Memory Care in Oklahoma

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Oklahoma

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• Can You Use Medicare To Pay for Memory Care in Oklahoma?
• More Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Oklahoma
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Oklahoma
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Oklahoma
• Oklahoma COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care Facilities

(866) 716-3974

When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered cost information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Oklahoma and 12 other cities in Oklahoma.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Oklahoma

Memory care expenses have risen in Oklahoma from $3,515 to $4,168 over the 2022 to 2023 period, but they still remain lower than the U.S. average of $5,369. Surrounding states also experienced similar price rises, with memory care jumping 2.7% in Arkansas and 4.3% in Texas. Costs increased to $5,502 in Missouri, with trends suggesting a further jump to $5,859 may occur in 2024. Care also costs nearly 2% more in Kansas than it did in 2022 but could still increase by another 2.4% in 2024.

Memory Care Costs in Oklahoma's Top Cities

One of the ways seniors can save money on care is by checking the average costs of individual cities in Oklahoma, as prices can vary dramatically. Owasso, for example, is much cheaper than the state average at just $2,500, while Stillwater is also slightly more affordable at $4,000. Tulsa averages $4,486, making it a little more expensive, whereas Norman is much more costly at $5,637.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

All three main types of care are highly affordable in Oklahoma, but each service has significant price differences. Independent living is the cheapest option at $2,370 but provides minimal specialized care for seniors with dementia or limited mobility. Memory care offers intensive support, but this causes it to carry a higher cost of $4,168. Assisted living, averaging $3,789, is also somewhat pricier because communities employ more personal care staff and have more amenities.

SoonerCare, Oklahoma's Medicaid program, provides comprehensive health insurance coverage for older adults who may otherwise have difficulty paying for care. This entitlement program pays for services such as case management, medical equipment, primary and specialty care and inpatient hospital services. While SoonerCare doesn't cover memory care services directly, it provides coverage for this type of care under the ADvantage Waiver Program.  

• Who Is Eligible: To qualify for SoonerCare, seniors may have a monthly income of up to $1,133 and countable assets of up to $2,000. They must also be legal U.S. citizens or residents and permanent residents of Oklahoma. The state has an expanded Medicaid program, meaning it's open to all qualifying adults regardless of age.  
• How To Apply: To apply for coverage, seniors can submit an online application through the OKDHSLive! Portal or apply in person at their nearest DHS office.  

ADvantage Waiver Program 

The ADvantage Waiver Program is for older adults who qualify for the level of care nursing homes provide but want to remain in or transition to a less intensive environment. This waiver program may cover memory care services in licensed facilities. Depending on the individual's needs, the waiver may also pay for: 

• Housekeeping services 
• Laundry and linen service 
• Hospice 
• Disposable and durable medical equipment 
• Nonemergency and emergency medical transportation 
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy 

A caseworker works with beneficiaries to determine their needs and approves payment for services necessary for keeping them out of a nursing home. 

• Who Is Eligible: To qualify for the ADvantage Waiver, applicants must be at least 65 years old, blind or disabled. They must require a nursing home level of care but want to live in a community setting. Applicants must also meet financial eligibility guidelines, which include an annual income of no more than $30,276 and up to $2,000 in countable assets for a single applicant, and they must meet SoonerCare's citizenship and residency requirements. 
• How To Apply: Seniors can apply for this waiver by filling out and submitting an application to the nearest Department of Human Services office. Those who prefer to apply over the phone can call the ADvantage Administration office at (800) 435-4711.  

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Oklahoma 

SoonerCare applicants must meet income guidelines to qualify for coverage. Single applicants may have an annual income of up to $13,596. This option includes all income sources, including public benefits, stock dividends and pension payments. They may also have up to $2,000 in countable assets. Married applicants have higher income and asset limits of $18,312 and $3,000, respectively. Those who don't meet these requirements may still qualify for Medicaid through spending down excess assets, by depositing money in a Miller Trust or through Medicaid planning.  

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Oklahoma 

Applicants must also meet nonfinancial eligibility criteria to qualify for SoonerCare. They must be: 

• At least 65 years old or blind or disabled 
• Permanent residents of Oklahoma 
• Legal U.S. citizens or residents 

How To Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Oklahoma 

Applying for SoonerCare can be a confusing process, but fortunately, older adults in Oklahoma have advocates and information specialists who can help. The following resources help consumers understand SoonerCare's coverage, waiver programs eligibility guidelines. It also helps seniors find information on what to do if they exceed financial limits or if a claim is handled unfairly. 

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.

That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.

