10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Tulsa, OK
Welcome to Tulsa, Oklahoma, a wonderful retirement haven thanks to its super friendly environment for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The entire city strives to create a comfortable environment for seniors with dementia.
This guide highlights information provided by A Place for Mom’s 16 memory care partners within a 10-mile radius of eastern Tulsa. In this guide, seniors and their families can find answers to commonly asked questions, such as the following:
- How much does memory care cost in Tulsa?
- How do seniors pay for memory care in Tulsa?
- Are there specific regulations for memory care facilities in Tulsa?
- What will every day look like in a memory care facility?
We work to ensure seniors and their loved ones understand memory care in Tulsa and activities families can enjoy together, from exploring tourist attractions to dementia-friendly art museums.
Tulsa Memory Care Facilities | 809 Reviews
The Legend at Tulsa Hills has been an excellent facility for my mother. The facilities are clean, they have scheduled activities every day, and the staff genuinely cares about my mother.
What a very nice clean small all memory care facility wow smells amazing so clean staff are all super friendly residents are all happy smiling looks clean food smells awesome this has to be one of the BEST!...
I'd say you have to look past that it hasn't been updated in a while. And look at how it is taken care of, cleanliness, grounds, etc. As far as the staff they all are very friendly and very caring. I would...
Some care staff avoid eye contact, most have a smile to share. Always clean and fresh clothes . The meals are very appropriate for their activity level and dietary needs. There are 3 activities offered each...
My loved one is currently a resident at Canoe Brook Assisted Living Catoosa and everything has been great for him at this facility so far. The staff is great and they care about their residents, they are...
We have been looking for a place for our mom for about 2 years. The first place we chose was a disappointment and we started another search. Then we found Aberdeen Heights! Now we feel confident that Mom is...
Our dad loves it there, but he needs so much care now there are things they will not do and the things they will do are all extra. It's quite an expense and thankfully the VA kicked in to help finally....
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Mostly excellent memory care with staff with knowledge and skill in managing individuals with cognitive, language, and physical challenges. Family involved in care planning. Hospice services available if...
They were very friendly, knew who we were, made sure our questioned got answered. Administrative was sometimes slower than expected with answers, but we got them. I would recommend Heatheridge Assisted...
We are Very Happy with Brookdale in Broken Arrow They are treating my mother so good!!! The home be a little run down but the Care is Wonderful. Attitude of the nurses, LPN's & staff are Good & they are...
The people at “A Place for Mom” did an amazing job helping me and my father find a place for my grandmother that met her special circumstances. Beehive assisted-living turned out to be the perfect place for...
Friendliness of staff is 5. They are very nice and seem happy to be there. Overall experience 3. Cedar Ridge is short staffed and in a year there have been 3 different activity directors come and...
It has been good but moving my mother from an assisted living facility to a memory care facility has its challenges. It seemed to us from our tour and interviews of the staff that it was the best for my...
What we like the most is their care and understanding. The security. [name removed] their activity director is nothing short of amazing and keeps us updated on my dad constantly. We would recommend this...
It is very clean. The Employees are very friendly, and gives excellent care. The meals could be changed a little. They serve too much Chicken and pasta. The residents don't eat or get tired of eating the...
I was very pleased with the attitude of all of the workers. Everyone was friendly respectful and seem to have a helpful attitude. Mini were willing to go the extra mile to see that I had what I needed. There...
I am very pleased with this facility and the care they are giving [name removed] and meeting his needs. I think the staff always has the time to listen to me and respond to my questions. I think they should...
This seems like to be a good place. The food, administrative staff, the cleanliness, and friendliness all stand out to me about the community. Some of the activities available include bingo, exercising,...
My loved one was here about a month and received great care. I could always reach them no matter the time.
Our methodology
How we rank order the Tulsa community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Tulsa community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Tulsa area
- What families are saying about memory care in Tulsa
- How people pay for memory care in Tulsa
- Understand Oklahoma laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in Tulsa
- Tulsa memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Tulsa? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Tulsa area
The average rent for a memory care community in Tulsa starts at $5,383, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01] Monthly costs typically include the following:
- Room and board
- Daily snacks and meals
- 24-hour caregiver assistance
- Housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services
- Specialized memory care services, therapies, and programs
- Access to dementia-friendly activities and amenities
Monthly expenses vary based on location, amenities, services, and floor plan. Additional fees may be associated with the following:
- Advanced care services like medication management, nursing care, etc.
