Continuing Care in Oklahoma

Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay.  Depending on your location and specific needs your options may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often imbue their philosophies and ideals within the communities. Be sure to shop around to find the best fit for your continuing care option. Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

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Recreation and Attractions in Oklahoma

Oklahoma boasts a wide variety of historical and exciting locations to check out. Among iconic attractions like Oklahoma’s Route 66, numerous state parks, and museums of every variety, there’s always something new to discover just outside the door of any continuing care retirement community in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Oklahoma is known for its sprawling prairies and unique blend of mesas and forested areas. The state was originally designated as Native American land before the Civil War but eventually opened for general settlement in 1890. Today Oklahoma is home to 67 Indigenous tribes with more than 25 Native American languages spoken. Summers can get quite hot but winters remain mild for those who don't like to spend time in the cold.

Oklahoma's CCRC Laws and Regulations

Oklahoma has a strict set of regulations and laws to ensure that all state CCRCs are up to par. These regulations include strict health codes, extensive background checks on employees, and routine facility inspections. A full list of these laws and regulations can be found on the Oklahoma State website.

Crime and Safety in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a relatively average state in terms of violent and property crimes when compared to the national average. On the other hand, Oklahoma City is significantly more crime-infested than other places not only in the state but also in the America as a whole.

When deciding on a long-term care option, locating a safe community can provide reassurance during the transition. Below are some of the safest cities and towns in Oklahoma, and are great places to start your search.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Willburton.7.35
Hinton03.42
Walters05.08

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Oklahoma

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a “buy-in” option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract. 

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

  1. Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. These include monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
    1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
  2. Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extend to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
    1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
  3. Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is borne by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
    1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
  4. Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
    1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
    2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
  5. Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area. 

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior and Elderly Rights for Continuing Care in Oklahoma

Entering an Oklahoma CCRC doesn’t mean your rights as a United States citizen are left behind. The Constitution and Bill of Rights guarantee that your freedoms, privacy, and ability to act autonomously are preserved while receiving care at the community's various levels. Residents have the right to manage their personal and financial affairs and air grievances. All rights and services will also be disclosed within the contract.

Although Oklahoma CCRCs are the most expensive senior care option available, they are ideal for people who would like to maintain an independent lifestyle and age in place. Coupled with Oklahoma’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

OK Continuing Care: Medical Record Rules & Regulations 

Many times an applicant’s health records are required in tandem with physical examination given by a physician selected by the particular CCRC. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided. Residents of CCRCs in Oklahoma care or receiving any other type of medical attention are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.