Memory Care in Oklahoma
The number of Oklahoma seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is staggering. As the population continues to age, it’s projected that the number of seniors diagnosed with memory-related diseases will rise. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 67,000 Oklahomans aged 65 and over were living with Alzheimer’s in 2020. By 2025, that number is expected to increase by over 13% to 76,000. In 2018, there were 1,739 Alzheimer's-related deaths in the state, a 173% increase over the number disclosed in 2000, making this the sixth leading cause of death in Oklahoma. In addition to increasing the statewide mortality rate, Alzheimer’s is associated with a higher number of emergency room visits and a higher hospital readmission rate.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are therapeutic treatments that can slow the progression of this disease, enabling individuals to enjoy healthy, productive lives for longer. For many seniors in the middle and late stages of dementia, memory care facilities provide a safe, comforting environment where they can receive the care and special programming they need. On average, seniors in Oklahoma pay $4,398 per month for this type of care, which is affordable compared to the national average.
This guide outlines the cost of memory support services in and around Oklahoma and compares it to other types of senior care within the state. It also provides a brief overview of the financial assistance programs that qualifying seniors may access, along with a summary of the regulations enforced in memory care facilities and free memory care resources within the state.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Oklahoma
The SeniorScore is an unbiased, data-driven livability index that is calculated based on over 100 variables taken from public and private databases to determine how suitable a region is for older residents. It consists of four metrics, including General Quality of Life, Health & Safety, Finances and Recreation & Leisure. Oklahoma’s SeniorScore is 75, which is higher than the national score of 72, indicating a slightly higher degree of suitability and comfort for older residents.
The category in which Oklahoma scores highest is General Quality of Life at 76, based on measures that contribute to the general comfort and livability of an area. The state has a fairly comfortable climate with warm summers, chilly winters and minimal snowfall. It has an average population density of 282 people per square mile, which may result in a higher number of community programs and services for those with dementia.
Oklahoma rates well in the Finances category with a score of 69, reflecting overall economic and financial stability for seniors. Sales taxes are high, but property taxes are fairly low. While the state income tax rate is high compared to other states, Oklahoma fully exempts Social Security benefits and provides a sizeable deduction on other types of retirement income. Senior care costs, including memory care, tend to be low here, and the overall cost of living is very low compared to the rest of the nation, which may make Oklahoma a financially sound option for seniors with limited budgets.
The metrics in which Oklahoma scores lowest include Recreation & Leisure at 62 and Health & Safety at 61. The number of residents aged 55 and over is on par with the national average at 29%. The state has a high number of municipal parks, 1,684 churches and 195 golf courses, supporting socialization and community engagement. It also has a high number of Medicare providers and numerous hospitals, including INTEGRIS, which specializes in Alzheimer's care.
Top Memory Care Communities in Oklahoma
Bellevue Health and Rehabilitation is a 220 room nursing care facility situated in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with an average per-family income of $66,665. With roughly 10,000 residents in the ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Epworth Villa is located at 14901 North Penn Ave in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It is an 87 room senior housing community. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with an average family income of $67,264. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Rainbow Health Care Community is a 106 unit nursing home facility situated in Bristow, Oklahoma. With approximately 12,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 74010, the neighboring area has an average population density. It is a ...
Harrah Nursing Center is located at 2400 Whites Meadow Dr in Harrah, Oklahoma. It is a 100 bed nursing care facility. The community is in a primarily middle class area, with a median per-family income of $53,439. ...
Oakridge Nursing Center is a 104 bed nursing care facility. It is located at 1100 Oak Ridge Dr in Durant, Oklahoma. With a median household income of $37,106, the community is in a predominantly middle class area. ...
South Pointe Rehabilitation and Care Center is located at 5725 South Ross in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It is a 375 bed skilled nursing facility. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 32,000 residents in the zip code ...
Corn Heritage Village Communities of Care is located at 106 West Adams in Corn, Oklahoma. It is a 104 bed senior care facility. The neighboring area is sparsely populated, with around 2,000 residents in the 73024 zip code. ...
Fountain View Manor is a 119 bed senior community. It is located at 107 East Barclay in Henryetta, Oklahoma. With approximately 11,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 74437, the surrounding area has a medium-density population. ...