- Specialized dining programs
- Transportation services (if not complimentary)
- Pet rent and care services
- A one-time community fee (similar to a deposit)
- Roommate fees
The figures below are the average baseline costs for memory care communities in the broader Tulsa area. These numbers can help families compare costs, but keep in mind that these prices don’t include add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Tulsa, OK vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Tulsa, OK vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Tulsa vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Tulsa, OK by room type
What families are saying about memory care in Tulsa
Recent reviews for memory care in Tulsa
Bellarose Senior Living in Tulsa, OK
Brookdale Owasso
Oxford Springs Tulsa Memory Care
Tulsa review score based on 223 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 223 reviews of 32 Tulsa memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Tulsa review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Tulsa memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 223 reviews of 32 Tulsa memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Tulsa resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Tulsa
Memory care can be expensive, so many seniors and families plan to combine personal assets and public benefits. While most start paying for memory care with personal income, qualifying seniors may be able to offset costs through federal and state assistance like veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. Read on for ideas on maximizing your money when paying for memory care.
When a family starts planning for memory care, most begin by assessing their loved one’s assets. While savings are extremely beneficial, they’re not the only option. Personal income can also include retirement pensions, investment returns, and Social Security benefits, as well as any of the following options:
Number of veterans who live in Tulsa
About 24% of Tulsa veterans are 75+.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of benefits for senior veterans and their surviving spouses.
Can veterans benefits help cover memory care costs?
Yes, your loved one may be able to offset memory care costs through VA financial benefits like Veterans Pensions or the Aid and Attendance benefit. Eligible veterans and surviving spouses can use these particular benefits to pay for anything that improves their quality of life, from health care expenses to transportation costs.
Is my loved one eligible for VA benefits?
The VA maintains a list of service-related disabilities that qualify veterans for various benefits. Your loved one is likely eligible for some benefits, as the list is extensive. Understanding whether a senior is eligible for VA benefits can be challenging, and you’ll likely need help with the application process.
Thankfully, local Tulsa veterans service organizations (VSOs) and governmental offices assist veterans and their loved ones with the process. Nonprofit VSOs — like Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) — often help veterans and their families through benefits counseling and appealing denied claims. The VA regional benefit office also supports veterans through this process. Reach out to these resources to guarantee your loved one receives all the benefits they’re eligible for.
How can seniors find local veteran service organizations (VSOs)?
Seniors and families can use a multitude of local resources to help with veterans benefits. In our resources section below, we highlight some of the many VSOs, but you can find more Oklahoma-specific resources on the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission website.
For 24-hour assistance, contact VSO Tulsa Area United Way by dialing 2-1-1, or use the Oklahoma 211’s veteran benefits assistance search to find other local resources. Another online search engine is Oklahoma’s VALOR or OKVALOR system. However, this tool is a bit complex, so follow this step-by-step guide to find local VSOs:
- Once you click the OKVALOR link, select GO TO OKVALOR.
- There are five clickable options — LAYERS, NAVIGATION, FILTERS, FEATURES, and CONTACT — on the left-hand side. First, click on LAYERS. Then, toggle on Veteran Support or any other resources your loved one needs.
- Then, select the NAVIGATION option on the left-hand side. Select the county or city where your loved one resides.
- Next, click on FILTERS on the left-hand side. Turn on Veterans Assist and then select Veteran Service Organization.
- A list of VSOs will generate on the right-hand side. Find more details on each resource by clicking their resource name or one of the clickable triangles on the map.
For additional guidance, click the FEATURES tab for more information on OKVALOR features. Additionally, users can utilize the address search bar on the main page, but it can generate confusing results or errors if you don’t enter an exact address to a veterans-related resource.
Resources for Tulsa veterans
City of Tulsa
Chief of Intergovernmental Relations and Veterans Liaison: Jed Cochran
175 E. Second St., Suite 15-048
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 918-596-7485
Email: jcochran@cityoftulsa.org
Muskogee VA Regional Benefit Office
125 S. Main St.
Muskogee, OK 74401
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
JE “Jim” Bracy Chapter 32
3131 E. Pine St.
Tulsa, OK 74110
Phone: 918-834-4643
Tulsa Area United Way
Call 2-1-1 or 877-836-2111
Text “HELP” to 877-836-2111
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Post 577
1109 E. Sixth St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
Phone: 918-585-9148
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter #524
12407 E. 13th Place
Tulsa, OK 74128
Phone: 918-437-7507
Email: bbstacker31@aol.com
Volunteers of America Oklahoma
9605 E. 61st St.
Tulsa, OK 74133
Phone: 918-307-1500
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income and disabled residents. It is funded by the federal government and individual states. Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, known as SoonerCare, helps cover various health care costs, from prescription drugs to podiatry services. However, SoonerCare doesn’t cover memory care room and board costs. Instead, your loved one may be able to use home and community based services (HCBS) waivers to help cover certain medical services associated with memory care.
