Oklahoma City Assisted Living

An assisted living facility is a great choice for those wanting to retain independent living while having home health care available. Oklahoma City offers a great deal of options for assisted living and the facilities give you the feel of a small-knit community in a metropolis. The cost for a one bedroom, single occupancy room in Oklahoma City is comparable to the nation’s median rate for facilities.

The Price of Assisted Living in Oklahoma City

The 2015 Genworth Cost of Care Survey for Oklahoma shows the median annual rate for a one bedroom, single occupancy room in Oklahoma City is $39,915, which is slightly less than the national average of $43,200. This amount is almost half of what the median rate is for a nursing home in the area.

The local rates vary, depending on location and services included. A facility rated as “Best of 2016” on SeniorAdvisor.com, Village On The Park, starts at $2,500 per month for a one bedroom. Others range in price from $1700 per month for a semi-private room in a community built on 5.7 acres to more than $4,200 for a one bedroom apartment located near medical facilities. Most of the assisted living housing includes studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments.

Assisted Living Services

Many assisted living communities offer services like meal preparation and dining. Some facilities allow small pets and offer resident activities to keep you or your loved one engaged. Transportation and on-site medical services are often included. Choosing a facility based on your preferences is possible by using an online directory. You can now choose the community that is the best fit for you.

Choosing the Best Assisted Living Community in Oklahoma City

The need for particular services will change as your needs and health change. Review the range of services offered to meet your physical and emotional needs. The following are a list of services many high-quality facilities offer their Oklahoma residents:

Housekeeping

Transportation

On-site medical care

Personal care

Toileting and incontinence

Bathing and dressing

Alzheimer’s and other dementia care

24-hour staff and security

Emergency systems

Exercise programs

Meals and dining

Medication management

Laundry service

Social and recreational activities

Before committing to an assisted living community, take the time to visit the facility. Family members and caregivers should visit to come to a joint decision in order to ease concerns and make the move as smooth as possible.

Ask for recommendations from friends and family concerning senior living communities. Online reviews are available and are usually written by the residents or their immediate family members. Top-rated facilities are available in the Oklahoma City area with a wide range of rates.

Paying for Care

Unlike other services, Medicare will not cover the cost of assisted living, however there are several options to obtaining care. Long term care insurance policies covering home care should cover assisted living costs as well as those deemed facility-only.

The state of Oklahoma offers a Medicaid Waiver for low-income residents wishing to live in an assisted living facility as long as the community can be obtained for a lower rate than a nursing home. These waivers are also known as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and Waiver Funded Services. A representative from your local office can help determine eligibility.

Life insurance policies can provide much-needed care for an Oklahoma resident. The company will buy back the policy at 50 to 75 percent of its total value. If the company refuses, the policy can be sold to a third-party company that will continue paying the premiums until the policyholder dies. With either option, the policyholder only receives a percentage of the policy’s face value.

The VA Aid and Attendance is used for patients or their spouses that served in the military. This benefit can help with personal care expenses in an assisted living community. A veteran must have served for at least 90 days as active duty or one day during wartime. The medical condition does not need to be service related which gives spouses an added advantage.

Real estate is a valuable option for funding the expense of an assisted living facility. If family members do not want to sell the home due to personal reasons, consider renting to add an additional stream of monthly income to cover the monthly expense of care.

Other options are available including reverse mortgages, bridge loans, private pay, and annuity. Research, tour, and compare facilities, then seek financial counsel before making a final decision.