Nursing Home Care in Oklahoma

The state motto may be that “labor conquers all things,” but retiring to a nursing home in Oklahoma shouldn’t be a difficult process at all! For seniors requiring 24-hour skilled nursing care, Oklahoma nursing homes provide all of the necessary services. Assistance with daily activities, medication management, and care for individuals with specific needs are just a few of the things you’ll find in the 326 available Oklahoma nursing homes and skilled nursing residences.

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Skilled Nursing Care in Oklahoma – Cost Comparison

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Lawton $4,110 $4,230 $4,140
Oklahoma City $3,650 $6,175 $4,320
Tulsa $3,955 $5,265 $4,440

Although long-term care options are often very expensive, nursing homes in Oklahoma are on the cheaper side of the spectrum with private rooms costing $60,225 and semi-private living quarters cashing out at $53,290 annually. It can be best to shop around and find a location that works for you based on your specific needs and current residence.

For more information about skilled nursing home care costs in Oklahoma, check outGenworth’s 2015 Cost of Care Survey.

Recreation & Attractions in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is the gateway to the west where buffalo roam and oil rigs pump. However, the state is also filled with modern museums, beautiful gardens, and international art galleries. Oklahoma has just a little bit for everyone who wants to visit or stay.

Those that are lovers of art will enjoy a trip to the Philbrook Museum of Art. It sits on 23 acres of formal and informal gardens. Pieces in this museum include works from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Those that want to see the wild side of Oklahoma should take a visit to Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve. It is 3,700 acres of American bison, longhorn cattle, and elk roam free. You can visit and take pictures from your vehicle to get an up close and personal view.

Beside iconic attractions like Oklahoma’s Route 66, numerous state parks, and museums of every variety, spending time at a senior center can be a great way to stay active and meet new people. Many places provide wellness programs, health screenings, transportations, and much more. Finding a center near you can be a step in the right direction for many seniors!

Oklahoma’s Climate, Geography, & 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.

Oklahoma experiences continental weather with influential winds from the Gulf of Mexico. Winters are typically mild in Oklahoma with variable changes. Winter temperatures fall to approximately 40 degrees, although, warm spells with winter temperatures reaching 70-degrees are also common. Snow is also a common factor during winter. Oklahoma accumulates an average of seven inches of snow annually.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, summers in Oklahoma are hot and humid. The thunderstorm season rolls in between April and June. July is the hottest month and relatively dry compared to the thunderstorm season. Average summer temperatures will reach 90 degrees with common heat waves bringing temperatures well above 100 degrees. 

Oklahoma’s Nursing Home Care Regulations & Laws

Nursing homes in Oklahoma are required to be licensed by the state and are overseen by the Oklahoma Department of Health. Nursing homes are subject to routine inspections and investigations of complaints. The state also has strict regulations as to who can or cannot operate a nursing home. All medical personnel must be board certified or have appropriate licensing. In Oklahoma, great care is taken to make sure that nursing home residents receive appropriate care for medical needs both emotionally and psychologically.

Crime & Safety in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has crime rates that are in line with national average. There are plenty of safe areas in the state where you can feel secure and have peace of mind it. If you need help getting started, check out some of these safe communities in Oklahoma:

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

(Source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Oklahoma Skilled Nursing Care

Paying for skilled nursing care is often very expensive. Since programs like Medicare and private insurance policies rarely cover even a fraction of the cost of nursing home care in Oklahoma, many turn to Medicaid for assistance. In order to qualify for Medicaid in Oklahoma, residents must not make more than $2,199 a month in income and must have less than $2,000 in countable assets. Additionally, nursing home care must be deemed medically necessary by a physician or doctor in order to maintain coverage.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Nursing Homes in Oklahoma

Entering an Oklahoma nursing home doesn’t mean your rights as an American 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. Residents have the right to manage their personal and financial affairs and air grievances. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar with eldercare law.

OK Nursing Homes: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Oklahoma nursing homes are required to provide appropriate health services that are ordered by an attending physician, as well as keep all medical information confidential, accurate, and complete. Medical records shall be readily accessible upon request and should be kept for a period no less than 5 years from death or discharge date.

Residents in Oklahoma nursing centers have access to their medical records and can request a copy of all or a portion of their medical records. They can also request a copy of some or all of the information, and it is to be provided at a cost not to exceed the community standard.

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.