What do home and community based services (HCBS) waivers cover?
Seniors aged 65+ or the disabled may qualify for the ADvantage waiver program, a HCBS waiver. This program helps cover additional health care services, such as the following:
- Hospice care
- Personal care services
- Adult day health care with personal care services
- Physical, respiratory, occupational, and speech therapy
- Specialized medical equipment and supplies
- Skilled nursing services
- Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
- Institution transition services
If your loved one doesn’t qualify for ADvantage they can find other Medicaid- or Medicare-related programs and resources through the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP) website.
Where do seniors find assistance with SoonerCare benefits?
Since SoonerCare eligibility, benefits, and the application process can be difficult to fully understand, it’s important to get local assistance to help your loved one. The Social Security Administration, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, and the local INCOG Area Agency on Aging office are some of the best local resources. Below, you’ll find information on these offices, as well as the Northeastern Oklahoma community resource line from Tulsa Area United Way.
Tulsa resident Medicaid resources
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
201 W. Fifth St.
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 405-522-5050
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
INCOG Area Agency on Aging
2 W. Second St., Suite 800
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 918-584-7526
Fax: 918-583-1024
Email: incog@incog.org
Area agency on aging senior information line
Tulsa Phone: 918-579-9477
Statewide Phone: 800-211-2116
Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP)
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-521-2086
Tulsa community resource line
Call 2-1-1 or 877-836-2111
Text “HELP” to 877-836-2111
Medicare helps seniors aged 65+ and individuals with disabilities receive health care coverage. This federal health insurance program won’t cover room and board costs in a private memory care community, but it can cover some health care services that may benefit seniors with dementia. Coverage varies among health care plans, as stated below:
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) offers coverage for services like hospice care, short-term skilled nursing facility care, and hospital stays.
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance) offers coverage for medical appointments, supplies, and preventive services.
- Medicare Part D (prescription coverage) helps cover medication expenses and offers a new insulin benefit to cap costs.
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are Medicare Advantage Plans covering the same services as Part A and Part B. An SNP also adds coverage for those with chronic conditions, like dementia.
Ways to ease Medicare premium costs
Oklahoma helps low-income Medicare recipients with premium costs through Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) programs, including the following:
- Medicare Savings Programs can help lessen your loved one’s Medicare Part A and/or B monthly premium expenses.
- Extra Help (or Low-Income Subsidy) can help reduce Medicare Part D drug costs.
Qualifying seniors aged 55+ can also find cheaper health care services through the dual Medicaid and Medicare program — the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). These services include, but are not limited to the following:
- Hospice care
- Medically necessary transportation
- Hospital care
- Prescription medication
- Meals and nutritional counseling
- Nursing care services
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Medical specialty services
How can seniors find help applying for Medicare?
Like with veterans benefits and Medicaid, Tulsa provides multiple resources to help guide seniors through the application process. Plus, seniors can access assistance designated specifically for the elderly, thanks to Oklahoma’s Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program. Seniors and their loved ones can find Tulsa resources like the Social Security office and the area agency on aging below or by dialing 2-1-1.
Contact the state long-term care ombudsman below if your loved one ever needs an additional advocate for their senior health care rights.
Tulsa resident Medicare resources
Tulsa Social Security office
14002 E. 21st Street
Tulsa, OK 74134
Phone: 866-931-7106
TTY Phone: 800-325-0778
Fax: 833-950-3007
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP)
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-521-2086
INCOG Area Agency on Aging
2 W. Second St., Suite 800
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 918-584-7526
Fax: 918-583-1024
Email: incog@incog.org
Area agency on aging senior information line
Tulsa Phone: 918-579-9477
Statewide Phone: 800-211-2116
Current long-term care ombudsman contact
Name: Bill Whited
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-522-6739
General information and assistance for seniors
Phone: 800-211-2116
Local MIPPA coordinator
Name: Casey Jones
Phone: 918-579-9477
Email: cjones@incog.org
Tulsa community resource line
Call 2-1-1 or 877-836-2111
Text “HELP” to 877-836-2111
Understand Oklahoma laws and regulations for memory care facilities
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) regulates memory care communities like assisted living facilities. In Tulsa, memory care facilities are licensed as assisted living centers or nursing homes.[03] Most of our memory care partners (75%) in Tulsa are part of a larger senior living campus with assisted living and memory care services on the same grounds.[01]
Below, explore more about the regulations in place to make memory care communities safer.
