Help for Seniors in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a nice place to live, and seniors can surely thrive there, thanks to plenty of opportunities. First of all, the population of older adults (16.2% are seniors aged 65+) in this state is slightly lower than the United States average, 35.5%. With the average cost of home care for seniors being $22 per hour, and $5,627 a month, Oklahoma’s senior cost of living is much more affordable, and is significantly lower than the national average. Oklahoma has one of the highest combined sales taxes in the country, but the state offers a mixed tax picture to older adults, helping to reduce their taxes. Here are the resources for older adults in Oklahoma.

Retiring anywhere is an economical choice, which seniors should make after careful planning of their future lives after that. With an 84.20 housing index, Oklahoma is one of the most affordable states in the country. With an average of about $574 a month, which is significantly lower than the national average ($825), seniors can get a one-bedroom apartment in good condition. Let’s discuss the living options for seniors in the state.

Living Options for Seniors

There are several living options to choose from, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes. Seniors can choose to live in one of these options, depending on their circumstances and needs.

Independent Living: This living option is suitable for older adults who are not undergoing health problems and prefer independent or apartment-style living. There are over 140 independent living institutions in Oklahoma, costing between $577 and $3,520. The elderly persons who prefer this kind of living can choose to join a 55+ or 65+ living community. Most of the facilities provide fitness centers, clubhouses, meeting rooms, walking trails, and more to keep seniors active and engaged.

Assisted Living: Oklahoma boasts more than 240 assisted living institutions spread throughout the state, and they cost between $1050 and $6,400 per month. Older adults staying in these facilities can have access to caregivers, local activities, social opportunities, and health care services. Residents are helped with the daily tasks, including dressing, bathing, preparing meals, and prescription assistance. Housekeeping, transportation, laundry, and meal services are the other services residents receive in these institutions.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Aging Services Division (ASD) is the lead agency that addresses older adults’ needs in the state. The Division administers a good number of programs, services, and funding to support seniors and improve their quality of life ASD works closely with local area agencies and over 200 partners throughout the state to deliver its services. Each area in Oklahoma differs in the cost of assisted living facilities, and seniors looking for lower options should check in the Lawton area. Tulsa metropolitan area has the highest cost of assisted living.

Memory Care Facilities: These facilities are designed to care for older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other health challenges related to memory. There are over 140 memory care institutions in Oklahoma, dedicated to helping seniors navigate every day without suffering too much memory loss. Professionals working in memory care facilities know how to identify each older adult with their problems, and design customized care support services to help them live quality lives. To ensure residents are healthy and safe, these facilities undergo 24/7 monitoring, which includes assessing the progress of each patient, the services each resident receives, the quality of the services, and how they are engaged in their everyday lives in these institutions. Memory care facilities in Oklahoma are far more expensive than assisted and independent living options. The cost ranges between $1,522 and $9,280.

Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide 24/7 care, and services provided to seniors require the skill level of technical or professional personnel. These facilities are designed for older adults with extreme medical conditions who need constant care and attention. Retirees will find the type of care they need from any of the available facilities. Find out more at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/cap/olc.html.

Oklahoma boasts 18 adult care facilities with trained staff there to cater to the seniors’ daily needs. The older adults will also have their health levels monitored at the daycares and appropriate action taken.  Like assisted and independent living facilities, the cost of daycares varies in Oklahoma, depending on the region of the state. Tulsa still has the most expensive daycare centers, averaging $15,600. Lawton area’s daycares charge the lowest cost, averaging $11,700 a year. The average monthly cost of daycare in Oklahoma ranges between $1,350 and $2,580, making the state one of the most affordable, in terms of adult daycare services.

146 hospices in Oklahoma take care of terminally ill elderly persons. Various activities and practices are involved to offer emotional, spiritual, and physical assistance to seniors in these institutions. Some of the auspices’ services include:

• Chaplain services
• Physical, and mental therapy
• Grief counseling
• Pain management
• Arts and crafts

Older adults undergoing hospice care can cover the costs using Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverages. The professionals working at the facilities assist with all the insurance queries, and are there to help seniors navigate through the forms.

Senior Assistance Programs and Services

The Area Agencies and Their Services to the Elderly: There are 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Oklahoma offering services under the Older Americans Act (OAA) to support and promote the well-being of seniors. The AAAs services include:

• Offer legal, transportation, caregiving, in-home, and meal support and information to enable seniors to live independent and quality lives.
• Offer one-on-one support and advisory services to help older adults make life decisions.
• Promote the health and well-being of seniors through programs, services, and funding.
• Educate the elderly on nutrition and diet.
• Support grandparents who are guardians of their grandchildren through resources and information.

To fulfill these goals, AAAs also work with different partners and organizations. Through such collaborations, the AAAs also provide dentures, utility assistance, home repair and modification, eyeglasses, and immunization services to the elderly in need.

The Oklahoma Senior Corps (SC) Program: Oklahoma Aging Services Division (ASD) monitors this program. The Volunteer Recruitment and Placement Program (RSVP), Foster Grandparent Program, and Senior Companion Program are all part of the SC. The SC volunteers must meet the age requirement (55+). The volunteers work with private nonprofits and public agencies.