The Cost of Memory Care in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, memory care services are typically provided in assisted living facilities that have special programming for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. These facilities generally have secured units to prevent wandering, and staff members are trained to interact with and care for those with cognitive impairments. Because of these additional features, memory care costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services, depending on a given facility’s pricing structure. Because no nationwide authoritative data is available for memory care costs, the following cost data is based on the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey, plus 25% to account for additional fees.
Compared to the nation as a whole, Oklahoma is among the cheaper states for memory care services. On average, this level of care costs $4,398 per month, which is 15% cheaper than the national average. It’s also affordable compared to its surrounding states, with only Arkansas coming in lower at $3,969 monthly. In Texas, care costs are comparable at $4,688 per month. In Colorado and Kansas, the cost of memory support services exceeds the national average at $5,119 and $5,591, respectively.
- Oklahoma: $4,398
- National: $5,064
- Texas: $4,688
- Colorado: $5,119
- Kansas: $5,591
- Arkansas: $3,969
The Cost of Memory Care in Oklahoma’s Top Cities
Across Oklahoma, the cost of memory services ranges widely. The most affordable city in the state for this type of care is the northcentral city of Enid, where fees average $4,575 per month. In Oklahoma City and Lawton, care costs are lower than state and national averages at $4,155 per month. Tulsa is the most expensive city in the state, with memory care fees coming in at $5,463 per month. Across state lines, seniors may find more affordable care. In Fort Smith, which is just across the Oklahoma/Arkansas border, fees average $3,656 per month.
- Enid: $3,575
- Tulsa: $5,463
- Oklahoma City: $4,155
- Lawton: $4,155
- Fort Smith, AR: $3,656
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Oklahoma
Memory care services are among the most expensive types of senior care in Oklahoma, exceeded only by nursing home care, where seniors pay $4,867 per month for semi-private accommodations. Assisted living facilities, which offer similar services such as housing and meals, are 25% cheaper on average than memory care at $3,518. For seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who want to remain in their own home may opt for home care, which costs $4,195 per month for nonmedical in-home care and $4,242 for skilled home health care. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,387 per month.
- Memory Care: $4,398
- 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 Memory Care in Oklahoma
Developmental Disabilities Service Division Home and Community-Based Services Waiver
Address: 6128 E. 38th Place, 3rd Floor, Tulsa, OK 74120
Phone Number: (918) 933-4900
Website: https://www.okhca.org/individuals.aspx?id=8145
The Developmental Disabilities Service Division, which is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, serves Oklahoma residents with intellectual disabilities and related conditions who would otherwise require placement in an intermediate care facility. This community-based waiver covers a wide array of services provided in a memory care setting, including intensive personal supports, daily living supports, homemaker services, transportation and prescribed medications.
To qualify for this program, individuals must meet the financial qualifications for SoonerCare, the state’s Medicaid program. They must also have an intellectual disability as determined by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority Level of Care Evaluation Unit of the Social Security Administration.
Medically Fragile Program
Address: 4345 N Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone Number: (888) 287-2443
Website: https://www.okhca.org/individuals.aspx?id=8145
The Medically Fragile program is for those who qualify for nursing home level care but wish to remain in their own home or a community setting, such as a memory care facility. This program covers a broad range of services, enabling participants to receive the care they need under Medicaid. Some services that it covers include advanced supportive and restorative assistance, case management, prescription drugs, skilled nursing, therapy services and personal emergency response systems.
To qualify for services under this waiver program, individuals must be at least 19 years old and meet hospital or skilled nursing level of care. They must reside either in a private residence or a residential setting, such as a memory care facility, and they must meet SoonerCare’s financial eligibility guidelines.
Oklahoma Memory Care Rules and Regulations
In Oklahoma, memory support services are generally provided in assisted living facilities that offer specialized services or units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia. These facilities are regulated by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, which enforces rules and regulations to ensure a high standard of care.
