Assisted Living in Oklahoma City, OK

Assisted Living Costs in Oklahoma City

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, at $3,339, assisted living in Oklahoma City is roughly the same as the state average of $3,325 and moderately less expensive than the national average of $4,000. Aside from Enid ($2,860), which has a much smaller population, assisted living in other cities such as Tulsa ($3,448) and Lawton ($3,238) is priced similarly to Oklahoma City.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Several factors determine the cost of senior care, including location, degree of care needed and number of direct service hours. In Oklahoma City, the cost for nursing home care is 30 percent higher than that of either assisted living or home care. Compared to assisted living, home care is more expensive; homemaker services are $100 more per month, and home health aides are $700 more. This in-home care, unlike residential senior care such as assisted living, does not include the other costs associated with staying at home, such as rent or mortgage, home maintenance, utilities and food.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Oklahoma City

Medicaid in Oklahoma

Created in 1968, Medicaid is a jointly funded state and federal health care insurance program for low-income Americans. Called SoonerCare in Oklahoma, it is administered by the state’s Department of Human Services. While Soonercare covers many of the costs associated with long-term care, other options, including assisted living, are available through the state’s home and community-based waivers. These are explained in more detail below.

Medicaid is available to Oklahoma residents and U.S. citizens who have annual incomes of $26,244 or less and total assets of $2,000 or less. Medicaid counts all possible forms of income, and these include but are not limited to pensions, wages, Social Security Insurance, stock dividends and IRA withdrawals.

Countable assets consist of bank accounts, stocks, bonds, investments, cash and real estate, aside from a primary residence occupied by either the applicant or spouse. Further exemptions include burial costs, an automobile, personal belongings and household furniture.

Individuals whose incomes exceed the limitations may be eligible to establish a Qualified Income Trust. According to the American Council on Aging, strict rules determine the governing of Income Only Trusts. Funds can only be spent on expenses related to long-term care, and any remaining balance after the recipient’s passing must be paid to the state of Oklahoma.

To learn more about SoonerCare in Oklahoma, call the helpline at (800) 987-7767 or complete the online application.

ADvantage Waiver Program

One of two home and community-based waivers available for seniors in Oklahoma City, the ADvantage Waiver Program serves those who qualify for SoonerCare, are 65 or older and are determined to be disabled by the Social Security Administration. Further, the nursing staff of the Aging Services Division must determine that applicants need a nursing facility level of care.

Recipients of the waiver are entitled to many services that enable them to live in their home or a family member’s home. These services include skilled nursing, therapies, adult day care, home-delivered meals and environmental modifications. Those who wish to apply or learn more should call the Oklahoma Health Care Authority at (405) 522-7300.

Medically Fragile Waiver

Seniors under 65 who are frail and need a skilled nursing level of care may be eligible for Oklahoma’s Medically Fragile Waiver. Included services are very similar to those provided under the ADvantage Waiver, including meals, environmental modifications and skilled nursing, and applicants must also be eligible for Medicaid. Interested individuals can apply online or receive assistance by calling (888) 287-2443 or emailing [email protected]

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

PACE
Oklahoma City is one of three cities in Oklahoma that offers the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly services through the Valir PACE center. PACE is considered an extension of Medicaid benefits, but those who do not qualify for Medicaid can still receive PACE services by paying privately. People who are 55 and older and need nursing-level care receive a variety of supports, including adult day care, physical and occupational therapy, home care and hospice care. Apply online at MySoonerCare.org or contact Nicole Collins at (405) 522-7154.

Veterans Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits
Veterans who need assistance with activities of daily living or who are housebound may be eligible for Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits. These are VVA pension top-ups, and the funds may be used at the recipient’s discretion to pay for care in the setting of their choice. Those seeking Aid and Attendance benefits must require assistance with some or all of these ADL: bathing, dressing, grooming, eating or coping with the hazards of day-to-day living.

Housebound benefits are available to those who, aside from any prescribed treatment for their condition, are bedridden. Learn more at your local Mobile Veterans Administration Office at (251) 574-8578 or by calling the VA Pension Center serving the Oklahoma City area at (608) 758-9300. 

Assisted Living Resources in Oklahoma City

Area Agency on Aging

Oklahoma City’s Areawide Aging Agency is dedicated to improving the lives of adults age 60 and older. Through a combination of local donations and state funding, AAA offers numerous programs at no cost. These include counseling to connect individuals with the services best suited for them, legal services, ombudsman advocacy, congregant meals and transportation. 

Area Agency on Aging
4101 Perimeter Center Drive, Suite 310, Oklahoma City, OK  73112
(405) 942-8500

Senior Centers

Oklahoma City’s Parks and Recreation Department organizes the many complimentary senior programs offered by two of the city’s senior centers. Those 55 and older who are interested in pursuing creative arts such as woodcarving and watercolor and those looking for physical activities, games and performance arts can find them at the senior centers. Luncheons and special events are also available.

Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Senior Programs
420 W Main Street, Suite 210, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 
(405) 297-3882

Resources for Veterans

Veterans in Oklahoma City may be eligible to receive benefits, including financial support for housing and transitional counseling. Veterans Families United operates a directory of all VA services available in the Oklahoma City area. Oklahoma City is also home to a Veterans Health Care System, which serves the local population.

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
2132 NE 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 523-4000

Oklahoma City VA Health Care System
921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 456-1000