Oklahoma senior home care agencies and services directory

Discover Home Care in Oklahoma

Senior home care agencies in Oklahoma can provide care and assistance for people that need help with physical therapy a few hours a week or for those that require constant care and monitoring. The goal of this care type is to allow seniors to remain in their own homes so they can retain their independence. Currently, there are about 682 home care agencies in Oklahoma and the average monthly cost of care is around $3,880.

Home Care in Oklahoma - Cost Comparison

Finding home care in Oklahoma will vary from each city to the next depending on what services you need from a caregiver, including the degree of medical attention required. Home care services can provide you or your loved one assistance with the activities of daily life, or more involved medical care depending on the licensing of the medical professional or non-medical paraprofessional of your choice. Since these roles and license types can overlap in their duties, it’s important to have a clear understanding of one’s individual needs in order to make the best decision.

There are a number of cities throughout OK that have senior home care agencies but the median monthly cost ranges from:

Highest Cost: Tulsa $3,905
Lowest Cost: Lawton $3,527

City	Homemaker Services Monthly Costs	Home Health Aide Monthly Costs
Lawton	$3,861	$5,529
Oklahoma City	$3,810	$3,838
Tulsa	$3,813	$4,195
Rest of State	$3,813	$3,956

Recreation & Attractions in Oklahoma

There are many places to experience throughout the state of Oklahoma whether you're a local or just visiting. To start, Beaver's Bend Resort Park is a great getaway for seniors and their families, along with Turner Falls for lovers of the outdoors. The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a funky attraction, featuring a whale-shaped building that is now used as a waterfront for fishing.

As a less-mobile senior, there are still numerous places to go and things to see in Oklahoma. There are senior centers throughout the state that provide senior-oriented activities such as music sessions, exercise classes, games, and dancing. Specialized senior trips are also available to places such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, The Philbrook Museum of Art, and Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Oklahoma's Climate, Geography & Culture

The climate in OK is continental and supports four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. The high temperature in the summer is 94 degrees and the low temperature in the winter is 26 degrees. It is not uncommon for temperatures to reach into the 100s during the middle of summer. This heat combined with humidity and 234 days of sunshine annually can make the summers in Oklahoma feel rather sweltering. The state also averages 36 inches of rain and 6 inches of snow annually.

Oklahoma’s culture is highly influenced by Native American tribes. The Five Civilized Tribes and the Cherokee Nation arrived in large part due to their forced migration along the Trail of Tears during the 1830's. Aside from Native Americans, there are also many ranchers and cowboys throughout the state since it is the main center for livestock trading in the United States. The residents are rather friendly and the cost of living is one of the lowest in the country.

Crime & Safety in Oklahoma

As a whole, Oklahoma has relatively average rates of both violent and property crime compared to the rest of the United States. You can expect higher rates of crime in larger cities like Oklahoma City, but otherwise, the state is a pretty safe place to receive home care. Here are some of the least crime-infested areas found throughout Oklahoma:

Location	Violent Crime Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Elgin	0.00	1.38
Haskell	1.00	2.50
Hinton	0.00	4.00
Pocola	0.00	4.49

(source: safewise.com)

Oklahoma's Home Care Regulations & Laws

All Medicare-certified home health care agencies in Oklahoma are only able to employ those who have been sufficiently trained and evaluated by the state's approved programs. 34 states and the District of Columbia require a federal minimal of 75 hours of training, followed by 16 hours of practical experience and 12 hours of continuing education every 12 month period.

Payment Options for Oklahoma Home Care

It is possible through several methods to pay for home care in Oklahoma. Based on your financial situation and individual needs, some payment options will be more sound decisions than others.

Firstly, Medicare only covers medical home health care very selectively and does not apply to non-medical care in almost every case. Most people use Medicare Supplement Insurances to cover Medicare copayments and deductibles for medical home care that is deemed medically necessary.

U.S. veterans can receive assistance for home care by using the Improved Pension or Homebound and Aid & Attendance Pension. To apply for these benefits, contact your local Veteran’s Association or Area Agency on Aging for more details and eligibility requirements.

Many seniors choose to pay privately using their own savings, assets, or pensions. Other methods may include reverse mortgages, opening a home equity line of credit, or by converting a life insurnace policy to cash.

Medicaid is another option for low-income seniors and their families. This joint state and federal insurance program can provide coverage if an individual's home care is deemed medically necessary. Keep in mind that each state has its own rules, requirements, and benefits available for what is known as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).

Senior & Elderly Rights for Home Care in Oklahoma

Seniors receiving home care in Oklahoma from a Medicare-approved home health agency are guaranteed a series of personal rights and protections. These rights will be explained to you before any care is provided, outlining the fact that you can choose which services you'd like to participate in. At all times, caretakers should respect your personal privacy and property.

If you reach a point where you are unable to make your own medical decision, you can appoint a family member or legal representative in your place. If your Constitutional rights have been violated, contact a lawyer immediately.

Oklahoma Home Care: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Receiving any type of medical care in Oklahoma entitles you to request your medical records and information at any time. Although it may be argued that this is not possible due to privacy laws, this is simply not the case except for a few instances.

By submitting a request to your health care provider you can receive your records within 30 days. Beyond this point, it is required that a written statement be provided explaining the delay or possible denial of your information.