Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Tulsa’s senior population continues to grow (13.2% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Tulsa, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 65.1% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 6.77%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (6.83% in Tulsa vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
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 price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of memory care in Tulsa and 11 other cities in Oklahoma.
The price of memory care is on a steady upward rise in most markets. Tracking these trends closely is key to building a smart long-term care budget. In 2023, Tulsa's average monthly price for memory care rose 10.5% to $4,486 from $4,063 in 2022, paralleling similar national percentages, with projections estimating an additional 8% increase in 2024.
Oklahoma City, Norman and Stillwater all show the same percentage trends from 2022 to 2024. According to the statewide average, Oklahoma prices are rising even faster: an 18.5% jump from 2022-2023 and a projected 9.5% jump in 2024.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Tulsa | $4,063 | $4,486 | $4,839 |
U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
Oklahoma | $3,515 | $4,168 | $4,553 |
Oklahoma City | $4,267 | $4,711 | $5,082 |
Norman | $5,106 | $5,637 | $6,081 |
Stillwater | $3,623 | $4,000 | $4,315 |
At an average of $4,486 per month, memory care is one of Tulsa's more expensive options for long-term senior care. Seniors who aren't living with dementia-related issues can find a more affordable option in assisted living, which averages $3,931 per month, or independent living, which averages $2,492 a month. Assisted living provides daily physical and social support without a cognitive care element, while independent living is most comparable to living in a private residence.
Care Type | Cost |
---|---|
Assisted Living | $3,931 |
Memory Care | $4,486 |
Independent Living | $2,492 |
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Oklahoma.
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Tulsa, OK. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the Oklahoma state page on memorycare.com.
The Area Agency on Aging in Tulsa 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.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) Area Agency on Aging | 918-579-9477 | Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging (O4A) is a coalition of nonprofit and state organizations committed to assisting seniors in all counties. Their initiatives enable individuals aged 60 and older to uphold autonomy and reside in their residences. Services provided encompass personal care, transportation, household tasks, medication supervision, adult day programs, legal aid, health evaluations, senior events, and balanced meals at communal facilities. |
In Tulsa, 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.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Catholic Charities Eastern Oklahoma Outreach | 918-949-4673 | Nonprofit-operated food pantries offer vital food assistance to low-income individuals, including seniors, by gathering various food items. Specific eligibility requirements may apply. Contact them in advance to confirm product availability and operating hours. |
Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma - Tulsa | 918-585-2800 | Nonprofit-operated food pantries offer vital food assistance to low-income individuals, including seniors, by gathering various food items. Specific eligibility requirements may apply. Contact them in advance to confirm product availability and operating hours. |
Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa | 918-627-4105 | Meals on Wheels offers in-home meal deliveries to seniors in Oklahoma, with a sliding-fee scale for affordability. Local branches across the state aim to address the nutritional and social needs of older adults through these deliveries. |
Oklahoma Meals on Wheels - Tulsa | 918-921-5388 | Meals on Wheels offers in-home meal deliveries to seniors in Oklahoma, with a sliding-fee scale for affordability. Local branches across the state aim to address the nutritional and social needs of older adults through these deliveries. |
In Tulsa, 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.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Revitalize T-Town | 918-742-6241 | Revitalize T-Town is a non-profit organization committed to supporting low-income seniors in Tulsa by offering complimentary home repair services. Our focus is on assisting individuals aged 60 and above or with disabilities. Our range of services includes roof repair/replacement, installation of handicap-accessible features, weatherization, and more. Get involved in our mission to positively impact the lives of elderly members in our community. |
In Tulsa, 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.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma - Tulsa | 855-488-6814 | Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, a non-profit legal organization in Tulsa, provides the OK-SPLASH helpline for adults aged 60 and above. The helpline offers counseling and community support, operating Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seniors have the option to apply for legal assistance online as well. |
In Tulsa, elderly individuals find a community hub in senior centers, offering a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources. These centers also provide health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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LIFE Senior Services - Tulsa | 918-664-9000 | LIFE provides essential services for seniors in Tulsa, supporting them to age comfortably at home. Our offerings include Medicare guidance, case management, tax aid, and enrollment assistance for the LIFE PACE program. We prioritize healthy aging and strive to empower seniors with the necessary resources for maintaining independence. |
In Tulsa, 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.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Dementia Friendly Tulsa | 918-596-2100 | Dementia Friendly Tulsa is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to increasing community awareness and fostering support for seniors living with dementia. We facilitate connections between individuals with memory loss, their families, and local resources to assist them on their journey. Together, let's promote empathy, understanding, and aid for those impacted by dementia in the Tulsa area. |