What is the Alzheimer’s Disease Special Care Disclosure Act?
Facilities offering dementia care must comply with Oklahoma’s Alzheimer’s Disease Special Care Disclosure Act. A memory care community must provide residents with an Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders Special Care Disclosure Form. This form requires beneficial information on their practices, including but not limited to the following:[03]
- Placement criteria
- Staff-to-resident ratio
- Training for staff members
- Types and frequency of activities
- Care planning with family members
All long-term care facilities that offer memory care must submit a disclosure form to the state licensing agency, seniors looking for memory care, and the state long-term care ombudsman.[03]
Do senior care facilities undergo inspections?
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) inspect assisted living and memory care facilities at least every 15 months to make sure these facilities are following Oklahoma laws and regulations.[04]
You can review these reports to understand recent deficiencies, complaints, and how the facility plans to correct issues. Visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health Long Term Care Provider Survey/Inspection Search and use this step-by-step guide to find reports on prospective communities:
- Visit the OSDH Long Term Care Provider Survey/Inspection Search.
- Three drop-down bars — Home, Search, and Contact Us — are in the top left-hand corner. Hover over Search to reveal a drop-down list. Click Assisted Living Centers.
- A search page will appear with options to look up reports by Facility Name, City, County, or ZIP Code. Choose how you would like to search for a report and click on the correlating drop-down bar. Find the location or facility you would like to look up. Then, click Search.
- The search engine will generate a list of assisted living facilities. Click on the community you’re interested in. You’ll find detailed information and a list of documents (SURVEY DOCUMENTS and LICENSES).
- Click on any survey documents or licenses you want to view. The SURVEY DOCUMENTS will have the most recent information on the community’s complaints investigations, deficiencies, and plans of corrections.
What type of facility requirements are there for Oklahoma memory care communities?
Oklahoma law requires assisted living and memory care communities to meet certain facility standards to help your loved one feel comfortable and safe. The following are some of the ways Oklahoma senior care communities provide comfort for seniors:
- Bedrooms are limited to two or fewer residents.
- Bathrooms are limited to no more than four residents.
- Units must allow personal furnishings.
Additionally, Tulsa assisted living and memory care communities aren’t required to provide private apartments, but many of our partners still offer this option.[04]
What staffing requirements do Tulsa memory care communities follow?
Memory care communities must staff qualified caregivers, such as the following:
- Nurses
- Staff members qualified to administer medications
- A facility administrator
- A licensed dietician or qualified nutritionist
Staff members working directly with seniors with dementia must be trained in first aid and CPR. Additionally, dementia care units must certify that caregivers receive specialized memory care training.[04]
Memory care communities are also required to staff an adequate amount of caregivers with the following available at all times:
- At least two on-site staff members
- At least one of these staff members must be qualified to work one-on-one with residents
Since a community may have only one direct care staff member available, facilities are required to inform families of this possibility before a senior moves into the community. Seniors and their families must be told about the community’s department-approved plan on how only one caregiver will handle emergencies like falls.[04]
Do Oklahoma nursing homes with memory care services follow different laws?
Yes, nursing homes licensed for memory care follow different regulations than assisted living centers. Specialized dementia care facilities are typically licensed as skilled nursing facilities. A specialized dementia care facility is a long-term care facility that offers advanced services on a 24-hour basis for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.[05] These are typically skilled nursing facilities for those needing 24-hour medical supervision, care, or assistance. If your loved one requires this much higher level of care, review our guide to nursing homes in Tulsa.
Oklahoma Department of Health contact information
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: 405-426-8175
Fax: 405-900-7571
Email: HealthResources@health.ok.gov
Additional information on Health Facility Systems
COVID-19 regulations for Tulsa memory care facilities
COVID-19 regulations are ever-changing, but the Oklahoma Department of Health (OSDH) recommends following current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Tulsa no longer enforces any COVID-19 restrictions after the statewide public health emergency ended in May 2021.[06]
Before moving into a memory care community, you and your loved one should ask potential memory care communities about their own COVID-19 guidelines. For example, some communities limit visitation for up to 72 hours in the event of an outbreak.[07]
What to expect from memory care living in Tulsa
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia will find personalized care in a Tulsa memory care community. Between advanced care programs and life-enriching activities, your loved one can live a fulfilling life in a Tulsa memory care community. In this guide, we answer commonly asked questions about what you can expect from our partner Tulsa memory care communities.
