Nursing Homes near Tulsa, OK

Nursing Homes in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Making the decision to move a beloved family member to a nursing home is an emotional one that can also cause tension in the family. There are many factors that go into the decision, but the bottom line is about finding the right care for your aging loved ones. Once the family makes the decision, there are four principles to keep in mind. First, the ideal nursing home should be conveniently located to as many family members as possible. Second, it should provide the highest possible care for all medical conditions. Third, it should provide seniors with a welcoming, supportive environment. And fourth, the cost is manageable and the facility accepts payments from insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and savings.

More about Tulsa

Tulsa was once heavily dependent on the oil industry, but through economic downtown and diversification efforts, the city's economy turned to energy, finance, aviation, and telecommunications to keep itself afloat. Although Tulsa is situated in the south, its influences range from the Midwest to the Southwest, and the large Native American presence also plays a factor. The museums and galleries reflect this influence in detail, as does the Art Deco architecture. But, one of the best parts of Tulsa is the number of outdoor activities available to both residents and tourists alike. There is the Tulsa Zoo, Aquarium, Tulsa State Fair, Oktoberfest, and a number of cultural heritage festivals throughout the year. Seniors living in Tulsa will find it hard to be bored with all the options available to them.

Location

Level of Care Provided

The next consideration you should have about nursing homes is the level of care provided to the residents. If your loved one has experienced a heart attack, stroke, or other illness, you want to ensure the facility can take care of them. Find out what certifications the nursing home has, what kind of training they provide for the staff, what type of certifications the staff has, if there is a medical doctor on hand, what happens if someone needs to be taken to the hospital, and so on. Once the staff answers your questions, you can compare the facilities on like terms.

Environment for Residents

The environment of a nursing home should be supportive and nurturing, and if it's not, it's probably not the best place for your loved one. Parents and grandparents should be able to connect with the other residents, and with the nursing home staff, as these people will become like a second family to them. If your loved one hates the facility, even if it has everything you both want, don't force them to live there. The stress and strain of forcing them to live in an environment they will hate can create emotional issues among the family. It's better to find a nursing home with a caring, supportive atmosphere that your loved one enjoys.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

It is important for families to have a realistic idea of what nursing homes costs. The average annual cost is $50,000, and rising, depending on location and amenities. That's an overwhelming amount of money for many families, especially those who haven't planned for it. Families with aging parents and grandparents should look into long-term care insurance, which often covers the cost of nursing homes. Those who attempt to pay out-of-pocket tend to burn through their savings within six months of entering the nursing home. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, so that's another option families should look into, as well.

It's worth repeating that although nursing home care isn't the ideal option for every family, it may make the most sense for an aging senior. As individual's get older, they sometimes require more in-depth care than a family can provide. Daily activities often require someone present in a full-time capacity, and family members with jobs, children, and other responsibilities can't be there full-time. Nursing homes give seniors a safe environment where they can age with dignity, and in many cases, still keep some of their independence. By finding the right nursing home for your loved one, you can smooth the transition and make it a more positive experience.