In the city of Tulsa, 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.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Tulsa Social Security Office 74146 | 800-772-1213 | Social Security offers financial support to retirees and those with disabilities unable to work. It is funded through payroll taxes contributed by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Monthly payments upon retirement are based on past earnings. |
For Tulsa 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.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Tulsa Transit | 918-582-2100 | Tulsa Transit provides fixed-route bus services across 199 square miles in the Tulsa metropolitan area, extending to Broken Arrow. Individuals aged 62 and above are eligible for a Reduced Fare Card, enabling them to avail of single trips for $0.85. Those aged 75 and older can benefit from complimentary rides under the Super Senior program. |
In Tulsa, 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.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Tulsa Vet Center | 918-237-4200 | The Tulsa Vet Center provides counseling services for veterans and service members in Tulsa, OK. Our licensed professionals offer mental health counseling for anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, and military sexual trauma. Transition counseling is available to aid returning service members in readjusting. Specialized support and referrals are provided for women and LGBTQ+ veterans. Access community resources and receive the care you need. |
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Tulsa, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Those living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia are treated like family at the family-owned and operated Colonial Oaks Memory Care at Tulsa. Wide hallways, inviting furnishings and plentiful natural light characterize this assisted living facility intentionally designed for seniors with memory loss. With the help of family members, a Life Portrait is created for each resident around which a personalized Life Engagement program is designed. Each residents daily activity schedule reflects their unique interests, talents and life achievements to promote feelings of safety and purpose while increasing independence. Every Colonial Oaks Life Engagement Manager has met or exceeded state-required certification and participates in continuing education training specific to memory loss caregiving. Residents eat in small dining rooms that provide a calm, intimate environment that encourages socializing. Those prone to wandering are offered finger foods, so they can walk freely around the facility and receive nourishment at the same time.
Reviewers appreciate the all-inclusive monthly rate that doesnt increase as care needs change. Many praised the passionate and professional staff. One family member wrote, Mother was well cared for while she was at Colonial Oaks Memory Care at Tulsa. She was treated with respect and dignity by everyone there.
Heritage Point of Tulsa is an intentionally built community of three spacious homes designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment for people living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Each home accommodates 18 residents in private, studio-like apartments with private baths. The homes also feature a safe room where residents and associates can shelter during bad weather. A secure courtyard with a memory garden, walking paths, pond and fountain creates a relaxing, park-like environment that lets residents come and go freely. A high staff-to-resident ratio ensures that each personalized plan of care, called the Life Services Plan, is adhered to daily to meet individual needs, abilities and desires.
Family members mention how involved and loving the staff is at Heritage Point, which they say is reflected in the energized, animated appearance of many residents. One daughter wrote of her mother, In her last place, she stayed in her room most of the time and slept a lot. Now when I come to visit, she is awake and happy and seems very at peace. Its not unusual for me to walk in and one of the staff is visiting with her.
Montereaus sprawling campus on a beautifully landscaped, wooded parcel in the heart of Tulsa looks more like a high-end resort than a non-profit continuing care retirement community. Independent living residents choose from eight floors of apartments, single-resident and duplex-style garden homes. Assisted living residents in The Villa enjoy private one- or two-bedroom apartments, while those requiring skilled nursing care find it at The Chateau. Montereaus Alzheimers community, The Abbey, provides innovative treatment options for residents who live in comfortably furnished, bright private apartments with private baths. An indoor/outdoor sensory garden and private courtyard let memory care residents relax in nature at will. The memory care neighborhood is also equipped with a whirlpool spa, lounge, full-service salon and day spa, ensuring that residents enjoy all the pampering they desire. The Abbey Care Partners are certified Dementia Care Specialists who use individualized therapeutic programming to create positive daily experiences for residents.
Many liken Montereau to an upscale hotel, five-star resort or cruise ship. The exceptional culinary program, luxurious amenities and vast array of activities make this continuing care retirement community exceptional. Reviewers note, The staff is professional, courteous, and very responsive. Theyre very dedicated and helpful.
Located in the Broken Arrow suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Linden at Stonehaven Square provides assisted living and memory care services to seniors. The pet-friendly facility offers around-the-clock staffing and security along with a health and wellness program and transportation services. Residents enjoy a full-service salon and restaurant-style dining service. Activities and game rooms keep residents healthy and active. Seniors enjoy several beautiful outdoor spaces along with an on-site gym. Memory care residents participate in the signature Opal program that's based on seven pillars of wellness with a holistic approach of care for each resident. The seven pillars of the program include physical, experimental, spiritual and emotional, sensory, creative and artistic, social and therapeutic.
One family member said in an online post, The staff was very caring. They treated our dad as if he were family. It was a major validation when our dad referred to the staff as very nice. I felt confident that he was in great hands. As his health declined, they were very attentive and called us with any updates, even though we visited him daily.