Assisted Living in Tulsa, OK

Assisted Living Costs in Tulsa

According to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study, assisted living care costs in Tulsa are well below the national average of $4,000. Costs are also moderately above the state average ($3,325), other Oklahoma cities including Lawton ($3,238) and the remainder of the state ($3,338). However, Tulsa seniors pay significantly more for assisted living care than those in Enid where the average is just $2,860.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Tulsa: $3,488
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,325
• Enid: $2,860
• Lawton: $3,238
• Oklahoma City: $3,339
• Rest of the state: $3,338

Care Cost Comparison

The type of service needed has a significant impact on the cost of senior care in Tulsa. Nursing home care costs over $1,200 more per month than assisted living. In fact, adult day health and assisted living are the only services that average below $4,000 in the area. When comparing costs between services, remember to add in the living expenses necessary to receive care at home, which are already included with assisted living and nursing home fees.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,488
• Homemaker services: $4,242
• Home Health Aide: $4,290
• Adult day health: $1,560
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $4,715

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Tulsa

Medicaid in Oklahoma

The national Medicaid program provides medical insurance to Americans who meet income and asset guidelines. Funding for this program comes from federal and state sources, and Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, SoonerCare, is administered by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA).

To be eligible for SoonerCare, applicants must meet income and financial resource criteria. Due to enrollment caps placed on this program, seniors may be placed on a waiting list after their application is approved.

Seniors seeking assisted living arrangements can apply for the state’s Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community Based Services program. To be eligible, an individual’s income can’t exceed $2,313 per month. For married couples, the limit is $4,500. The program also has an asset limit of $2,000 for individual applicants and $4,000 for married couples.

If only one spouse is applying, the applicant must meet the individual financial guidelines. But, there is an income disregard allowed to cover living expenses for the non-applicant spouse, who can also have up to $126,420 in assets. 

Countable assets include bank accounts, second homes, cash, investments, stocks and bonds. Other assets, such as personal belongings, one vehicle, burial trusts, household furnishings and a primary home, are exempt. The home’s value must be $585,000 or less.

There are two Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers available under SoonerCare to aid seniors who wish to remain in their community.

• ADvantage: Available to seniors at least 65 years of age with physical disabilities that would require nursing home care
• Medically Fragile: Available to anyone who would otherwise require hospitalization or nursing home placement

Additional information about the SoonerCare program and HCBS waivers can be obtained by contacting the OHCA SoonerCare Helpline at (800) 987-7767.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

SSI State Supplement

Oklahoma offers SSI State Supplemental payments to those in assisted living facilities who are at least 65 years old and are unable to live independently due to age-related health concerns or disabilities. Cash payments are given monthly and can be applied toward room-and-board expenses. Individuals can receive a maximum of $42 per month, and couples receive up to $84. Maximum allowances increase if a senior is eligible for federal funds as well. To find out more, contact the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at (877) 751-2972.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits

Oklahoma veterans, and their surviving spouses, over the age of 65 who are eligible for a pension may apply for Aid and Attendance benefits to add to their monthly payments if they require assistance with activities of daily living. Eligible veterans can receive benefits of up to $1,881 per month; married couples receive up to $2,230, and surviving spouses receive up to $1,210. For more details on this program, contact the regional VA benefit office at (800) 827-1000.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors who are ready to make the move into an assisted living facility but don’t have the funds to cover initial expenses can apply for an assisted living bridge loan from Elderlife Financial Services. These loans generally have short terms of up to 12 months and offer a solution for those waiting on benefit payouts or funds from the sale of a home. If approved, seniors can receive their money as one lump sum or as a line of credit in as little as 24 hours. The loan is subject to credit approval, but multiple co-borrowers are accepted, even if they are not related to the primary applicant. To learn more or start an application, call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in Tulsa

Tulsa Senior and Activity Centers

Tulsa and the surrounding area is home to a variety of activity centers that provide local seniors with the opportunity to engage with other residents and explore the city. Planned outings, bingo nights, organized fitness activities and classes on various hobbies and crafts are just a few of the offerings.

LIFE’s Senior Center at East Side
1427 S. Indianapolis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74112
(918) 744-6760

Broken Arrow Senior Activity Center
1800 S Main St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
(918) 259-8377

Owasso Community Center
301 S Cedar, Owasso, OK 74055
(918) 272-3903

Veteran Resources

Veterans in Tulsa have several resources available to help with medical care, VA benefits and socialization. The Tulsa Vet Center is available for case management, and the VA Earnest Childers Outpatient Clinic provides medical treatment. The city is also home to VFW posts offering social activities.

Tulsa Vet Center
14002 East 21st Street, Tulsa, OK 74134
(918) 628-2760

US Department of Veterans Affairs Earnest Childers Outpatient Clinic
9322 E 41st St, Tulsa, OK 74145
(918) 628-2500

VFW Post 577
1109 E 6th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
(918) 585-9148

Community Aid Resources

The city offers resources to help better the lives of resident seniors by providing support and access to a wide range of community-based services.

Life Senior Services
5950 East 31st St, Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 664-9000

Tulsa Area Agency on Aging
2 W Second St, Ste 800, Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 584-7526