Scope of Care | In Oklahoma, memory care facilities outline their own scope of care rather than follow state-enforced guidelines. This typically includes personal care services, assistance with cognitive orientation and care services, meals, medication management and intermittent nursing care. Facilities are required to disclose the types of services they provide to memory care residents, as well as the cost of these services; along with admission, transfer and discharge policies; specific structured activities; staffing; and safety features of the physical environment. |
Care Plan Requirements | Memory care residents must complete the state’s assessment process, which must be administered by a trained health professional, to ensure that their needs can be met by the facility. This assessment must be conducted within 30 days before admission, within 14 days after admission and annually or whenever the resident experiences a change in condition. |
Medication Management Requirements | Medication administration is permitted in memory care facilities in Oklahoma. To administer medications, staff members must be licensed by the state and complete an approved training program. Residents' medication must be reviewed by a pharmacist or registered nurse monthly and by a consultant pharmacist quarterly. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All employees in memory care facilities must undergo a criminal arrest background check. |
Staff Training Requirements | All direct care staff must be trained in first aid and CPR, and those who care for memory care residents must receive training on meeting the unique needs of those with dementia. Facilities are also required to ensure that staff members are trained to provide socialization, activity and exercise services. |
Medicaid Coverage | Memory care services are covered for qualifying seniors under SoonerCare’s Medically Fragile waiver and the Developmental Disabilities Service Division Home- and Community-Based Services Waiver. |
Reporting Abuse | To report abuse, neglect or exploitation that takes place within a memory care facility, Oklahoma residents should contact their local Department of Human Services office. Reports can also be filed with the state’s Ombudsman Program by calling (405) 521-2281 or with the Adult Protective Services at (800) 522-3511. |
Free Memory Care Resources in Oklahoma
Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter
The Alzheimer’s Association’s Oklahoma Chapter serves all of the state’s 77 counties and provides an array of services to seniors and families who’ve been affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The organization facilitates volunteer-led support groups and education programs for the general public, both online and in person. Its Care Consultation service features solution-focused care planning, which is provided online, in person and over the phone. The organization also maintains updated information on local providers that serve those with dementia, including eldercare lawyers, adult day care centers, memory care facilities and transportation providers.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is a nonprofit legal firm that provides free legal advice and counseling to those aged 60 and over. Through this firm, seniors can receive options counseling for Medicare, MA plans and long-term care insurance, which may help them find insurance that covers memory care services. The firm also assists with health care directives and guardianship, helping families feel confident in their loved one’s care as dementia progresses.
Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services
Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services maintains a list of support groups for caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s throughout Oklahoma. These support groups can provide guidance and reassurance for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, as well as education and referrals for local services and programs for seniors and families who are affected by Alzheimer’s.
State Agencies
Oklahoma Human Services
Address: 50 NE 23rd Street, Suite 40, Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Phone Number: (405) 521-2281
Website: http://www.okdhs.org/services/aging/Pages/AgingServicesMain.aspx
Oklahoma Human Services’ Aging Services Division helps develop programs that protect the independence and quality of life of older adults living in Oklahoma. Some services that the division provides include Oklahoma Medicaid’s ADvantage Program, a long-term care ombudsman program, legal assistance, nonprofit public transportation and Older Americans Act services.
Area Agencies on Aging in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has 11 Area Agencies on Aging, which provide free services to state residents aged 60 and over. Some services that the AAA provides include congregate meals, nutrition assistance, evidence-based health promotion, legal services, transportation and a long-term care ombudsman program. It also oversees the National Family Caregiver Support Program in the state and respite programs. To locate their nearest AAA office, individuals can call the Senior Info-Line at (800) 211-2116 or refer to the Planning and Services Areas directory.
Veterans Affairs Offices in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to eight veterans’ centers and 39 Veterans Services Officers, ensuring that veterans in the state have access to support and services provided through local, state and federal agencies. Through the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, eligible seniors can receive assistance with identifying and applying for benefits that may help cover memory care expenses, including the VA pension, disability benefits and the Aid and Attendance benefit. The department can also help veterans receive health care services through the VA. Contact information for local VSOs is found here, and a directory of veterans’ centers is here.
Social Security Offices in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has 18 Social Security Office locations throughout the state. These field offices serve as a point of contact for seniors applying for Social Security retirement benefits and senior health insurance. Qualifying visitors can also apply for disability benefits under two programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. To find their nearest Social Security office, individuals can search by zip code here.
Other Cities in Oklahoma