seniors living in Canadian, Cleveland, Logan, and Oklahoma Counties. It runs an aging helpline that links local seniors with emergency resources and medical items not covered by Medicaid, such as dentures, hearing aids, and glasses. The Areawide Aging Agency also runs the Information and Assistance Program, which connects seniors with helpful local resources. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (405) 521-2281 | As a part of Oklahoma’s Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services department, this program dispatches ombudsmen to assisted living facilities throughout the state to resolve issues about the care residents receive. Long-term care ombudsmen receive complaints from residents, family members, friends, and staff members, resolving them with the goal of improving residents’ quality of life. |
| Oklahoma Department of Human Services – Aging Services Division | (405) 521-2281 | The Aging Services Division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services promotes resources that help seniors live independently for as long as possible. It offers a wide range of supports and services for seniors living in Oklahoma City, including age-appropriate senior employment placement and transportation for seniors to local medical appointments. |
| Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma | (405) 557-0020 | Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides free legal assistance to seniors in Oklahoma City. The organization handles a wide range of civil legal matters, including senior-specific tax issues, health care directives, consumer fraud protection, and probate. LASO also runs OK-SPLASH, the Oklahoma Sixty-Plus Legal Aid Services Helpline, which connects seniors with practicing attorneys who assess seniors’ situations, provide free legal advice, and counsel seniors about their best legal options. |
| Oklahoma City Vet Center | (405) 456-5184 | The Oklahoma City Vet Center is a mental health and social service provider run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, assisting veterans with PTSD, couples and family counseling, grief and bereavement counseling, and more. The OKC Vet Center holds several peer support groups and connects participating seniors with local veterans service organizations. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Oklahoma City
Assisted Living Communities in Oklahoma City must adhere to a comprehensive set of state laws and regulations. All assisted living communities in Oklahoma are required to follow these laws. For more information about these laws, visit Assisted Living in Oklahoma page.
Top Assisted Living Communities in Oklahoma City
1. Village at Oakwood
Since 2010, the Village at Oakwood has been home to Oklahoma seniors. This assisted living community focuses on helping elderly individuals live independently while providing them with the assistance they require. The community works alongside government programs that offer financial assistance to residents, making it more affordable than any other provider in the state of Oklahoma.
In this friendly and cozy atmosphere, residents furnish their apartments, giving them a true sense of being home. With 90 units in the community, Village at Oakwood is committed to delivering the highest quality care to the elderly. The community also offers art classes taught by residents, further fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.
2. HarborChase of South Oklahoma City
HarborChase of South Oklahoma City is a luxury senior living community surrounded by parks and lakes, located just 20 minutes from downtown Oklahoma City. This community offers attentive care, beautiful spaces, and convenient amenities like housekeeping, dining, and transportation services. HarborChase provides an engaging environment that encourages seniors to celebrate their golden years to the fullest.
3. The Fountains at Canterbury
The Fountains at Canterbury is a continuing care community offering assisted living, memory care, independent living, and skilled nursing to residents as they need additional assistance. Located on 39 landscaped acres, the community boasts lakeside trails, a fishing dock, and a wellness center with a heated pool. The Fountains at Canterbury fosters an upscale living experience, with restaurant-style dining and a full library of books for residents to enjoy.
4. Epworth Villa
Located near Lake Hefner and the Martin Park Nature Center, Epworth Villa is an assisted living community that offers attentive care, beautiful spaces, and convenient amenities. Epworth Villa features in our top 10 list for its extensive activities, including games such as bingo, bridge, and bunco, afternoon tea, men’s coffee, and build-your-own sundae parties.
5. Brookdale Village
Brookdale Village provides a continuum of care that includes assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. With quality dining, help with personal grooming and hygiene, and luxurious surroundings, Brookdale Village stands out as a top choice for seniors seeking an enhanced retirement living experience.
What to Expect from Assisted Living in Oklahoma City
Assisted living communities in Oklahoma City offer a range of services, from personal care and nursing supervision to intermittent nursing care. These facilities also provide medication administration under a physician’s orders, assistance with transfers, social activities, meals, housekeeping, laundry services, and services for seniors with dementia.
Although these facilities are not required to have private units, they do have to follow a few building regulations. For instance, no more than two residents can share a bedroom, ensuring privacy. Additionally, more than four residents cannot share a bathroom, ensuring convenience and comfort.
Staffing requirements at assisted living facilities in Oklahoma City ensure that residents receive adequate care. These communities must provide or arrange staffing such as nurses, qualified staff to administer medications, an administrator responsible for the facility, and a licensed dietician or qualified nutritionist. To ensure residents’ safety, direct care staff members must have first-aid and CPR training.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Oklahoma City
Many families use personal assets or funds to pay for assisted living. However, there are several additional options available to cover these costs. Some of these options include Veterans Benefits, Life Insurance Policy, Long-Term Care Insurance, and Reverse Mortgage. The Medicaid Waiver programs in Oklahoma provide financial assistance for assisted living to senior citizens. For instance, applicants aged 65 and above qualify for the OK Sooner Services program.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is home to numerous resources that are of help to seniors residing in or considering assisted living facilities. Local nonprofit organizations and government agencies provide a range of free services. Some of these include the Areawide Aging Agency, which represents seniors living in Canadian, Cleveland, Logan, and Oklahoma Counties; the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which ensures the safety and health of residents of long-term care communities; and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, which provides free legal assistance to seniors in Oklahoma City.
Assisted Living Communities in Oklahoma City must adhere to a comprehensive set of state laws and regulations. All assisted living communities in Oklahoma are required to follow these laws. For more information about these laws, visit Assisted Living in Oklahoma page.