• RSVP: The purpose of this opportunity is to connect older adults aged 55+ with local community resources.
• Foster Grandparent Program: through this program, the local agencies and organizations receive funds to engage senior volunteers aged 60 and above in supporting children with special needs who are undergoing the public school system.
• Senior Companion Program: In this program, older adults aged 60+ offer companionship to those confined in their homes due to mobility problems. They come as friends who give others company and share their life experiences.

Find more about the Senior Corps program at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/cap/ok-senior-corps-program.html.

Legal Services to the Elderly Under the Older Americans Act: The Legal Services Developer of Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP) is in charge of ensuring quality legal services are provided to older adults 60+. The organization provides technical support, consultation services, information, training, and referrals on legal-related issues. These services are also provided to organizations that assist and advocate for the rights of older Oklahomans. The legal services to the elderly are provided through grants to the state. The OAA authorizes the support grants, while the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP) distribute and ensure the money is used for the purpose intended. The goal of this program is to promote independence among seniors and allow them to be in charge of their own lives. It also promotes financial security among senior Oklahomans.

The legal services include Advanced Directives, Social Security disability, consumer financial security, eviction, estate planning, Powers of Attorney, and wills, among others.

Services to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: There are respite vouchers given to seniors raising their grandchildren. These vouchers are designed to relieve them from the everyday challenges they face. Raising a child can be exhausting, so through these services, older adults can take a break and spend some time with their spouses or other family members. Two programs administered by the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP), under these services include:

• National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP): The Area Agencies on Aging operate this program. Designed for seniors aged 55+, NFCSP provides respite care, which can be from the senior’s home or the center, depending on the agreement between the respite care provider and the older guardian. Seniors are in charge of choosing their respite care providers, who can be a family member, a friend, a church member, or any closer person above 18 years. Income restrictions do not apply in identifying eligible seniors for program support. Reach out to your local AAA for more information or any questions you may have.
• Lifespan Respite Grant Program: Sooner SUCCESS operates this program, which is designed for a grandparent or senior guardian under 55 who is raising a kid. Same as NFCSP, respite care can be a friend, a church member, a family member, or any person of the caregiver’s choice. Seniors can receive respite care in their homes, someone else’s home, or in a care center, depending on the agreement between the grandparent/guardian and the respite care provider. Income restrictions do not apply here as well. Learn more at https://soonersuccess.ouhsc.edu/Services-Programs/Respite.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: The purpose of this program is to enhance the quality of care and life of seniors in long-term care facilities. The program represents the needs of older adults in assisted living, nursing homes, independent living facilities, and other adult care homes. Local volunteers support the mission of this program. Interested in becoming an Ombudsman volunteer? Well, contact an Ombudsman Supervisor in your area. The supervisors train, supervise, and give volunteers the support they need to carry out the program’s mission. The ombudsmen can receive complaints from seniors in long-term care facilities and resolve them. They have the right to deal with problems in those facilities by recommending an appropriate solution after carefully listening and doing the necessary follow-ups.

Housing Assistance

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA): Operating across all the 77 counties in Oklahoma, OHFA helps older adults with housing and rental support or to become first-time homeowners. The agency works with nonprofits, municipalities, and developers to offer plenty of housing opportunities to older adults living in poor housing conditions. Rental Assistance Programs include:

• Section 8: subsidizes the monthly rental payments of older adults to enable them to pay less, so that they can live happy and economically sufficient lives. Through this program, eligible seniors choose housing in places approved by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development. The tenant pays not more than a third of their monthly income, with the program paying the rest.
• Public Housing: the local housing authorities operate this program at the local levels. The program supports low-income seniors to obtain housing units in safe conditions.

For more details, please visit http://www.hud.gov/.

Home Repair Assistance for Seniors

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides the Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Oklahoma (Section 504 Home Repair Program), offering grants to the elderly to deal with the health and safety hazards of their homes. To qualify for the grants:

• Seniors must provide proof of home ownership and occupancy
• Cannot access assistance anywhere else
• Meet the low-income limits
• Be aged 62+

The Big Five Community Services is a nonprofit organization providing home repair services to older adults as a Community Action Agency. Find more at http://www.bigfive.org/.

Oklahoma Weatherization Assistance offers help to seniors to upgrade their homes and make them more energy efficient. Older adults eligible for support may qualify for a new heating system, flooring, or free insulation. More information is available at https://okcommerce.gov/assistance/weatherization/.

Habitat for Humanity: While the organization reserves its resources for those in need of a home, they also offer home repair services to seniors, especially when the need is urgent. That is, if the health and safety of a senior and their loved ones are in danger because of poor housing conditions, the organization may provide emergency support to make the necessary upgrades. Visit https://www.habitat.org/ for more details.

Food Assistance

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Department: SNAP offers seniors monthly benefits to enable them to buy food from approved grocery stores. The food bought must not include alcoholic drinks and any substance-related products. The amount of SNAP benefits depends on household income, personal income, and expenses. The benefits are offered via a plastic card called ACCESS Oklahoma Card. Visit https://okdhslive.org/Default.aspx to apply for SNAP Benefits. Create a user ID at https://okdhslive.org/AuthApplicantRegistration.aspx if applying for the first time.