What type of memory care communities are there in Tulsa?
Tulsa offers a variety of care options, from stand-alone memory care facilities to larger communities with advanced care services. However, a majority of our memory care partners in Tulsa offer a continuum of care services on the same campus:[01]
- Nine communities offer both assisted living and memory care services
- Three communities offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
- Four are stand-alone memory care communities.
Senior care facilities with multiple care services ensure couples with different needs get the level of care they require. Some senior care facilities in Tulsa even offer suites designed for couples. Prior to moving into a facility, you should ask about options to keep couples together.
What can your loved one expect on a day-to-day basis in a memory care community?
Memory care communities in Tulsa go beyond simply addressing care needs by prioritizing your loved one’s daily life with enriching activities and amenities. In fact, all of our Tulsa partners offer on-site activities, and almost all staff a dedicated activity director to engage seniors in activities, such as the following:[01]
- Art, cooking, or stretching classes
- Dances
- (Chair) yoga exercises
- Live musical, dance, or theater performances
- Devotional activities
- Birthday and holiday parties
- Trivia games
- Wii bowling games
Some of these activities are tailored to seniors with dementia, including the following:
- Pet-focused programs
- Sensory-based programs
- Brain fitness programs like Dakim
- Live Well programs
- Life skills programs
Additionally, 81% of our memory care partners help ensure your loved one will be able to engage with the broader community through off-site activities like day trips and outings to dining destinations, museums, outdoor areas, and shopping centers.[01] Seniors can also socialize with other residents while enjoying on-site amenities like those listed below:
- Arts and crafts centers
- Beauty salons and barbershops
- Indoor or outdoor walking paths
- Movie theater rooms
- Gardening areas
- Libraries
- Outdoor patios
Your loved one can also enjoy delicious daily meals and snacks with restaurant-style dining or room service options.
How do Tulsa memory care communities help keep seniors safe?
Memory care communities in Tulsa are dedicated to keeping your loved one safe while caring for their dementia symptoms. To help prevent wandering, most memory care facilities have secured entrances and exits. Some memory care communities in Tulsa add extra safety with wander guard systems to help prevent wandering, but they’re not as common as emergency features. Most of our partners provide emergency call systems, pull cords, and/or wireless pendants to ensure seniors are cared for in an emergency.
Are memory care staff members capable of caring for my loved one?
Seniors will be in good hands at a Tulsa memory care community, as Oklahoma requires specialized training for staff members in dedicated memory care units. All memory care staff should be trained to help seniors handle common dementia behaviors like the following:
- Disorientation
- Wandering and pacing
- Exit-seeking behaviors
- Anxiety
- Agitation and aggression
- Hallucinations and delusions
What services will your loved one receive in a memory care community?
Most memory care facilities offer additional care services to accommodate common complications from Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Many seniors receive personalized care based on their preferences and needs. Individualized care plans may include services like the following:
- On-site nursing care
- Diabetic care
- Bowel or urinary incontinence care
- Medication management/reminders
- Assisted transfers
- End-of-life care
Additionally, seniors can access on-site care from qualified professionals like an on-call doctor and visiting specialists like nurses, wellness therapists, and podiatrists.[01]
Tulsa memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Tulsa memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Tulsa memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Tulsa memory care
Availability of select dining options in Tulsa memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Tulsa memory care
Explore senior care with confidence
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Unfamiliar with Tulsa? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in Tulsa
With the two leading Oklahoma hospitals based in Tulsa, your loved one can access top-notch care. Read on to learn about some of Tulsa’s health care systems.
Saint Francis Hospital
The best care in Oklahoma and Tulsa can be found at Saint Francis Hospital, ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report. With a specialized care unit for seniors — the Senior Specialty Unit — and a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center, it provides the care seniors need.
Ascension St. John Medical Center
Your loved one can find award-winning care at Ascension St. John Medical Center. This hospital system is second best in both the state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
Hillcrest Medical Center
While Hillcrest Medical Center is a smaller hospital than others in Tulsa, it’s still a well-known health care system. Plus, the hospital performs highly for stroke treatments thanks to the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center — Oklahoma Stroke and Neurological Institute.
Transportation for seniors in Tulsa
All our memory care partners in Tulsa offer on-site transportation services to senior residents. These services may be limited based on schedules or destinations and require an additional fee.
