Oklahoma Independent Living

Independent living communities in Oklahoma are great places for healthy older adults to enjoy their golden years, but who don't want the added stress of maintaining a property. This senior care type allows individuals to live their unique lifestyles in communities devoted to social enrichment, support, and their overall well-being with like-minded peers. Although each location varies, seniors are sure to find a range of amenities and opportunities for recreation.

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Oklahoma Independent Living - Cost Comparison

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Oklahoma City $1,525 $2,580 $1,925
Tulsa $1,749 $2,250 $1,965

Oklahoma has 42 independent living facilities with the average cost of $1,865 per month.

With each community offering its own unique amenities and services,  costs will vary based on location, size, and the housing options available. In most every Oklahoma independent living community, you’ll find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers, all included in your monthly payments. It is likely that your community will provide medical services, however, they often come at an additional cost.

Recreation & Attractions in Oklahoma 

Oklahoma has many places to visit such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Beaver’s Bend Resort Park, Turner Falls, Blue Whale of Catoosa, and more. The Oklahoma City National Memorial was constructed in honor of the 168 victims killed in the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. A field of empty chairs and a reflecting pool are some of the features dedicated to the victims.

Beaver’s Bend Resort Park is a beautiful park that encourages activities such as golf, fishing, eagle watching, hiking, tennis, canoeing, and miniature golf. Turner Falls is Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall, which cascades into a swimming pool and is a favorite visiting spot for residents. The Blue Whale of Catoosa was built by Hugh Davis as a gift to his wife who collected whale figurines and is a waterfront structure used for fishing.

Oklahoma's Climate, Geography & Culture

The weather in Oklahoma has the average temperature of 62 degrees with an average high temperature of 72 degrees and a low of 51 degrees. Oklahoma annually receives about 36 inches of rainfall and 8 inches of snowfall each year.

The winter temperatures are typically in the 50s, but also can average around 30 degrees in some parts of the state. Summer temperatures generally stay between the 80s and 90s. Oklahoma commonly has tornadoes during tornado season, however, these weather events can happen at any time with the right elements.

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. Oklahoma is still home to 67 Indigenous tribes with more than 25 Native American languages spoken. This state is also known for the iconic Route 66 that has become a transcontinental favorite for road trips and adventures on the open road. Oklahoma is also home to many cattle ranchers and authentic cowboys who make up a large social component of the state.

Oklahoma Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Oklahoma independent living communities are overseen by the Department of Human Services. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions. Annual reports are to be made public upon request, detailing any past violations and the steps taken to correct them. Your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to your community and fellow residents, so never feel discouraged from airing your grievance if you think a violation has been made. 

Crime & 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 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 can be great places to start your search.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Elgin0.001.38
Haskell1.002.50
Hinton0.004.00
Pocola0.004.49

Payment Options for Oklahoma Independent Living

Considering that Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for independent living communities, most people end up using their own private funds, pensions, or assets to achieve this. That being said, it could be beneficial to explore other payment methods. 

To start, U.S. veterans can receive up to $1,644 a month or $1,949 if married. Surviving spouses of a veteran may also be eligible to receive $1,056 monthly on average. Long-term care insurance is another solid method of paying for independent living, although it is more expensive the older you get.  

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Oklahoma

Residents of independent living communities in Oklahoma retain their rights to personal privacy, to file official complaints, and most importantly receive the care they need in a safe, welcoming environment. Generally speaking, all residents reserve the right to manage and participate in their own medical care and financial decisions. You should never be subjected to any form of physical or mental abuse, and it is important to remember that you retain the rights afforded to you by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. If your rights have been violated, you may want to reach out to an elder law professional to plan your next steps.

For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, you can review the Oklahoma Ombudsman for more details. 

OK Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

State and federal HIPAA laws require all resident records and medical reports of services provided on community grounds are recorded, maintained and available to residents in a timely manner. These records are required by law to be maintained for a total of 6 years following your discharge from a community or medical facility in Oklahoma. Also, you must be informed in order to authorize any disclosures of this information. To receive a copy of your records, a small fee may be required depending on the nature of the request. 

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.