In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Depending on the policy details, long-term care insurance may be used to pay for memory care services. It's best to sign up for a policy early, as coverage will likely be denied if one already has long-term care needs. More information about the intricacies of long-term care insurance can be found at longtermcare.acl.gov.
• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow some homeowners to take out a loan as an advance from the eventual sale of their primary residence. This can be a good way to fund memory care in the short-term, but the loans will need to be paid back after the sale of the home. The most commonly used type of reverse mortgages for seniors is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the only reverse mortgage insured by the federal government.
• Veterans Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that veterans and their spouses may use to cover health care needs such as memory care. More information about these programs can be found on the VA website.

Memory Care Regulation

The Department of Health’s Long Term Care Services Division regulates and licenses assisted living facilities and residential care facilities throughout Oklahoma, but only assisted living facilities may provide medical care. All assisted living residents must receive a resident service contract detailing specific policies and information, and facilities providing Alzheimer’s and dementia care must complete a required disclosure form and issue it to the Long Term Care Ombudsman, the Department of Health and anyone seeking residence for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Facility Scope of Care

Facilities may generally define their own scope of care, which can include personal care services, memory care, medication administration, nursing supervision and intermittent nursing care. However, assisted living facilities may not provide full-time skilled nursing care, nor may they serve residents requiring care that exceeds the facility’s capabilities or the level of care they are licensed to provide.

Admissions Requirements

A facility may not admit residents who require care beyond the scope of care the facility is able or licensed to provide. The following table provides an overview of residents who may or may not be admitted:

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Older adults and people with:

• Dementia
• Mental health conditions
• Developmental disabilities
• Physical disabilities
• AIDS
• Traumatic brain injuries

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Those who:

• Require a full-time skilled nursing level of care
• Require physical or chemical restraints outside of emergency situations, as determined by a physician
• Pose a threat to themselves or others

Care Plan Requirements

Facilities must conduct comprehensive resident assessments at the time of or within 30 days before a resident’s admission, within the 14 days following admission and then every 12 months or whenever the resident experiences a change in condition. Additionally, the disclosure form facilities provide must include the planning and implementation of care, recreational activities and services provided, associated costs, the facility’s safety features and staff training procedures.

Medication Management Requirements

To administer medications, staff members must be licensed by the Department of Health and complete an approved training program. Residents’ medication must be reviewed by a registered nurse or pharmacist monthly, and a consultant pharmacist must perform medication reviews quarterly.

Facility Requirements

Assisted living facilities must adhere to the following regulations:

• Resident units may be shared by no more than two individuals
• The facility’s design and interiors must accommodate residents with physical and mental disabilities
• No more than four residents may share a bathroom, and only one resident may occupy a bathroom at a time
• Facility buildings must adhere to safety standards issued by the State Fire Marshall or local jurisdiction

Staffing Requirements

Facilities with special memory care units must define specific staffing policies to address residents’ needs and outline the scope of services provided. At least two awake staff members should be on-duty each shift if the facility contains areas of limited access to residents, and one staff member must always be in the restricted area. All staff must be trained to meet residents’ special needs.

All staff members of assisted living facilities may incur criminal arrest checks, and all must pass a fingerprint-based national background check. Additionally, all direct care staff must receive first aid and CPR training. Facilities with only one direct care worker on-site during the night shift must have a plan in place for emergency situations and disclose this information to residents or their representatives. Each facility must have at least one designated administrator who must complete an approved certificate of training or be licensed by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators.

Medicaid Policy

The state’s ADvantage Medicaid waiver may cover the cost of services and case management in an assisted living facility for residents without cognitive impairments or intellectual disabilities.

Reporting Abuse

To report suspicions of any kind of elder abuse, Oklahoma residents should call their local Department of Human Services office. The Statewide Abuse Hotline is also available around-the-clock at 1-800-522-3511. Individuals who wish to issue a complaint against an assisted living facility that may not be compliant with state regulations may email the Oklahoma Department of Health Services at LTCComplaints@health.ok.gov.

In Oklahoma, there is an abundance of resources designed to assist seniors throughout their retirement. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on a range of local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the care services they offer for easy browsing.

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging in Oklahoma is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

Financial assistance initiatives exist in Oklahoma to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Elderly individuals in Oklahoma, living independently or in elderly care homes, can avail of numerous local financial support opportunities. These aid options help reduce in-home or long-term care costs and connect them to valuable community resources.

Food Assistance Programs

In Oklahoma, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.

Free Used Medical Equipment

In Oklahoma, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Oklahoma, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.

Legal Resources

In Oklahoma, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.

Senior Engagement

In Oklahoma, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.

Social Security Offices

In Oklahoma, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income

Transportation Assistance

For Oklahoma seniors facing challenges with private transport, assistance is readily available. Community resources are on hand to support the elderly and disabled with their in-city mobility, making tasks and city appointments more manageable.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

In Oklahoma, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.

Veteran's Services

In Oklahoma, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/13/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.