Applicants for food benefits must complete an interview, which basically answers other eligibility questions. The interviews can always be completed in person or via a phone call with a DHS worker. When applying ensure you provide the correct personal details, including phone number and address. Documents that provide proof of ID and current income are required at the time of application. Other requirements include proof of immigration status and social security numbers.

Financial Assistance

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial support to low-income seniors. Visit https://okdhslive.org/Default.aspx to apply or first create a user ID at https://okdhslive.org/AuthApplicantRegistration.aspx. Older adults must provide proof of ID, income, immigrant status, state residency, and SSNs.

Health Assistance

Medicaid Program (SoonerCare): Medicaid is designed to help older adults in Oklahoma meet their health care needs by helping them pay their medical costs. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) administers the program, while the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) determines the senor’s financial eligibility. Who qualifies for Oklahoma Medicaid?

• Older adults aged 65+
• Blind or disabled seniors. Must meet the description of a disabled or a blind person as detailed by the Social Security Administration.
• Elderly persons in need of nursing services or are in nursing homes.

Older adults eligible for Medicaid can apply online at http://www.mysoonercare.org/ or visit the local DHS office to apply for the program benefits. Requirements at the time of application include proof of income, citizenship, and immigration status. Seniors will also need to provide their social security cards or numbers. Visit http://www.oklahoma.gov/ohca for more information.

Medicare Assistance Program: Medicare helps seniors pay their medical bills through various health care insurance coverages. The program operates in two divisions: Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). SMP Medicare helps seniors protect themselves from suffering health care fraud, while SHIP provides counseling services in matters related to Medicare. The organization provides seniors with the information they need, including healthcare insurance options, and helps them make a choice, depending on their circumstances and medical needs. Both SHIP and SMP are important to the mission of Medicare.

Help with Utility Bills

Average Monthly Payment Plan: This program protects older adults from paying unexpectedly high bills, which they may find challenging to pay. The program, under Oklahoma Corporation Commission Rule 165:35-19-31 and 165:45-11-4 (b6)], requires electric and gas utility providers to provide their customers with billing them on an average monthly payment basis, allowing them to pay the same amount every month. Find more at https://www.okdrs.gov/guide/average-monthly-payment-plan.

Enhanced Lifeline Service: Enhanced Lifeline Service is a program that supports seniors by reducing their monthly charges on internet connection and phone service. Older adults can only be eligible for either phone or internet support, not both. Older adults can find this service by visiting the nearest provider. Eligible older adults receive up to $9.25 toward their utility bills. Find out more at http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/.

Financial Assistance Delay: This program postpones the disconnection of electricity or gas. It helps seniors waiting for funding support from TANF, SSI, or any local social service to stay connected even after failing to pay their bills on time. The program delays the disconnection of services for at least 20 days from the day the service provider offers notice. Read more about the program at https://www.ok.gov/odc/About_ODC/ODC_Publications/Housing_-_Utility_Assistance.html.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP is a federally funded energy support program designed to help seniors settle their heating costs. The program consists of:

• Regular Energy Assistance Program helps low-income older adults with cooling and heating bills.
• Energy Crisis Assistance Program offers services only when the weather is extreme, and the goal is to protect senior adults from the extreme cold or heat or winter and summer, respectively.

Requirements at the time of application include proof of income, citizenship, state residency, and immigration status. Social Security Cards or numbers are also required. Visit http://www.okdhs.org/ for more details about the program.

Assistance for Senior Veterans and Disabled Seniors

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs offers services and resources to senior military veterans in Oklahoma. The Department provides access to federal benefits, disability claims, healthcare, survivor benefits, entrepreneurship, employment, education, health, and suicide prevention services. The Department also serves seniors in the seven long-term care institutions it operates throughout the city. Read more at https://oklahoma.gov/veterans/veterans-services.html.

With funds from the Older Americans Act, disabled seniors receive similar services, including home-delivered meals, health services, nutrition education, outreach, and legal support. Find out more at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/aging/titleiii.html.

Assistance From Charities and Nonprofits

Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the lives and neighborhoods of seniors, including improving their home safety and energy efficiency. The organization work with volunteers to enhance the homes of the older persons living Oklahoma City metro area. Read more at https://rebuildingtogetherokc.org/.

Areawide Aging Agency Inc: work to identify the needs of seniors and offer appropriate solutions through programs and services. This nonprofit operates in Oklahoma City. Visit https://greatnonprofits.org/org/areawide-aging-agency-inc for more details.

Support Central Oklahoma United Methodist Retirement Facility Inc provides memory care and assisted living services to seniors in need. The organization support seniors to age with dignity and enhance their safety by offering assistance with daily tasks. More information is available at https://greatnonprofits.org/org/central-oklahoma-united-methodist-retirement-facility-inc.

Oklahoma City Community Foundation is committed to meeting the needs of poor older adults through the Services for the Elderly iFund program, financing organizations that provide direct services to seniors aged 65+ living independently at home. Find out more at https://www.occf.org/ifunds/elderly/.