Senior living sponsored transportation is the best option for seniors with dementia, as it’s unsafe to travel without a caregiver escort on public transportation. That said, visiting family members and friends can get around via Tulsa Transit, Tulsa’s public transportation system. Tulsa Transit provides buses along fixed routes, as well as the speedier Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), or the app service Micro Transit Pilot Program.
For more transportation alternatives for visiting family, visit the City of Tulsa transportation webpage.
Senior activities in Tulsa
Tulsa was the first city in Oklahoma to join the Dementia Friendly America Network in 2017. Dementia Friendly Tulsa — or DFTulsa — provides a one-hour educational program to participating organizations or businesses as they try to become more inclusive to those experiencing cognitive decline.[09] Tulsa is home to multiple dementia-friendly businesses that have undergone this informational program, including one of the most famous art museums in Tulsa. The Philbrook Museum of Art is a popular and accessible art museum in a historic art deco building. Before visiting this museum, ask about accommodations for seniors with disabilities, since it offers a limited amount of free wheelchairs and seated walkers on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to dementia-friendly businesses, you and your loved one can enjoy sightseeing, live shows, and much more. Read on for more ways to spend time with your senior loved one in Tulsa.
While this list is curated for senior-friendly activities, families can find additional things to do on the Travel Oklahoma Tulsa or the Visit Tulsa webpages.
Enjoy sightseeing together
Below we’ve highlighted some of Tulsa’s many well-known sightseeing options you and your loved one can enjoy together:
- Tulsa’s Deco District: View Tulsa’s art deco architecture, whether in a guided tour or simply strolling along the streets of the downtown Deco District. Don’t miss the popular Boston Avenue United Methodist Church and Philcade (or Philtower) building.
- Tulsa Arts District: Explore the artsy culture in Tulsa’s Arts District with countless arts museums, galleries, and monthly art crawls.
- Museums: Visit one of the countless museums in the area with various exhibits from the preserved house from the film The Outsiders to the Bob Dylan Center.
Experience stimulating live shows
Tulsa is known for its performance arts and entertainment scene, with some popular spots offering accessibility options that make it easier for you and your loved one to spend time together.
You and your senior loved one can enjoy a stimulating experience at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC) with accessible theaters. Here visitors can reserve seats for various live shows, from Broadway productions to dance performances. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center offers ADA-compliant entrances on Second and Third Street. Additionally, TPAC offers free assisted listening devices for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The BOK Center is another popular venue for various entertainment, from indoor sports to live concerts. Luckily, this venue offers accessible seating options, as well as wheelchair escorts.
Savor Tulsa’s foodie culture
Cities in Oklahoma have easy access to nearby farmlands with plentiful beef cattle. Many refer to Oklahoma cities as being beef and pork counties. Meat lovers savor locally-sourced meats at local steakhouses and barbeque joints, and many Tulsa steakhouses add on popular seafood options. There are also meatless options in the city, with an array of restaurant options scattered throughout Tulsa.
Fun in the sun with your loved one
Seniors with dementia may wish to get out of their community occasionally for fresh air and to help prevent isolation. You and your loved one can enjoy a picnic in the ADA-compliant park: Gathering Place. Spread across nearly 100 acres of the Arkansas River, the park was built in 2018 and is a great option for disabled seniors. Tulsa is home to many other parks, as well.
For even more outdoor areas, explore the list below:
- Tulsa Zoo: This fun spot is an 84-acre zoo with wheelchairs and electric scooters available for an additional fee.
- Tulsa Botanical Garden: This 170-acre botanical garden features accessible paths and wheelchairs on a first-come, first-serve basis. Do note that not all areas are accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Legend at Tulsa Hills, Known Memory Care at Tulsa and Brookdale Claremore are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Tulsa, OK. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Tulsa is $4,895 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Tulsa city; Oklahoma. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Alzheimer’s Dementia and Other Forms of Dementia Special Care Disclosure Act. 63 Oklahoma State Courts Network O.S. § 1-879. (2023).
Continuum of Care and Assisted Living. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health § 1-890.1. (1997).
Nursing and Specialized Facilities. 63 Oklahoma State Department of Health §§ 1-104 and 1-1901. (1991, Dec. 31).
Oklahoma Legislature. (2021, April 21). House Bill No. 2566.
Oklahoma State Department of Health. (2021, June 22). Corbett visitation guidance.
U.S. News and World Report. Best hospitals in Tulsa, OK.
City of Tulsa. Dementia friendly Tulsa.
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